+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Heavy Metal, Music, Uncategorized, Writing
by Jim
Okay, this one is a big one. It wasn’t my gateway or anything like that, but it was my introduction to Dragonforce… and my playlist was NEVER the same: When to listen: For me, it’s usually right at the beginning of the final conflict or climax of my story. It’s a strong, powerful, song that really gets the blood pumping. Songs like this are … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
WOW!!! 2,000 followers… I… Honestly I am speechless. I didn’t think my blog would ever get that popular. I think it’s party time. Never thought I’d do this, but… take it Pinkie Pie: Okay in all seriousness (Sorta), I really want to tip my hat to all of my readers, fans, and advice seekers. I do this for all of you as I … Read More 2,000 Followers!
by Jim
Hi Jim, I was wondering if you could tell me what makes up a good fantasy story? Thanks, Sarah. Ahem… Hi Sarah, That is such a subjective… subject… that I’m not sure I can give you a definitive answer, but not for not trying. So I’m going to give you a few suggestions based on what I’ve seen work effectively. Anti-Hero. Include an antihero … Read More ‘Good’ Writing.
by Jim
Need a good song to listen to when writing either a victory, royalty entering the room, or a new order taking over in the ashes of an oppressive power? Well normally the metal head in me would recommend Dragonforce… literally anything Dragonforce, but today I’m doing something a little different: If the sheer sound of this doesn’t send chills down your spine, take your … Read More Musical Inspiration
by Jim
I understand that this may be hard to talk about and if it is too soon, please feel free to skip today’s posting. I won’t blame you. However, with the initial shock of Carrie’s departure slowly sinking in, Star Wars fans have been wondering in the backs of their minds… Where the heck do we go from here??? How does this change the story … Read More Where do we go from here?
by Jim
I’ve seen a lot of reviews for Rogue One, many of the say it was great, several say ‘not so much.’ Personally, I can understand both sides. This is not a typical Star Wars movie. When we tune in to see Star Wars, we’re usually going in to see a space opera dealing with Jedi, the force, and really character-driven plots. Rogue One was … Read More Star Wars fans vs. CGI
by Jim
Originally posted on James Harringtons Creative Work:
I “What happened?” “I don’t know, he just started convulsing. His skin is becoming discolored!” “Get him into room 2.” Mica could feel his body slipping away. He tried to scream, but Adramelech would not allow him enough control over his own muscles to do it. He could feel a burning sensation in his chest just…
by Jim
I’ve heard a lot of talk lately since Trump was elected about how ‘We’ve won the war against the regressive left!’ How their party, the democrats, are now in shambles as the republicans now dominate the senate, house, White House, soon the Supreme Court… and the majority of the elected governors. In addition, the mainstream media has been ripped to shreds in many ways. … Read More The Geek Casualty.
by Jim
Spoiler Alerts Ahead: So I finally got to see Rogue One today with my son… What did I think…? OH MY GOD IT WAS SO AWESOME!!! JYN’S MOTHER GETS KILLED AND JYN HIDES IN A HOLE UNTIL FORREST WHITAKER FINDS HER. THEN SHE’S IN PRISON, BUT GETS BROKEN OUT BY THE REBELLION. THEN THEY GO ON THIS HUNT WHICH THEY DON’T GET THE PROOF … Read More Rogue One: A Star Wars Review
by Jim
Hi Jim, I was wondering how important you feel it is to portray history accurately, even in a fantasy universe? Thanks, Mike Hi Mike, It really depends on how close to reality your story is. If you’re doing a sort-of ‘what if’ story, you can pretty much do whatever you want… to a point. I’d say no matter what the case, you really do … Read More Historical Accuracy in Writing
by Jim
A lot of writers have a playlist of music to help them write and I am no exception. The tempo and mood of the music help them describe and convey emotion as we write what we hear. The lyrics guide us on the direction of the plot, the chorus gives us strength to continue, and the changeup inspires the story climax! With this in … Read More New Musical Inspiration From an ‘Old Friend.’
by Jim
I’ve heard this one before and the best answer I can give is… no. The bad guy or villain in a story does not necessarily have to be evil at all. When Chancellor Palpatine said that goodness is a point of view in Revenge of the Sith, despite how self-serving his remark was, he was actually right on many different levels. There are actual … Read More Does a Bad Guy Have To Be Evil?
James Harringtons Creative Work 