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Recent content by James Chandler

  1. J

    What makes you say "I don't want to read about this character anymore"?

    Interestingly, the author of the Serial Killer novels was pretty disturbed by his character, too. That may not be a good reason to finish the series, but it interesting that he persisted despite that. Two characters come to mind, though. Walker Boh in the Scions of Shannara and Richard in the...
  2. J

    Do large breasts interfere with use of a two-handed sword?

    Disclaimer 1: This may have been asked before, but I could not find anything through a search. Disclaimer 2: My interest is strictly professional, not prurient. Disclaimer 3: Not really sure is this is the right forum for the question. So, I've noticed that women, especially if they are...
  3. J

    A word of encouragement - Finding my missing piece

    Hello everyone, I started my WIP back in 2006, might even have been 2005. It started with considering some themes I wanted to explore in a story, and I really wanted to do something different in the fantasy genre. Epic fantasy is my first love in writing, so I knew that would be my jumping...
  4. J

    Baen Fantasy Writing Contest

    Saw this randomly the other day. 2014 Baen Fantasy Adventure Award Announced | SFWA
  5. J

    Nations in your world

    Wow. I feel like such a slacker. My efforts have been devoted to story and plot. My world building has been focused on the magic system(s) and things like how stuff works. My nation building has been focused entirely on one country where most of the action takes place. As I have been writing, I...
  6. J

    Character needs a name change...so now what?

    I really like the anagram option. I have used it successfully before to find names I like.
  7. J

    What do you do when your writer's vision is corrupted?

    A story is not a story without conflict. Maybe your creative side understands this. Also, you may be looking for a way to make the characters grow. Even heroes are not perfect all the time.
  8. J

    The Only 10 Must Follow Rules Every Writer Needs

    I can think of no reason (other than the fact this post is motivated in large part by lack of sleep) why bloodsplat could not also be a sug-genre of grimdark. A cross-over of bloodsplat and splatterelf would open the door to some very subtle and nuanced commentary on grimdark as a whole. Like...
  9. J

    The Only 10 Must Follow Rules Every Writer Needs

    Phil, So, should I have a cat named Shakespeare covered in elf blood as part of my Prologue or is it and elf named Shakespeare who explodes? Am I understanding these rules correctly? Where do I sign up for the workshop? Will there be a DVD collection of the lectures?
  10. J

    I need some advice, please (POV)

    I would write about five pages in first person, then try the same five pages in a close third person. I find first person a little easier and it often flows easier when I'm onto a really solid idea. Don't be afraid to switch the pov, but break the book into parts/sections, not just chapters...
  11. J

    Ceramic Armor

    My first thought was, just go with the Red Sonja option. If the use of magic makes armor a danger to the wearer, and if it's true for both sides, get rid of the armor. That could be something we haven't seen before, an actual reason for scantily clad barbarian warriors. There could be an...
  12. J

    Weapon for the Protagonist.

    Umm, I had this vision that she didn't have a weapon because you pantsed her...
  13. J

    Does Bad Science Ruin Science Fiction?

    I think this is the key and, IMHO, should be for anyone. FTL travel is a great example. As far as I know, none of the speculated methods of space travel besides rockets have been proven possible, regardless of how sound the science is. But, Sci-Fi fans do not want to be told it will never be...
  14. J

    How to tackle real world religion in fantasy

    Atheists exist. Christians understand this. They will not be offended merely because your character is one.
  15. J

    I like to wear a hat

    I like to wear a hat when I write. I don't know why, I just do. It is usually a baseball cap of some type. It is not like I cannot write without the hat, it is not a magic hat, but I just prefer to wear a hat when I write. Also, I prefer to write later in the day. I am a bit of a night owl...
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