Just the FAQ, Ma'am

Q. I have a great idea for a story you should write. Wanna hear it?

A. No. I have enough great ideas of my own for stories, many of which I'll never get to write. If you're idea is so great, you should be writing it.

Q. How do you get to be a writer, anyway?

A. Write. Constantly. And get better as you do it.

Q. No, seriously. How do I get to be a published writer? Can you help?

A. The only one who can get you published is you. The secret is to write, submit, write, submit, write, submit... Yes, you will get rejection slips, and it may take years for you to get published, and quite possibly, no one will get it. If you can handle all that, you either are ready for the exciting world of professional writing or you need medication. I split the difference and do both.

Q. Is crime fiction all you do, or do you plan to do other genres?

A. For now, crime is all I do. Later on? Who knows?

Q. So how did you get into this?

A. I was on an Internet writing group happily scribbling away at long stories I knew no one would publish. After enough people said I should try writing professionally, I took the plunge. Plots With Guns picked up my story "A Walk in the Rain" for bragging rights, and the rest is history.

Q. How long does it take you to write a novel?

A. It depends on what you mean. It usually takes 2-3 months for a rough draft. I'll revisit a book again over the course of the following nine months, using several "beta readers" to beat my ego off the pages. After that, I still have to go through the publisher's editing process before you get a nice printed book you can mount over your mantle.

Q. How do I contact you?

A. I'm not bashful. Drop me a line on my Contact page, or email jamesrwinter@yahoo.com . Email me now while I'm still obscure enough to talk to.

Q. So how many books do you have out?

A. I have Northcoast Shakedown , my 2005 debut. Since my publisher went belly-up, we're looking for a new one. More on that as it happens.

Q. Hey, will you read my manuscript and tell me if it's any good?

A. No. I will crit for some people as I believe you should always give back what others have given you. Still, I can't afford to be inundated with manuscripts from total strangers or brief acquaintances. I just don't have the time. I owe some of the people helping me favors as it is. Sorry.

Q. How do I get an agent?

A. When you find the magic bullet for that one, tell me. I had an agent once. We paired up because of a referral. Most likely, my next agent will also be a referral. All I can say is get involved with writers groups and network. The mystery community is a great one to be involved with, and I've met a lot of friends trying to circulate my name and work. That's the best way I know to meet the people you need to know.

Q. Where do you get all your ideas?

A. Look around you. They're everywhere. Even in the most boring, mundane places.