by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m trying to come up with characters for my book. I was hoping you could maybe provide a little insight into how you came up with yours. I specifically liked Xaphine, could you use her as an example? Thanks, Rich. Hi Rich, General Xaphine seems to be a recurrent theme in character discussions… perhaps I should write her into another story. You … Read More Character Development #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m in a major bind… I was working on my latest piece. I’d been working on it for days and… forgot to save it. I was about 140 pages in and suddenly my computer blue-screened. I’ve lost everything and Word didn’t auto-save it. I’m not sure of what to do now. I feel like having to start from scratch is a fairly … Read More Just Start Over… #Writing #Author #Advice
+ advice, fantasy, Inspiration, literature, Music, Reading, Writing
by Jim
Yeah, no Heavy Metal playlist is complete without at least 5 songs by Dragonforce. This song is pure adrenaline. It makes you feel good, it’s upbeat, and I love it. When to Listen: Well, it’s on my general playlist and I like to listen to it whenever, but if you’re looking for a specific time to listen to it… burnout. I’m not kidding. … Read More From My Writing Playlist #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Not even the Imperial March could come close to being as recognizable and identifiable as the Top Gun theme. Far more simplistic in nature, yet bombastic and upbeat at the same time. It is such an iconic theme clearly right out of 80s Hair Metal, that you can’t ignore it. When to Listen: … yeah this is another upbeat writer’s block song. Listen … Read More From My Writing Playlist #Writing #Author #Advice
+ advice, Current events, Fiction, News, non-fiction, Politics, Reading, Writing
by Jim
So recently I’ve come across many blogs and other writings that are attempting to pass off their opinion as fact. Several different subjects have come up pertaining to politics, nutrition, etc. In my writing, I feel it’s always important to distinguish between the two. If I’m sighting fact, I’ll give a source and say it’s a fact. If I’m giving an opinion, I’ll make … Read More Opinion vs. Fact #Writing #Author #Advice
+ advice, Characters, fantasy, Novel, Uncategorized, Writing
by Jim
Okay so I recently got into a discussion about elves and the use of their names. A lot of people believe that the words Elvish/Elfish/Alvish and Elven/Elfin/Elfen/Alven are interchangeable. This has been used by many modern authors who are writing fantasy. Well, stop it! No, I’m serious, for your own good, stop it. In the end you’re just going to confuse yourself and wind … Read More Writing Elves… #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
All good points! No. Get back to work. . . . What? You want more information than that? Okay. Fine. Writers Aren’t Unique, Writer’s Block Isn’t Real Have you ever heard of a sculptor who just couldn’t sculpt? Or a baseball player who forgot how to hit a fast ball? Or a nuclear physicist who just couldn’t bring […] via Quick Writing Tips #8 – … Read More Quick Writing Tips #8 – Is Writer’s Block A Real Thing? — Don Hartshorn
by Jim
I can’t believe I’m doing this… You’re a stronger person than I am if you can watch this video and still take this band seriously.All I’m going to say… When to listen: DON’T!!!! Hahahaha Just kidding. This is a psych out song. Don’t listen to it while writing. You kind of have to watch the video to really get the full effect. It’s sort … Read More Off My Writing Playlist #Music #Writing #Advice
by Jim
I can’t believe I’m doing this… You’re a stronger person than I am if you can watch this video and still take this band seriously.All I’m going to say… When to listen: DON’T!!!! Hahahaha Just kidding. This is a psych out song. Don’t listen to it while writing. You kind of have to watch the video to really get the full effect. It’s sort … Read More Off My Writing Playlist #Music #Writing #Advice
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Inspiration, Music, Uncategorized, Writing
by Jim
Got a request to recommend a good ‘rock opera’ song. Really it doesn’t get any better than Avantasia and in particular this song! The Great Mystery has everything; chorus, amazing instrumentals, guest performance by metal legend Bob Catley from Magnum… oh yeah! This has to be on my list! When to listen: I’ll give you a hint, skip to 9:19. Then picture your favorite Disney … Read More From My Writing Playlist #Music #Writing #Advice
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Inspiration, Music, Uncategorized, Writing
by Jim
Got a request to recommend a good ‘rock opera’ song. Really it doesn’t get any better than Avantasia and in particular this song! The Great Mystery has everything; chorus, amazing instrumentals, guest performance by metal legend Bob Catley from Magnum… oh yeah! This has to be on my list! When to listen: I’ll give you a hint, skip to 9:19. Then picture your favorite Disney … Read More From My Writing Playlist #Music #Writing #Advice
by Jim
My Gateway to Edguy and thus Avantasia… I love this song. It’s up, it’s down, it’s got power, and it goes from positive to negative and back very quickly. When to listen: Boss battle. This may be because I played a flash game where this was the boss battle music, but it is damn appropriate. Yes, play this when your character is confronting the … Read More From My Playlist #Music #Writing #Advice
James Harringtons Creative Work 