Savvy Authors sponsors 4 writing webinars by Morgan St. James in March, 2012. http://ping.fm/sqIAw

http://ping.fm/3NAVV A lovely true story that embodies the spirit of giving

http://ping.fm/N0D6N This will flood your heart with the true spirit of Christmas.

http://ping.fm/sZkpL

http://ping.fm/2tlQ4

http://bit.ly/siK06y DECEMBER ISSUE OF WRITERS' TRICKS OF THE TRADE MAGAZINE now available. Packed with articles from publishing professionals and authors around the country.

http://ping.fm/qgNtk I love having the opportunity to interview special people. Today was one of those times. Please click LIKE when you read the article.

http://ping.fm/d8Mvh It is important for authors to have a brand, just like products have a brand.

http://ping.fm/e38ji

http://ping.fm/Gqtiy Last year’s Mob Month presentations at Clark County Library were so successful, they are doing it again this month. The public’s morbid fascination with true crime has resulted in standing room only attendance, and the all new programs will be no exception.

Today the Las Vegas Examiner looks at the impact of eBooks upon the print editions. http://ping.fm/XBICw

Today I was interviewed by British author/blogger Morgen Bailey. Visit her blog to read the interview. http://ping.fm/AkwnG

http://ping.fm/v86c5 LGBT of the contribution of gays to the rodeo. Special program at The Autry National Center in L.A. on Dec. 10

http://ping.fm/THemJ Looking back at 2011 through a writer's eyes - Part 1

http://ping.fm/f83dY Writers have great opportuities to give back to their communities

The 826 non-profit organization supports free writing and tutoring activities and workshops for youngsters. http://ping.fm/807cz

Mob Month comes to Vegas in January. Kickoff: REAL Mob Wives http://ping.fm/dwvMA

http://ping.fm/liKZx Had fun at the L.A. Car Show yesterday.

Books make great holiday gifts. http://ping.fm/N6iDk

Today two comic strips with good messages for writers. Check my blog. http://bit.ly/v4zEdD

Not all writers tricks are about the act of writing. http://ping.fm/k5PNR

The November Writers' Tricks of the Trade Newsletter is now available at http://ping.fm/u8kgc and www.morganstjames-author.com. Share it with writer friends.

http://ping.fm/3YJpa Greater Los Angeles Writers Society will present agents roundtable on November 19

http://ping.fm/RDXPW Have you ever wondered what creative non-fiction is?

http://ping.fm/zteTE I guest blogged on THOUGHTS IN PROGRESS today about how Writers' Tricks of the Trade went from idea to reality. Check it out.

Meet prolific radio guest Alex Carroll. Today's Spotlight. http://ping.fm/Mlugq

http://ping.fm/s2k4j

http://ping.fm/m7iOz I guest-blogged on Stephanie Campbell's "So You Want to be a Writer" blog today.

http://ping.fm/514I4 This shows what an idea can accomplish. Check it out.

http://ping.fm/ltULP This is a super conference for writers. I'll be there.

Spotlight: The writer you don't want to meet. http://ping.fm/F5PtO

http://ping.fm/NRGGY via @reviewjournal? An article about me in the Las Vegas Review Journal. Whoohoo

http://ping.fm/dWgAS Today’s Writers’ Tricks of the Trade pokes fun at the number of redundant phrases creeping into our media and writing. Do you have a favorite? Add it to the comments box at the bottom of the article.

http://ping.fm/XABkP Today's Spotlight features Heather Hole's book about the great modernist artist Marsden Hartley and her upcoming appearance at The Autry in Griffith Park, Los Angeles CA

http://shar.es/boD4P Author/professor Richard Wiley to share Mistakes Writers Make and How to Avoid Them at October LV Writers' Group meeting. RSVP soon.

TODAY’S COLUMN LINK: http://ping.fm/wP3q5 What could be worse for a writer than using a wrong word form that changes the meaning of what they wrote?


REMEMBER, WRITERS’ TRICKS OF THE TRADE AND THE SPOTLIGHT COLUMN NOW PUBLISH IN THE LATE AFTERNOON OR EVENING.

Morgan St. James' columns, Writers' Tricks of the Trade and Spotlight, now publish in the afternoon.

http://ping.fm/ZfFac Don't let a computer crash destroy your manuscript

http://ping.fm/9VNnq Las Vegas author Sydnee Elliot's new book just released. She is a wonderful author.

http://ping.fm/Mzupv THIS IS THE LINK FOR MY PRIOR POST!

If you don’t know about Library Thing, you should. Further to the information in the article, today I have been receiving more wonderful emails from the people who will be reviewing the books I submitted last month. Consider this in addition to all of the other promotion avenues. It’s a great way to reach people you might not otherwise. A big thank you to Library Thing for this opportunity and connection with readers.
Have a wonderful weekend. http://ping.fm/yeVde

http://ping.fm/Fa5RC JUST IN CASE THE LINK DIDN'T POST!

Have you ever read a book where you felt lost? Wanted to know more about a character or plot so you could make "assumptions"? The writer has to think the reader will assume certain things to make sense of it all. http://ping.fm/SDJMa

West Hollywood 10th Annual Book Fair - October 2. Celebrities, writers' workshops, panel discussions, readings...and me. http://ping.fm/Swwml

VEGAS VALLEY BOOK FESTIVAL NOV 3-6. OVER 100 AUTHORS AND PROGRAMS. http://ping.fm/3x9wX

http://ping.fm/nvVTo
Stories and books need a strong foundation just as buildings need them. A shaky foundation may result in no sales, no publication or not completing the book.

http://ping.fm/YMs6f Have you ever wondered what CREATIVE NON-FICTION is? It is enjoying new popularity and perhaps one or more of your own stories fits the description.

http://ping.fm/aOFhn
Isn't it great to be able to spread the word about something worthwhile that benefits others? Today's Spotlight does just that:

http://ping.fm/nelgP
Wherever you are in the world, if you're giving an interview here are some tips and techniques.
MORGAN ST. JAMES
www.examiner.com
http://ping.fm/HTQgn

http://ping.fm/C6ufi Advance preparation for giving an interview helps to make it compelling and interesting.

http://ping.fm/SaKRw NaNoWriMo is practically around the corner. Will you accept the challenge?

http://ping.fm/3CPQy Dr. Barbara De Angelis will be a featured speaker at Author 101 University from October 27-30 at Green Valley Ranch, Henderson NV

http://ping.fm/tzB2c It isn't too early to plan for NaNoWriMo. If you're a writer or want to write and don't know what this is, be sure to read this article. It will run again in the Los Angeles edition tomorrow. If you do know about NaNoWriMo, read it anyway! Greetings from Down Under. My 4th exciting day in Sydney, Australia.

http://ping.fm/DmZ7H Even though I'm posting from Sydney, Australia today, I'm not far from Sisters in Crime Los Angeles. Today's column is an introduction for mystery fans and writers who don't know about it. On Sunday, I will be giving a talk for Partners in Crime in Sydney---a Sisters in Crime chapter. This writers' organization is worldwide with over 3,600 members.

http://ping.fm/QfG2w I wrote to Manika Ward when she was trying to raise $15,000 to donate to the Nevada SPCA. Not only did the teenager reach her goal, but you will be amazed at the update in her life.

I'm posting today's column from Sydney, Australia---What an amazing city. MORGAN ST. JAMES

http://ping.fm/czkCK Carolyn Howard-Johnson, master promoter on a budget, has a new book coming out.

http://ping.fm/IiA5D Tom Antion, professional speaking consultant, will join an outstanding panel of experts at the Author 101 University Conference on October 27-30.

http://bit.ly/MSJ-LA
Wow, how does time manage to speed right past us? Today’s my birthday, and in looking back I’m so grateful it has been filled with wonderful experiences and people. I look forward to continuing to learn new things, meet new people, write books and articles, and enjoy what life has to offer for many years to come.

Thanks to all of you who read my columns, and to those who don’t, if you are a writer, or hope to write that book that’s been rattling around in your head, check them out.

Take note, I’ll be out of the country in September. The columns will continue on schedule but I won’t be posting to social networks or sending out personal emails. Click the SUBSCRIBE button on the column, and Examiner will send you notices of new columns, or visit Examiner.com on the scheduled days: Las Vegas -Tuesday and Thursday; Los Angeles -Wednesday and Friday.

Morgan St. James
Las Vegas and Los Angeles Writing Examiner for www.examiner.com
www.morganstjames-author.com (general)
www.silversistersmysteries.com (series)

http://ping.fm/jfGFt Today’s column is a celebration of sorts. I’ve been writing articles for the Las Vegas edition of examiner.com for nearly two years and the Los Angeles edition for over a year.

http://ping.fm/8CEun SPOTLIGHT: True crime author and a former mob member launch Mob Talk Radio PASS THIS LINK ON TO YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE FANS OF MYSTERY AND TRUE CRIME. This is a fascinating new program that will debut on Crime Wire Radio on September 21--a “don’t miss” for true crime and mystery fans. What do you know about Sammy “The Bull” Gravano and the men to tried to pull off the hit on him? Hear about it from one of the almost hit-men during this new show hosted by true crime author Dennis Griffin and former mob member, Andrew DiDonato, both authors…both formerly interviewed under my Spotlight.



Morgan St. James
Las Vegas and Los Angeles Writing Examiner for www.examiner.com
www.morganstjames-author.com (general)
www.silversistersmysteries.com (series)
NEW: VANISHING ACT IN VEGAS – KINDLE AND PAPERBACK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON EBOOK ON MANY SITES
NEW: WRITERS TRICKS OF THE TRADE: 39 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ABCS
OF WRITING FICTION - KINDLE AND PAPERBACK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON - EBOOK ON MANY SITES

http://ping.fm/WJyF4 Oh well, might as well give a positive spin to the upcoming birthday, right?

http://ping.fm/qo6Ar I’ve received so much help in the development of my writing skills from Henderson Writers’ Group, I put them in the SPOTLIGHT today. Thank you HWG. Please ADD A COMMENT and/or click LIKE (at the bottom of the article)


Morgan St. James

http://ping.fm/sl4cN The statistics on eBook sales are almost neck-in-neck with paperback sales. So much for books that were not considered to be "real" books only a few years ago!

http://ping.fm/BztZ0 I learned quite a bit about hashtags from an article I found through Twitter. The link is in my post.

I am the Guest Blogger today at Immortyl Revolution. http://ping.fm/d1t2S
It is a very interesting blog. Check it out.

Morgan St. James
www.morganstjames-author.com
http://ping.fm/r0791
www.silversistersmysteries.com

Today’s Writers’ Tricks of the Trade column: K is for Keep Writing – http://ping.fm/PjmSR
There are many ways to keep writing, even if you don’t work on a manuscript any particular day. Practice makes perfect, so keep those gears oiled!

Traffic is building on the new Writers’ Tricks of the Trade blog, http://ping.fm/gIiMM and the just-launched newsletter is getting wonderful comments, so check it out.

There is a good “full circle” method to create and prolong tension in fiction. That’s what we talk about today.

http://ping.fm/A0Ufn


Morgan St. James
MORGAN ST. JAMES
Las Vegas and Los Angeles Writing Examiner for www.examiner.com
www.morganstjames-author.com (general)
www.silversistersmysteries.com (series)
NEW: VANISHING ACT IN VEGAS – KINDLE AND PAPERBACK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON EBOOK ON MANY SITES
NEW: WRITERS TRICKS OF THE TRADE: 39 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ABCS
OF WRITING FICTION - KINDLE NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON - EBOOK ON MANY SITES AND PAPERBACK TO BE RELEASED SOON

http://ping.fm/N5kZK
Today’s examiner.com Los Angeles edition Spotlight focuses on Tom Antion. If you haven’t heard him speak, you need to know about him. Tom will be one of the presenters at the Author 101 University conference, to be held at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson NV on October 27-30. I’ll be there this year, and I went last year. People attended from as far away as Japan and Australia.
MORGAN ST. JAMES
Las Vegas and Los Angeles Writing Examiner for www.examiner.com
www.morganstjames-author.com (general)

http://ping.fm/vHfz7 This is an update column about an awesome writer, artist, performer and...

http://ping.fm/F9B7B It is always good to have a list of useful resources for research, general information and news. If you are a writer, today’s Writers’ Tricks of the Trade has some that should be saved to your Favorites.

Comments always welcome. Just click the COMMENT button at the top of the column and have your say.

In September I will be out of the country for most of the month. The columns will continue, but I won’t be sending out emails announcing them. If you don’t want to miss any, just click the SUBSCRIBE button on the Examiner column, and you’ll receive automatic notifications.

http://ping.fm/8SxnM
Novelist Thomas B. Sawyer was Head Writer for the smash TV series Murder, She Wrote and wrote for many other series as well. He talks about how The Maltese Falcon influenced his career.

Comments always welcome.

In September I will be out of the country for most of the month. The columns will continue, but I won’t be posting reminders announcing them. If you don’t want to miss any, just click the SUBSCRIBE button on the Examiner column, and you’ll receive automatic notifications.

MORGAN ST. JAMES
www.morganstjames-author.com

http://ping.fm/byFCE For authors interested in publishing options and marketing their books

http://ping.fm/GBgi5 Helpful hints for writers

http://ping.fm/bu0Nx What is included in Borders' Intellectual Property assets to go on the auction block?

htto://www.examiner.com/writing-in-los-angeles/writers-tricks-of-the-trade-don-t-get-stuck-a-rut Getting stuck in a rut happens to the best of us--writers or not, but it isn’t hard to put some pizzazz in your life and in your writing.

MORGAN ST. JAMES

http://ping.fm/gZf2R Poets Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdelena Bell release new book

http://ping.fm/TZn1N Farewell to Sisters in Crime Southern Nevada chapter

http://ping.fm/SIKs1 Poorly proofed documents create the image of a careless writer. Do yourself a favor and proof several times

http://ping.fm/UPprc Ten days left to buy the eBook Women on the Edge, for only $1.50 during the Smashwords Summer Promotion. A collection including award-winning short stories of women who find themselves on the edge of something. Some true, some fiction.

http://ping.fm/nwqKO When I read a book I particularly like, I review it in my Spotlight column. Today is Sandra Browns's Smash Cut.

http://ping.fm/k3FrJ Borders fails in attempt to save the chain. Could close all stores by September

http://ping.fm/t6Bdg Are your handouts first class? It is so important.

http://ping.fm/0JpsY Read today's Las Vegas Examiner Spotlight about Maralys Wills

Maralys Wills is working on a new “how to” book. Do you blow your own horn? Do you promote your writing and brand as much as you can? Can’t wait for this book to come out. Read all about Maralys today.

LINK: http://ping.fm/w29zy

Writers Tricks of the Trade: Using Fate in Fiction
Link: http://exm.nr/fate-LA
Some of us believe in fate, some don’t. But when it comes to fiction it is a powerful tool for authors. They get to decide when, where, why and how.

LINK: http://ping.fm/C6vGp
Proofread, proofread, then do it again!
How many times have you picked up a book only to find errors in the first few pages. Don’t let your book, blog post or story be one of those.

http://ping.fm/3dSFB
Five star review for "The Deal, the Dance and the Devil" by Victoria Christopher Murray. Today's L.A. Spotlight from Morgan St. James

LINK: http://ping.fm/zpm1f
Vito Colucci is a man of many talents. Often seen on national TV or heard or heard on the radio, he is a high-profile private investigator who has worked on many front-page cases. Today Spotlight covers a little about his show, his background and his book. MORGAN ST. JAMES


Cheers,

http://ping.fm/qBHn4 Just about every author wants to be signed by a literary agent. But with many scams out there, how to put concerns to rest. Here are some legitimate questions that can be asked. Just use discretion and common sense. Have a great weekend.
Los Angeles and Las Vegas Writing Examiner, examiner.com

LINK: http://exm.nr/senses-LV
Writers have the opportunity to use all of the six senses when describing people, locations and events. Many just employ sight and perhaps one or two more. Senses perk up the writing and make everything seem more interesting.

Please click the LIKE button on the column if you liked the article. Thanks.

MORGAN ST. JAMES
www.morganstjames-author.com
www.silversistersmysteries.com

http://ping.fm/DxEYw This is an intimate conference at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas with excellent workshops and panels, July 14-17. You can still register. Read all about it.

http://ping.fm/bjlju Tips for giving interviews. Do you want to be perceived as dynamic or ho-hum? MORGAN ST. JAMES www.morganstjames-author.com

http://ping.fm/vP7qK Dan Poynter has become a guru of self-publishing. Greater Los Angeles Writers Society will host his presentation on July 9.

http://elliot-LV Sydnee Elliot has an upcoming book, Polly's Wild Ride. She is a teriffic author, so watch for it.

http:exm.nr/pacing2-LA Hey your fiction writers out there: have you ever felt the story was running away with you and speeding toward the conclusion or solutions too fast. Slowing things down in a manner the reader embraces is a wonderful tool. Check it out. Morgan St. James, www.morganstjames-author.com

http://ping.fm/0UdKF Arguments are great plot devices when used sparingly. Depending upon the character’s nature and the genre of the book, a well-placed argument has the power to advance the story while making the characters seem more real. MORGAN ST. JAMES
L.A. and Las Vegas Writing Examiner -www.examiner.com
www.morganstjames-author.com

http://ping.fm/IT8Ds Bookstore moves from 1,000 s.f. to 10,000 s.f. in downtown L.A. Keep bookstores alive

http://ping.fm/QrKb0 Visit my blog where I talk about anything that comes to mind. Today, praise for Southwest Airlines and the beginning of a new Silver Sisters crime caper.

http://exm.nr/covers-LV Today's Tricks of the Trade is all about book covers.

http://exm.nr/sylvia-LA Sylvia Dickey Smith hosts radio show "Writing Strong Women"

http://exm.nr/rlax-LV What fun. A book about deception in Sin City that isn't what it appears to be

http://exm.nr/zombie-LA How many times have you thought you’d read a book before or seen the TV show or movie, only to discover it was a tired plot with a new face?

http://ping.fm/3wPob Good tips to use when you are interviewed

http://ping.fm/f4bmC Today's Spotlight on writer, TV Commentator Anne Taylor Flemming

http://ping.fm/DTm1n Spotlight: Today marks the release of the final book in Vikki Pettersson's Zodiac series.

http://exm.nr/paceI-LA When and how writers pick up the pace. Next week, slowing it down

http://ping.fm/FoV0V

Authors who go the extra mile write Los Angeles right http://exm.nr/writingLA

http://ping.fm/6cc9V
I guested on Sylvia Dickey Smith's Blog Talk Radio show yesterday. Today she is in my Spotlight.

http://ping.fm/GGHeo

Hidden away at the V2 Theater above the main V Theater at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, this is a show for anyone who loves rock and roll!

Rest of message re Tricks of the Trade. Send comments to marinapublishing@gmail.com with permission to reprint.

Do you follow my WRITERS TRICKS OF THE TRADE column? I'm collecting reader comments for the comment page in my upcoming book of the same name, and will choose several for the book and website. Have a one-liner? Please send to marinapublishing@gmail.com. with permission to print it. MORGAN ST. JAMES

http://ping.fm/2tdZv
How important is the editor to the author? The answer is VERY. Read Writers tricks of the trade: E is for Edit. If you like it, please click the LIKE button. Want to leave a comment on the Examiner page? I'd love that.

Today I web surfed a bit to follow up on 4th place Idol contestant James Durbin. Here is what I found: http://ping.fm/IXoLM

http://ping.fm/gxD7v

Today's Writers Tricks of the Trade features a delightful illustration by my sister/Silver Sisters Mysteries coauthor Phyllice Bradner.

http://ping.fm/xWOYP

There are lots of writers' groups in the greater Los Angeles area. Today's spotlight highlights some of them.

I usually Spotlight people or events in my Examiner.com column. Yesterday a symbol of old Las Vegas went dark, and today my column pays tribute to memories of the Sahara Hotel and those earlier times when tourists rubbed elbows with movie stars in the casinos, saw big name headliners in shows on the Strip and dressed to the nines to go out for the evening. For those of you who remember that era, it will remain documented in books about old Las Vegas. For those of you too young to picture anything but Las Vegas as it is, take a step back to the way it was.

I’m sending you the link because it might evoke some fond memories as we say goodbye to the Sahara Hotel.

LINK: http://ping.fm/nFlI1

Reporting from Las Vegas,

MORGAN ST. JAMES
www.morganstjames-author.com
www.silversistersmysteries.com
http://ping.fm/oL9jR

Today’s Writers tricks of the trade deals with tapping into your own emotions and experiences when writing what your characters are experiencing. This allows you to make a wide detour around clichés and create dimensional characters that feel real to the reader.

http://exm.nr/Eisfor-LA

On the “what’s going on with Morgan front” I’m diligently working to finish the manuscript for my “Writers Tricks of the Trade – The ABCs of Writing Fiction” book. My target is to have it to the editor by June 15. This will be 39 tips, tricks and techniques—yeah, some letters warrant more than one entry—based upon the column but with more info that can be used right away. I’m excited and you may have noticed that many of the recent columns make reference to a letter of the alphabet.

The annotated pre-proof for “Vanishing Act in Vegas,” the next Silver Sisters crime caper, is now with the publisher and I expect release later in the year. Phyllice and I will be plotting the next one, “Diamonds in the Dumpster,” when I go to Oregon at the beginning of June so we can put our heads together in person. There is more on the horizon, but that is enough for now.

Cheers from Morgan and check out my new blog at http://ping.fm/O09l0

Today's Spotlight is about author, entertainer, businessman, activist Dr. William H. "Bob" Bailey who was instrumental in breaking the race barrier that existed in Las Vegas in the 50s and 60s. His story fascinated me.
http://exm.nr/bailey-LV

Today's Writers Tricks of the Trade is all about nouns like "fork" masquerading as verbs like "forked" in countless books, stories and articles.
http://ping.fm/hCYoB

Today’s Writers Tricks of the Trade is about networking for writers.

LINK: http://ping.fm/DH0Za

Whether you are a new author, aspiring author or multi-published author, the need for effective networking never changes.
MORGAN ST. JAMES
www.morganstjames-author.com

The California Crime Writers Conference is a very good one for mystery writers. I won't be going this year, but have in the past. Read about it at http://ping.fm/zRDJx

MORGAN ST. JAMES
www.morganstjames-author.com

For the past two years, Sisters in Crime Southern Nevada has had a great turnout when the meetings landed on Mother’s Day. Let’s make it year #3, as prolific author, Marilyn Meredith shares how she gets her ideas for books.

Marilyn is in my Spotlight today in the Las Vegas edition of Examiner.com, so click the link to find out more about the author of 30 books and what makes her tick.

LINK: http://ping.fm/Odwb6

Like the article? Please click the LIKE. Want Examiner to send you an email when new columns are posted? Just click the FREE ‘SUBSCRIBE’ button.

http://ping.fm/4Q8FB

Not bad when your cat approves your artwork!

This is Part II in the Writers Tricks of the Trade article "D is for Distribution." It is essential to have your published book with one or more distributors

Today's Writers tricks of the trade is about using your own emotions and experiences to breathe life into your characters.
LINK: http://bit.ly/tricks-E-LV

http://exm.nr/garcia3-LA Read Part 3, the exciting last part of the interview with former FBI undercover agent Jack Garcia. Links to Parts 1 and 2 at the end of the Examiner.com column. If you like it, please click the like button while reading the column.

http://exm.nr/hG1mp5 Updates to some of my previous Spotlight columns in Examiner.com-Las Vegas edition

http://ping.fm/GGfvb