Q&A With James Thompson

Greetings gentle readers,

A few days ago, Rhiannon Irons posted an update on her life, which also included a warm welcome to a new member of The Final Curtian team, James Thompson from Kent, England. As requested, I had already planned a new Q&A with Rhiannon. Then came the realization that you wanted to hear more from James.

My inbox was flooded with questions so I fired the most requested questions over to James, whom I'm proud to say, replied to them within 24 hours. So, without further ado, let me present A Q&A With James Thompson.

Trent: How would you describe your writing style?

James: I would say that horror-related writing is my style. I like to keep the reader on edge, not give too much away and create an image in their mind that is both haunting and gripping.

Trent: What genre do you prefer to write?

James: The horror genre is a particular favourite. It is the one genre I feel where you can create such great characters and scenarios. Setting is massively important in creating the atmosphere and scaring people witless is always fun! I would also love to do a bit of sci-fi or even blend sci-fi and horror for some stories, films like Alien proved this to be successful.

Trent: How often do you check your posts to see if new comments have been added?

James: I couldn't put an exact time frame on it but I admit to looking back for comments a lot. There's nothing greater than getting feedback, positive or negative on your writing, it improves you as a writer. It also pleases me when comments begin to roll in as I then know people are acknowledging my work and (hopefully) enjoying it. 

Trent: How did you come to be a part of The Final Curtain blog?

James: I actually became part of The Final Curtain through Twitter, where I met Rei. We got talking and I loved her short stories so much I thought I would give it a try and have never looked back since. It's great to be a part of something so great.

Trent: What do you prefer to write?

James: Currently I love writing short stories although I find time constraints due to everyday things (work etc) make it harder for me to write more. Screenplays are a big passion too and I aspire to one day be a professional screenwriter. I also really enjoy writing reviews on my blog (fanaticalfilm.blogspot.com) and for other sites on the web, film is my ultimate passion.

Trent: How much faith do you have in your writing?

James: I believe hugely in my writing but I am a big critic of my own work. I am always trying to get the best out of my writing skills and hope I will only improve further with more stories, screenplays, reviews etc. I do tend to ask friends and family opinions of my work to ensure it is of a good quality.

Trent: Rhiannon made an announcement that readers would soon get to see The Roommate as a mini movie and that you're adapting it for the screen. How is that coming along and how did you get involved in it?

James: The Roommate is a project I am very excited about. I offered to work on the screenplay after Rei told me she would love to take a new direction and make some of her stories into short films. I was greatly enthusiastic about this and would love to be a part of such a great visionary's work. I am still in the early stages but rest assured you will see some movement in this project in the near future. I want to thoroughly pick apart the story to ensure my screenplay does it justice.

Trent: Honestly, what do you think about Rhiannon Irons' body of work? - this includes her short horror, erotica and anything relating to Truly Disturbing.com

James: As a whole I think Rhiannon is an incredibly talented writer who clearly has the magic touch when it comes to stories and her knowledge of horror films. Her stories, be it erotica or horror, are captivating and really put you in the moment which I absolutely love. With regards to her work on Truly Disturbing I am amazed at her passion and knowledge of the horror genre and wish I had so many amazing random facts!

Trent: How did you and Rhiannon Irons' meet?

James: I have a very bad memory so can't remember the exact instance but it was through Twitter we got talking and built a quick rapport and understanding of one another. We both have a passion for what we write and our love for horror helps us along too!

Trent: Do you have any advice for budding young writers or for people that want to start writing?

James: The best advice I can give is to enjoy yourself when writing, let your mind run free and no idea is wrong as long as you think it is worth putting on paper. Also advice Rei gave me was to believe in yourself and your writing.

Trent: How do you deal with stress in your everyday life?

James: To be honest I am not one of these people who get stressed that much, I'm a calm individual for the most. When stressed alone time is essential. Writing may be a stress reliever but I don't specifically think 'I must write' when I am stressed.

Trent: What's in store for you next?

James: Well, continuing with The Roommate and Blood Wars: A Brother's Redemption are on the list. I also have an idea of a new short story involving a ship containing an evil spirit along with my continuing film reviews. I just will keep striving to write my best and hopefully one day get that paid job I so badly want.

Trent: Where do you want you writing to take you?

James: As mentioned before I would love to work as a full time professional writer, whether it be reviewing films, writing screenplays or short stories. I have found my passion and I am willing to stick with it to get where I want to be.

Trent: Are you single?

James: No I am not. I have a girlfriend of 6 years and we live together with our cat Rocky!

Trent: Sorry ladies. One last question. You asked for an opinion on a vampire screenplay via The Final Curtain. How is that coming along?

James: Blood Wars is a project I am extremely optimistic about following some great feedback. The ideas have been rolling out and I am happy to say he screenplay is slowing coming into place albeit a slow process. I have all of the plans set, it's just putting it to writing now. This is one screenplay I have high hopes for so watch this space....

I'm getting chills with anticipation. A big thank you to James for answering all those questions. A big thank you to all of you who sent me those questions. We hope this interview has been informative and we wait with baited breath to see what else James will produce in the future.  Follow him on Twitter @thommoj03.

Keep checking back for my one on one with Rhiannon Elizabeth Irons.

Trent