by Jim
I really have grown to love these guys. They have no physical CDs to buy, only MP3’s, but I guess that’s okay. They seem to specialize in cover songs, but even their own original music is great! When to Listen: Heavy metal always has a bit of flavor to it that really works best in high-intensity scenes; fight scenes, scenes of high stress, etc. This … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
So I’ve had some people asking me how I’m drawing my inspiration from songs that literally have nothing to do with where I’m recommending them. (A song about a jilted lover somehow being used as a fight song, etc.) Honestly, I’m glad someone brought this to my attention because I wasn’t certain if my original meaning was clear enough. When I make recommendations on what … Read More From My Writing Playlist A Clarification…
by Jim
So this one is a very… interesting song. I stumbled across it a few months ago. It’s got both positive and negative energy. It’s clearly trying to tell a story and really takes you on a journey. When to Listen: This is a world building song. Listen to it, close your eyes, and think of scenery. What comes to mind? I’d be surprised if it wasn’t something elaborate. … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Hi Jim, I read a few of your other pieces about character creation and was hoping you could expand more upon how you create a character based on a historical person. I’m trying to do something similar right now, and am really having a hard time. You said that you wanted the character to be as close to the historical person as humanly … Read More The Hurdles of Creating Characters from People of History
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
by Jim
Kamelot has always been kind of a doom and gloom band, but I still love them. This is a great track off their new album When to Listen: Most of Kamelot’s songs fall until the most desperate hour. That moment in time when your heroes hit their low point and have all but lost. This is the song you listen to when all hope is dwindling and more … Read More From My Writing Playlist
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
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
by Jim
Hello all! So it’s been a couple of weeks now, it looks like sales are going well! Thanks BTW! So I know I haven’t been around in a while since I published Drakin and for that I do apologize. However I had some inspiration come my way… and actually managed to write out a full sequel in a matter of weeks. It’s really … Read More Drakin, where to buy, and what’s next?
by Jim
Old, but great. I’ve always loved Anna’s growl. In most cases, you can’t tell the difference between a female and male growl, but Anna’s is definitely more feminine and sounds more like a blood-curdling scream/ When to Listen: General playlist. It’s a good song for pretty much any point in the story, though a battle scene might be the most appropriate. Readers, Do you have … Read More From My Writing Playlist
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
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m currently trying to create some characters for my book, but am having trouble. I just finished reading Drakin and was wondering if you could tell me who your favorite character is out of all the books you’ve ever written. It would be helpful if you could go through how you created that character. Thanks! TLoki Hi “Tloki”, I think I may … Read More Picking Favorites…
James Harringtons Creative Work 