18Q Morgan St. James and Phyllice Bradner

Morgan St. James and Phyllice Bradner

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

[MORGAN] It sort of chose me. I liked writing stories when I was a kid, but never considered writing professionally. When I was an interior designer, I wrote several published interior design articles for a prestigious magazine and it expanded from there to multiple subjects and publications.

[PHYLLICE] I was one of the rare graphic designers who could also write copy, it made me more saleable in my career. When computers took over the graphic design field, I turned to my writing skills rather than learn all those complicated graphic computer programs.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

[MORGAN] I am an interior designer by profession, although I have done many things in my life. Early on I was secretary to a theatrical business manager in Beverly Hills and later a legal secretary. At that point, I knew I didn’t want to be an attorney any more. For five years I was co-owner of a marketing-promotion company and that is when I really expanded my reach as a writer. I was also Director of Design for two Southern California residential developers.

[PHYLLICE] I’ve been a graphic designer and art director, fine artist, antique dealer, historic restorationist, political consultant, TV producer, newspaper/magazine art editor...and oh yeah....writer.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

[MORGAN] I knew I was a writer when I was able to go to the news stand, pick up a Designer’s West Magazine, and see my name and photo as a contributing writer.

[PHYLLICE] It not so much a question of “know” as “realize”. I was in grade school when I realized that the other kids didn’t have the same facility with words that I had. I have always been a writer. I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not writing poetry, journals, school newspaper articles or funny stories to amuse my friends and family.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

[MORGAN] In a phrase, all over the place. I am writing the funny mystery series with my sister, a darker “woman in jeopardy” novel on my own, love writing articles and short stories on a variety of subjects.

[PHYLLICE] Aside from my poetry, journals and prolific letters to the editor, I spent most of my adult life as a copywriter and designer doing informational pieces of all sorts. Annual reports, travel brochures, political literature and white papers, advertising for print and TV. Now, I’m finally having some fun. My current style is quirky and fun.

5. What is your writing process?

[MORGAN] It varies, depending upon what I’m writing. Sometimes it’s formula if I can only use a certain number of words or need to hit a specific market. Sometimes it’s sit down and write. I frequently click into “automatic writing” and am told by other writers that I am lucky to have that gift.

[PHYLLICE] The process these days is Morgan, who is a Type A personality, writes the bare bones of a section or chapter and sends it to me. Being the consummate editor, I can’t rest until I have edited it and added a little punch. If left to my own schedule I would probably not get much done...I need Morgan to prod me along.

6. What was your path to publication?

[MORGAN] For our first fiction novel, in one word, LONG.

[PHYLLICE] Write it, edit it, edit it, edit it, send it out, get rejections, get advice. Re-write, edit it, edit it, edit it, send it out, get rejections, get more advice and re-write again.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

[MORGAN] I feel comfortable in a lot of arenas, but I like to think in terms of reaching the most people. I also worked in executive sales for several years and those big numbers always rumble around in my mind.

[PHYLLICE] I like the idea we have to do a spin-off advice column on the web using our fictional character as the writer. I think when we get this up and running it will generate lots of interest in our characters and our series.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

[MORGAN} That I didn’t know how to write fiction! I thought I would just use the experience I had writing articles and run with it. Boy, was that a mistake. After a year of Phyllice and I working with a writing coach and multiple workshops, now I feel I know how to write fiction.

[PHYLLICE] I was surprised to discover how many books are out there, being published every year. There was a time, some years back, when folks speculated that TV and computers would distract people from reading, but instead the opposite seems to be happening.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

[MORGAN] Would you believe taking a long shower?

[PHYLLICE] I am motivated when my sister puts her fashionable size 7 ½ shoe on my rusty country butt and pushes hard.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

[MORGAN] When I was able to take that Designer’s West Magazine in hand, go to my Mom’s house and say, “Here, Mom. I wrote this.”

[PHYLLICE] I guess it’s pretty much the same for me. Mom always told us we could do anything we set our minds to and when we accomplished even the smallest victory she was so happy and proud. I would send her each brochure and booklet that rolled off the press and was proud to give her the joy of oohhing and aahhing about how wonderful it was.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

[MORGAN] Forget about possessively hanging on to all the parts you love. Sometimes those are the first to go. Create an edited copy that doesn’t show where the changes were made. Read it and see if you like it or need more changes. Don’t let what was there distract you.

[PHYLLICE] From early childhood my teachers regarded me as an excellent writer, I always got top grades in school, editor of the High School paper, class yearbook, etc. My 11th grade creative writing teacher, Mrs. Rhodes was a highly respected Fulbright scholar and I was sure I would win her seal of approval with the first assignment I turned in. To my horror it came back with a “D” and was so marked up with red pencil that it looked like she had bled all over it. In big letters across the top she wrote “Cut out the deadwood!” She then gave me the assignment of rewriting everything I had in that 10 page story in less than a page. That semester she taught me that “less is more”. It was great advice.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

[MORGAN] I wrote a three part series for a newspaper about the Art of Bartering. After I submitted it, I realized that I sent the wrong version.

[PHYLLICE] I don’t recall having a memorable embarrassing moment although I’ve sometimes been embarrassed when I look back at what I wrote in some past publication.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

[MORGAN] Learning that writing was a business I really didn’t know. Taking the time to listen to good advice, throw away the bad advice and be able to learn which was which.

[PHYLLICE] The older I get the more immediate gratification I want, writing a successful book can be a long drawn out process. If I wasn’t having so much fun working with my sister, I might have put this whole thing on the back burner so I could actually make money on something else.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

[MORGAN] To me writing is enjoyment, relaxation, passion and all the good stuff. Once I took on an assignment I hated. My philosophy now is if I can’t enjoy it, walk away.

[PHYLLICE] If it ain’t fun, don’t do it!

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

[MORGAN] I love to travel, go to plays, read and generally enjoy what is around me. I’m not very athletic and I regret that, but I am willing to try new things.

[PHYLLICE] I’m primarily an artist. I have more fun doing art than just about anything. I make etchings and block prints of whimsical cats and dogs and oil paintings in a light fun style and hand painted silk scarves, and you name it...I’ll try it.

16. Who do you like to read?

[MORGAN] I enjoy a variety of writing genres. I like Mary Daheim, Janet Evanovich and cozy mystery writers like them, but I also like deeper stuff like Patricia Cornwall, Lee Child and James Patterson. I also have some tastes that go to the masculine side. I like action adventure and political intrigue.

[PHYLLICE] My favorite authors are Donald Westlake when he writes comical crime, Carl Hiaasen, Janet Evanovich, Bill Fitzhugh, Agatha Christie and the like. I also love the historical mysteries of Bruce Alexander, and non-fiction about life in foreign cultures.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

[MORGAN] Don’t give up! And, learn…learn…learn. Know the field you are in and what it takes to break the barrier.

[PHYLLICE] Don’t fear good advice. A bad review from a friend or relative is better than false praise.

18. What are you currently working on?

[MORGAN] The second Silver Sisters Mystery, SEVEN DEADLY SAMOVARS, a woman in jeopardy novel, working title DEADLY DANCE, just finished a short mystery story called WHO KILLED MANDY BLAKE. I am also working on a few more submissions for the Chicken Soup series. One is currently under consideration for Chicken Soup for People Helping People and profiles a remarkable couple that Phyllice and I know who have dedicated their lives to helping disabled children.

[PHYLLICE] I’m currently working on keeping my sanity while my sister comes up with endless ways to market our book! Of course, besides that, the project this year is to write the next one...Seven Deadly Samovars.

Morgan & Phyllice’s 18Q