Ask the Author: James Stevens
Answered Questions (11)
James Stevens
Hello Jacob, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the book!
So the sequel has been extremely challenging for a number of reasons. Much of the story is in pieces on my old laptop and in handwritten notebooks. My old laptop didn’t have enough memory to continue so I got a replacement and was making progress when my very young grandson spilled a sugary drink all over the keyboard and it shorted out. It’s being repaired right now so hopefully I can get back to it soon. The other issue is regarding my health which is unfortunately failing and incurable. So the race is on to get the story completed before I’m incapacitated. I wish I could give a timeframe but there are too many variables to contend with?
So the sequel has been extremely challenging for a number of reasons. Much of the story is in pieces on my old laptop and in handwritten notebooks. My old laptop didn’t have enough memory to continue so I got a replacement and was making progress when my very young grandson spilled a sugary drink all over the keyboard and it shorted out. It’s being repaired right now so hopefully I can get back to it soon. The other issue is regarding my health which is unfortunately failing and incurable. So the race is on to get the story completed before I’m incapacitated. I wish I could give a timeframe but there are too many variables to contend with?
James Stevens
The book is very clean, there are no lewd acts or foul language. It does have battle scenes which certainly could change the movie ratings depending how the director might choose to portray it. So ratings-wise I would put it fairly child friendly. Remember that I wrote this book for my 9 and 12 year old daughters
James Stevens
Hi Susie,
No I am not the author of that book.
Thanks for asking though!
No I am not the author of that book.
Thanks for asking though!
James Stevens
Sometimes I think the universe conspires against me because every time I get started on the second book another disaster strikes! My laptop with all of my notes and rough draft crashed and trying to extract the files is a slow process. But to answer your question, I would love to release the next book this year. Now if everything would just cooperate perhaps that could be a reality!
James Stevens
Hello Lynda,
I’m very glad you enjoyed Hatch! You are correct in that life does not make finding time for writing easy. So many things have happened since the release of this novel that I could never fit it into this response! However the answer to your question is yes, I will be writing again in the near future. In the next 6 months our new home will be completed along with my designated writing space and office. I currently have no working area or alone time to even attempt to concentrate on the storyline (I’m currently writing this response on my cell with a two year old on my lap and a three year old on the floor)
I wouldn’t trade these moments with my grandkids for the world! But it’s impossible to do anything on a computer as they are attracted to it like moths to a flame and the light from the screen keeps them awake. So this new addition with the writing room will help the story progress!
I’m very glad you enjoyed Hatch! You are correct in that life does not make finding time for writing easy. So many things have happened since the release of this novel that I could never fit it into this response! However the answer to your question is yes, I will be writing again in the near future. In the next 6 months our new home will be completed along with my designated writing space and office. I currently have no working area or alone time to even attempt to concentrate on the storyline (I’m currently writing this response on my cell with a two year old on my lap and a three year old on the floor)
I wouldn’t trade these moments with my grandkids for the world! But it’s impossible to do anything on a computer as they are attracted to it like moths to a flame and the light from the screen keeps them awake. So this new addition with the writing room will help the story progress!
James Stevens
Hi Jeanette! Yes I wanted the readers to know that Tirate isn't yet ready to fade into oblivion. And in fact, one can almost feel bad for him...almost!
Besides, Fulgid and Sterling (El's dragon) need someone besides the Kala-Azar to torment with their mischief.
Don't worry, there will be plenty of material describing their exploits as well as the rest of the gang, and some revelations about some of the characters and their background.
The Forging of Bonds is still in pieces like a giant jigsaw puzzle. I have several handwritten notebooks and numerous electronic devices with the story on them as I write. Once I have everything written down, I can start putting them in order. It's coming, but I work 3 jobs so I can only write intermittently.
Besides, Fulgid and Sterling (El's dragon) need someone besides the Kala-Azar to torment with their mischief.
Don't worry, there will be plenty of material describing their exploits as well as the rest of the gang, and some revelations about some of the characters and their background.
The Forging of Bonds is still in pieces like a giant jigsaw puzzle. I have several handwritten notebooks and numerous electronic devices with the story on them as I write. Once I have everything written down, I can start putting them in order. It's coming, but I work 3 jobs so I can only write intermittently.
James Stevens
Hi Chris
Because of my contract I cannot release my book through ibooks. However the audio book has its own contract through Podium Publishing and is available through Audible in i-format. So if you listen to audio books that might be an option.
Sorry I can't be f more help?
JS
Because of my contract I cannot release my book through ibooks. However the audio book has its own contract through Podium Publishing and is available through Audible in i-format. So if you listen to audio books that might be an option.
Sorry I can't be f more help?
JS
James Stevens
Hi Waverly!
It took me a few days to respond because I wasn't sure how to answer this. To be quite honest, the idea never occurred to me and took me by surprise.
The short answer is no, but I'm flattered and I certainly appreciate the offer!
(Here is the long version)
I work 72+ hours a week, so it isn't funding that I need so much as I require time. I think every writer is different and for me it takes a few undisturbed hours to be able to submerse myself in order to keep track of the timeline and events for each character. Keeping them where they are supposed to be, as well as maintaining their personalities with whatever they are confronted with and how they react is vitally important to a believable storyline.
I wasn't nearly as busy when I initially wrote Hatch as I am now, so the process is much slower. I am however, working on it!
It took me a few days to respond because I wasn't sure how to answer this. To be quite honest, the idea never occurred to me and took me by surprise.
The short answer is no, but I'm flattered and I certainly appreciate the offer!
(Here is the long version)
I work 72+ hours a week, so it isn't funding that I need so much as I require time. I think every writer is different and for me it takes a few undisturbed hours to be able to submerse myself in order to keep track of the timeline and events for each character. Keeping them where they are supposed to be, as well as maintaining their personalities with whatever they are confronted with and how they react is vitally important to a believable storyline.
I wasn't nearly as busy when I initially wrote Hatch as I am now, so the process is much slower. I am however, working on it!
James Stevens
Hi Wanda
Yes, I'm still working on Book II. Progress is slow because I work 70+ hours a week and therefore have very little time to spend on it.
I hate to give out a finish date because there are just too many variables, however I would be very satisfied if I could complete it this summer.
Yes, I'm still working on Book II. Progress is slow because I work 70+ hours a week and therefore have very little time to spend on it.
I hate to give out a finish date because there are just too many variables, however I would be very satisfied if I could complete it this summer.
James Stevens
I'm currently working on book II of the Dragons Of Laton series titled The Forging Of Bonds.
Unfortunately the writing process is slow because I work several jobs.
Unfortunately the writing process is slow because I work several jobs.
James Stevens
When my daughters were younger they enjoyed fantasy books, but it was difficult to find any that weren't filled with sex and overwhelming violence. So, out of frustration I sat down and wrote Hatch for them. I never intended for it to be published, but that's another story.
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Mar 26, 2025 04:54PM · flag