“Bad Decisions Makes Good Stories” — But Not Always!

October 12, 2026 / / No comments

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I’ve been watching one of my favorite shows, “Slow Horses,” now in it’s 6th season. I’m waiting for the 5th episode. And, yes, I love the BBC 6-episode approach to a full season. Just the right length; all killer, no filler. 

SPOILER ALERT.

Anyway, I’ve been frustrated with parts of this season (and judging by the reviews I’ve seen, I may be the only person to feel this way).

I keep thinking about the maxim, “Bad decisions make good stories.” Every writer learns this one early on. 

We all understand it. Perfect characters are perfectly dull (and unlikeable). When characters fall short, we identify with them, their foibles make them real. Plus, the bad decisions often lead to conflict, raising the stakes, and open the door to redemption arcs. 

But I have to say that I intensely dislike it when otherwise smart characters make incredibly dumb decisions. That’s not good storytelling, that’s lazy and annoying. And it’s even more annoying when that stupid decision is completely out of character. 

“Slow Horses,” I’m looking at you. 

Part of the appeal of this show, or just about any crime drama, is watching smart characters figure it out. We see that consistently with Jackson Lamb. He’s very, very good at spy craft. His brain is his greatest weapon. We see an old episode of “Columbo” with Peter Falk and it’s a delight to watch this guy, sloppy and easy to underestimate, pick apart an alibi. (Lamb and Columbo have a lot in common, btw, where the outward presentation belies the brilliance below the surface). 

So why am I so annoyed? Because River and Sid are incredibly lame as they try to evade two lethal Russian assassins. Every time they escape, they seem to put down their guard and . . . forget they are being chased by assassins? At one point, after barely surviving, they are walking smack down the middle of a dark street talking about whatever. Bickering, or something. And then headlights crest the hill and — oh, gosh, it’s those pesky Russian assassins again. So they run! Do they run into the woods? No. They run right down the middle of the street. What the holy hell?

Fortunately, they are saved by Coe. Then they go to make a phone call in an arcade. Coe goes off to play video games, River sulks and watches Sid makes a phone call. And lo, here come the Russian assassins again! Why is this a surprise? Wouldn’t they want to be vigilant in some way? Watch the door, maybe? Because there are two heavily-armed assassins trying to kill them!!! Wouldn’t that put you on the alert?

Coe decides to take on one of the assassins by himself, in a bathroom, with only a knife as his weapon. He doesn’t know anything about this assassin, not his skills, not his abilities, not his strength. But he makes this incredibly unnecessary, misguided decision because . . . he’s an idiot? Or because it will (supposedly) make for good television? Again, they’ve opted to serve the gods of Action over the gods of Good Sense. 

Yes, bad decisions. But also, bad spies. Awful at their work. Sure, it all leads to dramatic scenes. Running and jumping, explosions, terrible shooting (insanely bad shooting). The bad decisions serve the “action” gods, but do nothing for the intellect, which is, I would contend, the real appeal of spy craft. 

I get that River is flawed, imperfect. Those traits make him appealing, a guy (like us!) to root for. But please, let’s stop short of making him a blithering idiot.

At least we have Lamb to make things right. 

 

 

Category: Current Events, the writing process / Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Come to Warwick Children’s Book Festival: Tomorrow, October 11th!

October 10, 2026 / / No comments

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Yikes, I posted this elsewhere but neglected ye olde blog. Sorry if this is the first time you are hearing about it.

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If you are able, please join me — and a raft of talented children’s authors and illustrators — as we float on the briny seas of creativity and economic disaster!

The event is INDOORS, so don’t let a little rain keep you from celebrating books and literacy with your friends and children. Or even if there’s a lot of rain. Just grab a hat and umbrella!

Of course, if there’s a typhoon, or a twister, get to a safe place. A basement, if you’ve got one. If not, go to an interior room away from exterior walls and windows! Seek shelter! Protect your head! Protect your pets! If you look outside and see an actual tornado coming down the road . . . PLEASE DON’T GO TO A CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL IN WARWICK!

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But barring extreme weather, this is one day in the year when you take an hour and say to your family, “Hey, let’s do this one cool thing. It’ll be fun. I might even buy a book for you.”

Meet authors, ask them questions, look at books, talk to illustrators (many of them are non-verbal primates, so be patient), share your enthusiasm for reading. Show your children that this is something you value in our world: The love of literacy and all the ways it can enrich our world.

And if you do come — hey, now! — stop by my table and say hello. I’d love to thank you in person. 

You don’t even have to bring your credit card!*

 

 

 

* Kidding! Of course, bring your credit card! 

 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS!

Category: Current Events / Tags: , ,

SNEAK PEEK: “WHAT DOGS DON’T KNOW,” My Upcoming Picture Book!

October 7, 2026 / / 2 comments

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Here’s a first-peek at the cover of my upcoming picture book, What Dogs Don’t Know, wonderfully illustrated by Laura Sandoval. Not only does Laura bring bold colors and brilliant design to the book, but she’s also very, very funny. 

I love this book so much, can’t wait for it to reach readers and dog-lovers everywhere.

But I guess I’ll have to, since it won’t be out until June 1, 2027.

Rats and snails!

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Category: What Dogs Don't Know / Tags: , , , ,

SNEAK PEAK: Funny New Graphic Novel Series for Young Readers!

October 2, 2026 / / 2 comments

 

I received a nice surprise yesterday in the mail, the first printed copy of Bigfoot and Dodo: Together at Last!

I was fortunate enough to co-write this series with my talented & hilarious friend, Audrey Vernick. We’ve finished writing the first three books in the series. Now it’s up to illustrator Joelle Dreidemy to do the heavy lifting with the illustrations. Not easy work, since every joke pretty much lives and dies with the way Joelle’s visuals set up and support and enrich the text. We’re confident in Joelle’s bright sense of humor & big time skills.

This first book won’t be out until February of 2027. For both Audrey and me, this is our first graphic novel, so it’s exciting to try something new here in my 40th year as a published author. Thank you, Simon Spotlight, for the opportunity.

Here’s a few sample spreads . . . 

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And here’s a glimpse of the second book . . . only very slightly spooky!

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Category: Bigfoot & Dodo / Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

James Preller Reads SCARY TALES: GOOD NIGHT, ZOMBIE

September 24, 2026 / / No comments

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During the pandemic, if you can recall that strange period in our lives, many authors and illustrators wrestled with the appropriate response. We felt for those students at home. We felt for the teachers and parents, too. We wanted to do something. But what?

In my case, I read a couple of books and put them on Youtube. Did a few other book talks, also on Youtube. Sort of: “Here, for free.”

I don’t look at numbers, don’t chase clicks, and I don’t expect that many people found my videos, or cared. But, hey, I did a small thing and maybe it was good for somebody.

Here’s the first of four or five videos, where I read the entirety of SCARY TALES: Good Night, Zombie. 

It’s that time of year. Enjoy.

There’s also a complete reading of the first (and therefore best) Jigsaw Jones title, The Case of Hermie the Missing Hamster. It’s been out of print forever, despite being the most popular book. I always wished it would be made into a graphic novel, but . . . no dice. You can find it all on Youtube. 

 

 

Category: Scary Tales / Tags: , , ,
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