ALL ABOUT ARLISS

2012-01-26T12:03:00.001-08:00

Kindle owner: Get the Kindle edition of my new book, The MAFIA FUNERAL and Other Short Stories free on Saturday and Sunday only. See details. http://ping.fm/o2RC6

2012-01-25T19:21:00.001-08:00

Thinking of self-publishing? Do your homework. http://ping.fm/Xr7EC

2012-01-24T23:13:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/XmedU The copy for this column was written last week. Tonight President Obama touched on some of these rarely mentioned points.

2012-01-24T12:53:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/ZL0OV Link to New Book Review where my Writers' Tricks of the Trade is named.

2012-01-24T12:50:00.001-08:00

Writers' Tricks of the Trade named to New Reader Review Best Books for Writers in 2012 list. Whoopee! http://ping.fm/TelzK

2012-01-22T13:10:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/SKAqz Information about the Webinar series I'm presenting for Savvy Authors during the month of March

2012-01-20T19:54:00.001-08:00

What makes a book cover sizzle or fizzle? http://ping.fm/2l8wc

2012-01-20T12:06:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/nBaBV

2012-01-19T19:52:00.001-08:00

Writers' Tricks of the Trade - Be careful about overusing inner thoughts http://ping.fm/rL6Ei

2012-01-14T10:53:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/ANOYz Looking back at the articles I write for Examiner.com, I thought you might enjoy reading this one. My sister and I barely escaped a stampede of peacocks!

2012-01-12T10:13:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/rS92I Gregory Hinton is the creator and producer of Out West, which he first developed with the Autry National Center in Los Angeles. Out West is a historic program series designed to illuminate the contributions of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community to the history and culture of the American West.

2012-01-11T10:49:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/g7ySn Gibson Guitar opens exclusive performance showroom in Las Vegas Fox 5 TV Studio

2012-01-10T19:30:00.001-08:00

bit.ly/xs2CX1 Today's Las Vegas Spotlight interview with former CSI turned author, Steve Scarborough. Part II next week.

2012-01-06T12:39:00.001-08:00

Oh, the accursed cliche! Today's Writers' Tricks of the Trade hits it spot on. http://ping.fm/8PWty

2012-01-05T19:00:00.001-08:00

Some things to consider with the current rush to self-publish Ebooks. http://ping.fm/EbAQY

2011-12-29T00:41:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-28T16:52:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-23T09:54:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-21T08:27:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/sZkpL

2011-12-16T14:22:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/2tlQ4

2011-12-15T01:14:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-14T14:31:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-09T20:48:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-08T18:27:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/e38ji

2011-12-08T10:11:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-06T21:06:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-05T09:50:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-03T10:05:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-02T17:50:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-01T17:46:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-01T13:10:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-30T18:33:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-26T10:40:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-22T18:22:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-22T09:28:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-18T17:34:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-15T13:51:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-11-09T19:43:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-04T16:33:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-04T09:01:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-11-02T18:41:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-01T19:14:00.001-07:00

http://ping.fm/s2k4j

2011-10-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-26T20:21:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-25T19:44:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-18T17:48:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-17T19:34:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-13T18:37:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-10-12T18:24:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-11T18:58:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-10-07T18:47:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-10-06T17:08:00.003-07:00

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

2011-10-06T17:08:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-04T14:22:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-30T12:10:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-29T13:40:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-27T12:27:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-23T12:23:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-09-22T12:53:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-09-21T12:23:00.001-07:00

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:

2011-09-16T18:26:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-15T18:01:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-14T18:12:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-13T07:31:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-08T03:02:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-09-07T16:45:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-09-06T17:11:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-01T12:46:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-30T09:46:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-08-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

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)

2011-08-25T09:26:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-08-24T11:02:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-23T13:37:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-23T12:07:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-08-21T13:09:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-19T12:00:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-19T11:48:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-08-18T10:49:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-17T16:08:00.001-07:00

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)

2011-08-16T13:12:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-11T08:53:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-08-10T03:41:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-09T10:29:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-06T09:01:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-02T14:25:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-29T14:17:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-27T10:56:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-26T09:56:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-22T10:37:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-21T16:59:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-07-20T12:55:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-07-19T16:12:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-15T11:42:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-12T11:45:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-12T11:42:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-08T09:42:00.001-07:00

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.