SW 23 – Co-Writing Pros and Cons

James Aaron

September 8, 2019

You may have heard authors talking about co-writing… what is it? Is it right for you? How do you even find co-writing opportunities? 

In this episode I talk about what I’ve learned from three years of co-writing with Mal Cooper in Aeon 14. Spoiler alert: it’s been a great experience that has taught me a lot during this phase of my writing career. 

However, there are pros and cons, like any business relationship.

If there’s anything I didn’t cover, shoot me an email at james@jamesaaron.net

Thanks for listening!

SW 022 – Author Dinners with Fans and Comparisonitus

James Aaron

September 2, 2019

In this episode I talk about dinners with fans.

Spoiler alert, they’re great.

They can help you build engagement, make your series’ world more real, and create priceless experiences for your fans.

If you’re like me and your mind goes blank while talking, you might want to take some flash cards so you don’t forget the name of your latest book.

I also struggled with a bout of “comparisonitus” this week, where I found myself comparing my career in the last three years with other authors I know, wondering if I’ve made the right decisions, and choosing to focus on what’s right for me… even if I haven’t completely figured that out yet.

Also, Google says podcasting is the new blogging, so get on that. Lol.

Thanks for listening!

SW 021 – Refining Plotting and Some Big News

James Aaron

August 26, 2019

What do you do when the baby eats your work space? You prop your laptop on the dresser and record anyway.

I’m back with a quick update, some notes on the current book, and some more big changes in my life that should mean positive things for my writing.

I also talk a bit about writing on deadline and how I refine my outlining process as I write to make sure I’m always heading in the right direction and not wasting words.

Thanks for listening!

SW 020 – From Russia with Love

James Aaron

July 26, 2019

In this episode I talk about the resolution of my old business debt problem, a close reading of From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming and plotting my next book, The Spreading Fire.

Episode 20! Thanks for listening and all your support.

SW 019 – Kicked in the Face

James Aaron

In this episode I talk about a major setback I experienced recently, how it affected my writing, and how I am trying to continue to work through it. 

I also talk about lessons learned from reading the slush pile for an SF/F publisher. 

Thanks for listening!

Eve of Destruction is out!

James Aaron

A thirty-year stalemate between humanity and the Psion AIs is ending…

But the AIs have not been idle. Their agents are everywhere and the seeds of rebellion and dissent have taken root. Humanity’s home system is a powder keg, and when the match is lit, all of Sol will erupt.

Cara has been in prison for four years, her mind numbed by docility, unaware of what’s been brewing. When a mysterious agent breaks her free, she finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue, double-dealing, and political machinations.

The Sykes family saved Sol from a human-AI war once before. Now it’s up to Cara and her sister Lyssa to turn the tide, and keep the galaxy’s two dominant species from tearing one another apart.

Get it on Amazon!

SW 018 – Changes Changes Changes

James Aaron

This is a bit of personal episode but it touches on finding your true audience by expressing your authentic self.

Once you find those true fans, and you’re honest and open with them and serve them up the entertainment they love, I think you’ve got them for life.

We recently went through a major transition in Aeon 14, and me with my writing partner. I was ready for fans to revolt but they’ve supported us in amazing ways. I can’t express how much gratitude I’ve felt in the last month, and how inspired I’ve been to create meaningful, honest work.

Also, sorry for the break!

SW 017 – Use Your Hobby to Strengthen Your Writing

James Aaron

I’ve been working on Eve of Destruction (kickass cover, right?) for six months now, which is like GRRM time in indie publishing. In the midst of grinding through edits, I’ve been working on several other hobby projects as well. While Steven Pressfield might call this resistance, it got me thinking about the benefits of allowing your mind to wander, absorb and learn from your hobbies, and how you can fold those skills into your writing. I’m a DIY nerd, so my hobbies are building things, but the points I talk about could easily apply to team sports, travel or any other hobby.

Other notes:

Create If Writing with Kirsten Oliphant

Self Publishing Journeys by Paul Teague

Deep Work by Cal Newport

The Awkward Thoughts of Kamau Bell

On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee

AuthorLife by J Thorn

Thanks for listening!