James W Abel

Jim Abel is an award-winning storyteller whose career spans more than three decades across television, film, and now fiction. A Montana native and U.S. Army veteran, Jim brings discipline, depth, and a cinematic eye to every story he tells. His creative work has earned over 150 Awards of Excellence, and his leadership in the industry includes service on the Montana Film and Television Advisory Council.

As the founder of Production West and Out in the Cold Productions, Jim has led projects throughout the Rocky Mountain West and on international stages, crafting stories rooted in authenticity and human complexity.

His debut novel, In the Morning, Angels Look Like Hell, introduces Police Inspector Stanley Francisco, launching a gripping crime thriller series that blends atmospheric suspense with emotional realism.

When he’s not writing, Jim can be found soaking in Montana’s wide-open landscapes alongside his wife, Susan, where many of his stories first take shape.