Ask the Author: James Field
Answered Questions (9)
James Field
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree — Poe’s originals are masterpieces. Dead Easy isn’t meant to replace them, only to give readers who struggle with the old prose a way into his chilling worlds. If it nudges someone toward reading the real Poe, then I’ll consider it a success.
James Field
Yes, of course. Pleased to meet you!
James Field
As I smiled at my reflection, it slowly stopped smiling back.
James Field
For aspiring writers, my advice is simple yet crucial: write, write, and then write some more. Writing is a craft, and like any skill, it requires practice and dedication to hone. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:
1. **Write Regularly**: Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write. Consistency is key to making progress and developing your skills.
2. **Read Widely**: Reading not only exposes you to different styles and genres but also helps you understand the craft of writing. Pay attention to how your favourite authors structure their stories, develop characters, and evoke emotions.
3. **Embrace Failure**: Every writer faces rejection and criticism at some point. Instead of letting it discourage you, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, even the most successful authors faced setbacks on their journey to success.
4. **Find Your Voice**: Don't try to mimic other writers. Your unique voice and perspective are what will set your writing apart. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through in your work.
5. **Edit and Revise**: Writing is rewriting. Don't be afraid to revise your work multiple times until it's polished and refined. Seek feedback from trusted friends, family, or writing groups to help you identify areas for improvement.
6. **Stay Persistent**: Writing can be a challenging and solitary pursuit, but don't give up. Stay committed to your craft, even when faced with obstacles or self-doubt. Remember, every word you write brings you one step closer to achieving your goals.
7. **Join Writing Communities**: Surround yourself with fellow writers who can offer support, encouragement, and valuable feedback. Whether it's joining a local writing group, participating in online forums, or attending writing workshops, connecting with other writers can provide invaluable support and inspiration.
8. **Believe in Yourself**: Above all, have confidence in your abilities as a writer. Believe that your stories are worth telling and that your voice deserves to be heard. Trust in your creativity and never underestimate the power of your imagination.
Writing is a journey filled with highs and lows, but with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you can turn your dreams of becoming a writer into reality. So, go ahead, pick up that pen or open that laptop, and let your imagination take flight. Happy writing!
1. **Write Regularly**: Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write. Consistency is key to making progress and developing your skills.
2. **Read Widely**: Reading not only exposes you to different styles and genres but also helps you understand the craft of writing. Pay attention to how your favourite authors structure their stories, develop characters, and evoke emotions.
3. **Embrace Failure**: Every writer faces rejection and criticism at some point. Instead of letting it discourage you, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, even the most successful authors faced setbacks on their journey to success.
4. **Find Your Voice**: Don't try to mimic other writers. Your unique voice and perspective are what will set your writing apart. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through in your work.
5. **Edit and Revise**: Writing is rewriting. Don't be afraid to revise your work multiple times until it's polished and refined. Seek feedback from trusted friends, family, or writing groups to help you identify areas for improvement.
6. **Stay Persistent**: Writing can be a challenging and solitary pursuit, but don't give up. Stay committed to your craft, even when faced with obstacles or self-doubt. Remember, every word you write brings you one step closer to achieving your goals.
7. **Join Writing Communities**: Surround yourself with fellow writers who can offer support, encouragement, and valuable feedback. Whether it's joining a local writing group, participating in online forums, or attending writing workshops, connecting with other writers can provide invaluable support and inspiration.
8. **Believe in Yourself**: Above all, have confidence in your abilities as a writer. Believe that your stories are worth telling and that your voice deserves to be heard. Trust in your creativity and never underestimate the power of your imagination.
Writing is a journey filled with highs and lows, but with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you can turn your dreams of becoming a writer into reality. So, go ahead, pick up that pen or open that laptop, and let your imagination take flight. Happy writing!
James Field
You know, there's something truly magical about diving into the world of fiction. It's like stepping through a portal and leaving all the noise and chaos of the real world behind. For someone like me, who's constantly grappling with the challenges of Asperger's Syndrome, it's more than just escapism—it's pure liberation.
In those moments when I'm lost in my own imagination, I'm free. Free from the weight of social expectations, free from the anxiety that comes with navigating the complexities of human interaction. It's just me and the characters I've created, dancing across the landscapes of my mind with reckless abandon.
In my fictional worlds, there are no awkward silences or uncomfortable stares. There's no pressure to conform or fit in. Instead, there's boundless freedom to explore, to create, to be whoever I want to be.
And you know what? It's not just about finding relief from the struggles of Asperger's. It's about discovering a sense of purpose, a reason to keep pushing forward even when the world feels overwhelming. Because in my stories, I'm not just escaping reality—I'm shaping it, moulding it into something beautiful and meaningful.
So, yeah, maybe I'm ultra-unsociable and ultra-introverted in the real world. But in my own little corner of the universe, I'm unstoppable. I'm a creator, a dreamer, a storyteller weaving tales that defy the limits of imagination.
And that, my friend, is where I find my peace. In the boundless expanse of my own imagination, where anything is possible and fear holds no sway. It's a sanctuary unlike any other, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
In those moments when I'm lost in my own imagination, I'm free. Free from the weight of social expectations, free from the anxiety that comes with navigating the complexities of human interaction. It's just me and the characters I've created, dancing across the landscapes of my mind with reckless abandon.
In my fictional worlds, there are no awkward silences or uncomfortable stares. There's no pressure to conform or fit in. Instead, there's boundless freedom to explore, to create, to be whoever I want to be.
And you know what? It's not just about finding relief from the struggles of Asperger's. It's about discovering a sense of purpose, a reason to keep pushing forward even when the world feels overwhelming. Because in my stories, I'm not just escaping reality—I'm shaping it, moulding it into something beautiful and meaningful.
So, yeah, maybe I'm ultra-unsociable and ultra-introverted in the real world. But in my own little corner of the universe, I'm unstoppable. I'm a creator, a dreamer, a storyteller weaving tales that defy the limits of imagination.
And that, my friend, is where I find my peace. In the boundless expanse of my own imagination, where anything is possible and fear holds no sway. It's a sanctuary unlike any other, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
James Field
I follow my friend's reviews. If I like the sound of a book I put it on my 'To Read' list. So, my summer reading will come from this list. I can hardly wait.
James Field
The biggest mystery in my life is life itself. To believe that even a simple flowering plant is the result of coincidence is like believing an iPad just happened to assemble from dust on the moon and drop to Earth. We throw stinking manure on a flower's roots and the plant transforms it into the most delightful perfume. What kind of intelligence lies within the plant? And what kind of intelligence lies behind the universe and every creation within?
I don't claim to have the answer, but I wrote a short story, 'The Professor's conundrum', with this mystery as the plot.
I don't claim to have the answer, but I wrote a short story, 'The Professor's conundrum', with this mystery as the plot.
James Field
Hello Brian.
No promising contacts I'm afraid. The best cover designers are expensive, and I can't afford them. I tried using Fivver for a while but found I could do better than most of them anyway.
What I do now is to find and buy a relevant stock image and modify it with a simple photo editor. Its what Fivver does, but they don't really understand what I'm looking for.
A half-decent cover isn't difficult if you keep to the basic rules. Just look at the best-seller covers in your genre and do something similar.
If I can be of more help, just let me know.
Good luck, James.
No promising contacts I'm afraid. The best cover designers are expensive, and I can't afford them. I tried using Fivver for a while but found I could do better than most of them anyway.
What I do now is to find and buy a relevant stock image and modify it with a simple photo editor. Its what Fivver does, but they don't really understand what I'm looking for.
A half-decent cover isn't difficult if you keep to the basic rules. Just look at the best-seller covers in your genre and do something similar.
If I can be of more help, just let me know.
Good luck, James.
James Field
Writer's block? What's that?
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