Everything was falling into place until three savvy women uncover a clever scheme to embezzle millions from the Federal prison system. Twists, turns and laughter. Pure fiction, but inspired by actual experiences.

Today the Spotlight shines on novelist Thomas B. Sawyer who was Head Writer for the smash TV series Murder, She Wrote and wrote for many other series. He talks about how The Maltese Falcon influenced his career.

http://www.examiner.com/writing-in-los-angeles/spotlight-thomas-b-sawyer-murder-he-wrote

Comments always welcome.

In September I will…

PSWA WRITERS CONFERENCE Today's Las Vegas Examiner.com Spotlight

Hey you mystery writers -- This is a great small conference at the Orleans Hotel.  I went last year and learned a lot plus meeting and networking with lots of teriffic people. Read the Spotlight and check it out. Public Safety Writers Association includes people who are currently in or retired from many aspects of safety like police, sheriffs, firemen, legal…

If you want to learn more about self-publishing, this is the presentation to attend.

LINK: http://exm.nr/poynter-LA

I'll be there!

MORGAN ST. JAMES

www.morganstjames-author.com

Los Angeles and Las Vegas Writing Examiner

P is for Pacing

Hey you 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 out today's Writers tricks of the trade: P is for Pacing Part II - Slowing…

Today’s Writers tricks of the trade deals with tapping into your own emotions and experiences to write what your characters are feeling. This allows you to make a wide detour around clichés and create dimensional…

Today’s Spotlight is on Dr. William H. “Bob” Bailey. In his book “Looking Up! Finding My Voice in Las Vegas” the story unfolds of a man who was the vocalist with the famous Count Basie Orchestra in the 1940s, moved to Las Vegas from Cleveland in 1955 to be the MC at the first integrated hotel in Las Vegas (the Moulin Rouge which failed six months later, but set the pattern for things to come). He became a businessman…

It is always a challenge to make characters seem real, but using your own experiences and emotions, like a method actor, takes them a long way.

LINK TO TODAY'S COLUMN:…

The pace of a story is critical. It can keep the reader engaged or turn them off. Imagine pace as though you were driving a car. Part I deals with speeding things up.

http://exm.nr/fkqMXI 

Remember, writers should…

Today's Writer tricks of the trade in the Los Angeles edition of examiner.com is about rewrites.

LINK:…

No author is thrilled to receive a bad review, and I’m no exception. Yes, I’ve occasionally gotten them, but a bad review doesn’t have to equal a meltdown. Read today’s Writers Tricks of the Trade in the Las Vegas edition of examiner.com.  LINK:…

As most of you know, my columns about writing and the writing community appear twice a week in the Los Angeles and Las Vegas editions of examiner.com.

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Todays Writers Tricks of the Trade in the Los Angeles edition of Examiner.com is the second part of a three part series: CHOICES.

When used properly, dreams and delays can move a story along while keeping the…

Today’s Writers: Tricks of the trade column discusses the merits of spending hours, days and even months to craft that perfect phrase or sentence, while the novel languishes on the back burner. Lots of good advice in this one.…

LINK: http://exm.nr/mallory-LA

Today my Spotlight is on a man of many talents. Michael has had a varied career including so many things it makes my head spin, and I'm a busy gal.…

LINK: http://exm.nr/mallory-LA

Today my Spotlight is on a man of many talents. Michael has had a varied career including so many things it makes my head spin, and I'm a busy gal.…

SPOTLIGHT UPDATES - LAS VEGAS EXAMINER.COM

It always makes me…

LINK:Writers Tricks of the Trade: Y is for You Don't Say…

It's not a mystery or a crime, but during the 1950s some parents thought rock and roll was criminal. Used to the lovey dovey tunes of the 40s and early 50s, all of a sudden there were these wild-sounding, hip-swiveling acts and parents were really worried that rock and roll would corrupt their youth.

Donald Riggio traces the history of rock and roll from it's R&B…

Today in the Las Vegas edition of Examiner.com, I cover another “R” – Rewrite. This could save you from the dreaded “R” – Rejection. While you’re at it, evaluate whether there are things in your life that could stand a rewrite. After all, we only go around once so it should be the best we can make it!

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