Ask the Author: Alex James
Answered Questions (8)
Alex James
Hi Andrew, thanks for reaching out. I could benefit from more reviews for my books, yes. Sometimes I review other authors on Amazon too, yes, depending on the book and what's going on in my life. Do you review books on Amazon? Alex
Alex James
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
The Player of Games by Iain M Banks
The Player of Games by Iain M Banks
Alex James
Much of Origins is about the fear of change, of losing the peace and stability that the Tekromun home world represents. The main character Marcellus has these anxieties and is born into the world fully grown, not having had time to adapt and learn the way everybody else has. The Mantle that attaches itself to him is a symbol of his differences and his struggle. In this way his situation is inspired by my experiences with Asperger Syndrome.
Despite the fear of change in circumstances, Origins is more about hope gained through alliance; of having meaningful friendships and relationships that can held defend against the barbaric warring forces perceived by an individual who considers himself still new to the world.
Hope this has helped answer.
Despite the fear of change in circumstances, Origins is more about hope gained through alliance; of having meaningful friendships and relationships that can held defend against the barbaric warring forces perceived by an individual who considers himself still new to the world.
Hope this has helped answer.
Alex James
Marcellus: The Mantle was inspired a lot by Star Wars, which was something I was very engrossed with as a child. Some of the later Marcellus stories I wrote have Isaac Asimov/Robert E Howard influences.
Alex James
I’m currently working on the origins of Marcellus series, and Kroll: Magnificence, which may be published sometime in 2016/17. I still have a lot of revising and rewriting to do on these projects, and want to make sure I don’t want to read through them again before I decided to self-publish.
Alex James
Start writing, planning, and exploring your ideas in any way you want. Above all, enjoy the process. When writing becomes a chore, I suggest re-evaluating. Writers want to earn money like everybody else, but it can be helpful to decide what kind of writer you are and how you work best as one. The only way to find out is to begin your writing adventure.
I’d recommend reading other writer’s or writing organisations’ blogs and to take yourself seriously. It’s good to read and learn the “do’s” and best practices of writing, and to watch out for some pitfalls or practices that should be avoided. I tend to ignore the “don’t do’s” because I believe they perpetuate negativity and try to frighten people into making the wrong decision. Some people like to take advantage of other people’s indecision, and new-time authors can be easy prey. Watch out for “don’t do’s”! That’s my advice.
I’d recommend reading other writer’s or writing organisations’ blogs and to take yourself seriously. It’s good to read and learn the “do’s” and best practices of writing, and to watch out for some pitfalls or practices that should be avoided. I tend to ignore the “don’t do’s” because I believe they perpetuate negativity and try to frighten people into making the wrong decision. Some people like to take advantage of other people’s indecision, and new-time authors can be easy prey. Watch out for “don’t do’s”! That’s my advice.
Alex James
The best thing about being a writer is probably that ability you have to open your mind to new ideas when writing, and to explore situations that are not always easy to do in the real world. There’s also the fact that there are so many talented writers out there who have a passion for writing, and it can make you feel a part of a community of like-minded individuals, even if you aren’t!
Alex James
Sometimes I prioritise other things, and when I return to writing my passion automatically reignites. Other times I find it difficult to finish stories I’ve started, and decide that careful planning of characters, scenes, or settings can really put things into perspective. The planning doesn’t even have to be complex; you can work with simple descriptions! Planning can, and often does, give me great incentive to write something new.
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Sep 20, 2025 09:04AM · flag