059 - James Fox: Only Writers Into Worldbuilding [Worlds Asunder]

Every novelist wants to see their writing on the silver screen. Too easy. Step one, convert your book into a screenplay… Today’s guest is James Fox. He’s been in the film industry for over 22 years and has worked just about every role you can imagine in the industry. We’ll discuss his unique entry point into novel writing. He wrote his first book, Sol Saga: Revolution after pitching the same series as a screenplay. 

So what’s the difference between building a script and world for the screen vs the page? 

 

In Part One, We Discuss: 

• The main differences in screenplay and novel expectations 
• Expectation vs reality in writing your first novel 
• Working in a writers room vs co-writing vs solo writing experiences
• Balancing creativity with more business-minded goals and benchmarks 
• Worldbuilding focus and motivating concepts for writing 
• In-depth research, handwavium, and their roles in science fiction
• Utilizing field professionals for research 
• The seven degrees of Kevin Bacon 

 

Resources and Guest Links: 

• James Fox: https://thejamesfox.com/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbfoxx/ 
• The Sol Saga trilogy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRZ7QXW7?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_sirpi  
• In Darkness Dwells: https://www.amazon.com/d/B0969MBHV2 

 

We’re privileged to share a publishing company and friendship with James. When we found out he was also hosting a Book Career Network podcast, we knew we had to do a collaboration! Check out his show, Ink & Effort, that releases every Friday! 

 

Host Links: 

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
• David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 

Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)

• Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 

• Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay

• Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim