Podcast appearances and mentions of Dennis N Griffin

The True Story Behind The Hit Film 'Casino' From An ‘Enforcer' Who Lived ItTony Spilotro was the Mob's man in Las Vegas. A feared enforcer, the bosses knew Tony would do whatever it took to protect their interests. The “Little Guy” built a criminal empire that was the envy of mobsters across the country, and his childhood pal, Frank Cullotta helped him do it. But Tony's quest for power and lack of self-control with women cost the Mob its control of Vegas; and Tony paid for it with his life.”I was a little nervous before my first meeting with former mobster Frank Cullotta. It turned out we had a pleasant conversation that ended with an agreement for me to write his book. As I drove home, I realized I had made a deal with a career thief and killer on a handshake. What was I thinking?”--Dennis N. Griffin, author of SURVIVING THE MOBBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Vegas Mobster Frank Cullotta, Lawman Dennis Griffin "Casino" The Real Story Guest: Frank Cullotta Frank Cullotta was born in Chicago in 1938. As a youth he embarked on a decades-long criminal career, hanging around with some of the toughest kids on the Windy City's streets. Frank and several of his associates went on to become accomplished thieves, arsonists, and killers. One of those was Frank's friend, Tony “the Ant” Spilotro, who gained notoriety as a ruthless Chicago Outfit enforcer. Tony was the mob's top man in Las Vegas during the 1970s and through the mid-1980s. Frank was his main man for much of that time. Together, they and their gang ruled the Vegas underworld. In 1982, the two men had a falling out that resulted in Frank rolling and becoming a government witness. His testimony was instrumental in putting a number of mobsters behind bars and causing the Outfit to lose its control over Las Vegas. Although the mob issued a contract on his life, Frank survived his time in prison and the Witness Protection Program. He is now a free man. His tell-all biography, Cullotta, is due to be released in May 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Wall-Gang-Frank-Cullotta/dp/1936759217/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2KJKEWILBKXOWNET&creativeASIN=1936759217 Las Vegas mafia Guest: Dennis N. Griffin Dennis N. Griffin retired in 1994 after a twenty-year career in investigations and law enforcement in New York State, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada later that year. In 1996 he wrote his first novel, The Morgue, based on an actual case he investigated. He currently has six mystery/thriller books in print. In 2002, Dennis turned his attention to non-fiction. Policing Las Vegas (Huntington Press, April 2005) follows the evolution of law enforcement in Las Vegas and Clark County from 1905 thru 2005. That successful debut was followed by The Battle for Las Vegas – The Law vs the Mob (Huntington Press, April 2006). This latest book tells the inside story of Chicago Outfit enforcer Tony Spilotro's reign in Vegas, and the war law enforcement waged to remove him. The Hollywood version of that era was reflected in the 1995 movie Casino, in which actor Joe Pesci played a character based on Spilotro. Mr. Griffin is an active member of the Henderson Writers Group, Wizards Of Words, and the Public Safety Writers Association. http://www.amazon.com/Cullotta-Chicago-Criminal-Mobster-Government/dp/0929712455/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=GFAWKK3G4PCWHQGO&creativeASIN=0929712455

Vegas Mobster Frank Cullotta, Lawman Dennis Griffin "Casino" The Real Story Guest: Frank Cullotta Frank Cullotta was born in Chicago in 1938. As a youth he embarked on a decades-long criminal career, hanging around with some of the toughest kids on the Windy City's streets. Frank and several of his associates went on to become accomplished thieves, arsonists, and killers. One of those was Frank's friend, Tony “the Ant” Spilotro, who gained notoriety as a ruthless Chicago Outfit enforcer. Tony was the mob's top man in Las Vegas during the 1970s and through the mid-1980s. Frank was his main man for much of that time. Together, they and their gang ruled the Vegas underworld. In 1982, the two men had a falling out that resulted in Frank rolling and becoming a government witness. His testimony was instrumental in putting a number of mobsters behind bars and causing the Outfit to lose its control over Las Vegas. Although the mob issued a contract on his life, Frank survived his time in prison and the Witness Protection Program. He is now a free man. His tell-all biography, Cullotta, is due to be released in May 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Wall-Gang-Frank-Cullotta/dp/1936759217/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2KJKEWILBKXOWNET&creativeASIN=1936759217 Las Vegas mafia Guest: Dennis N. Griffin Dennis N. Griffin retired in 1994 after a twenty-year career in investigations and law enforcement in New York State, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada later that year. In 1996 he wrote his first novel, The Morgue, based on an actual case he investigated. He currently has six mystery/thriller books in print. In 2002, Dennis turned his attention to non-fiction. Policing Las Vegas (Huntington Press, April 2005) follows the evolution of law enforcement in Las Vegas and Clark County from 1905 thru 2005. That successful debut was followed by The Battle for Las Vegas – The Law vs the Mob (Huntington Press, April 2006). This latest book tells the inside story of Chicago Outfit enforcer Tony Spilotro's reign in Vegas, and the war law enforcement waged to remove him. The Hollywood version of that era was reflected in the 1995 movie Casino, in which actor Joe Pesci played a character based on Spilotro. Mr. Griffin is an active member of the Henderson Writers Group, Wizards Of Words, and the Public Safety Writers Association. http://www.amazon.com/Cullotta-Chicago-Criminal-Mobster-Government/dp/0929712455/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=GFAWKK3G4PCWHQGO&creativeASIN=0929712455+

Vegas Mobster Frank Cullotta, Lawman Dennis Griffin "Casino" The Real Story Guest: Frank Cullotta Frank Cullotta was born in Chicago in 1938. As a youth he embarked on a decades-long criminal career, hanging around with some of the toughest kids on the Windy City's streets. Frank and several of his associates went on to become accomplished thieves, arsonists, and killers. One of those was Frank's friend, Tony “the Ant” Spilotro, who gained notoriety as a ruthless Chicago Outfit enforcer. Tony was the mob's top man in Las Vegas during the 1970s and through the mid-1980s. Frank was his main man for much of that time. Together, they and their gang ruled the Vegas underworld. In 1982, the two men had a falling out that resulted in Frank rolling and becoming a government witness. His testimony was instrumental in putting a number of mobsters behind bars and causing the Outfit to lose its control over Las Vegas. Although the mob issued a contract on his life, Frank survived his time in prison and the Witness Protection Program. He is now a free man. His tell-all biography, Cullotta, is due to be released in May 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Wall-Gang-Frank-Cullotta/dp/1936759217/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2KJKEWILBKXOWNET&creativeASIN=1936759217 Las Vegas mafia Guest: Dennis N. Griffin Dennis N. Griffin retired in 1994 after a twenty-year career in investigations and law enforcement in New York State, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada later that year. In 1996 he wrote his first novel, The Morgue, based on an actual case he investigated. He currently has six mystery/thriller books in print. In 2002, Dennis turned his attention to non-fiction. Policing Las Vegas (Huntington Press, April 2005) follows the evolution of law enforcement in Las Vegas and Clark County from 1905 thru 2005. That successful debut was followed by The Battle for Las Vegas – The Law vs the Mob (Huntington Press, April 2006). This latest book tells the inside story of Chicago Outfit enforcer Tony Spilotro's reign in Vegas, and the war law enforcement waged to remove him. The Hollywood version of that era was reflected in the 1995 movie Casino, in which actor Joe Pesci played a character based on Spilotro. Mr. Griffin is an active member of the Henderson Writers Group, Wizards Of Words, and the Public Safety Writers Association. http://www.amazon.com/Cullotta-Chicago-Criminal-Mobster-Government/dp/0929712455/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=GFAWKK3G4PCWHQGO&creativeASIN=0929712455

Vegas Mobster Frank Cullotta, Lawman Dennis Griffin "Casino" The Real Story Guest: Frank Cullotta Frank Cullotta was born in Chicago in 1938. As a youth he embarked on a decades-long criminal career, hanging around with some of the toughest kids on the Windy City's streets. Frank and several of his associates went on to become accomplished thieves, arsonists, and killers. One of those was Frank's friend, Tony “the Ant” Spilotro, who gained notoriety as a ruthless Chicago Outfit enforcer. Tony was the mob's top man in Las Vegas during the 1970s and through the mid-1980s. Frank was his main man for much of that time. Together, they and their gang ruled the Vegas underworld. In 1982, the two men had a falling out that resulted in Frank rolling and becoming a government witness. His testimony was instrumental in putting a number of mobsters behind bars and causing the Outfit to lose its control over Las Vegas. Although the mob issued a contract on his life, Frank survived his time in prison and the Witness Protection Program. He is now a free man. His tell-all biography, Cullotta, is due to be released in May 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Wall-Gang-Frank-Cullotta/dp/1936759217/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2KJKEWILBKXOWNET&creativeASIN=1936759217 Las Vegas mafia Guest: Dennis N. Griffin Dennis N. Griffin retired in 1994 after a twenty-year career in investigations and law enforcement in New York State, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada later that year. In 1996 he wrote his first novel, The Morgue, based on an actual case he investigated. He currently has six mystery/thriller books in print. In 2002, Dennis turned his attention to non-fiction. Policing Las Vegas (Huntington Press, April 2005) follows the evolution of law enforcement in Las Vegas and Clark County from 1905 thru 2005. That successful debut was followed by The Battle for Las Vegas – The Law vs the Mob (Huntington Press, April 2006). This latest book tells the inside story of Chicago Outfit enforcer Tony Spilotro's reign in Vegas, and the war law enforcement waged to remove him. The Hollywood version of that era was reflected in the 1995 movie Casino, in which actor Joe Pesci played a character based on Spilotro. Mr. Griffin is an active member of the Henderson Writers Group, Wizards Of Words, and the Public Safety Writers Association. http://www.amazon.com/Cullotta-Chicago-Criminal-Mobster-Government/dp/0929712455/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=GFAWKK3G4PCWHQGO&creativeASIN=0929712455

Vegas Mobster Frank Cullotta, Lawman Dennis Griffin "Casino" The Real Story Guest: Frank Cullotta Frank Cullotta was born in Chicago in 1938. As a youth he embarked on a decades-long criminal career, hanging around with some of the toughest kids on the Windy City's streets. Frank and several of his associates went on to become accomplished thieves, arsonists, and killers. One of those was Frank's friend, Tony “the Ant” Spilotro, who gained notoriety as a ruthless Chicago Outfit enforcer. Tony was the mob's top man in Las Vegas during the 1970s and through the mid-1980s. Frank was his main man for much of that time. Together, they and their gang ruled the Vegas underworld. In 1982, the two men had a falling out that resulted in Frank rolling and becoming a government witness. His testimony was instrumental in putting a number of mobsters behind bars and causing the Outfit to lose its control over Las Vegas. Although the mob issued a contract on his life, Frank survived his time in prison and the Witness Protection Program. He is now a free man. His tell-all biography, Cullotta, is due to be released in May 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Wall-Gang-Frank-Cullotta/dp/1936759217/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2KJKEWILBKXOWNET&creativeASIN=1936759217 Las Vegas mafia Guest: Dennis N. Griffin Dennis N. Griffin retired in 1994 after a twenty-year career in investigations and law enforcement in New York State, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada later that year. In 1996 he wrote his first novel, The Morgue, based on an actual case he investigated. He currently has six mystery/thriller books in print. In 2002, Dennis turned his attention to non-fiction. Policing Las Vegas (Huntington Press, April 2005) follows the evolution of law enforcement in Las Vegas and Clark County from 1905 thru 2005. That successful debut was followed by The Battle for Las Vegas – The Law vs the Mob (Huntington Press, April 2006). This latest book tells the inside story of Chicago Outfit enforcer Tony Spilotro's reign in Vegas, and the war law enforcement waged to remove him. The Hollywood version of that era was reflected in the 1995 movie Casino, in which actor Joe Pesci played a character based on Spilotro. Mr. Griffin is an active member of the Henderson Writers Group, Wizards Of Words, and the Public Safety Writers Association. http://www.amazon.com/Cullotta-Chicago-Criminal-Mobster-Government/dp/0929712455/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=GFAWKK3G4PCWHQGO&creativeASIN=0929712455+

Vegas Mobster Frank Cullotta, Lawman Dennis Griffin "Casino" The Real Story Guest: Frank Cullotta Frank Cullotta was born in Chicago in 1938. As a youth he embarked on a decades-long criminal career, hanging around with some of the toughest kids on the Windy City's streets. Frank and several of his associates went on to become accomplished thieves, arsonists, and killers. One of those was Frank's friend, Tony “the Ant” Spilotro, who gained notoriety as a ruthless Chicago Outfit enforcer. Tony was the mob's top man in Las Vegas during the 1970s and through the mid-1980s. Frank was his main man for much of that time. Together, they and their gang ruled the Vegas underworld. In 1982, the two men had a falling out that resulted in Frank rolling and becoming a government witness. His testimony was instrumental in putting a number of mobsters behind bars and causing the Outfit to lose its control over Las Vegas. Although the mob issued a contract on his life, Frank survived his time in prison and the Witness Protection Program. He is now a free man. His tell-all biography, Cullotta, is due to be released in May 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Wall-Gang-Frank-Cullotta/dp/1936759217/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2KJKEWILBKXOWNET&creativeASIN=1936759217 Las Vegas mafia Guest: Dennis N. Griffin Dennis N. Griffin retired in 1994 after a twenty-year career in investigations and law enforcement in New York State, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada later that year. In 1996 he wrote his first novel, The Morgue, based on an actual case he investigated. He currently has six mystery/thriller books in print. In 2002, Dennis turned his attention to non-fiction. Policing Las Vegas (Huntington Press, April 2005) follows the evolution of law enforcement in Las Vegas and Clark County from 1905 thru 2005. That successful debut was followed by The Battle for Las Vegas – The Law vs the Mob (Huntington Press, April 2006). This latest book tells the inside story of Chicago Outfit enforcer Tony Spilotro's reign in Vegas, and the war law enforcement waged to remove him. The Hollywood version of that era was reflected in the 1995 movie Casino, in which actor Joe Pesci played a character based on Spilotro. Mr. Griffin is an active member of the Henderson Writers Group, Wizards Of Words, and the Public Safety Writers Association. http://www.amazon.com/Cullotta-Chicago-Criminal-Mobster-Government/dp/0929712455/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=theopprep-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=GFAWKK3G4PCWHQGO&creativeASIN=0929712455

Debbi Mack interviews crime writer Dennis N. Griffin on the Crime Cafe podcast. Read along with the podcast or, if you're in a rush, download a copy of the show notes here. Debbi: [00:00:13] Hi, everyone. This is the Crime Cafe, your podcasting source of great crime, suspense, and thriller writing. I'm your host, Debbi Mack. Before I bring on my guest, I'll just remind you that the Crime Cafe has two ebooks for sale: the nine-book box set and the short story anthology. You can find the buy links for both on my website DebbiMack.com, under the “Crime Cafe” link. You can also get a free copy of either book if you become a Patreon supporter. You'll get that and much more if you support the podcast on Patreon, along with our eternal gratitude for doing so. Debbi [00:01:02]: Hi, everyone. Before I introduce my guest, I am going to give an extra thank you to my patrons, Ken MacClune and S. Koren. When this goes live, it'll be after “Thank You Patrons Day”, but this is an extra thank you to you guys. I should be thanking my patrons every day for supporting the podcast. If you're interested, just go to my website www.debbimack.com and click on ‘Crime Cafe'. Check out my Patreon page and the Crime Cafe ebooks while you're there. And now, I'm pleased to have with me today an author who writes crime fiction and true crime. A 20-year veteran of law enforcement, his latest book concerns the topic of cold cases. It's my pleasure to introduce Dennis Griffin. Hi, Dennis, how are you doing today? Dennis [00:01:59]: Oh, hi Debbi, a pleasure to join you. Debbi [00:02:02]: I'm so glad to have you here. I read your blog, your guest post, and that is just some powerful stuff you have in there about how unsolved murders end up being cold cases. Could you tell us a little bit about how you got involved in cold case investigation? "I met with the mother of the deceased soldier, and she explained to me that the case—this was in 2010, so it was a three-year-old case at that time—the mother explained that she had not gotten any answers through law enforcement and through the Army CID investigations of her son's death, and she wanted us, she wanted my employer to see if we could find out any answers for her as to what may have happened to her son." Dennis [00:02:22]: Yes. I was working as a private investigator for a firm in central New York and upstate New York. And my boss assigned me to investigate the 2007 death of a soldier from the 10th Mountain Division stationed at Fort Drum in Watertown, New York. So, I met with the mother of the deceased soldier, and she explained to me that the case—this was in 2010, so it was a three-year-old case at that time—the mother explained that she had not gotten any answers through law enforcement and through the Army CID investigations of her son's death, and she wanted us, she wanted my employer to see if we could find out any answers for her as to what may have happened to her son. So, that was how I initially got involved. And there was a case of where her son had recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan. He'd just assigned back on the base after a 30-day leave, and this again was in 2007, and he moved off base with another soldier to share an apartment. He was there one night, the next night after they get off duty, he went out bar hopping. He disappeared that night and was never seen again. A missing persons report was filed with the local Watertown City Police Department, and the Army considered him as an AWOL after, I think, it was 48 hours. Six months later, his skeletal remains were found in a field about three miles outside of Watertown. They were in such condition that no toxicology could be done and they couldn't establish a cause or manner of death, so everything was listed as ‘undetermined'. And that was the situation I became involved in trying to find out her son's activities that night; why he disappeared from the bar he was at and how he happened to end ...

WRONG NUMBERS: A Gripping True Story Of Call Girls, Hackers, And The Mob In Las Vegas....Glen Meek and Dennis N. Griffin   "Wrong Numbers is an intriguing and well-researched crime story detailing the intersection of big money and quick sex in the city that contains a lot of both.” – Jack Sheehan, author of Skin City   Was a hacker diverting phone calls meant for Las Vegas escort services? The FBI wanted to know, and so did associates of a New York Mafia family.  In one of the most unusual undercover operations ever, the FBI had an agent acting as a manager in a real Las Vegas escort service.  Federal agents expected to find prostitution and drugs in the Las Vegas escort industry. What their investigation uncovered was even more serious. Published by WildBlue Press ************************************************************************************* More from ImaginePublicity on Air:   http://imaginepublicity.com/podcasts/ Follow on Twitter @ImaginePublicty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginePublicity/ Music: Bensound.Com    

Authors featured in the anthology, SURVIVORS, discuss their roles in assisting surviving victims of violent crimes. Dennis N. Griffin, true crime author and former law enforcement officer, was able to coordinate several surviving victims to recount their stories about the pursuit of justice and police transparency. Website: www.dennisngriffin.biz Patricia A Caristo – Executive Director of NIA’s Resource Center for Victims of Violent Death  Bringing years of experience in police and private investigation, teaching investigation courses, developing an investigator-apprentice training program working on cold case investigations at no charge to families, and volunteering many hours to victim advocacy agencies. (Chapter 4) Website: bridgesforvictimsofviolentdeath.org Monique Willis, CEO and Founder of Momma On a Mission Inc which advocates for her son, Alonzo, and other families of homicide victims. They help families with emotional support, awareness of services, providing resources and organizing community activities to solve crimes.  (Chapter 23) Website: https://mommaonamissioninc.org More from ImaginePublicity on Air: http://imaginepublicity.com/podcasts/        

Guest: Dennis Griffin author of SURVIVORS The survivors of victims of murder and suspicious death are often victimized twice—first by the loss of their loved one and subsequently by the system they rely on for justice. In pursuit of police transparency and search for justice, retired investigator Dennis Griffin takes us inside the world of real crime cases to expose the shocking truth behind the alarming number of unsolved murders and suspicious deaths classified as accidental, self-inflicted, or natural—with little to no investigation. ************************************************************** More from ImaginePublicity on Air: http://imaginepublicity.com/podcasts/ Follow on Twitter @ImaginePublicty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginePublicity/ Music: Bensound.Com  

The story of Rocco Balliro, a petty criminal and enforcer for New England crime boss Raymond L.S. Patriarca, played out in glaring headlines across the country following the shootout with the Boston police. Had he heeded the commands of the cops to drop his weapon, Rocco would not have spent the next fifty years behind bars, and his girlfriend and her son might still be alive today. Instead, he fired the gun, erupting death and mayhem in the apartment. In the aftermath of the shootings, all fingers pointed at Rocco. But he would maintain his innocence in the death of his girlfriend and her son for the rest of his life, though plagued with lingering questions. “A real page-turner for Mob enthusiasts and organized crime history buffs. A must read.”–Dennis N. Griffin, bestselling author of The Rise And Fall Of A ‘Casino’ Mobster More details at WildBlue Press *********************************************** More from ImaginePublicity on Air: http://imaginepublicity.com/podcasts/ Follow on Twitter @ImaginePublicty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginePublicity/ Music: Bensound.Com  

Paul Scharff learned details about the 1981 murder of his father from a book written by host, Dennis N. Griffin. Within the pages of "Cullotta" were the answers he wondered about since he was a child. It all came together through the efforts of several original people surrounding the crime. Scharff tells his story in his own book, "Murder in McHenry: A Son's Pursuit of Justice" and updates listeners on events which have come to light since the release of the book.

There are so many high-tech distractions these days that readers are lured away from books that might have kept them captivated years ago. Dennis N. Griffin and Morgan St. James discuss techniques that work to create books the reader can't put down.

The NEW Crime Wire preview show will allow listeners to get an idea of what this revival of the popular podcast will be featuring. Tune in to hear what's going to happen beginning May 11, at 9pm eastern. The NEW Crime Wire podcast hosted by Dennis N. Griffin and produced by ImaginePublicity is coming out of the wings and back to center stage! Dennis and co-host Delilah Jones will discuss various crime-related topics with experts and families with the hope of making a difference.   

Dennis N. Griffin, Morgan St. James and Eric James Miller are all very actively involved in the writers' community and their careers. They are all currently writing books, and have many books in publication to their credit--Griffin has 16, St. James 14 and Miller has 2. They have also written published short stories. So what is a writer's life like? How do they come up with ideas? How do you know when your book is really finished? What about juggling writing and work? They will talk about all of these things from experience and more.

The Writers Tricks of the Trade Show, hosted by Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller is a show for writers and aspiring writers. Tips and Techniques from authors and others in publishing actively working at their careers. The hosts have years of experience and nearly 40 books in publication between them. Their guests always give new or helpful slants on a wide variety of topics. Tonight we welcome award-winning author Matt Pallamary, author of multiple books and 25 years of teaching dramatic writing conferences such as the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and the Southern California Writers Conference. He will share an approach he developed called "Phantastic Fiction - Shamanic Writing." In the creative fields, there is always a need to learn more to keep your work fresh. Tune into this interesting show live or listen to the archived copy.  

Did you know that habit can be your worst enemy? It doesn’t matter if you write fiction, nonfiction or poetry—writers pretty much base everything upon their own imagination and experiences. Our imagination is triggered by things we’ve seen, learned or actually lived through. In the beginning, we have a basket full of ideas just waiting to be developed, but eventually we work our way through most of them. Then what? How to come up with fresh scenarios and characters?  Are you a creature of habit? Do you take the same route from place to place whenever you travel between certain destinations? Do you have favorite restaurants and limit yourself to what you know and love on their menu? Is there a style that defines you? Do you only read favorite authors? Authors Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller offer tips and techiniques to break out of your rut. THIS IS A REBROADCAST SO, SORRY, NO CALL-INS TONIGHT. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Just about every author knows that there are specific guidelines for submitting a manuscript or proposal to an agent or publisher. The question arises, how do you follow the current best writing practices and still appeal to the reader? What goes into deciding if your story line is one that will sell? You might conceive something that you feel is brilliant, but will others? Between Conrad and hosts Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller they have more than 30 books in publication. They have been around the block and are happy to share what they learned along the way. Even if you are a seasoned author, this show is for you. 

Co-host Morgan St. James has just completed a successful free Kindle book promotion, and she shares what worked and what she learned. Co-hosts Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller add to the discussion of how times have changes and what might have worked before might not work now. Callers welcome. We want to hear your stories.

Dennis N. Griffin, Morgan St. James and Eric James Miller are all very actively involved in the writers' community and their careers. They are all currently writing books, and have many books in publication to their credit--Griffin has 16, St. James 14 and Miller has 2. They have also written published short stories. So what is a writer's life like? How do they come up with ideas? How do you know when your book is really finished? What about juggling writing and work? They will talk about all of these things from experience and more.

Interviews become part of every published author's life. In October Writers Tricks of the Trade will begin to schedule interview segments with authors and those in the publishing business. The interview feature will launch in November. That brings us to how do you give or conduct compelling interviews? Hosts Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller have all been on both sides of the mic, and will discuss what works, what doesn't, what to avoid and how to make the interview interesting and animated.

Don't let PITFALLS become PRATFALLS. Many writers don't realize they are making mistakes because everything seems to be moving ahead smoothly. Sometimes it is what you AREN'T doing, not what you ARE doing. Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller discuss potential mistakes writers make--even seasoned ones--and some of the things that can be done to sail past them.

WHO SHOULD YOU ASK   TO READ YOUR MANUSCRIPT? Feedback from “first readers” is extremely helpful. They generally aren’t professional editors. Some may be published writers and it is good for the group of first readers to also include readers who are not writers.  Like most things that involve someone’s opinion, however, there is a hitch. Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller will delve into things that make an ideal first reader...and it isn't your Aunt Agatha who thinks everything you write is a masterpiece. What do you need to consider?

Did you know that habit can be your worst enemy? It doesn’t matter if you write fiction, nonfiction or poetry—writers pretty much base everything upon their own imagination and experiences. Our imagination is triggered by things we’ve seen, learned or actually lived through. In the beginning, we have a basket full of ideas just waiting to be developed, but eventually we work our way through most of them. Then what? How to come up with fresh scenarios and characters? Are you a creature of habit? Do you take the same route from place to place whenever you travel between certain destinations? Do you have favorite restaurants and limit yourself to what you know and love on their menu? Is there a style that defines you? Do you only read favorite authors? Authors Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller offer tips and techiniques to break out of your rut.

In the old Dragnet show, Sgt. Joe Friday used to say, "The facts, ma'am, only the facts." But when a writer is creating a book or story part of their process is making sure to check facts,particularly when they are setting out a particular set of circumstances. If you get it wrong, some of your readers will know and possibly spread the word. The internet is a wonderful source of information, but if you can't find what you want, let your fingers do the walking. Once you've figured out who might have the information you need, pick up the phone and call. It might be a friend, or the public relations division of a police department, hospital, public entity or any number of possibilities. When Morgan St. James was writing "Betrayed," she needed to know what would happen in the late 1950s if an inmate in an Illinois prison was beaten to a point where they had to be on lifesupport. The information was not readily available on the internet, so she called the public relations department at the prison in Illinois and discovered her answer, The Public Relations officer researched her and called back with the information that the policy had changed over the years. What would have happened now, wasn't the cae then. Back then the inmate would have been kept in the prison infirmary. So, St. James was able to portray the scene correctly for the era. Okay,let's assume you've got the facts, details and any other pertinent information. How much does your reader REALLY want to know? Are you overwriting and boring them with details fans of your genre really are not interested in?Is the technical information much more than they care to read? Do they want the story to just keep moving? In a lively discussion authors Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller will share their knowledge and experience when it comes to, "Just the facts, ma'am."

In the old Dragnet show, Sgt. Joe Friday used to say, "The facts, ma'am, only the facts." But when a writer is creating a book or story part of their process is making sure to check facts,particularly when they are setting out a particular set of circumstances. If you get it wrong, some of your readers will know and possibly spread the word. The internet is a wonderful source of information, but if you can't find what you want, let your fingers do the walking. Once you've figured out who might have the information you need, pick up the phone and call. It might be a friend, or the public relations division of a police department, hospital, public entity or any number of possibilities. When Morgan St. James was writing "Betrayed," she needed to know what would happen in the late 1950s if an inmate in an Illinois prison was beaten to a point where they had to be on lifesupport. The information was not readily available on the internet, so she called the public relations department at the prison in Illinois and discovered her answer, The Public Relations officer researched her and called back with the information that the policy had changed over the years. What would have happened now, wasn't the cae then. Back then the inmate would have been kept in the prison infirmary. So, St. James was able to portray the scene correctly for the era. Okay,let's assume you've got the facts, details and any other pertinent information. How much does your reader REALLY want to know? Are you overwriting and boring them with details fans of your genre really are not interested in?Is the technical information much more than they care to read? Do they want the story to just keep moving? In a lively discussion authors Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller will share their knowledge and experience when it comes to, "Just the facts, ma'am."  

One of the most important qualities a fictional character can possess is to seem real to the reader. Forget just stringing together a series of words describing physical attributes and how the character carries out routine or off-the-chart situations—perhaps spiced with inner thoughts. There is more to creating someone with feelings and emotions and a physical presence. Doing that doesn’t have to be daunting. Because the reader sees events through the eyes of these players in the story, at all costs avoid moving paper dolls or overblown figures through the scenes. Authors Morgan St. James, Dennis N. Griffin and Eric James Miller share their techniques for transferring their own experiences and emotions to the characters they create. 

Writers Tricks of the Trade explores the business and craft of writing with co-hosts Morgan St. James and Dennis N. Griffin. Guests are people who have "been there and done that." In other words, authors, editors, public relations people, publishers and more who share their tips, techniques and frequently stories about the industry when it comes to the business and craft of writing. This episode covers what it takes to create those "can't put down" books. This is a re-broadcast of the first show in the series, so live call-in is not available. Morgan, as the author of 12 books in publication and over 600 articles about writing and Dennis with 16 books in publication and multiple TV and radio broadcasts, share their thoughts and experiences with information for everyone from the novice to the published writer. Writers Tricks of the Trade airs on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm PST - 9:00 EST. All shows are archived for future listening as well.