by Jim
Hi Jim, I was wondering if you talk a little bit about how you create characters for your book. I’ve got an awesome idea for a story, but I’m having a hard time creating characters to go along with it. Do you have any advice? Thanks, Kris Hello Kris, In my personal opinion, you’re doing this backward. You’ve got a great story, but no … Read More Characters First, Stories Second. #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I have a problem I was hoping you could help me with a rather… sensitive issue. I’ve written a book that deals with a lot of cultural issues. I’ve gone to great lengths to keep my writing as inoffensive as possible, as I want people from all walks of life to be able to read it, enjoy it, and maybe find themselves … Read More Audience/Reader Sensitivity #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I was hoping you could help me out. I’m trying to choose a name for my novel, but I can’t seem to figure out a good one. Every one I choose doesn’t really sum up anything about the story or seem to stick. Do you have any advice for choosing a title? Thanks, Aubri Hi Aubri, I do indeed. The best way … Read More Choosing a Name? #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’ve been writing for years and have a book series out that I’m completely finished with. I’ve moved onto other stories, but one of my friends and a fellow writer wants to write a sequel to the series. He has a really great idea for a story set in the world I created, with both my characters and some new ones. While … Read More Writing Advice: Granting Someone Else ‘Godhood’ #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Okay, so it looks like I’m still getting a lot of publishing questions. These are recurrent questions I get on a regular basis, and while I want to try to respond to everyone who reaches out to me, I don’t want my blog becoming redundant. So I think I’m going to repost this on a weekly basis from now on to help people navigate … Read More The Ins and Outs of Publishing, A Directory of Advice. #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I have a rather unique issue. I’m trying to write a story dealing with my grandfather. Let me give you some background. My parents immigrated here from Germany, I’m a 1st Generation American. My grandfather was part of the North African Campaign during World War 2. He was a member of the Afrika Korps. My story is partially fiction given that I … Read More Telling a Story vs. Glorification #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
So this isn’t going to be one of my typical Q&A posts. I’ll get back to those later. This is likely about to be little more than an editorial rant, if anything. Let’s get started… So I just finished playing Mass Effect 3. … and already half of my readers probably know what this is going to be about. I love the series. … Read More All Build Up, No Payoff: The Problem with Open Endings #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’ve been following your blog for a little while now and was hoping I could get some advice from you. I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of character you like more, a dynamic or static character. I’m creating one right now for my story and am having trouble coming up with ideas. Thanks, Thomas Hi Thomas, I’m afraid … Read More Static vs. Dynamic Characters #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
You have a great blog. Would you like to share your story on “What You Blog About” what motivated you to start this blog? –whatyoublogabout Hello, A good question. Well honestly, I have to admit that my initial reasons were not as altruistic as one might think. I’d gone through site after site looking for good ways to advertise your writing. My books weren’t … Read More Blogging Motivations #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m actually in the process of writing a novel, but I’m having a hard time getting the characters together. At times, it seems like the storyline kind of interferes with any chance to get them together. Do you have any advice on how to write a story with a romantic element? Thanks, Marylou Hi Marylou, It’s not always the easiest thing in the world, … Read More Relationship Drama vs. Dramatic Relationship #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, So I’m published and like you, I have a blog with a fairly decent following. Over the past few months, I’ve gotten a number of friend requests to my personal facebook page. I’ve ignored them, but they keep coming and I don’t want to seem unprofessional. Do you have any advice on how to handle this? Thanks, Lindsey Hi Lindsey, I … Read More Private vs. Public Profile #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, HELP!!! … please! 🙂 I am so frustrated, I’m not sure what to do. I am trying hard to write my book. I’ve got a lot of great ideas, but I keep getting held up on when we meet new characters. Each time one of my main cast makes their first appearance in the story, I wind up with five or six … Read More Dumping the Info Dump on New Characters #Writing #Author #Advice
James Harringtons Creative Work 