Ask the Author: Jim Shomos
Answered Questions (6)
Jim Shomos
The premise for Up Here came to me many, many years ago as I was driving home from a corporate 'day job'. It's a story idea that didn't just nag me to be written, it nudged me into my creative career.
If you've had two dream marriages but both wives die young - no negative break up of any sort... then you die... and if there's a heaven, what happens?
Which became the tagline: "When you've had two dream marriages, choosing your eternal soulmate in heaven is one hell of a dilemma."
If you've had two dream marriages but both wives die young - no negative break up of any sort... then you die... and if there's a heaven, what happens?
Which became the tagline: "When you've had two dream marriages, choosing your eternal soulmate in heaven is one hell of a dilemma."
Jim Shomos
Currently I'm focused on the marketing for the release of my debut novel, Up Here - romantic comedy. Out 15 September.
In October I'll start the next (hopefully final) draft of my second book, Kissing Scars, which will be released early 2021. This is rom-com loosely inspired by true events.
In October I'll start the next (hopefully final) draft of my second book, Kissing Scars, which will be released early 2021. This is rom-com loosely inspired by true events.
Jim Shomos
Touch my wooden desk but I’ve never had writer’s block.
Over the years in freelance copywriting, corporate videos, web series, TV and film scripts, I’ve developed the confidence to not panic. Sure, I often doubt - especially before a new project – but you have to believe in your ability to find the solutions. That’s the essence of creativity. I love the challenge.
I do get stuck but not in quicksand. Sometimes your creative receptors need air. I walk, cycle, watch or read stuff that isn’t in the same genre that I’m working on. More often than not, it’s my partner or close friends that help give my brain a break, usually with laughter. Usually at me.
It’s always better to get a bunch of bad words down than walk away and end up with nothing for the day. Sometimes next morning you’re surprised the words weren’t too bad. But sticking at it, having the discipline to keep writing on a bad day, helps unearth the better words and ideas the next day.
Over the years in freelance copywriting, corporate videos, web series, TV and film scripts, I’ve developed the confidence to not panic. Sure, I often doubt - especially before a new project – but you have to believe in your ability to find the solutions. That’s the essence of creativity. I love the challenge.
I do get stuck but not in quicksand. Sometimes your creative receptors need air. I walk, cycle, watch or read stuff that isn’t in the same genre that I’m working on. More often than not, it’s my partner or close friends that help give my brain a break, usually with laughter. Usually at me.
It’s always better to get a bunch of bad words down than walk away and end up with nothing for the day. Sometimes next morning you’re surprised the words weren’t too bad. But sticking at it, having the discipline to keep writing on a bad day, helps unearth the better words and ideas the next day.
Jim Shomos
Finish projects. I meet writers all the time who never finish anything. Possibly my strongest talent is discipline. More than writing.
Then keep chipping away at the craft. Make your story the best it can be while continually improving your craft. Because the best writing is re-writing.
Write at least two projects, preferably three before pitching or publishing. I learnt the hard way, your writing improves quicker as you work on different projects.
Then keep chipping away at the craft. Make your story the best it can be while continually improving your craft. Because the best writing is re-writing.
Write at least two projects, preferably three before pitching or publishing. I learnt the hard way, your writing improves quicker as you work on different projects.
Jim Shomos
I love creating stories. In the process you create some characters that become friends or important contacts... they teach you a little about the world... about people... about yourself.
I also love the lifestyle. I have the discipline to work 5-6 days a week and I enjoy refreshing by closing my computer... coming up for air and seeing my partner grin or smile... or playing with her beautiful golden retriever, Max, before heading in for another writing stint. I'm happy to not be commuting in traffic or packed trains.
I also love the lifestyle. I have the discipline to work 5-6 days a week and I enjoy refreshing by closing my computer... coming up for air and seeing my partner grin or smile... or playing with her beautiful golden retriever, Max, before heading in for another writing stint. I'm happy to not be commuting in traffic or packed trains.
Jim Shomos
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." Pablo Picasso... So it's not about inspiration, it's about continuously and consistently chipping away at the craft.
I’m a story guy. Some people get inspired by characters, or worlds, or themes but for me it’s always been story. Ideas drop from some mysterious pipeline into my head and the good ones nag and nag until you write them.
I’m a story guy. Some people get inspired by characters, or worlds, or themes but for me it’s always been story. Ideas drop from some mysterious pipeline into my head and the good ones nag and nag until you write them.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more