You may now purchase a copy of ' The Story in the Skies ' by going to: authorjames.bigcartel.com

RE: The Story in the Skies

I wrote "The Story in the Skies' reflecting on the time in which we are living. Just writing it was an experience.

Burgeoning scientific knowledge and theory seems to be signalling more than ever that it is time to pause and consider what is happening. It is likely that anyone reading this blog realizes that mankind will never discover everything that is out there let alone be content with the next "huge discovery or theory" that only begets the pursuit of the next huge discovery or theory. Perhaps the most important question is not 'what' but 'why'. Why are we driven to keep searching? How much do we need to know? What is in the constitution of man that compels him to keep searching and what can be made of this? As the question of 'what' becomes more complicated, inner peace will only come when the answer to 'why' is resolved within the individual.

An overwhelming, rapid advance of scientific knowledge and subsequent reasoning may cause many to believe that we human beings are very insignificant in relation to the universe; and the  inclination would then be to question even the very purpose of one's existence. But we tend to overlook-- from a perspective of current scientific data and theory-- how it all fits together.

And so, "The Story in the Skies" came about. This book--although fiction--was written for that person who may be searching for answers or who is just plain curious.             Jim

Notes, musings, thoughts on writing ' The Story in the Skies ' :
     Before writing this novella, I would have thought 110 pages couldn't possibly suffice considering it's scope. Regarding the narrative which involves the turning of the Universe (The context is as vast as that) and the daily plight and purpose of of an unassuming individual who lives in it (The focus is as specific as that ), any more or less length to the book was not a consideration even though the text could possibly have amounted to two or three times the number of pages. What, at first, seemed too large, incomprehensible and unwieldly a premise, resulted in a climax which I didn't expect and which, quite frankly, amazed and even humbled me as it came about. 110 pages turned out to be just the right size.
     ' The Story in the Skies ' is the kind of book where readers, if they wish, may feast on, dwell in, even ponder a page or sentence of it apart from and beyond the story, itself. I have already received feedback from some who were significantly engaged by particular events and parts of it in such a way.
     Writing about events which happen in life alongside scientific, theoretically conceived speculations of how the Universe, itself, has been operating for eons and how this all conveyed a sense of purpose was revealing to me.
     Featuring some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders which I experienced while recently criss-crossing these United States, inspired my quest in finding the words to describe them.
     This may become my most controversial book to date but I was compelled to write it. I am glad that I did. Much more can be said about this book and probably will be.

                                                                                                                                    Jim
   

     I am releasing ' ON THESE SHORES ' as a Kindle e-book. It will be a Kindle select book and also  enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
     ' ON THESE SHORES ' is an uplifting modern parable which is about a man who is about to lose everything he has. Benedict Barns takes a trip to the beaches of Southwest Florida in hopes of finding solace during this turbulent period in his life. In the space of a week he goes through a lifetime worth of experiences which alters his perspective and changes his life. This novella has been described as "one of the best little books you are ever going to read ". Originally, this small novel was to be a Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, which is what I normaly write. However, it turned out to be something quite different. I believe this is a special book because I hadn't planned or even intended to write it. For an author something like this might come along once in a  lifetime. This was one of those times. I have been telling people that if they are going to read any of my books, read this one. Following is a link to the book on Amazon Kindle: 
                                                                                                                                            Jim

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NVTVKSL/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=USAVAGE&qid=1550551332&s=digital-text&sr=1-1-catcorr

     I've been working on my authorsites at Goodreads and Amazon. Up until now, I never much bothered with things digital.  It's the first thing some authors do but, primarily, I have been selling my printed books locally. For me, locally is the state of Florida, where many vacationers come from everywhere and they take my books home with them. It's been one way of distributing my books nationally and beyond borders. That has proved out as I've had people from elsewhere say they, or someone they know, have read this or that of my novels. So, my books have been traveling around the country, albeit not in great numbers, but increasingly. One thing I've been experiencing is individuals buying my books who say they love to share, to pass the books around to friends, family, other readers, et al.  Actually, that sounds pretty neat; and, I might be mistaken, but this practice seems to be getting more common.
     Personally, I like holding a book in my hands. It's old school but still preferable to many readers.
Digital books are the new frontier. The covered wagon of old now has to travel all over cyberspace. To me, e-books are a new and different ballgame. It's not that I'm computer illiterate but I actually write the first few drafts of my books in longhand. I think I previously mentioned the reason for this in one of my past blog entries. Now, with digital marketing, you have to build an online presence and that's the area where I'm designating more time. I've been asking for book reviews, which is something I hadn't done in the past. As with anything,  it's taking time, which also has to be considered as I work on my next novel which may take longer to finish; but, eventually, it will get there.                                                                                                                Jim

     I've been busy with new books and scheduling speaking engagements, book signings, etc, for the coming months. Currently ' Waltzing with the Wind ' is a Kindle Select book. A  Kindle Countdown promotion  is scheduled for August 25 -31, The book will be sold at it's cheapest price ever during this period so, if you have a Kindle reader, check it out. Here is a link to the Amazon Kindle site:  
          http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014LEGA5E

It's been a long time since I posted anything here, but I'm trying to change it up for this summer so I'm back, at least for awhile. I just put this painting on Daily Paintworks, something that clicked when I looked at a similiar painting by Monet, how he used secondary color contrasting. My oak was really dull so I just added some purple, blue and red and got this vibrant looking tree. In plein air I usually try to go for more reality than can be painted instead of technique so I'm trying new ideas. This is the last painting done in oil before switching to using fluid acrylics. And I had been using a palette knife for quite awhile so now I'm back to brushes. 

     Seasonal changes are subtle in Florida. I was longing to see some Fall colors. So, we took the camper into the Appalachian foothills and parked it for a few days. I was thinking that I might be disappointed as the seasonal display, the peak of the changing of the leaves, was not in our timing. We would not be seeing that final, brilliant full burst of color. However, something special was in store for us.
     We arrived at the campsite late in the day and took an evening walk. At this time the sun was positioned low in the sky and was filtering through the woods. The glow of the less intense sunlight highlighted the patches and bands of color. It was as if these were  deliberate impressions painted by an artist who had dabbed and swiped his brush across a canvas. Warm swatches of rust, gold and yellow appeared as though they were suspended, floating in the woods. This effect of light  and color brought to my mind a fairytale forest. I couldn't help but stare until the light faded as twilight approached. It was indeed worth the trip at this time of year.                        Jim

     I just returned from my 2nd cross country trip in 14 months. This one was prompted by my son's wedding ( He resides in Portland OR ). My wife and I, again, took our camper  and our dog Chloe who, incidentally, became an official Bark Ranger for the National Park Service. During this jaunt we visited The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Crater Lake and other notable places. Of course, as a novelist, this fed my memory bank with sights and experiences- -the stuff of future projects. In upcoming blogs, I may share some awesome experiences with you.  Right now, I am in a transitional mode, ramping down from the trip and ramping up to work on my next 2 books. Also,   ' Footsteps in the Attic ' is now part of the Amazon KDP Select Program. So, if you have a digital Kindle Reader, check out the benefits and, under the heading of Thrillers, look for ' Footsteps in the Attic ' .
                                                                                                                                                       Jim

     This weekend I will be at The Amelia Island Book Festival. From what I've been hearing, it's a great event. I'm  busy lately with book festivals, speaking engagements, signings, e.t.c. .  One thing I would like to comment on today:                                                                                                                                                Media is saturated with Political banter and downright ranting. The airwaves, cyberspace, billboards, newspapers - they all scream politics. But then, what would you expect during a presidential election year. It seems some people have already reached the breaking point with this status quo. At one book fair, a woman lamented to me that she was " so sick and tired of politics " she wanted me to assure her that that my books were not political. I assured her that my books were beyond that. There are things that transcend politics. My novel " Footsteps in the Attic " has a subplot involving a presidential election. That could actually be one of the reasons the book is now picking up steam. However, there is no way I would classify it as a political book. If you were planning to attend The Amelia Island Festival, be sure to stop by and see me in the thriller area.
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Have a happy Thanksgiving! The following day, November 27th, I will be at MacIntosh Books which is located on Sanibel Island. From 11-1,  I will be meeting people and signing books. If you are vacationing or out shopping on the island, do stop by.                                    Jim

     ' Waltzing with the Wind ' is now available in hard copy and as an e-book. Just visit my website authorjames.com  where you can find links to purchase this or any of my other novels.

     I just returned from an extended, coast-to-coast journey across the USA. After setting out to pan the landscape, and then having to intermittently pause to gaze at some of the awesome physical scenery, I have to say this is still one amazing country. It can jolt your senses. High points of the trip - there were too many to mention here. Glitches and hazards along the way - there were a few.
     I will likely be incorporating some of these experiences in upcoming blogs, novels, and other publications. My artist wife and our little dog came along for the  trip. Actually, we had previously talked about collaborating on a project involving her impressionistic painting and photography with the addition of some descriptive prose on my part.   I jotted down some of my own first  impressions of the sights and sounds I experienced.  Stay tuned.                            Jim
     

     I'm looking and it seems like I haven't been here for a while. Maybe it's a good time to jot down a few words, to muse a bit.  How about this--Awriter without pen in hand is like a chef without utensils or, like they used to say--" A warrior without a sword " There! I did it!
     Someone said "A picture is worth a thousand words ". Have you ever heard that? Well put, however, one word can initiate the neural activity to create many, many images. Hmm, that's something to think about and that's enough for today.                Jim

     I had a very busy summer finishing the last draft of my latest novel 'Waltzing with the Wind'. The manuscript is now in the final stages of editing. I hope to have it out in late October. As with my other books, it is a suspense filled adventure which will grab you; and there is an array of places and characters which I believe you will really enjoy---more about it later.
                                                                                                                                 Jim 

Come visit my new website http://authorjames.com . I think you'll like it. You will find a link to my wife's new art gallery and there is also a preview of my new novel entitled ' Waltzing with the Wind ' which I hope to have out sometime this Fall.                         Jim

     To many, Memorial Day Weekend kicks off Summertime. First of all, let's not forget those who gave their lives so that we can have the freedom to celebrate it.
     It will be vacation time for lots of people.When I was a kid,  I looked forward to going with my family on fishing trips to the Northwoods. We stayed near an Indian Reservation. My Dad and I would take a boat out on a serenely beautiful lake and do some fishing. There were times we would take walks in the woods. I even enjoyed the rainy days. I anticipated these by packing some selected reading material in my suitcase. I vividly recall, one particular time, hearing light rain falling upon the roof of the cabin where we were staying. I remember looking out through the window, and through the mist, seeing green forest. Inside the cabin, it was cozy. I sprawled across the bed. I situated myself, doubling up a pillow under my head and near the window which gave me enough light to read. I then proceeded to get involved in a good story. Now,  if you have a compact digital reader, you can bring a dozen books along with you on your vacation.
     I'm kicking off this summer by releasing my novel ' Footsteps in the Attic ' as an e-book. It is available on Kindle. Just click here to get there  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KDP0QOM . Have a great Summer.                      Jim

                                                                                           
     My wife is an artist. We work together at some venues. This is one example of what she does. It's called ' Walking the Dog '.            Jim

     Winter in South Florida - does  it get any better? I was at 2 outdoor events, the 'Arts of the Inland Festival ' which was held in Labelle and ' The Dearborn Street Book Festival ' which was in Englewood. For both - the temperature was 70-75 with a light breeze blowing, The locations were scenic, and the people were friendly and enjoying it all. I talked to a number of visitors from the Northland who were savoring and overstaying their vacations whenever possible ( How can you blame them with all the flight delays and the T.V. news image of what looks like a tundra being put in front of them while they're having dinner someplace ).                          Jim

     With 2013 coming to an end, I would like to say a few things. First,  throughout the year I have had the pleasure to meet many fine people who have an appreciation for reading and discussion. I wish all of you a Happy New Year! Secondly, I've met other authors, good writers, who work to keep the art form alive. To all of you, a Happy New Year! It has been a busy year for me as a writer and on the home front as well. It has been a sad, glad, somber, hopeful and yet, in the end, a victorious year; and it is with a comfort that passes understanding I greet the approaching year.
     I'm busy scheduling more book signings and related activities into 2014. I also plan on launching my 4th novel, possibly around Summertime. Stay tuned as I will start to talk about it. May you all have a prosperous and happy new year. Thanks for visiting today and the opportunity to share with you.   Jim      

 Last week I was honored to be the guest speaker at the Cape Coral ' Friends of the Library ' monthly meeting. I had no idea of all the events they were sponsoring, not to mention the variety ( i.e.  an appearance by a barbershop quartet ). They truly are a community organization. Again, to the ' Friends of the Library ',  thank you for the invitation and it was truly a pleasure to meet all of you.          Jim

I had a nice time last weekend at the ' Festival of Reading ' in Tampa. The weather was outstanding for the event.  I was under a tent and it was sunny, in the 70's, with a light breeze a-blowin' for most of the day. Who could ask for more. I met plenty of fine people with whom I conversed and for whom I answered questions. I sold and signed books and ate a tasty Italian sausage sandwich for lunch. Thank you all.           Jim

The search for a fortune-teller who suddenly vanished. To order copies,  you can click on my website.

     Thanks to all those who visited me at ' Fall for the Arts '; and a special thanks to those who purchased my books. I enjoyed meeting and chatting with you. The venue was outside and actually nice, even though it got rather warm later in the afternoon. There was on-stage entertainment happening throughout the day and, all in all, it was a nice experience. I'm glad I wasn't one of the dunk tank victims.    Jim      

About brick and mortar book stores: they''ll be around for a long time. I recently talked to a young lady who was raised on Harry Potter books. She owned a Kindle but said she really appreciated hard copy--preferred it--just something about holding an actual book in your hands.

Nevertheless, I just had A.C.E Vanguard made available on Kindle. The number of readers of e-books
keeps increasing, but from what I understand the trend line seems to be flattening.  Jim

' A.C.E. Vanguard ' is now a Kindle book. You can also order a hardcopy. Just click on Amazon or some other sites.

I met some interersting and nice people, both authors and browsers, at the Sarasota Book Fair on Oct. 5th. The event was held at their art center so people also came to enjoy the art. I've been in this type of setting before and found that many people who like art also like to read novels. I suppose you could describe novelists as word artists. Anyway thanks to those who attended and purchased books from me. It was a pleasure to meet you.       Jim 

     I was in St. Augustine, at the Florida Heritage Book Festival, this last weekend. I got a look at the actual first settlement in this country, met other authors, sold some books, and, on the the whole, had an okay time. It rained all day, which definitely had a bearing on floor traffic, but that's Florida. A heavy rainy season seems to be hanging on later than normal. Anyway, thanks, so much, to those who bought books from me. I enjoyed meeting and talking with you.      Jim

     I was sitting in a restaurant and working on my next book ( which I often do ), when somebody came up to my table and looked at me, commenting that he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen somebody writing longhand on a legal pad. I explained to him what I was doing and he just looked amazed. I told him that I had the equipment and the ability to do otherwise but I chose to work this way.    Jim

     This Fall, I will be showcasing my paranormal thriller ' Footsteps in the Attic ' at book signings and shows. I will have my other novels, which I describe as techno-thrillers, along with me.                                

     When it comes to genre - publishers, critics, librarians, and bookstores have to categorize everything.    

I have found that some books don't easily fall into a particular genre. Take, for instance, my second novel ' Miocene II '. I describe it as being a techno-thriller but it is as much a suspense, mystery, sci-fi and adventure novel. In fact, anybody can read it and get something out of it - which they do.

     Creative and entertainment considerations aside, you can learn quite a bit from some novels. I do a lot of research for my books and, in doing so, I have learned a lot. In old Hollywood, certain producers went to great lengths to research background for their movies. With novels, the epitome of this is the historical novel. 

     Regarding my original observations concerning genre, I believe that a good novel, with good characters, transcends genre and can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to read.         Jim    

To order a copy,  Click on ' Miocene II ' from Amazon or a number of other sites. It is also a Kindle book.

You can now get a copy of ' Footsteps in the Attic '  at  'Annette's  Beach Book Nook' on Fort Myer's Beach.  Stop by there before you hit the sand and surf. 

   

     At a book signing I was asked " What's wrong with writing short stories " to which I responded                
" Nothing ".  I remember, even at an early age, that I enjoyed writing short stories and poetry and prose;  and had fun experimenting with rhyme and meter and so on-
     Right now I choose to put my effort into doing novels. They are a lot of work.They require knowledge and research. I'll fly to a place to get info or to get a feel for the surroundings. There can be a lot involved just in getting background for a novel. Writing them is another thing.
     I get asked about sequels but, for now, I am not a serial novelist. Each book stands on it's own. Writing a novel is, indeed, a task. I actually like the largeness of the task.          Jim

Summertime is here. It is a great time for bookstore browsing to find a good beach or poolside read. I recently visited two interesting and very friendly book shops. They are Copperfish Books  in Punta Gorda, Florida and  Sanibel Bookshop  on Sanibel Island. Both are carrying  my novel ' Footsteps in the Attic '.  You should enjoy visiting them.          Jim 

After installing a whole new computer system, I'm back to blogging. Thanks to those who came to the Bell Tower and visited and talked with me. To those who bought books, hope you're enjoying them. I'm still learning and loading what I want into this this new system. I'll post more in a few days.  Jim

On Saturday, March 30, I'll be at the Bell Tower shopping center located in south Fort Myers. There will be an art show and my artist wife will be exhibiting her work. I will be helping  and will also put out copies of my books. Bell Tower is a beautiful, upscale shopping center and the weather should be outrageously pleasant for the affair. Come on down  if you can make it. See ya' there.    Jim

The Southwest  Florida Reading Festival was a well attended and well organized event. There were plenty of people who loved reading whom I and my wife enjoyed meeting. I felt  privileged to be signing copies of my books and answering their questions.  We had a good time. There were people seeking audio and e-books. My latest novel is neither at this point. However, there are still many who love to pick up and possess that tangible version ( especially if the cover is cool ). That is why  I believe there will always be brick and mortar stores and hard copies.  For all those whom I recently met at the show, it was my pleasure and thank you.       Jim 

     I will be at Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers, Florida on Saturday March 16th for the annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival. I will be in the Marketplace area introducing my new novel  " Footsteps in the Attic  " There will be a display and I will be personally signing copies and meeting people. Hope to see you there.    Jim

How should I proceed with this first blog? Well, each day takes care of itself; and I first want to say that I will be using this site to convey information concerning my books, personal appearances, book signings and related items. Also in the future, from an authors perspective, I look forward to posting tidbits of info and personal experiences which you may find interesting and perhaps, at times, even humorous. So, thank you for dropping by and do come back to visit.    Jim