James

Words on Writing

Arts EN ↓ 41 episodes

After 30 years as an advertising copywriter: documenting the bedlam of writing and publishing my thriller series, The Misjudgements of Andy MacKay, about a man who shouldn’t be trusted with a lighter, let alone saving the world.fiction writing advice, fiction writing process, finished manuscript, indie author fiction, book writing community, publishing advice for writers, marketing for new authors, storytelling for new authors, book publishing journey#fictionwritingadvice, #fictionwritingprocess, #publishingadvice, #marketingfornewauthors, #bookpublishingjourney

Author

James

Category

Arts

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

8 Self-Publishing Myths That Need to Die 07.01.2026

Self-publishing is a legitimate career path. One you can say out loud at family gatherings without getting any weird side eye. Still, the myths persist. So let’s stroll through the forest of misinformation and gently set eight of the worst myths on fire.

10 Things I Wish I’d Done Differently Writing My First Book 07.01.2026

In this episode I'll share what I learned through perseverance (and the sort of stubbornness generally reserved for mules and evangelists of cryptocurrency).

12 Easy-to-Avoid First Draft Mistakes 23.12.2025

In this episode we identify mistakes so many of us make, like the misguided belief that a first draft should be good, and look at ways to avoid early pitfalls.

10 Terrible Self-Publishing Mistakes 22.12.2025

Self-publishing is both thrilling and alarmingly easy to careen straight into the algorithmic abyss with your shoelaces tied together. Here are 10 lessons I learned the hard way.

What Writing Hemorrhoid Ads Taught Me About Writing Fiction 22.12.2025

Here are 9 things I learned about making readers care about someone else’s discomfort, some excellent lessons for writing fiction.

10 Opening Page Mistakes 19.12.2025

In this episode we'll look at some mines to avoid stepping on if you want to hook readers before they ghost you.

Irresistible Plotting - Part 2 18.12.2025

The second episode of a 2-part series on plotting your novel, from midpoint to mayhem. How not to drop the ball just when it starts getting good.

Irresistible Plotting - Part 1 18.12.2025

The first episode of a 2-part series that examines how you can construct a first half so compelling it’s reader catnip.

How to Market Your Self-Published Book 18.12.2025

In this episode we look at how you can market your book without resorting to becoming a used-car sales man.

8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Writing My First Book 18.12.2025

In this episode I'll take you through some of the rookie writing mistakes I made, so you don't have to learn the hard way.

How to Write an Unputdownable Book 18.12.2025

In this episode we look at how you can keep strangers up at night without being a psychopath.

Essential Steps to Self-Publishing 18.12.2025

In this episode, I'll walk you through how you can build your book empire from the comfort of your couch.

To Outline Your Novel or Not? 18.12.2025

In this episode we look at both sides of the argument to either outline your novel or freestyle it out of chaos.

What Writing Cadillac Ads Taught Me About Great Dialogue 13.12.2025

In this episode, we explore harnessing the power of gaps to write great conversation.

Why Self-Publish? 13.12.2025

In this episode, we explore how waiting for permission is so last century.

How to Write Something Truly Original 13.12.2025

In this episode, we look at how to write something original without moving to a yurt. Or inventing new emotions.

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