Jim Writes

I created this website hoping that aspiring writers may find it helpful. It will also feature some of my own writing.

I claim no expertise in writing or assistance but decided to log the sites I found useful in my journey to become a published author. Maybe you will,too. If you are a poet or aspiring author, then please see the News for Writers page for a list of publishers and publications seeking submissions. This page will also contain writing competitions.
I’ve also listed some of my favourite books to read and I hope you find some of these interesting.
If you are looking for a source of books that isn’t Amazon, then please have a look at my BOOKSHOP.ORG affiliate page. Between ten and thirty percent of each purchase on this site goes to independent book sellers.

See the helpful writing resources HERE

The New America series – Read here

This is a story of life in the UK, Europe and America after a disputed American presidential election. While America falls into anarchy, BBC reporter Jane Clark has to contend with the erosion of democracy in the UK.

At first, her interest in the changes is entirely professional, but when her brother, Duncan, gets drawn in, she has decisions to make.

The three novels in this series cover the ramifications in the UK mainly, but I have included the USA backstory below as a free story. (I am adding more to the story regularly.)

The Sun Sets on the West

Click on the link above to read the USA focussed story

Useful author tips that I’ve collected

There is certainly a lot of writing advice online. Countless YouTube videos provide book writing information, both good and bad. Of course, what I find good information may be of little use to you, and vice versa. However, here are the tips that helped me write.

Firstly, write.

I know it sounds obvious, but there are many people who talk about writing their novel, and most never get around to it. So, sit down in front of that computer, typewriter or pen and paper and just get going. Don’t worry about planning, editing or even punctuation at first. Just write the story. See what happens.

Think about words

Words are really all an author has. Consider how you use them and try to avoid repetition. Words such as “Had,” “Just,” and “Very,” are used extensively when we speak to each other in everyday life, and although you may wish to reflect this in your character’s dialogue, strive to avoid their repetitive use in the narrative.

Sentence structure

Vary your sentence length and timbre. Maybe start with a couple of short sentences, then a long one, then back to a short. Vary this up. When the action in your novel is fast, use shorter sentences. Languid-paced parts suit longer passages. Avoid starting sentences the same way. To get a better idea of this, go to YouTube and type in ISPACE sentences or ISPACED sentences. There are a few good videos on this subject. Your book will read much better with the changes in pace that can be made by sentence length within your paragraph.

Be regular

Try to write on a regular basis. Once you have a good rhythm going, consider writing one day and then editing what you wrote the next. Don’t get too lost in editing at this point, though. Believe me, you will have plenty of time to properly edit after you have finished the book.

If you suffer from writer’s block at any point during the creative process, consider writing the ending next. With the book’s conclusion in place, you may find it easier to then go back and fill in the gaps.

Beta readers

Get as many people as possible to read and comment on your work before you pay for editing. Editing is expensive. Friends and family may be able to catch any errors first. Join a writing club if need be and get feedback from the other members.

Rules

Learn the rules and then be prepared to break every one of them. However, know why you are doing so, as people will certainly point your digressions out to you!