This is my true MIA story. There's nothing so exciting as being kidnapped by pirates, running away with gypsies, or being conscripted into otherworldly realms to battle an evil lord. Rather, I was coerced, blackmailed, and bodily dragged into the planning and execution of a very auspicious event ...
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Read My Latest Work!!
Hey all, I know there's been radio silence for a while, but check out this short story I wrote for a library contest! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. #historicalfiction #lostlove #wwII #shortstory Meant To Be - jhgatesauthor - Wattpad
Making Time to Write When You’re Busy
Writers don't have a bunch of extra time on our hands. In fact, we do everything normal people - dishes, laundry, jobs, food, etc. - AND somehow manage to write. Sound daunting? Don't worry - this short blog will show you how to manage your writing time, too!
Three Things That Are Stopping You From Finishing Your Novel
You've planned out brilliant worlds, magnetic characters, and mind-blowing plot twists. You've spent hours mulling over the perfect title. Finally, you put pen to page ... and then, a few chapters in, you're stuck. What. Went. Wrong?
Book Signing at EntertainMart!!
Hey all, check out my upcoming event - a book signing at EntertainMart!
Easy Ways to Tackle Your Book’s Interior Design
Many writers (myself included) have or will struggle with formatting the interior of their book. And it's no wonder - the whole process is complicated! Trying to figure out how to make an aesthetically pleasing, functional, publisher-ready interior is a challenge.
How I Use Music to Inspire My Writing
There are usually two parties of thought when it comes to listening to music for productivity (both for fiction and non-fiction work): 1. It's a life-saver that increases my productivity and motivates me to write better 2. It's a distraction that hinders my concentration and causes me to lose my train of thought
Do It Again … And Again … And Again.
I recently watched a video on consistency. The speaker was saying, "If you want to be a real writer (not a dabbler, or a hobby writer) you need to write consistently. Even if it's only a few hundred words a day, or five minutes a day, or whatever you can do." And at first, I thought ...
Existential Crises and Late Night Doubts: The Life of a Modern Writer
Today was one of those days. Those days when I look through all my rejected query letters and wonder why my manuscript wasn't accepted. Those days when I think about all the people who have asked if I have a job and when I reply I'm a writer, I'm met with blank stares or rebuttals of, "I meant a real job." Some are kindly, or jokingly, meant. Others aren't.
HINTERLANDS GIVEAWAY WINNER(S?)!!!
Late Merry Christmas everyone!!! As it IS Christmas, I decided to give away TWO copies of the Hinterlands. The winners are ...
J. H. Gates 