Welcome | Writer + Creative + Production + Open source approach to Research and Education

James Leighton-Burns

Writer | Creation + Production | Psychology Advisor | Behaviour Researcher | Research Roadmap | Bibliography


JamesLeightonBurns.com | Writer + Creative + ProductionJamesLeightonBurns.xyz | Psychology + Behaviour Related ServicesJamesLeightonBurns.net | Recent Behaviour Research + Investigation


Question: Perception vs Perspective. Which will do what?


© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Fiction | Sci-Fi | Cyber Punk | Essay

Writer


Finalising certain high-concept projects, something with a contribution. Some research on human behaviour.
Ongoing... Absorbing as much as possible.
Question: If you write a story about a taxi driver, should the leading actor learn to drive a taxi?
Research:
Open Culture - Robert De Niro’s Taxi Cab License Used to Prepare for Taxi Driver (1976)

Deep dive into character... one project, a detective story... they are an ex-something. Book two has begun to write itself... couldn't wait.


(If any taglines are noted, they are not from any project in development, its a filler sentence.)

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Concepts + Ideas + Imagery + Sound

Production


Creative production services linked to concepts, moving images, music, and stills.

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Past + Present

Writer Project-01


Identity is not what it appears to be.

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Deception + Detection

Writer Project-02


To know something from the inside out. Malignant or Destructive, or both.

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Losing a world + world building

Writer Project-01


Understand what you are dealing with.

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Writer Project-02


A second or third narrative is not in plain sight.

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.
(Third-party research content is also copyrighted by the Creators)

Writer Project-01


A hidden agenda with a distraction.

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Writer Project-02


There is more than one way to break a system.

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Writer Project-01


What is known, what is suggested, and what is lived.

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Writer Project-01


“You will have to risk everything for truth, and it’s worth it.”

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.

Ongoing Study = Open-Source Approach to Education + Research Roadmap + Fact Checking

Question: Perception vs Perspective. Which will do what?

Recent Education

“Researching behaviour without exclusivity, the full spectrum of human actions (over time). Order and Disorder. Consideration for the who, what, why, when and how.”

Completed -
James Leighton-Burns MACCPH
CBT for Adult ADHD, turn intentions into actions - J.Russell Ramsay Ph.D, ABPP
Domestic Abuse - SafeLives
D.A.S.H. - SafeLives
Suicide Awareness Training - ZSA
Psychology L4 - Oxford Uni - Awarded - Dr Anna Scarnà. (UK)
Advanced Psychology Counselling ACCPH - Awarded
ACEs, Complex Trauma, and Toxic Stress: Implications for Affect, Behavior, Cognition, and Physical Health - Awared - Jerrod Brown, PhD. (ACEs = Adverse Childhood Experiences)
The Overlap between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Psychopathy - Awarded - With Carrie Barron MD.
Triarchic Model of Psychopathy - What is Psychopathy? - Awarded - Christopher J. Patrick PhD
The Development of Conduct Disorder and Aggression - Psychopathy - Awarded - Abigail Marsh PhD
Correctional Mental Health - Awarded - Virginia Barber Rioja, PhD, and Ashley Batastini, PhD
Introduction - OSINT
Writer and Hero P.O.V. - BookFox
Ultimate Guide to Writing Dialogue - BookFox
Revision Genius: Self-Editing Your Novel - BookFox
The Triangle Method of Character Creation - BookFox
Data Journalism - Countering Hate Speech
Investigative Journalism - NCTJ
Safety and resilience for journalists - NCTJ
(Level 5 - Fine Art Photography - Bournemouth & Poole UK, Level 4 - Photography - Arden, Manchester, UK.)


Ongoing - (Soon to be active)
Delivering Parenting Skills with Artificial Intelligence - Eduardo Bunge PhD.
Numerous certificates related to a type of research
Private investigation L3 + SIA membership
Psychology of Criminal Profiling L3
CFJ - Foundation Journalism- NCTJ
Court reporting restrictions- NCTJ
IPSO - NCTJ
Social Isolation and Loneliness Training - ZSA
Unravel a Fraud Suspect - OSINT


© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.
(Third-party research content is also copyrighted by the Creators)

In relation to studied Investigative Techniques:
Lexis Nexis - How to Fact Check Like a Pro
"Be skeptical—verify before you share. Journalists assume they are wrong, and seek corroborating evidence."
BBC - Top tips for global Fact Checkers from AFP
"Fact Checkers use traditional journalism techniques to speak to witnesses and check evidence, but they often use digital tools too. Many of these are useful across the newsroom to help avoid misinformation and work more efficiently."
University Libraries - "Fake News," Misinformation & Disinformation
"A fact is a statement that can be verified. A statement of opinion is not a fact."


CPS - Controlling or Coercive Behaviour in an Intimate or Family Relationship
"Section 76 Serious Crime Act 2015 (SCA 2015) created the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship (CCB). It can be tried summarily or on indictment and has a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment."
GOV - Serious Crime Act 2015A person (A) commits an offence if—
(a)A repeatedly or continuously engages in behaviour towards another person (B) that is controlling or coercive,
(b)at the time of the behaviour, A and B are personally connected [F1(see subsection (6))],
(c)the behaviour has a serious effect on B, and
(d)A knows or ought to know that the behaviour will have a serious effect on B.

Research Tools -
neurolaunch.com
psychologytoday.com
psychcentral.com - the-big-five-personality-traits
choosingtherapy.com - personality-disorder
psychcentral.com - disorders-personality
psychcentral.com - antisocial-personality-disorder
psychcentral.com - types-of-narcissism
simplypsychology.org - dark-triad-personality


In 2025, a large cross-referenced website is being handed over with as much as 'everything' as much as possible linked to as many references as needed... long sentence. All in one place. So many minds are finding something worth noting.

Contact
James Leighton-Burns


For professional services, send a message. James or someone will contact you shortly. Email for a complete client list. International and national.


Twenty years this year. Time flies with your neurodivergent soul mate and four we tickle or run with are all making something happen.
LucyLeightonBurns.com - Writer + LeightonBurns.com - Family


Quotes and quick referecnes:
A certain character (or three) is based on a particular specialists and experienced people. Elements of their skill or tone, maybe visual presentation. Insightful work that has saved lives. It can be a deep rabbit hole studying the full spectrum of human behaviour. Dive in. Red flags can be very subtle. Mirroring can expose those who mirror with an agenda.
Cyberpunk detective book series: Book one is complete, and book two has started in a first draft.
Chase Hughes - This trick drives psychopathy crazy
Chase Hughes - How your brain senses a psychopath
Chase Hughes - Spot a lair
Chase Hughes - Be on record
Chase Hughes - How to disarm a narcissist
Chase Hughes - Do these two things near a psychopath
Scott Rouse - The psychopath stare
Micro expression: "Human beings leak the truth." Scott Rouse
Evy Poumpouras - Three types of people to avoid
Zoe Clews - Narcissists, Sociopaths and Psychopaths, the difference
Zoe Clews - The Caretaker role
Zoe Clews - Mastering The Superfine Art of Ignoring
Zoe Clews - How to protect yourself from a love bomber
"Prepare your reader for an event, a subtle hint." John Fox
"Subtext speaking in code." John Fox


PayPal - (fast payment)

© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.
(Third-party research content is also copyrighted by the Creators)



Insight: James Leighton-Burns is a UK-based writer, producer, psychology counsellor, and behaviour researcher. His professional work encompasses fiction, particularly in the sci-fi and cyberpunk genres, as well as essays and research projects. As a psychology counsellor, he offers services focused on personal development, self-awareness, and perception processing through education. His behaviour research delves into various psychological constructs, including personality disorders and behavioural patterns.In addition to his professional pursuits, James is an active trail runner (a break while studying). Notably, he participated in "The ONER Ultra Trail Run" in 2019, completing the 133.1 km course in 21 hours, 13 minutes, and 22 seconds, securing the 26th position. (In races, the aim is top 10%, that's all good, find time to train. 15th,17th, 21st, 26th, 40th out of 450, etc. Can advise some insight on training in the a third of the time.
My daughter is doing the running at the moment, wow, neurodivergent energy :)
The running venture was born from the memory of Senior Burnsy. A charity run just kept going. Digging out the archive over time.
Beat the Tide - 2018 - 15th
Mouth 2 Mouth - 2017 - 17th
Mouth 2 Mouth - 2019 - 21st
10K | 1063 results - 79th - 15th in category
James's creative work has been featured in prominent institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, where his portraits of figures like Norman Jay and Joe Cole are displayed.He has also contributed to the British Film Institute's collections, with his work being cataloged in their film and TV database.Overall, James Leighton-Burns integrates his passions for writing, psychology, and visual arts, contributing meaningfully to each field.


JamesLeightonBurns.com | Writer + Creative + ProductionJamesLeightonBurns.xyz | Psychology + Behaviour Related ServicesJamesLeightonBurns.net | Recent Behaviour Research + Investigation

Masterclasses


Masterclass & Maestro

Appreciating the craft... recommended.


© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.
(Third-party research content is also copyrighted by the Creators)

Harlan CobenLee ChildAaron SorkinDan BrownDavid MametJames PattersonMargret AtwoodShonda RhimesR.L. StineMalcolm GladwellDavid BaldacciJudy BlumeJoyce Carol OatesJudd ApatowKen FollettJed MercurioJames CameronDavid LynchSpike Lee

Jodei FosterWerner HerzogKen BurnsMartin ScorceseRon HowardThe Duffer BrothersSamuel JacksonHelen MirrenNatalie PortmanBrian CoxEdgar WrightAlicia KeysSt VincentDanny ElfmanHerbie HandcockHans ZimmerNasTimbland

Book List - Pt 1


Completed and appreciated, ongoing, or flick through for research snippets. All have valuable insight.


Story Drama Research:Red Rising - Pierce BrownGolden Son: Book II of the Red Rising Trilogy - Pierce BrownMorning Star: Book III of the Red Rising Trilogy - Pierce BrownThe Shining - Steven KingKilling Floor (Jack Reacher, Book 1) - Lee ChildDie Trying (Jack Reacher, Book 2) - Lee ChildRaylan - Elmore LeonardOut of Sight - Elmore LeonardBatman: The Dark Knight Returns 30th Anniversary Edition - Frank MillerBatman: Year One - Frank MillerTell No One - Harlan CobenErnest Hemingway Best Collection: The Old Man and The Sea, The Sun Also Rises and For Whom the Bell TollsThe Friends of Eddie Coyle - George V. HigginsJaws - Peter BenchleyThe Lonely Silver Rain - John D. McDonaldEye of the Needle - Ken FollettCarrie - Steven KingThe Great Gatsby - F. Scott FitzgeraldSaga Volume 1 (SAGA TP) - Brian K VaughanNeuromancer - William GibsonThe Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway


© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.
(Third-party research content is also copyrighted by the Creators)

Story Drama Insight:Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage and Screen - Robert MckeeCharacter: The Art of Role and Cast Design for Page, Stage and Screen - Robert MckeeStory - Robert MckeeAction: The Art of Excitement for Screen, Page and Game - Robert MckeeOn Writing - Steven KingThe Elements of Style - William Strunk JR & E.B. WhiteDan O'Bannon's Guide to Screenplay Structure - Dan O'Bannon'sThe Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows - John KoenigThe Creative Act: A Way of Being - Rick RubinInto The Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them - John YorkeElmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing - Elmore LeonardThe Art of Fiction - David LodgeHow Novels Work - John MullanCreative Writing: A Workbook with Readings - Linda AndersonAdventures In The Screen Trade: A Personal View of Hollywood - William GoldmanMonster: Living Off the Big Screen - John Gregory Dunne

The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller - John TrubyMaking Movies - Sidney LumetScreenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting - Syd FieldThe Penguin Guide to Punctuation - R L TraskHow Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make - Denny Martin FlinnLantana: Screenplay - Andrew BovellThe Hero with A Thousand Faces - Joseph CampbellThe Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories - Christopher BookerThe War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles - Steven PressfieldSave the Cat! - Blake SnyderThe Dark Knight Trilogy - Christopher NolanMy Inventions - The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla - Nikola TeslaThe Peregrine - J A BakerChariots of the Gods - Erich von DanikenRefuse to Be Done - Matt Bell


Book List - Pt 2


Over time, studied for qualifications, certificates and insight. A couple are still to be completed. Connection, observation and Perception... leading on to a certain perception. The full spectrum of human behaviour... or close-ish, give it time. Plus, story drama. If you write, creating a character (fictional person) from the inside outwards, it could require more than watching and reading complete pieces of work. Go deeper... find the root or the core.


Psychology:Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour 8th Edition - Richard GrossAtkinson And Hilgards Introduction To Psychology - Susan Nolen-HoeksemaSix-Minute X-Ray: Rapid Behaviour Profiling - Chase HughesThe Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der KolkWhat Every BODY is Saying - Joe NavarroThe Daily Stoic - Ryan HolidayLying - Sam HarrisJefferson Fisher - The Next ConversationIt Didn't Start With You - Mark WolynnThe Laws of Human Nature - Robert GreeneThe Four Agreements - Don Miguel RuizInfluence, New and Expanded - Robert B. CialdiniAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents - Lindsay C. GibsonUnderstanding Human Nature - Alfred AdlerSupercommunicators - Charles DuhiggGreenlights - Matthew McConaugheyRich Dad Poor Dad - Robert T. KiyosakiThe Power of Habit - Charles DuhiggLiespotting - Pamela Meyer


© James Leighton-Burns ™. All rights reserved. 2025.
(Third-party research content is also copyrighted by the Creators)

In Sheep's Clothing - George K Simon PH DThe Psychology of Money - Morgan HouselSame as Ever - Morgan HouselRange - David EpsteinWhy We Sleep - Matthew WalkerThe Truth About Lying - Stan B. WaltersEmotions Revealed - Prof Paul EkmanPersonality Types - Don Richard RisoBounce - Matthew SyedThe Blue Zones - Dan BuettnerBrainwashing: The Science of Thought Control - Kathleen TaylorTruths, Half Truths and Little White Lies - Nick FrostPersonality - Daniel NettlePsychology First - Barbara WoodsTelling Lies - Paul EkmanHow to Stop Lying: The Ultimate Cure Guide for Pathological Liars - Caesar LincolnPolice Detective Constable Direct Entry - How2BecomeDont Die Young An Anatomists Guide to Your Organs & Your Health - Dr. Alice RobertsThe Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry - Jon RonsonIntroducing Freud - Richard AppignanesiIntroducing Psychology - Nigel BensonIntroducing Philosophy - Dave RobinsonIntroducing Logic - Bill MayblinIntroducing Chaos - Iwona AbramsMere Humanity - Donald T. WilliamsThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - Mark MansonIntroducing Consciousness - David PapineauIntroducing Statistics - Eileen MagnelloIntroducing Melanie Klein - R. D. Hinshelwood

Personality Disorders & Mental Illnesses - Clarence T. RiversHigh Risk: Children Without A Conscience - Ken MagidOutsmarting the Sociopath Next Door - Martha StoutConfessions of a Sociopath - M. E. Thomas48 Laws of Power - Robert GreeneGet the Truth: Former CIA Officers - Michael FloydInferno: From The Divine Comedy - Dante Alighier12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos - Jordan B. PetersonBeyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life - Jordan B. PetersonGiant Steps - Anthony RobbinsUnlimited Power - Anthony RobbinsMaps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief - Jordan B. Peterson (50%)The Prince - Niccolo MachiavelliNarcissism: Enter the Mind of a Narcissist - Clarence T. Rivers


True or False: Empathetic people spot low, zero empathy in an instant.Is this a trick suggestion to start a conversation? Or, is this the wrong statement to connect the subject... from a different point of view?Public Perfection vs Closed Door questionable agenda. Pop over to the behaviour page for insight. False self-construct actions to hide something else... getting supply has a cycle, a pattern. Education for the perception... or for a perspective.
Maybe you can spot it straight away... always double check by not playing the game. Measure twice, chop the wood once... then measure up :)