THE COMMENT BOX IS NOW WORKING

As I've discovered, there is quite a bit to setting up an interactive blog. The Guest Comment box is now working in the right-hand column. Moving right along to August 15 when the first newsletter will post. Just click the SUBSCRIBE button. In the dropdown box, just click which of your feeds you would like posts to go into, or be sure to visit Writers' Tricks of the Trade each month to see the latest one.

Guest bloggers are lining up both to contribute to the newsletter and this blog with all sorts of "Tricks of the Trade." Check back often.

SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS

Short Stories can take the reader on a short flight of fantasy.

Many authors have learned that a short story collection is harder to sell than a novel. That is one of the sad facts of life. Many publishers find that while each story could be a gem in its own right, generally a single author collection doesn’t have a theme—something that marries the stories together.

For a single author collection of short stories, what elements make it an enticing book?

Following the premise that more readers generally buy novels than short story collections, picture your collection as a puzzle comprised of stories that fit together piece-by-piece to create a complete commentary with a theme.

The common thread makes it a collection of stories with a theme and a title that sets the scene. In a way it isn't much different than writing chapters, but each story must have a beginning, middle and end. Each “chapter-story” should be able to stand on its own, while having some element that makes stringing them together a good idea.

Themes

Thematically linked collections have a better chance of getting published. Anthologies comprised of short stories by several authors are frequently presented under a title designed to set the scene.

Things to consider when putting together this type of collection:

Consider your best story, then the unpublished ideas or pieces you still have the rights to republish. Select the ones that fit your theme. Then go through this checklist:

1. Do you need more stories? Maybe you have some that are still in your head or yet to be conceived. Would they flesh out the collection?
2. Make sure you aren’t inserting something just because you like it, even if it isn’t in keeping with your direction.
3. When picking the lead story, make it a “grabber.”
4. Is there a way to create some link between the stories? Remember, voice and theme can also act as a link.

Use subtle tools to unify the stories. Think about quiet echoes in other pieces of the collection. Sometimes it isn’t what you say, but how you say it. Even something as obscure as dialogue style.

Consider the order of the stories for the maximum impact. Arrange them for drama, tension or anguish. Intense emotions are great for starting and finishing a book of this type. Keep the reader in your grip and allow them to enjoy some moments of sweetness in the middle before delivering the “take it home” punch.

AFTER YOU'RE FINISHED PROOFREADING, REALIZE YOU'RE NOT FINISHED!

How is it that those double or missing two letter words manage to skip right past our searching eyes. Words that appear to be spelled right on the first round suddenly don't look right. Was that phrase really supposed to be in italics?

I wish the eye would quit thinking it sees what it wants to and pick up on those faux pas the first time through instead.

The moral of the story is if you haven't been down this road before, be prepared to proof your book or story several times!

Important Information if you're designing your own blog or website

Wow! Did I learn something today and I want to share it. If you're designing your own website with a do-it-yourself template or setting up your own blog, be sure to look at it or better yet design it in MOZILLA FIREFOX. It may look absolutely fine on EXPLORER, but that doesn't mean it will look good on Firefox.

I found out the hard way and spent hours redoing certain things. This header had no problems in Explorer, but when I opened it in Firefox a big chunk of the right side was cut off. Back to the drawing board...and back...and back! I wasn't going to give up and finally made it fit correctly. It seems that if it looks good on Firefox, you're home free.

Many of us are setting up our own sites now with easy to use software, so take the little bit of extra time and check your sites on both browsers.

It is getting exciting. We now have several wonderful contributors ready to share their knowledge in the Writers' Tricks of the Trade WRITE ON newsletter launching April 15 and many will also write posts for the blog. New posts can be delivered to a choice of the sites you may use by simply clicking SUBSCRIBE in the right column and choosing the one(s) you want from the dropdown box. I'm having mine delivered to My Yahoo for easy access.

That's all for tonight.

Newsletter to launch August 15, 2011

After nearly three years of being the editor for the Sisters in Crime Southern Nevada ON THE PROWL newsletter, as we sadly bid farewell to the Southern Nevada chapter, it was inevitable that I start my own newsletter. The WRITERS TRICKS OF THE TRADE newsletter will launch on August 15, 2011 and issues will be linked on this blog. Just click the SUBSCRIBE button to receive notifications of valuable blog posts and each new edition of the newsletter.

Your comments to my posts and those of guest contributors will make this blog and newsletter a dynamic information source.

The first issue is packed with tips, technique and tricks for aspiring and published writers to hone their writing and marketing skills. That's what the WRITERS TRICKS OF THE TRADE newsletter and blog are all about. Our guest contributors to the first newsletter will be announced in a later post along with much information.


MORGAN
www.morganstjames-author.com

July 22 Writers Tricks of the Trade in the Los Angeles edition of Examiner.com -

It's all about how important proofreading is. All of us have picked up books or read posts filled with errors that should have been caught---and weren't. The eye sees what it THINKS it sees. Read the column: http://exm.nr/proof-LA

Why I set up this blog

As if I haven't heaped enough on my plate, I decided to add one more tidbit. Here is your first peek at the cool cover designed by the brilliant British illustrator Scott Garrett. I can't even begin to thank him enough for capturing the lighthearted but educational value of Writers' Tricks of the Trade. But then, why should I be surprised? One look at his website, www.garrettworld.co.uk will show you how immensely talented he is.

The book will be coming out very soon now and I wanted to launch a blog/discussion forum for many of the topics that plague , confound and delight writers. I've acquired a great many friends in this crazy pursuit, and never cease to be amazed at how much knowledge is out there.

Another reason I wanted to have a forum type blog is because this won't be the only book I write about writing. There are so many more things I have to share and to learn that I definitely see more in the future.

So my friends,  I want to hear from you, too. Visit often and share your thoughts.