Rennie St. James's Blog: Ramblings, page 9

New Year, New Others?

Yes, it’s that time of year when ‘new year, new you’ trends everywhere! To be fair, I actually enjoy the resolutions process as it gives me a chance to look back and forward. I think both perspectives are necessary to be happy in the present. However, that’s not the purpose for this particular post.

In a world of selfies, turn your attention to others.

[image error]Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

This is something I think writers are good at doing. We people-watch for character inspiration – this includes...

Be the Wave – Part 1

Be the Wave – Part 1

Have you ever heard the expression surfing the river Zen?

I have always admired people who are low maintenance and calm. You know the ones I mean – they maintain an even keel regardless of what’s going on. Nothing too high, nothing too low. Calm, poised, and confident, they move through life apparently surfing the river Zen.

I’ve tried to write a few characters like this…unfortunately, my characters seem to absorb my quirks and issues…and I am not that person surfing the...

Guest post by Judith Pratt: Mythical Beasts

Are you an animal lover?  Does that love extend to mythical beasts?

If you read almost any subgenre of fantasy, you’ve probably been introduced to a few creatures. I definitely have a soft spot for all such kinds of furry creatures! We had a whole week dedicated to them in the Facebook group Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers Lounge not too long ago – other readers also had their favorites as our polls revealed! As I wanted to learn more, I put out a call to my fellow authors. Judith Pratt answered that call!  

Pl...

Guest post: Joseph Carrabis

I have another fun guest post for readers and writers! I found this particularly interesting as I do write combat scenes in my stories – it’s essential when you write modern warriors. While I do draw upon my training, it is certainly important to know how those action words translate onto paper. Whether you’re a reader or a writer, I think you’ll find this take on Writing Realistic Hand-to-Hand Combat Scenes interesting.

Read on to see what advice fellow author Joseph Carrabis has to share on this subject!

Writ...

Characters vs. the World

Characters vs the World

Ideally, we all want every book to possess and develop great characters, plot, and setting. That’s a given. However, I’ve found I have a preference, and I suspect others do as well.

I read and laugh at the lists of ‘mistakes’ for books and movies. For some reason, it’s the cracked/ not cracked windshield on the movie Twister that comes to mind. The Starbucks cup on Game of Thrones is a much more recent example though. There are endless articles and websites that painstakingly li...

Guest post: G. Allen Wilbanks

Guest post by G. Allen Wilbanks

#Nofilterneeded

Too often we see only the best on social media.  People share cropped and photoshopped pics from the best angles with flattering filters. Will it surprise you to know authors do the same?

No, I don’t mean our author photos or social media feed. I’m talking about Mary Sue/ Marty Stu characters. These flawless characters are rarely appreciated by readers. As a bookworm myself, I often find myself liking the villains (yes, I have blogged about that...

My Books My World: author interview

I was fortunate enough to be interviewed to celebrate the release of my 5th book! If you have checked out My Books-My World, you definitely need to do so! Read on, my friends.

-RSJ

MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR RENNIE ST. JAMES What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be? I’m indie author Rennie St. James. My debut series is urban fantasy/ magical realism with romantic subplots. September 24, 2019 is the release date for Mercury, Book 4 in the Rahki Chronicles. There […]

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Rahki Travel Tips #2

Rahki Travel Tips #2: Traveling is a skill!

If the first word, Rahki, has confused you, don’t worry! It’s my made-up word for modern warrior Tribes. Don’t look at me like that. I’m a writer and it’s perfectly acceptable to writers to invent new words (Shakespeare did it)! I should also confirm that as this is Rahki Travel Tips #2 there was a Rahki Travel Tips #1! I know, you probably didn’t see that plot twist coming, but there you go! I’ve rambled about traveling quite a bit and will post t...

Guest post: Martha Pruett

Family By Choice

I’m excited to share a guest post by Martha Pruett, an author friend of mine. Martha is celebrating the release of book 2 in her series, Slater’s Deck. Her contemporary romances share military/ police themes that include the belief of service to others.

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These concepts of honor and duty are explored in my own writing of warriors in the Rahki Chronicles; however, I asked Martha to share a bit about this subject as she is an Air Force wife. I think you’ll find her post, Family...

Lazy Man’s Charity

Lazy man’s charity

Ever made a resolution to be a better person? Have you Googled how to make a difference in the world?

I’d like to believe we all want to change the world and make it a better place. Additionally, I’d like to believe we all want to be better people, maybe even the best versions of ourselves. New Year’s resolutions often include a ‘new year, new me’ approach. Being a better person typically equates to becoming a healthier person and/ or a better world citizen. However, doing...