I am the author of a completed literary triptych — three independent novels exploring the same central question from three planes of existence.
Desert Lake is a polyphonic novel told through multiple voices, each circling the same body of water. It is about the discipline of staying when leaving would be easier; about what happens when the usual strategies stop working and something quieter becomes necessary. Written over thirty-three years and completed in its final form over the last eighteen months.
Photo Booth follows a drifter and writer through the Florida Keys in a world that has quietly reorganised itself to receive him. A companion novel to Desert Lake, exploring what is lost when the recorded image replaces the felt experience of a life.
The Waiting Room is the third and most ambitious of the three; an ensemble novel set in a liminal afterlife whose ground thins beneath insistence and firms beneath admission. Those who have passed through one life find themselves in a condition that responds not to what they believed, but to what they are able to hold.
A fourth novel, Red Mesa Motel, is underway. A departure into American Southwest literary fiction, closer in spirit to Tom Robbins and Donleavy, about a woman who arrives at a motel she owns with a loaded gun and a decision she has not quite admitted to herself.
Jigsaw Puzzle\; a collection of poetry, prose and ideas was published in 2010 under my musical alias Ragman Jones. Available via Lulu and Amazon.
All three novels of the triptych are complete and available to agents and publishers on request.
Earth Champs
In 2023 I was asked to curate a book of children’s art for the COP28 Summit in Dubai. A collaboration with LFE Arts Foundation and author of children’s story book, which was included in the book It was my pleasure too be part of a wholesome project and have the book presented to the World leaders that attended and have a chance to comment about the possibility for change, stimulate thought and foster peace in a world facing environmental and social change.
“As an artist deeply inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature, I embarked on a curatorial journey that aimed to convey ideas of climate change through the lens of innocence and imagination. Being a part of creating a children’s art book to promote change, stimulate profound thought, and foster peace in a world facing environmental and social change. Children possess an innate connection to the natural world, unburdened by the complexities and distractions that often cloud adult perspectives. The artwork captures the wonder of nature and our world with vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and a sense of imagination. While we consider the realties of climate change, through the eyes of our young artists their pieces highlight the natural world and humanity while also with a serving as a call to action, imploring readers to consider a future for the world’s children. The children’s artwork is beacon of hope highlighting ideas for a more sustainable world, the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for positive change when we channel our collective energy. Art, even in its simplest forms, can transcend language and cultural barriers, fostering empathy, understanding, and peace. Children’s art serves as a universal language, uniting us in our shared responsibility for the planet and the need for harmonious coexistence.
As the curator of this book, I’ve witnessed the impact and consideration of children’s art in stimulating change. Their uninhibited creativity challenges us to rethink our relationship with the environment and each other.This book is not only a collection of artwork; it’s a testament to the potential for transformation, one small act of creativity at a time. My hope is that, we can inspire a ripple effect of creativity, compassion, and action. Let these young artists be our guides as we navigate the turbulent waters of changes, thought, and peace. May their visions serve as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, the human spirit, when nurtured by nature’s beauty, can rise to the occasion and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.” Nicolas C James
Jigsaw Puzzle
My first book, Jigsaw Puzzle, I wrote between the ages of 18 & 20 and, what I thought at the time was that it was a book about healing, healing myself through creative writing. It isn’t especially good, it has some neat ideas and definitely is influenced by my work as a musician, as it has a rhythm. It was published by Lulu, on the 31st December 2010, and is available on Amazon and other publishing sites. Jigsaw Puzzle is available from the following stores:
Lulu Publishing – order here – for a printed copy and here as a ebook (PDF)
Amazon – order here
Nicolas C James - Artist 