Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have had many careers, which all help when I’m writing my books. In other words, I know a lot about a lot of things. My favorites are my two crime caper series, Silver Sisters Mysteries and the Revenge is Fun Series. I have also co-authored the true crime memoirs of the two strongest women I’ve ever met: Cheryl Cuccio – Incest, Murder and a Miracle, and Bella Capo – No More Crying Angels. I live in Las Vegas with my rescue dog Dylan, and currently have 17 books in publication with another to be released before the end of 2019.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
SCAMMED – the 5th book in the Revenge is Fun series, released September 2, 2019 in Kindle, ePub, Paperback and Large Print Paperback. Many years ago I was the co-owner of a unique freestanding home in a condo project built on former old MGM property. My home and the 16 unit building that comprised the rest of the complex had lots of construction defaults and I helped get a $1,900,000 settlement for the repairs to the project. The HOA president made life miserable because he couldn’t understand why the repairs to our house would cost $150,000 (all verified) and we wound up in a lawsuit to get the house fixed. I wanted to kill him in print. After all, mystery writer can do that and don’t have to worry about going to jail, but he had the nerve to actually die before I could find the right plot to do him in. It took 15 years, but SCAMMED was the perfect plot and lots of fun to write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For years my most productive hours were from 11 pm until about 2 or 3 in the morning. My hours are a little more normal now. However, I never set an amount of hours or words per day. I’m fast. If I’m on a roll it isn’t unusual for me to write as much as 5,000 words in a day. I am gifted with what other writers have called “automatic writing.” My subconscious takes over and sometimes when I do a read-through the next day I don’t even have a clear memory of writing some of it. For that I am so grateful.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like writers like Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, Jonathan Kellerman, Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, etc. In other words I like mysteries with twists and turns and a spot of humor. Those are my favorite books to write. However, in co-authoring the two true crime books, they affected me deeply and I became an advocate for domestic and child abuse prevention and awareness. There is a third true crime book that will be in work soon with Bella Capo and Dennis N. Griffin.
What are you working on now?
MURDER ON THE MENU – the 5th Silver Sister Mystery. I am currently in the process of a final edit with my real sister and co-author Phyllice Bradner. It will be released before the end of 2019.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I utilize whatever is available to me. I have found that some of the paid options that seem good in concept really don’t produce sales, so I have stopped using many of them. I give writers workshops at conferences, have been a frequent guest on radio shows, and maintain my own website plus multiple blogs. I’m quite active on Facebook and Twitter, as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Very simple. You are never too old. My first book, the Silver Sisters Mystery A CORPSE IN THE SOUP, was published when I was 66 years old. Don’t give up, but DO learn your craft. That is so important. I was with traditional publishers, but now have my own imprint. If you are self-published, never put out something that isn’t up to the quality of a book from a traditional publisher. Your reader has invested in you and they deserve a professional product.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Proof, proof and then proof. Online, audio and a printed book proof. You catch different things in each of them. If you don’t have a buddy to read your work out loud with you, use a program like Natural Reader. It is free.
What are you reading now?
The Morgue, by Dennis N. Griffin
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep writing and honing my skills. You are never done learning and no matter how old I get, I always want to learn more.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I like so many books it is hard for me to say. However, I would have one inspirational book, something like Tuesdays With Morrie, and the rest would be mysteries and thrillers.
Author Websites and Profiles
Morgan St James Website
Morgan St James Amazon Profile
Morgan St James’s Social Media Links
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