I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Fiza Pathan, (insaneowl) where I got to share some of my personal journey as a writer and talk about the inspiration behind my books. It was such a rewarding experience, filled with thought-provoking questions that really made me reflect on my life and work.

The interview gave me a chance to delve into what drives my writing and explore the connections between my love for science fiction, spirituality, and storytelling.

A big thank you to Fiza for her insightful questions and for giving me the opportunity to connect with her audience. I’m so grateful for the chance to share my thoughts and stories. If you’d like to read the full interview, you can check it out here: Interview

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed answering the questions! Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions—I’d love to hear from you.

Happy reading,
James

Hey there, storytellers! Let’s talk about endings – the part of your story that can leave readers cheering or groaning. A great ending ties everything together and sticks with your audience long after they’ve closed the book or turned off the screen. But how do you nail it? One word: storyboarding.

Storyboarding isn’t just for filmmakers; it’s also a powerful tool for writers. It helps you organize your ideas, spot plot holes, and craft a killer ending that feels satisfying and earned. Let’s break it down with a warm, friendly chat and a few tips along the way.

Why Your Story’s Ending Matters
Endings are like dessert at the end of a meal – you want them to be memorable and satisfying. Whether it’s a happy-ever-after, a shocking twist, or a bittersweet goodbye, your ending should feel like the perfect conclusion to the journey you’ve taken your audience on. But here’s the thing: great endings don’t just happen. They need planning, and that’s where storyboarding comes in.

What Is Storyboarding?
If you’ve ever jotted down ideas or sketched a rough timeline of your story, congratulations – you’ve dabbled in storyboarding! At its core, it’s a visual representation of your story’s structure. Think of it as a roadmap for your plot, with all the major beats, twists, and turns. And trust me, it’s a lifesaver when you’re working out how to stick the landing.
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How a Storyboard Can Help You Nail the Ending
    1. See the Big Picture A storyboard gives you a bird’s-eye view of your story. You can see how all the pieces fit together and ensure your ending ties back to the beginning. Readers love it when things come full circle – it’s like a big, satisfying “aha!” moment.
Example:
Let’s say your story starts with a character afraid of heights. On your storyboard, you mark that fear in Act 1. By the end, you can show them conquering it – maybe by skydiving or scaling a mountain – for a triumphant conclusion.

    2. Spot Plot Holes Early: Ever gotten to the end of your story and thought, “Wait, this doesn’t make sense”? Storyboarding helps you catch those pesky plot holes before they trip you up.
Example:
Your protagonist defeats the villain in the final chapter, but how did they suddenly get a magic sword? Storyboarding would have flagged that missing setup earlier so you could weave it into the plot.

    3. Balance Pacing: Your ending shouldn’t feel rushed or drag on forever. A storyboard helps you manage the pacing of your climax and resolution so everything feels just right.
Example:
Use your storyboard to ensure the big showdown doesn’t wrap up in two pages or drag on for twenty. Strike that sweet spot where readers stay hooked but don’t get fatigued.

    4. Plan for Emotional Payoff: A good ending should make readers feel joy, sadness, relief, or even surprise. Storyboarding lets you plan those emotional beats, so they hit just right.
Example:
You might mark a heartwarming scene on your storyboard where two estranged characters reconcile. Seeing it in context helps you build up to that moment for maximum impact.

My Storyboarding Journey (and a Little Mishap)
Confession time: I used to write without any roadmap. My stories meandered, and the endings? Let’s just say they weren’t exactly chef’s kiss. Once, I had a protagonist dramatically confess their love… after two chapters of barely knowing the other character. Talk about awkward.
Then, I discovered storyboarding. Now, I jot down every major plot point on sticky notes and arrange them on a big board (yes, it’s very cinematic). It’s like having a GPS for my writing – no more getting lost, and my endings feel way more satisfying.

Tips for Setting Up Your Storyboard

1. Start Simple: Grab a stack of sticky notes or any of a dozen digital tools. Write one major event per note and arrange them in order.
2. Focus on Key Moments: Highlight your story’s opening, climax, and resolution first. Then, fill in the gaps.
3. Ask “Why” and “How”: For each event, ask why it matters and how it leads to the next. This keeps your plot tight and logical.
4. Revise, Revise, Revise: Your storyboard isn’t set in stone. Move things around and tweak as needed – it’s all part of the process!

Wrapping It Up
Ending a story effectively is all about preparation; a storyboard is your secret weapon. It helps you see the big picture, avoid plot holes, balance pacing, and deliver that emotional punch readers crave. So, grab those sticky notes (or fire up your favourite app) and start mapping out your story. Trust me, your readers will thank you for it.
Have you tried storyboarding before? Do you have any funny or inspiring writing mishaps? Share them in the comments – I’d love to hear your stories!

Hello, grammar enthusiasts and punctuation warriors! Let’s chat about a little set of dots that can add drama, hesitation, or mystery to your writing: the ellipsis (…). While it might seem simple, the ellipsis is one of those punctuation marks that’s often misused. Whether you’re writing a novel, a blog, or a snarky text message, knowing how to use ellipses correctly can make all the difference.
So, let’s explore the do’s and don’ts of using ellipses, with some handy examples.

What Is an Ellipsis?
First things first, an ellipsis is three little dots (…) used to indicate something has been left out. It’s like the “dot, dot, dot” of intrigue. But these humble dots are versatile. You can use them in dialogue to show a pause in thought or in quotes to show omitted text.

How to Use Ellipses Correctly
Here are the top ways you should be using ellipses:

1. To Show a Pause or Hesitation

In dialogue or narrative, ellipses are perfect for showing a pause or hesitation. Think of it like the “um” or “uh” of punctuation.
Example:
“Are you… sure about this?” Sarah asked, glancing nervously at the dark woods.
See how the ellipsis gives that pause a little suspense? It’s perfect for building tension
     
     2. To Indicate Omitted Text in Quotes
Ellipses can save the day when you’re quoting someone and want to skip over irrelevant parts. Just make sure you’re not altering the meaning of the original quote.
Original Text:
“The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog because it’s training for the forest Olympics.”
With Ellipsis:
“The quick brown fox… is training for the forest Olympics.”
It’s like a magic wand for trimming down text!

     3. To Create a Cliffhanger Ellipses can be your best friend when you want to leave your readers hanging.
Example:
She opened the door, and there it was…
What was it? A monster? A pizza delivery guy? You’ll have to read on to find out!

Common Mistakes with Ellipses
Now that you know how to use them, let’s talk about what not to do. Here are some common ellipsis errors:

1. Using Too Many Dots

An ellipsis is exactly three dots—not two, not five, just three. Overloading your text with dots makes it look messy and unprofessional.
Incorrect:
“I just don’t know…… what to say.”
Correct:
“I just don’t know… what to say.”

     2. Overusing Ellipses Ellipses are great, but too many in one piece of writing can be annoying. Use them sparingly for maximum impact. If your page looks like it’s covered in Morse code, it’s time to cut back.

     3. Using Ellipses Instead of Periods Ellipses are not a replacement for proper punctuation. They’re not a get-out-of-jail-free card for finishing sentences lazily.
Incorrect:
“I went to the store… bought some apples… came home.”
Correct:
“I went to the store, bought some apples, and came home.”

Personal Anecdote:
My Ellipsis Overload Phase
When I first started writing, I went through what I like to call my “Ellipsis Overload Phase.” Every sentence trailed into the void… like I couldn’t finish a thought… because it was mysterious. My editor was not amused. She circled every unnecessary ellipsis in red pen and wrote, “Finish your sentences!” Lesson learned: less is more when it comes to ellipses.

Quick Tips for Perfect Ellipsis Use

1. Stick to Three Dots: Always three. No more, no less.
2. Space It Right: In formal writing, use a space before and after an ellipsis. You can skip the spaces in informal writing, like blogs or dialogue.
3. Don’t Overdo It: Use ellipses for emphasis, not as a crutch.
4. Read It Out Loud: If you’re not sure an ellipsis works, read the sentence aloud. If it sounds natural, you’re good to go.

Wrapping It Up
Ellipses are a fantastic tool when used correctly, but they work best in moderation, like all good things. Whether you’re writing a dramatic novel, a punchy blog, or just a text to your bestie, knowing how to wield the ellipsis can elevate your writing game.
So, go forth and use your ellipses wisely… but not too much.

Got any ellipsis horror stories or funny writing quirks? Drop them in the comments – I’d love to hear them!

Hey there, wordsmiths! Let’s talk about editing – the love-it-or-hate-it writing stage where the magic happens. As someone who’s seen their fair share of first drafts (and trust me, some were doozies), I can tell you that a handful of mistakes pop up repeatedly. If you’re wondering what they are, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the five most common errors editors see and, more importantly, how you can fix them.

1. Repetition Overload: Saying It Twice… or Three Times… or… Ever notice how some writers seem to say the same thing over and over? It’s like they think readers won’t get it the first time. Repetition can make your writing feel redundant and, well, boring.
Example:
Original: The sky was a dark, inky black. It was so black that it looked like ink had spilt all over it.
Edited: The sky was as dark as spilled ink.
Fix It: Be concise. Read your sentences aloud – if you feel you’re explaining the same thing twice, cut the fluff.

2. Overusing Adverbs (a.k.a. the “-ly” Crutch) We get it – your characters do things quickly, happily, or angrily. However, relying too much on adverbs can make your writing feel lazy. Show us the emotion or action instead of telling us.
Example:
Original: He walked quickly to the door.
Edited: He rushed to the door, his shoes slapping against the hardwood floor.
Fix It: Replace adverbs with vivid verbs or descriptions that bring the scene to life.

3. Dialogue Tags Gone Wild Ah, the dreaded overuse of fancy dialogue tags. We’re looking at you, “she exclaimed,” “he retorted,” and “they interjected.” While these are fine in moderation, sticking to simple “said” or “asked” keeps the focus on the dialogue itself.
Example:
Original: “I can’t believe this!” she exclaimed angrily.
Edited: “I can’t believe this!” she said, her voice rising.
Fix It: Use action and tone instead of over-the-top tags to convey emotion. Let your dialogue shine!

4. Sentence Structure That Never Changes Your writing can feel monotonous when all your sentences are the same length and structure. Short sentences. Long ones. It’s all about balance, my friends.
Example:
Original: He walked into the room. He looked around. He saw a chair. He sat down.
Edited: He walked into the room, scanning it quickly. Spotting a chair in the corner, he sank into it with a sigh.
Fix It: Mix it up! Vary sentence length and structure to keep your readers engaged.

5. Overcomplicating the Plot (a.k.a. the Kitchen Sink Syndrome) Sometimes, writers try to cram everything into one story—subplots, twists, side characters, and backstories galore. The result is a bloated, confusing narrative that leaves readers scratching their heads.
Example: Imagine a murder mystery with a love triangle, a subplot about ancient treasure, and a villain with a secret twin. Phew. Too much, right?
Fix It: Keep it focused. Ask yourself: does this element serve the main plot? If not, it’s time to let it go.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Edit Alone!Even the best writers need a second pair of eyes. After your edits, get feedback from a trusted friend, critique partner, or professional editor. Fresh perspectives can catch things you might’ve missed.

Wrapping It Up: Editing isn’t about tearing your story apart but making it the best version of itself. By avoiding these common mistakes (and learning to spot them in your own writing), you’ll take your story from “meh” to chef’s kiss. So, grab that red pen (or your favourite editing app) and start polishing!

Do you have any editing horror stories or funny mistakes you’ve made? Share them in the comments—let’s commiserate together!

If you've ever felt like a story was dragging or speeding by too fast, you know the importance of pacing. Dialogue is one powerful tool for controlling a story's rhythm. Dialogue can add tension, build momentum, and keep your readers hooked when used well. Let's explore how to use dialogue to enhance pacing and make your story flow just right.

Why Pacing Matters
Pacing is the speed and rhythm of your story. It dictates how readers experience events, feel tension, and understand your characters. If your story moves too slowly, readers might lose interest. If it moves too fast, they may feel overwhelmed or miss crucial details. Dialogue is a great way to control pacing and ensure that each scene has the perfect tempo.

1. Use Quick Dialogue for Fast-Paced Scenes
When you want to speed things up, keep the dialogue short and snappy. Fast-paced scenes can be shorter speeches or lighter descriptions. Instead, quick back-and-forth exchanges between characters build tension and momentum, making readers feel like they're right in the middle of the action.

Example of Quick Dialogue for Fast Pacing:
- "Did you see it?"
- "Yeah. It's heading this way."
- "What do we do?"
- "Run."

With each line, tension builds, and the reader's heart rate picks up. Quick dialogue like this is perfect for action scenes, arguments, or any moment when you want readers to feel a sense of urgency.

2. Slow It Down with Longer Conversations
When it's time to slow down the pace, add more depth to your dialogue. Longer conversations allow characters to open up, share backstories, or reflect on recent events. This lets readers catch their breath and lets the story's emotional depth shine.

Example of Slower-Paced Dialogue:
- "I don't understand why you're doing this, Sarah."
- "Maybe it's because… for once, I want something for myself. Not for anyone else."
- "But we're in this together."
- "Are we? Because it hasn't felt that way for a long time."

This type of dialogue allows readers to explore the characters' emotions more deeply, slowing the pace in a meaningful way.

3. Let Subtext Create Tension
Only some things need to be spelt out. Letting readers read between the lines can create a sense of intrigue, which keeps them turning pages. Dialogue with subtext is when characters don't say exactly what they mean, letting the unsaid words speak louder than what's actually being said. It's perfect for adding tension without speeding up the story too much.

Example of Subtext in Dialogue:
- "Are you going to the party tonight?"
- "I wasn't invited."
- "Since when has that stopped you?"

There's a hint of tension, maybe even a conflict, without outright saying it. The subtext keeps the conversation subtle but intriguing, holding the reader's attention without moving too quickly.

4. Break Up Action with Dialogue
Dialogue can be a great way to pace action-heavy scenes, giving readers moments to breathe amid intense sequences. A well-placed line of dialogue can also reveal a character's mindset in the middle of chaos, helping readers stay connected with the story's emotional stakes.

Example of Dialogue in an Action Scene:
- She sprinted down the hall, her breath ragged.
- "Are you even keeping up?" she yelled over her shoulder.
- "Barely," he gasped, stumbling over his own feet.

In this example, the dialogue adds a pause within the action, allowing readers a split second to catch their breath without interrupting the flow of the scene.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Small Talk
While dialogue can enhance pacing, it can also slow it down too much if filled with unnecessary chit-chat. Avoid dialogue that doesn't add anything to the story or reveal something about the characters. Stick to conversations that push the plot forward or deepen character relationships.

Example of Unnecessary Small Talk:
- "How's the weather been?"
- "Not bad. A bit rainy."
- "Yeah, it's been raining a lot."

Instead, focus on what matters. Dialogue should serve a purpose, keeping the story on track and maintaining the right pacing.

Personal Anecdote: Learning to Pace with Dialogue
Early on, I needed help with pacing in my dialogue. One of my scenes was supposed to be tense, but I realised I'd bogged it down with long-winded conversations that didn't fit the moment. After feedback from a writing group, I learned to cut down on filler words and make each line purposeful. Now, I always consider my dialogue's pacing impact, whether aiming to speed things up or slow them down.

Wrap-Up: Make Dialogue Work for Your Story's Pace
Dialogue isn't just about what characters say—it's about how they say it and how it affects your story's rhythm. Using short exchanges to speed things up, allowing longer conversations to slow things down, and keeping each line purposeful, you can create dynamic dialogue that enhances your story's pacing. The next time you're writing a scene, consider how the dialogue impacts the pace and make adjustments to keep readers fully engaged.

Do you have any pacing tips or favourite examples of well-paced dialogue? Drop them in the comments!