New to Writing

Blog for new writers trying to figure all this out. Along with up-and-coming author Aaron James

[aaronjameswriting]

Author photos

When you get to the exciting stage of having your manuscript found by someone who believes in it as much as you do or you go the route of self publishing, you will benefit from having some author headshots in your possession to use for social media promotion or back covers or inside sleeves. You will need to narrow yuor style down and possibly look locally at what inexpensive talent is around your area to help you photo shoot. Take it from me that selfies for authors are a bad look. My style is like many other and in black and white and full portrait but their are other options. Black and white can look distinguished and save on printing costs however. So keep that in mind. Where someone you want to claim as yours in your portrait. If you wear something formal, wear formal everytime you go out. Be recognizable to your audience. Make them see you are down to earth. Authors are probably the least well known celebrity so odds are they won’t even try to remember your face but have an identity as an author in case you are one of the lucky few. Best wishes. Keep writing!

[aaronjameswriting]

Perseverance in Uncertain Times

No one can control what is happening in the world outside their books. Writing is really a called opportunity for those gifted with the ability to pick up a pen or open a word document and write a world that reflects what they see or a world they wish to live in, if only for a minute or two. Fiction or non fiction, each gifts us with the escape we all too desperately need during years such as these. I implore all my fellow writers to work on the books that have lived in your minds that you didn’t imagine would make it to paper. If only to share the story with the ones you love, one person shared is one person whose mind you have given an escape, however long it lasts it is an escape nonetheless. Keep writing and to all others, keep reading.

[aaronjameswriting]

Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.

Ernest Hemingway

[aaronjameswriting]

Coming 2021. Get hype people!!! Get hype!!

[aaronjameswriting]

First drafts!!!

"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story." -Terry Pratchett

Nobody enjoys the process of editing your first draft and polishing it over and over with multiple editors and beta readers weighing in to get fresh eyes on your manuscript, but it IS necessary. Always take criticism as an opportunity to make your story better an not an attack on your book or you as a writer. Writing is an art. Art is subjective. However, if multiple people are telling you the same thing then maybe look into how you could better improve the elements they are talking about. Beat of luck and as we go into November, which is national novel writing month, remember the only thing that stops you from completing that book you want to write is YOU.

[aaronjameswriting]

Get ready. Journey to Midway comes to anywhere that sells books near you in 2021. thank you to my supporters for standing by as I worked on this soon to be bestseller.

[aaronjameswriting]

Write for yourself and you know you will always have at least one fan.

Aaron James 2020

[thebestoftimes]

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

March 15th, 1933 - September 18th, 2020

"I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability."

[aaronjameswriting]

Friends with similar interests are friends for life.

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(I am looking for writer pen-pals to correspond with and maintain a relationship with during these trying times. Let me know if you want to be one.)

[aaronjameswriting]

Remember Always

Everyone is brilliant at something. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will go its whole life believing it is stupid.

-Albert Einstein

[aaronjameswriting]

Random stroke of artistic expression

I look to the window. Shattered. Glass spilling over the ledge. The wind howling through the opening and making the curtain rise and fall with drifts of a winter breeze. My heart lay bare in my hand as I gasp near the open fire. Flames dance in the wind and caress my face with a gentle warmth. I long for death. I long for the quickness of a peaceful sleep to take me from this world. This world that has caused me so much anguish and despair. The blood fills my hand and the open wound creates a tightness in my chest. It won’t be long before the reaper draws me in and relieves me from this tethered pain. My other arm holding my body up from the floor by clinging to the couch beside me, my back resting against it as well. Only solace is the fire dancing wild a few feet in front of me in the hearth. One wonders about the last thing you see before you die, but no flashes of life or vivid memories come across my eyes. Only pain and an eternity in a single moment. If there is a hell, I was sure to be bound for the train there, but I find so much comfort in the flame’s warmth in this eternal moment. Blackness finally creeping around the corners of my peripherals. Damned be father time and his inevitable inconvenience. One wishes for a day and he grants you what feels like an hour. One wishes for an hour and he grants you what feels like a minute. One wishes for only a second and he pauses the clock. That, my dear child, is the eternal punishment of time.

[noorshirazie]

[noorshirazie]

Available for purchase on Amazon, Alibris, Barnes & Noble, and Magrudy. The book can also be purchased on Book Depository and Wordery with no shipping costs worldwide. If you already have a copy of my book, feel free to leave a rating and review on Goodreads or Amazon!

[aaronjameswriting]

Dear Readers of the world

Writing is not an easy task. Sorry to slam that brick wall of reality down on new writers and people who were thinking about spewing words into a word doc to make thousands of dollars. This s@#$ is hard. It is not meant to be easy. If it is easy to you I promise you the things you are putting down on paper are derivative or sparse in detail or just plain not up to par. Those who have made it in the field are people who are equal parts committed, talented, and lucky. But hey, you’ll never know if that’s you unless you try.

[aaronjameswriting]

Donating is now open!!!

http://pentian.com/book/fund/5148

This book is another series I am in the middle of writing. Same deal as my other works you can invest to gain royalties for each copy of the book that sells. If you are a fan of dragons, magic, YA lit, and epic novels, this is your moment to get in on the action. Donate so you don’t kick yourself for not getting in on the action later on.

[aaronjameswriting]

Donating is Open!!

http://pentian.com/book/fund/5147#bd

Above is a link to my first ever book series. If you have some extra cash his holiday season and want to read an instant classic in vampire/zombie apocalyptic lore, and reap the benefits of its success then you need to click on the link! All donations are met with a percentage of royalties you get for each sale of the book. An investment worth way more than you spend on it.

[aaronjameswriting]

They finally did the first drafts of my book covers!!!!!

[aaronjameswriting]

Happy Thanksgiving

Writing tip of the day:

Shared events like holidays are things everyone can relate to. Working them into your story, even subtly, can have an emotional impact or deeper connection with your readers. So keep that in mind and have a Happy Thanksgiving!