Jim Butcher, American writer: biography, creativity

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Jim Butcher is the author of the famous book series The Dresden Files, The Alera Code and The Ash Towers. His skills are timeless, and even if Butcher had been born two hundred years ago, he would have found a job to his liking. This is a very versatile person. No one knows what goes on in that person's head. He creates in his hometown of Independence, Missouri.

For his decision to become a published author in 1990, the locals gave him the nickname Longshot, which in English means a competitor with a meager chance of winning. This is because in the art of writing, there is a 3 in 1,000 chance of being published, and despite having your work published, making money from it is a difficult task. But the sale of the second series of books marked a turning point in Jim's career, and his initial failure as a writer paid dividends.

Biography

Jim Butcher was born in Missouri's fourth largest city, Independence, on October 26, 1971. He is best known for his modern fantasy book series The Dresden File and Alera Codex. Butcher has two older sisters, who instilled in him a love for the fantasy genre. When he contracted strep throat as a child, they gave him The Lord of the Rings and The Adventures of Han Solo as a gift. The world of the universe of these books literally fascinated Jim, and he became an avid fan of fantasy and science fiction.

At writing conferences, Jim Butcher shares his experiences with young and emerging writers. One of his pieces of advice is: never stop writing. Jim is a prime example of a man on his own path who never stopped doing what he loved even when others told him that he had chosen the wrong profession.

Jim Butcher has a wife, Shannon, and a son, James, who currently live with him in Missouri. His legendary Dresden Dossier series continues to grow with new works. On the Internet, Jim maintains an online diary in which he talks about many secrets and tricks for a successful writing career.

Career

Jim wrote his first book when he was only 19 years old. According to him, she was disgusting, which prompted him to write the next, then another. The experience gained allowed him to completely redo his first work, which became much better. He continued to create books, while changing the genre of fantasy from traditional to more mystical and supernatural. According to Jim, the lack of natural talent inwriting books, he replaces the use of special techniques.

The first book in the Dresden Files series was written by Jim in a writing class. In the next half year, he completed the second part of this series. The continuation was not long in coming, and he set about the third book. Jim Butcher tried to send his manuscripts to publishers. Reviews from editors were mixed, some trying to cheer him up, others trying to shatter his hopes of becoming a sought-after writer. These troubles continued for two years, until Butcher decided to meet with everyone who had previously refused him and talk to them face to face over a cup of coffee. At the time, it seemed like a waste of time, but over time, dating helped his career.

Jim Butcher bibliography

During his career, Jim Butcher, whose books have been translated into more than dozens of languages, has written more than 25 novels that were part of a specific book series. He is the author of three book series: The Dresden Dossier, The Alera Code and The Ash Towers. Consider them further.

The Dresden Dossier book series: plot

The series was written in a modern mystical genre. The story is told in the first person, the protagonist of the private investigator and wizard Harry Dresden, who is trying to solve mysterious crimes in modern day Chicago. Initially, Jim Butcher wanted to call the series Semiautomagic (literally "semi-magic"), where the name would fully reflect the balance between conventional fantasy andthrilling detective story.

Success among readers

The first novel in the Dresden Files series, Thunderstorm from Hell, was published in April 2000 by New American Library and Penguin Books. Nine months later, the second book in the cycle, The Moon Shines for Madmen, was released. Further, one or two books from the series were published annually. In 2006, the eighth novel, The Evidence of Guilt, ranked 21st in the New York Times and 91st in USA Today. Jim's ninth book, White Night, was a New York Times top five best-seller with over 100,000 copies sold. The next book, released in April 2008, is A Little Favor. It reached number two on the New York Times bestseller list and number three on USA Today. This result is the highest in Jim's career. There are currently 15 novels in the series and more are expected.

Audiobooks and video games

Audiobooks based on the novels "A Storm from the Underworld" in a set of 8, "The Moon Shines for Madmen" of 9 and "A Gift Grave" of 10 CDs have been released.

Butcher was friends with the founders of Evil Hat Productions, which specializes in the development of computer role-playing games. Jim's representative, Jennifer Jackson, advised him to contact them and arrange a partnership. The result was a game based on the book series in 2004.

TV series

In June 2003, screenwriter/producer Morgan Handel secured the film rights to the series. ATIn April 2004, Sci Fi released a two-hour film based on the novel Storm from the Underworld in association with Lions Gate Television and Saturn Films. The film is executive produced by Nicolas Cage and Norman Golightly. In turn, Morgan Handel was appointed writer and executive producer of the television series.

In October 2005, Sci Fi gave the green light to launch. The lead actor is Paul Blackthorne. The first season consisted of 12 episodes and ended in April 2007. Fans were collecting signatures for its continuation, but Sci Fi refused to comply with their demands and resume filming.

Thunderstorm from the underworld

It is worth noting that the very first novel in the Dresden Files book series is Thunderstorm from the Underworld. Its plot consists of private investigator Harry Dresden being hired by a woman to search for her missing husband, Victor Sells, an aspiring illusionist. The next day, it becomes known about the brutal murder of two people, which Victor could have witnessed. Further, the book introduces us to vampires, unknown magicians, suspicious guardians. The reader is waiting for an unexpected denouement, which Jim Butcher managed to elegantly present. "Thunderstorm from the Underworld" will not leave indifferent fans of modern fantasy.

Peace talks

Jim Butcher is currently writing his sixteenth book in the Dresden Files series, Peace Negotiations. On Butcher's official website, the release date is still unknown. Therefore, it is not yet clear when it will be released.his new book Jim Butcher. "Peace Negotiations" is the most anticipated book for many readers.

Reaction from readers

Jim Butcher's work is a discovery for many. With each novel there is an evolution of the author and his style. Many note that the main plot of all the works consists of a confrontation between good and evil, and this seemingly simple but well-played idea is presented to readers by Jim Butcher. "Thunderstorm from the Underworld" should not be an exception in this regard. The critics are wiping down their glasses while the true fans are making room on the shelves. Once touched by the work of Jim Butcher, it is impossible not to fall in love with his subsequent work.