by Jim
So every now and then I go to my Youtube playlist and click on a couple of videos on the recommended list, hoping to find some new music to try out. Every now and then I come across a gem… other times, I wind up with a headache, questioning my existence. Finding this little gem is the result of the former. They’re fairly generic … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Hi Jim, I was wondering, do you have any difficulty re-reading your previous work, after it’s been published? My first book is hard for me to read, just because my writing has gotten so much better since then, I’m almost embarrassed to read it. Is there one in particular that you go back to regularly? Just curious. Thanks, Sallie Hi Sallie, Sometimes. Writing … Read More Favorites in Writing
by Jim
Hi Jim, How are you? I am writing to you because I read your WordPress blog that I am following. You have post about asking you questions. I am new to writing, only been doing this for a year now and have about 30 stories, twelve of them I wish to put into a collection and publish as an eBook. My question is, how … Read More Beta Readers…
by Jim
This beautiful power ballad brings a tear to my eye every time. It has everything an 80s hair metal band would have and more. Definitely one of the band’s stronger songs. When to Listen: Eh… I mean there are two places I suppose you could. One could make the argument that this could be a […]
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’ve been reading a lot of your advice posts, as well as some of your literature. First I want to say thank you for being so willing to address questions and hand out writing advice. I’ve found it very helpful. However one of your posts, I have to admit irked me a little. In it, you mentioned that people should be able … Read More Writing Other Cultures. Can you do it effectively?
by Jim
Poor Rihanna, and I mean that literally. This is an artist who peaked way too early in her career. I’m not usually into this type of thing, but this song found a place on my playlist very quickly. When to Listen: Villain creation is a good place to start, but also during the creation of dark scenes. I like to listen to it at night … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I wanted to ask you about chapters. I’m heavily into the re-write of mine. I’ve been putting a lot more detail which means some of my chapters have become a lot bigger. In your view what’s the maximum word count for a chapter? Is it okay to have a 3k or even 5k one if it works? -Eric Hi Eric, There really is no … Read More The Non-Written Not-Rule on Paragraph Length
by Jim
Hi Jim, I was wondering. You’ve posted a lot about writing and how to make a good story. You’ve also mentioned that you have a tough time reading other people’s stories, hence why you wrote your own. I was just wondering, what is your favorite story? Best, Cheri Hi Cheri, Thanks for following my work! I’ll admit that my library read books has increased … Read More The Writer’s Favorite Book…
by Jim
Hi Jim, I have a rather unusual one for you. I’m trying to write a romance story dealing with two completely different species. However one of the characters who is going to be part of the relationship is only about 13 years old. Her race essentially reaches maturity at six years old, though they still look physically young and only live for … Read More Writing Unorthodox Relationships
by Jim
I’m admittedly not a huge fan of these guys. Their lead singer’s voice just doesn’t fit very well and he often sounds like he’s straining to hit high notes. That being said, they do have some gems. This is one of them. Ghost Division from The Art of War. When to listen: Given who this song is about… I would say use it when creating your villain. The music isn’t all that dark, but it paints some decent imagery. On a side note, if you want a version with better vocals (sorry Sabaton fans!) Minniva does a pretty serviceable version: Readers, Do … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
This is definitely some of the more run of the mill Avantasia. Even so, I do love it. Seeing them live is still #1 on my bucket list. When to Listen: Adventure story, usually when the hero first metaphorically picks up his sword. When something or someone he loves is taken from him and he begins his journey to get it back. Readers, Do you … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
By now it should be plainly obvious to everyone how I feel about J.K. Rowling. However, in case you’re not, I’m no fan of hers. I find her writing to be somewhat simplistic, her characters extremely archetypal, and her plotlines to be the literary equivalent of swiss cheese. She also seems to go back and retcon details thus creating even more holes in her stores! … Read More Unpopular Opinion: Harry Potter is a terrible protagonist
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