A Writer's Blog

The Morning News from #Vegas - #Patriots and #NaNoWriMo

10/30/2015

Good Morning from Vegas,

Time for the news as I see it. We start with pro sports and the New England Patriots. The Pats hosted division rival Miami Dolphins on Thursday night football last evening and proceeded to destroy their opponent in every aspect of the game, winning 36-7. The Patriots have injury issues on the offensive line that have hindered peak offensive performance, which is scary to suggest for a team that scored 36. If the Pats can stay away from key injuries to players like Brady, Gronk, and the like - it's hard to think the team won't be playing deep in the playoffs and contending for yet another Super Bowl.

Tom Brady is playing like an MVP - so far throwing for 2410 yards with 20 TDs and only one interception in seven games. Guess the league shouldn't have angered him with Deflategate. 2015 is starting to look like a revenge tour.

In book news, it's almost time for NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month - that yearly sprint where writers from around the world attempt to produce 50k word novels in 30 days. I've 'won' this twice (finishing said 50k words in the allotted time) and will attempt it yet again this year. The novel I will write is a reprise of one of my first works, Preface to a Suicide.

I feel the need to clarify a few things as many of my long time readers are familiar with (and some have read) Preface. As many of you know, the ELLA book is not the 'first' in the timeline of my fictional world. In fact, ELLA is approximately 8 books into the timeline. However, as it was released first, I will now revise and re-write the entirety of the story to match the details as published in the ELLA book.

To be clear, I'm not 'cheating' to start NaNoWriMo - this is no 'edit' of an older novel. I am going to completely re-envision the novel to fit the altered facts of the world as published in ELLA. To those that have read Preface, you won't recognize much in the new book. Only a few basic facts will remain. I do hope all the readers that have stayed with me for years will enjoy the new vision for Preface and I can't wait to share samples of the story with you.

It's time to get writing.

From Las Vegas,

Stephen John Moran

The Morning News From #Vegas - #CNBCGOPDebate #GOPDebate #WorldSeries and Book News

10/29/2015

Good Morning from Vegas,

Last evening the Republicans had the latest debate in Boulder, CO. First, America was treated to the kiddie table debate - four also ran candidates polling at less than one percent. Why are those candidates still in the race? I won't waste time listing their names or issues as none of these candidates has a chance at the nomination.

The main event pitted ten candidates off in a CNBC moderated debate. From the start and a theme that continued all night, the GOP candidates attacked the moderators for...asking questions. Many times the candidates challenged the facts presented by the moderators, especially Donald Trump and Ben Carson. However, today - upon the light of day offering the benefit of fact checking - the moderators were indeed correct about Trump's immigration plan and Carson's tax plan.

I believe Marco Rubio won the night with a direct hit on Jeb Bush. Bush attacked Rubio for his lack of votes as a Senator during the campaign and Rubio hit back with "You didn't say anything when John McCain was missing votes to campaign. You're only saying it because we're both running for the same office and someone convinced you that attacking me is going to help you." It wasn't a good moment for Jeb. Campaign over in my opinion. The only one that doesn't know it is...Jeb.

Ted Cruz scored points with the conservative crowd by attacking the 'liberal media', but failed to make any points against an actual candidate in the race unlike Rubio (and his take down of Bush). Cruz might want to focus on someone running for President. Beating on the same old tired horses of conservative wrath (liberal media, wasteful spending, and PC college attitudes) won't actually help him secure him the nomination.

In baseball news, the Kansas City Royals erupted for 7 runs to defeat the New York Mets in game two of the World Series 7-1 to take a 2-0 lead in this best of seven fall classic. Can the Mets overcome the blown save from game one and make a comeback in this series? I don't think so. That was their 'moment' and the blown save by Familia will haunt the Mets. Kansas City smelled blood last night and attacked the Mets and ultimately blew the game open. Look for the Royals to win the World Series.

Finally, in book news - I'm making final preparations for NaNoWriMo. This will not be a small undertaking as I'm going to 'switch' narrators from Ella to Ray - the first switch I've made in three years. It will mean that there will not be new Ella installments for some time. Also, as I've not written from Ray's POV in eight years I do not know how well I'll be able to 'pick up the narrative' so to speak. This should be an interesting experiment to say the least. Can I find Ray's voice again after such a span of time? We shall see.

From Las Vegas,

Stephen John Moran

The Morning News from #Vegas - #Apple #WorldSeries #NaNoWriMo

10/28/2015

Good Morning from Vegas,

Today we start with baseball. The World Series started last evening and the Royals won a thrilling extra inning game over the Mets - winning game one 5-4 in 14 innings. The key was a game-tying home run by Alex Gordon in the bottom of the ninth off Met's closer Jeurys Familia to save the night for the Royals and send the game into extra innings. It was the first run allowed by Familia in the playoffs. Game two is tonight - deGrom faces Cueto in a pivotal match-up.

In finance news - Apple reported better than expected earnings after the close of trade yesterday. The company sold 48 million iPhones in the quarter, up from 39 million units in the year ago period. It seems Americans have not tired of the iPhone or Apple's gadgets despite constant predictions by critics of the company that iPhone sales will falter. Then again, what do the critics know?

In politics, there is a Republican debate on CNBC tonight. Will you be watching? I'll make note of any important moments...if there are any.

And finally, in writing news - we are just three days away from the start of NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month. As previously reported, I plan to re-write the novel Preface to a Suicide - 100% gutting the novel as I'd 'left it'. I've been jotting down notes and re-working the plot to fit the new facts of the world based on the publication of the Ella book. I'm excited to get started and will post updates and samples as the month progresses. I hope you'll be following along!

Have a great day.

From Vegas,

Stephen John Moran

Cartoon - Been Gauzy - by #‎Hillary‬ ‪#‎GOP‬ ‪#‎Benghazi‬ ‪#‎TreyGowdy‬ #BenghaziCommittee

10/23/2015

The Morning News from #Vegas - #BenghaziCommittee, Book News, #Google and #Apple

10/23/2015

Good Morning from Vegas,

Today starts with something that rarely happens - Republicans and Democrats agreeing on something. Yesterday, at the Benghazi hearings in Washington, Hillary Clinton embarrassed the Republicans. Or rather, the Republicans embarrassed themselves and Hillary was a bemused spectator watching their implosion happen from a front row seat. I can't think of any possible way the GOP could have looked worse yesterday, but give them a few days - I'm sure they will think of something.

In book news, I sketched out several chapters yesterday in preparations for the big re-write of Preface to a Suicide for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I believe I'll be ready a week from now at the kick-off and hit the ground running. 50k words in a month? I've done it twice before and will do it again!! Positive thoughts on this one.

In stocks, Google beat estimates and is surging to new highs this morning. It's lifting the entire tech sector, including Apple. There is a broad based rally going on and anyone that owns stocks will see lots of green in their portfolios this weekend. McDonald's continues to rally post-earnings, cementing the big move from yesterday. So much for the company going out of business. Guess that writer missed the mark. Just a bit.

That's all for now.

From Vegas,

Stephen John Moran

The Morning News from #Vegas - Fiction, Baseball, and McDonald's (Again) #Mets #Cubs #McDonalds

10/22/2015

Good Morning from Vegas,

First, an update on something from the news. Just yesterday I touched base about McDonald's and my article rebutting the click-bait post from Business Insider about McDonald's being 'on its Last Days' - well, this morning before the opening bell, McDonald's reported earnings that widely surpassed analysts estimates. The stock is surging 7 percent in early trading. Investors, smoke a cigar - Business Insider, have an egg McMuffin with that humble pie.

Today there will be new fiction, an Ella installment that I hope to post at 11am PT. I am doing my best to get the piece revised and edited by then. I hope you all will enjoy the fiction today. Also, there will be more book news throughout the day as I give more details about my NaNoWriMo plans for Preface to a Suicide. Be on the look-out for that.

In baseball news, the New York Mets defeated the Chicago Cubs in game four of the NLCS, 8-3, completing a four game sweep to reach the World Series. The Mets Pitchers dominated for the entire series, but the real star was Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy. He hit a home run in each of the four games (and home runs in the last six dating back to the Dodgers series, a MLB post-season record), sealing the Cubs fate. Truly, he was the MVP of the series, batting over .500 and hitting the ball hard almost every time he was at the plate. Tip of the cap to the Mets and Daniel Murphy.

Watch for news of Preface and the fiction post today.

From Vegas,

Stephen John Moran

Revising Preface to a Suicide for #NanoWriMo #AmWriting

10/21/2015

In the morning news I announced my tentative plans to make the next novel of mine published through Moran Publishing to be 'Preface to a Suicide', which is a Ray Holden novel and not an Ella novel. I expected to hear a few words of disagreement from the crowd and did indeed hear some chatter (and will take it into consideration when making the final decision) - but for now I'm going to proceed with Preface.

Seeing as Preface to a Suicide is an older novel that I have revised several times, I have decided that I will write a completely new draft of it from scratch for National Writing Month - instead of trying to piece together different versions of the book. I have attempted to revise this novel a few times and it's a bit tattered from the various drafts being stitched together.

I believe what's called for is a new attack on this work and I've begun making lists of scenes and characters to get ready for the all out blitz that is nano. The plot of the old world will have a presence in the new work, but I will be completely re-working all the major plot points and settings. Only the details that have appeared in Ella will remain.

I hope to make solid progress on this novel and will continue to make preparations for the month long sprint that is Nanowrimo.

So, to the writers out there - who is with me? Comment or share this post.

From Las Vegas,

Stephen John Moran

The Morning News - Books, Joe Biden, and McDonald's

10/21/2015

Good Morning from Vegas,

It's the return of the morning news. A few select highlights of what I think is important for the day both from Moran Publishing and in news/politics around the world. I'll will do this segment as often as there is pressing news to relate.

Today I will start in the world of Politics. Vice President Joe Biden announced moments ago he will not seek the Democratic nomination for President. There have been many rumors he would enter the race, but in the end VP Biden will not run. This clears the field for Hillary in my opinion and is bad news for Senator Sanders. Clinton and Biden would have fought each other for the *establishment* vote and hence helped Sanders. Look for Hillary to get a boost in the polls after this news.

In book news, after many health concerns, I am going to get started revising the book that will follow ELLA. My surgery last week went well (I'm not going into more detail, I know everyone has their own health to tend) - and I will be back on track soon writing wise. As many of my readers know, I have quite the pile of manuscripts waiting to be turned into books - quite a few could be the 'next'. As of now, I'm going to select Preface to a Suicide (A Ray Holden book) - for the simple fact it's in the best condition for lack of a better phrase. I know some readers will have an opinion on this - if you are not okay with the next book of mine to be published *NOT* being an Ella book, feel free to sound off in the comments section.

Finally, I'll tackle the world of finance.

Earlier this week I posted my rebuttal to a click-bail article stating that McDonald's could be on its final days. Check out my article here. The reason I reacted so strongly is tied to the very nature of the 'why' stocks are picked for my portfolio. I've been a waiter for most of my adult life -hence, money was hard earned and didn't come easy. When I invest that money, I want it returned to me. I don't buy the hot stock or the next big thing. I invest in safe companies that have stood the test of time.

McDonald's is a rock of a company and no matter its troubles at present will be there when my baby gets to be a teenager. Whether she decides to eat the food will be up to her. Point being - the very essence of why I own MCD shares refutes the story I referenced - no few quarters of bad sales could put McDonald's out of business. The company continues to pay a dividend and hordes of customers go through its doors each day. The first question I ask of a company before it gets put on my portfolio - not will I see a return *on* my capital, but will I see a return *of* my capital. Will McDonald's that answer is an emphatic yes.

Have a great day.

From Moran Publishing in Vegas,

Stephen Moran

Sale of the Ella E-Book and Paperback

10/20/2015

I'm having a pre-Halloween sale for the e-book and paperback versions of ELLA. The e-book is on sale for the next three days through Amazon for 99 CENTS - if you enjoy reading about serial killers, you can't beat that price.

As well as the e-book being on sale - the paperback will be placed at a discount in my store on site for the next three days as well.

The price of one paperback copy, shipped will be TEN DOLLARS. That's right, ten dollars, shipped to anywhere in the continental USA. You can get an additional book for just 5 dollars more - 2 for 15, shipped.

This offer is available only on my site, not though Amazon.com.

To purchase a paperback at the special price directly from me via PayPal, comment on this post or message me for details on Facebook or Twitter or E-mail me at StephenJohnMoran@gmail.com. Or go to the store section of the website and purchase the package and leave your shipping address in the space provided.

Have a great week!

Reject Click-Bait Journalism - My Response to the Business Insider Article on $MCD #McDonalds

10/19/2015

I hear people say journalism is dead and based on the amount of articles I read on the internet that are click-bait meant to gather hits rather than inform - the statement might be true.

I read an article posted at Business Insider on Friday, linked by a Facebook Friend, with the title of

McDonald's franchisees say the brand is in a 'deep depression' and 'facing its final days'

When I clicked on the article, before I read it - the title suggested to me McDonald's in danger of going out of business. The article then leads with the above mentioned quotes in the title and also the unsubstantiated stat offered by a franchise operator that 'Probably 30% of operators are insolvent.'

All of this is scandalous and incendiary and I'm sure garnered a lot of hits. I saw dozens of mentions of this story on Facebook and Twitter. Many asked me (since I cover McDonald's on my stock page) - Is McDonald's going out of business?

This article is about click-bait journalism and not finance, so I won't drone on with figures and charts. I've posted my thoughts on McDonald's recent struggles as a company and outlined what I think management needs to do in order to right the ship. To state it simply, if you look at the balance sheet, there is no evidence that the company is in any danger of going out of business.

To lead with such a headline is misleading and nobody that researches the company's current state of affairs could possibly believe it. McDonald's booked 26 Billion in Revenues in the TTM (Trailing Twelve Months) - no matter its troubles, this company is going nowhere.

I'd wager the author of the article knew that, but journalism wasn't the goal of this piece. An incendiary title meant to gather hits was the obvious purpose. This is demonstrated by the author casually tossing in at the end of the article that some operators aren't unhappy with the current CEO's efforts, giving those opinions no play compared to the operator that had dire things to say about the company. Operators that didn't share the opinion of the sensational headline were treated as an afterthought.

This is not a balanced article meant to inform you of the current state of McDonald's as a company. It's click bait, pure and simple. We must reject click-bait journalism and call out sub-par reporting. Please demand more from journalists.