Author: John

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Why Do You Want to Be a Writer? Why Don’t You Want a Real Job?

Find What is Real to You and Stick to It!

By John Irvin

            I get these questions so many times—every since I quit a corporate job and became a full-time author. I had to grab a pizza delivery part-time job to help with the bills, been there for two and a half years and it is running thin.

With Freedom comes Responsibility, but also Happiness
With Freedom comes Responsibility, but also Happiness.

            Society has trumped up these lies that if you don’t work a 9 to 5 or you don’t work 40 hours or more a week, you’re not working a real job. Society has us believing we must trade 8 to 12 or more hours every single day just to live from paycheck to paycheck.

            Lies, lies, and more lies.

            Corporatism in America has done a great job brainwashing us.

            And our friends and family are on that bandwagon so it makes it that much more of a struggle to stand for what we are passionate about. Everyone has plenty of advice to give, but no support.

            This traditional way does not work for me, it never has. I believed the lies for too many years. Now that I’m about to hit 30, my mindset is finally flipped. I no longer think the same way I did five years ago after wasting 5 years and over $40,000 on an education that—though fun for the most part—has no worth in this corporate-led economy we slave under.

            I’m not angry, I hope I don’t sound like it. I’m just tired of people not getting it.

            You don’t need a ‘real’ job—you were NOT made to live the same year 75 times and call it a life. You were NOT made to live from paycheck to paycheck, slaving at a job you either hate or simply have no love for—don’t call that a life.

            Find what you love to do then find someone who needs that and get them to pay you.

I write because it’s real to me.

            Shed those lies of traditional corporatism and take the risk of freedom.

            To those who love this traditional way, forgive me. It’s not for me.

            Why do I write? Because I was born to be a writer—it just took me twenty-six years to realise it! I have no time to waste on a 40 plus job just because I need to pay bills the government or some other business decides they have authority to slap on me.

            For now, I’m working a traditional 9 to 5 (or rather, in my case, 10am to 7 or 8pm), because I have to pay those bills, but I only give them part of my time, only what is necessary for the bills as well as paying for publishing my books. My friends and coworkers at the job understand this: it is a means to an end.

            But I’m also finding the job is now threatening some friendships I’ve come to cherish. When I got written up for something stupid a couple days ago, I was a hairline away from putting in my two weeks not just because it stung (I’m not the kind of employee who gets written up often) but suddenly the job was a threat to this relationship.

            Only logic and reason convinced me to hold on a little longer. My books are a source of income, but it’s still too small for freedom…yet.

            Maybe I should split this into a two part series, it’s getting rather long. So I’m going to cut it short and I’ll continue on Wednesday.

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I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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The Difference Between an Amateur and a Professional Author

I Write Daily and I Have a Word Count Goal

By John Irvin

            Ever since I started writing at the age of 14, I would only write when I felt like it. Here a little, there a little. If I felt like finishing a book, I’d cram in several hours then wait weeks or even months to start a new book.

            But one day, a couple years ago, I read this quote by someone I forget, “The difference between an amateur and a professional is to write every single day whether you feel like it or not.” I may be paraphrasing, but I write the point I’m trying to get across.

Even a simple journal entry can be considered writing for a day.

            Now, I write every single day—yes, there are those days I can’t get in any writing in a book. But even a simple journey entry can be considered writing for the day.

            When it comes to writing first drafts—this is my favourite stage of writing a book, I’ve found. That and holding the published version in my hands—but even then, after 23 books now, when I’m holding my newest publication I feel more like, okay, what’s next?

            Back to first drafts, I try to get a 2,500 to 3,000 word count in per day. Yes, it is doable! Depending on writing speed, it could be anywhere between thirty minutes to 2 hours. My time varies from day to day so this works out usually.

            Every writer has their own set goal. Edgar Allen Poe required of himself 500 words per day, no more, no less. How on earth he was able to get by on that, I’ll never know. To each their own, I guess.

            For me, I have to have at least 2,500 or I get this anxious sense I’ve wasted a writing session. But, I think this is just one of my demons taunting me, trying to discourage and depress me on my journey.

            Even ten words is an accomplishment—it’s more than most get down.

            The point is, get those words down every day! No matter how you feel—sometimes you’ll feel like you’re on a great adventure, exploring the worlds within you. Other days you’ll feel like crap, like your fingers are just plucking those keys, scraping the words out of the muck at the bottom of the barrel.

            In time, if you keep going, keep pushing, you’ll reach the finish. The goal is what you want to make. If you make more one day, pat yourself on the back, but make sure you don’t allow yourself to slack off the next day.

If you keep pushing, you’ll reach the finish.

            Life happens, sometimes you are just unable to make the goal on a day. Make it up the next day? Or just move on, whatever you do, don’t wallow.

            Presently, I’m about a fourth of the way through Book 4, When Nights Bleed, in my Magic’s Time Split series. It’s fun, but it’s also a struggle keeping up with the time limit I’ve placed on myself.

            I shipped off my manuscript for Book 2, Independence, in my Longevity series to a professional editor. I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to hear back from them. What’s worse, I also sent Book 1, Revelation, off to the American Wholesale Book Company for approval from Books-A-Million for in-store sales.

            I feel like I sent out my child for his first stage performance. Will they accept him or reject him?

            If you’d like to help me out, order your copy here: LONGEVITY: REVELATION read it, then write a review on its Amazon page to boost its credibility. If you are able, thank you so much! You don’t know how sincere I am when I say that—because you don’t know how much your purchases and reviews actually help!

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Not to mention you get a FREE copy of Magic’s Time Split, Book 2: When Kingdoms Arise. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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Writing and Reading E-Books vs. Print Books

Is there a versus? Why can’t we all get along?

By John Irvin

            Back when I quit a corporate job and went full-time as an author/proofreader/ghostwriter, I read several articles and books how I should be writing as many short e-books as possible and that’s how I would get my name out there.

No longer a proofreader/ghostwriter anymore by the way.

            So I started doing that. Looking at my Book library on my website, you’ll see about 20 of those e-books that I poured out of myself. I’ve tried to cut out the slosh from other failed attempts, there are many books that won’t see the light of day because I was more worried about getting as many out as I could.

            I didn’t focus on what I should which are the plots and characters—making a truly worthwhile reading.

            So now I’m focusing on two main series. If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’ll know those are the Longevity series and the Magic’s Time Split series.

            Longevity is in Print and E-Book while Magic’s Time Split is only in E-Book. Magic’s Time Split has books about the length of a regular novella or novelette—depending on how you categorize them. Hence why they’re not in Print…yet.

Boxset for Shattered: The Complete Collection, publication: 30 October, 2019

            But so were all five books of my Shattered series. Each one was way too short to be in print. Until I finished the whole series, now I have the Complete Collection coming out on October 30, 2019! It will be available for Pre-Order starting tomorrow, most likely.

            Right now it’s going through Review and I’ll be ordering my Proof Copy in a couple days.

            So, yes, I like to hold a book in my hands, smell its leaves, and hallucinate on the scratches and chicken feet called letters on the page. But I’ve also found, I enjoy reading on my Kindle shorter books, making me feel like I’ve accomplished a little extra each day.

Blogging and Writing Books, this is my Dream

            I think both realms are relevant and significant. I believe we can unite both E-Books and Print Books in the ever-growing cause to make the world literate again.

            Though my focus is slowly pointing more toward Print copies now, I believe it’ll probably be in waves in the future. I may focus one year on more E-Books while the next year on Print. Or half years or seasonal, who knows? All I know is, I love writing either way.

            I also know, now that Shattered is finished, I’m probably going to be focusing ONLY on Longevity and Magic’s Time Split until those are finished.

            I started writing the first draft of Book 4 in Magic’s Time Split yesterday so I technically only have six more books to write in that series—which, if I write one per month, I’ll have those finished long before Longevity.

            Being longer novels, Longevity isn’t planned to be complete until the end of 2021!

“Life is like a laptop, sometimes it needs a reboot.”

            And, the way life is, it might be a little longer. We’ll see!

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I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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A Growing Theme Among My Books

I’ve Written in Various Genres, but One Keeps Popping Up

By John Irvin

            When I first started writing, all the way back in high school, it was superheroes. Into college I grew an interest in science fiction—mostly Star Wars and StarGate. I started the StarQuest series back then.

            That became the novel published several years back and the added e-book episodes published this past year.

Dark Fantasy is the Realm I live in…

            I’ve delved more into the fantasy genre, still read some sci-fi though. I’ve written in both genres along with apocalyptic and historical fiction. But, looking at my two main series I’m writing at the moment and the few short e-books leading up to them, I’ve noticed a trend.

            Dark Fantasy is the Realm I live in, deep within my mind. Looking back over dreams and nightmares I’ve experienced since I can remember, it always has been.

            Something about the magic with the shapes-hifters or sorcerers has always drawn me in.

            When it takes place on a totally different world—like in High Fantasy—it’s even cooler. Like in my Wolf’s Rising e-book.

            One would think at first it might be related to my Longevity series, such as Blood of the Father.

            But the star of the book, Duncan, a Wolf-Born has nothing to do with the Wolf-Born of the Longevity world.

Wolf's Rising by John Irvin
Wolf’s Rising by John Irvin

            Duncan wakes up in a dungeon, he can’t remember who he is until a woman is thrown into the dungeon with him.

            Then, while they make their escape, he finds the world he is returning to was one he had sought to rid his people of.

            The Dark Elves have long since held the Wolf-Born Race under bondage, but there’s a rebellion. Only things aren’t going as planned—for both sides. When Duncan is sent to the Otherworld, he finds a Shade seeks dominion over his home. On accident, he returns only to find he’s let out the Shade and his minions.

            Enemies must become allies.

            This is one of many dark fantasy books I’ve enjoyed delving into. The other main series I’m presently working on, besides Longevity, is the Magic’s Time Split series. If you haven’t bought the first book for free—yes, I know, that’s kinda contradictory. How can you buy something for free?—then go here download it!

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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WHEN DO I WRITE BEST

Getting Up Before the Dawn

By John Irvin

            Yes, I’m one of those early risers kind of writers. I find I write best before 9am. After that, it gets harder and harder to focus for some reason.

            Normally, I get up around 4:30 a.m. and write in a journal while I wait for my coffee to brew. Then I do a little reading and some spiritual mediation. This usually takes about an hour.

            Then sometimes I have my exercise routine followed by a shower before finally sitting down to write—other times it is in reverse.

            Oh, so I finished Living the Braveheart Life by Randall Wallace—author of Braveheart—yesterday and let me tell you, I want to buy every friend and family member a copy. I truly felt a kindred spirit within those pages.

Living the Braveheart Life by Randall Wallace
From the Author of Braveheart

            So it is Monday today, this means, I only have six days before I’m ready for the professional editor to go through my manuscript for Book 2, Independence, in my Longevity series.

            Yesterday, I ordered the cover art for the E-Book boxset and the Print-copy for Shattered: The Complete Collection so it is only a matter of days now till that one gets published. After over a year the five volumes of the Shattered series will finally be together AND in print!

            That’ll be my first complete series published.

            The next series I’ll probably end up finishing first will be my Magic’s Time Split series. Though there are ten books in that one, so we shall see. I just feel like I’ll be focusing on it and the Longevity series more than any of my other books.

            Although I do hope to publish a couple stand-alone novels in the midst of the eight books of Longevity and ten books of Magic’s Time Split.

            Book 1, Hidden Lake’s Light, is for free on Kindle and Nook!

Hidden Lake's Light, Book 1 in the Magic's Time Split series by John Irvin
A time travelling team discover a secret that will change both time and the world.

            Next year, after Independence comes out in January, I’m going to start talking about certain plans for later that year. I’ve been tossing them back and forth inside my head, running them by friends, and hopefully soon I’ll be able to actually sit down and write it all out.

            There are some amazing things ahead—I want to keep this 4:30 a.m. schedule going too as I love finishing all my author business-related work before noon.

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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MOTIVATION AND REVISION

When You Write for a Living, Sometimes the Magic Leaves!

By John Irvin

            So I totally forgot to blog on Monday, by the time I remembered it was too late. I must be human still. I realize now, it is easier to remember to blog every single day than it is only three days a week. Strange, right?

            But I remembered today!

            I’m wondering if it’s the lack of motivation here recently. Yesterday I was having a strong rant with myself about how I think not writing any first drafts in the past weeks is stunting my creativity.

            Focusing on second drafts right now, I find I miss the sense of adventure and exploration when writing first drafts. Some writers love the second draft, not this writer. First drafts are my favourite usually—well, that and actually seeing my books complete and published.

            I finished Conspiracy—the final chapter in the Shattered series. It is now published on Amazon Kindle for $1.99.

Shattered, Volume 5: Conspiracy by John Irvin
Click on the Image to go to the Amazon page!

            There’s also something else in the works for that series too. Not going to say what it is yet.

            Now I’m working on the second draft for Longevity’s Book 2, Independence. Yesterday, I struggled to do 2 pages! Hence the argument between me, myself, and I.

            My goal is 10 pages a day which will have me finished with the draft a week from Friday. I’ll be able to spend the weekend working my edit before ordering a professional editor in preparation for the books publication in January 2020.

            This morning, I worked 18 pages! Yes, I shocked myself at how fast it went. It’s all about motivation, y’all.

            And music—I find music playing in the background stimulates my creativity, fueling me for hours.

            Right now, while I’m writing this, it’s Imagine Dragons singing Walking the Wire. I just love that song!

            But, back to my writer’s block yesterday, it was interesting I am presently binge-watching Castle for the sixth or seventh time.

            It’s an ABC show ended maybe three years ago? It’s about a mystery novelist, Richard Castle, who follows an NYPD homicide detective, Kate Beckett, helping her solve crime then writing the stories into his novels.

            Can you see why I might enjoy it? Well, I’m not a mystery writer, but all writers share similar struggles and victories. Not to mention, Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion brought a passion to the table not many artists can pull off.

            But, one of the things they discussed in a recent episode was writer’s block. I made the statement, I don’t believe in writer’s block. All struggles to write can be boiled down to fear or laziness—if there are others, I haven’t thought of them yet.

           What I had yesterday was a lack of motivation—a type of laziness. I fell out of love with second drafts. This morning, the love was restored, after a night of telling me: you can only get out of this if you finish it.

            So now I’m back on track! Thank you, Castle.

            Remember every morning you wake up, today is a chance to do something that will bring you closer to the tomorrow you want.

If you enjoyed this post, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails on Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com