Ask the Author: James M. Jackson
Answered Questions (12)
James M. Jackson
The word routine implies a consistent approach. The only consistency I employ is that I work on writing mostly early in the day because I am a morning person and that's when I think best. The afternoon's are not productive, but I can often have a good second session after dinner.
I average 1,000 hours a year, but daily variation is high. When I am working on revisions or marketing, I can easily put in 8-10 hour days. After two hours of new writing, my mind is toast.
I don't think my approach should be anyone's model, other than to say everyone should do what works for them.
I average 1,000 hours a year, but daily variation is high. When I am working on revisions or marketing, I can easily put in 8-10 hour days. After two hours of new writing, my mind is toast.
I don't think my approach should be anyone's model, other than to say everyone should do what works for them.
James M. Jackson
Curiosity is my inspiration. I wonder how a set of characters will handle a situation or issue in their lives. I start the story and let them instruct me through their actions.
James M. Jackson
The first couple that came to mind is Eve Dallas and Rourke from JD Robb's "In Death" series. I enjoy the interplay and tension between Eve's cop role and Rourke's extra-legal past and current business dealings. They are two strong characters, independent, but linked in so many ways. And even after a gazillion books in the series, they can still get it on.
James M. Jackson
Horia -- Fingers crossed for you as you are currently in review. I hope to welcome you as a member of the Kindle Press authors.
James M. Jackson
John -- every author has a different route to publication. In my case, I had tried to find an agent I wanted to work with. (I did in fact find an agent who wanted me, but the contract terms had problems in the unlikely situation the agent became unable to perform her work,, so I stepped away.) I finally decided that Bad Policy was strong enough to deserved publication, and I researched mall US publishers with good reputations who handled mystery/suspense/thrillers.
I chose three, sent out query letters. All three asked for full manuscripts. Two offered contracts. (I pulled the query from the third since I already had the two and didn't want them to waste their time.)
Each publisher's contract is different with respect to what geography (or even languages) they cover. My first two contracts covered worldwide English-only in print and electronic ebook (for all retailers: Kindle, B&N, Kobo, etc.). I retained audio, translation, etc.
Terms in those contracts specify both publisher and author obligations and include termination clauses for both parties. In this case, the author's rights to request termination relate to time since publication rather than any sales of royalty targets.
The contract for my third published book, Ant Farm includes reversion rights based both on time and royalties earned.
I chose three, sent out query letters. All three asked for full manuscripts. Two offered contracts. (I pulled the query from the third since I already had the two and didn't want them to waste their time.)
Each publisher's contract is different with respect to what geography (or even languages) they cover. My first two contracts covered worldwide English-only in print and electronic ebook (for all retailers: Kindle, B&N, Kobo, etc.). I retained audio, translation, etc.
Terms in those contracts specify both publisher and author obligations and include termination clauses for both parties. In this case, the author's rights to request termination relate to time since publication rather than any sales of royalty targets.
The contract for my third published book, Ant Farm includes reversion rights based both on time and royalties earned.
James M. Jackson
Good question, John. The process has taken longer than I expected. Last week I was told by Kindle Press that it had been sent to the layout folks to format for the Kindle. My guess is that within a week it will be available for pre-order and those folks who were kind enough to nominate Ant Farm in the Kindle Scout process will receive their free books at that time. As soon as they put up the preorder button, I'll make the print version available as well (it's all ready to go.)
~ Jim
~ Jim
James M. Jackson
I do! The easiest place to find them is on my website; I have a separate page just for discussion guides. http://jamesmjackson.com/Novels/book-...
You can read the questions on that page or follow links to download a separate PDF file with the guide for each book.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for the discussion guides.
You can read the questions on that page or follow links to download a separate PDF file with the guide for each book.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for the discussion guides.
James M. Jackson
The book I am answering about is ANT FARM. When I first started thinking about what became the Seamus McCree mystery series, I considered different ways an actuary could cook up financial crimes. Then I turned that question on its head. What kind of crime would an actuary uncover that would cause someone to kill him. So I switched the actuary from being the crook to being the victim.
James M. Jackson
I have a fondness for Seamus's son, Paddy (or Patrick as he would prefer to be called) largely because their relationship says so much about each of them.
My favorite minor character in Cabin Fever is Yooper Owen Lyndstrom. He's his own man, with a heart of gold, and ear to the ground, and a unique way of looking and speaking of things.
My favorite minor character in Cabin Fever is Yooper Owen Lyndstrom. He's his own man, with a heart of gold, and ear to the ground, and a unique way of looking and speaking of things.
James M. Jackson
For me, the key to conquering writer's block is to have multiple projects at all times. If I am temporarily stuck on one, I'll put it down and give my subconscious a question to work on, generally having to do with the motivation of a character. Then I'll turn my attention to another book, short story, essay or blog.
One morning I'll have a solution to the original problem and can return to the original project.
One morning I'll have a solution to the original problem and can return to the original project.
James M. Jackson
The four phonetic Rs: Read, Write, Revise, Repeat
James M. Jackson
I have two projects in the Seamus McCree Mystery series that I am working on. DOUBTFUL RELATIONS is the third in the series. Seamus's ex-wife's husband goes missing and before long the entire family is involved in figuring out what happened. (Seamus, Paddy, Seamus's mother [in a speaking role], Abigail Hancock, and even Uncle Mike and Tommy Kennedy have roles.). I am writing the third draft of that story and expect to have that finished and ready for early readers by mid-August..
I am also working on the prequel to BAD POLICY. This was actually the first book I wrote in the series, but it wasn't strong enough to see the light of day. However, with more experience, I've decided how to fix the plot problems. Of course I'll also need to rewrite the entire story to meet my higher writing quality standards. Originally titled "Actuarial Gains," I changed it to "Ant Farm." My current thought is to call it ALL IN to reflect Seamus's approach to life.
I am also working on the prequel to BAD POLICY. This was actually the first book I wrote in the series, but it wasn't strong enough to see the light of day. However, with more experience, I've decided how to fix the plot problems. Of course I'll also need to rewrite the entire story to meet my higher writing quality standards. Originally titled "Actuarial Gains," I changed it to "Ant Farm." My current thought is to call it ALL IN to reflect Seamus's approach to life.
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Jan 15, 2020 04:05AM · flag