Writers Tricks of the Trade Volume 7, Issue 4 Winter 2018 | Page 35

This writer’s handbook is like the appetizer table at a buffet. Filled
with tips, techniques, personal stories of what worked and what didn’t
and some cool exercises. Keep it handy for guidance and inspiration
PAPERBACK, KINDLE, eBOOK
Available at Amazon , Barnes and Noble, and
most Online Booksellers OR
from Marina Publishing Group at
www.marinapublishinggroup.com
WHAT READERS HAVE TO SAY:
Prior to finding Ms. St. James' book, I used a variety of other writing sources to start my sessions but most
were so dry that they didn't spark much creativity. With this book, I find the style of writing so folksy, that
many of them definitely get my juices going in a positive direction. Her best pieces stem from her personal
experiences and I wish all of them came that way. Hopefully, when she writes the second edition, she'll add
in more of her own experiences to continue to color the prose. For example, in "M is for Mistakes", I'd like to
know what mistakes she made and how she used workshops to correct them.
L. Nelson, Book Club Organizer
As an "aspiring fiction writer" I jumped at the chance to read a review copy of a book on writing. After re-
ceiving the eBook edition of the book from the author, Morgan St. James, I dove into it eagerly, hoping to
learn what I didn't know about writing and publishing fiction. Writers' Tricks of the Trade: 39 Things
You Need to Know About the ABCs of Writing Fiction didn't disappoint. Morgan St. James offers the reader a
wide-variety of advice regarding both the business parts (agents, distribution, etc.) and the actual writing
parts of fiction writing. I learned about several issues I hadn't previously thought about, particularly in the
business end of fiction writing. With those topics I already knew something about, Writers Tricks clarified
and/or expanded my understanding.
In each chapter the author describes a potential pitfall or challenge a writer might face and presents the
reader with some techniques for overcoming those difficulties. She backs up the challenges and their solu-
tions with anecdotes of her personal experiences.
The book is written in a casual and personal style which makes for a very accessible book and easily read.
The explanation of the issues and their corresponding anecdotes were clear and understandable .
I. E. Davis, Aspiring Fiction Writer
W RITERS ’ T RICKS OF THE T RADE
P AGE 27
W INTER 2018
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