Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 271
October 3, 2016
Quintessence – A-Z#Poetry
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Sleek and Unending
This river of Complexity
Heart and Soul
Seeking
Being
All that ever was and ever shall be
United
Embodied
In the Quintessence
Of me
Whisper of Virtue
Delusion of time
As Passion blends with the Dichotomy
Of the Uniquely Sublime
And the Echoes Pour
Like thunder in the Night
A Quintessence of Perfection
Though
Not quite.
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~Morgan~
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Beautiful Photograph found on Alphacoders.com Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer. Thank You~
Filed under: Poetry Tagged: Beautiful Photographs, BnV, BooknVolume, Inspiration, life, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, spirituality, The Human Condition, time, ~Morgan~
Daily Prompt: Breakthrough
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Once upon a time, not so very long ago, I dreamed of writing. Writing for whoever might hear, whoever might care, or, for myself and the sheer enjoyment, nay, the absolute bliss of filling a page with words spilling from my mind like a torrent. (a torrent of what, we shall not debate!) Words have always been there, at the forefront of my every thought, waking or sleeping, dreaming or working. How many times I’ve been caught narrating what I’m doing by a quizzical onlooker I dare not admit (usually a family member, thank goodness, but not always). It’s rather like an obsession I cannot escape or break free of, and like an obsession, I do not care to break free, really.
I distinctly remember sitting in my fifth grade classroom, creating stories in my mind and scribbling them down for all I was worth rather than going out for recess (even when a rousing game of 4 square or kickball beckoned). How could I explain to other ten year olds that I would much rather immerse myself in the mystical places my imagination could take me, would take me, than run around in the dirt or swing from the playground monkey bars (which I never could reach anyway, being so diminutively statured).
OK, maybe that is just proof that I’m a little left of center. (You might enthusiastically agree) The dilithium crystals aren’t reaching full efficiency, Captain. I’m one clue short of a revelation, Sherlock. OR it may indicate that I was destined to unravel the complexities of life and love in lyrical, narrative fashion; who can tell (although more than likely it’s a bit of both, really). One thing is clear, though; I shall never escape the compelling temptation that is writing. I’m addicted, mind, body, soul.
Good thing, though, since it would seem this compulsion is my one true gift. (Yes, I do believe we all have at least one, some of us have more than one, though proving how quickly a bottle of Absolute can be absolutely obliterated or diving from train trusses with a spongy rope attached to the feet are not illustrations of a gift by any means) Where was I?
Good thing, yes, because I have found that once you allow yourself to become completely wound up in your True Gift the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment you achieve supersedes anything else, everything else. Of course, the trick is figuring out what your One True Gift is, which isn’t as simple as it seems. I should have known I was a writer, since words have been tumbling from my mind and spirit since I was old enough to speak. I spent a summer composing a collection of 100 poems, just as a challenge to myself and I’ve been writing one thing or another since I could hold a pencil (or crayon) (or lipstick). So why did it take me this long to sit down and take it seriously and to finally realize the ultimate joy in utilizing that one talent given to me alone (so to speak, since it was certainly given to you as well or we wouldn’t be here, but do humour me, as I’m making a point here) (I think/hope).
We walk along the path of life, meandering through the shaggy undergrowth and stopping often to investigate the curious or spectacular. We stumble over debris scattered in the avenue, sometimes we fall, tumble, roll and when we struggle to our feet the right way to go isn’t always clear. We point ourselves in a direction and trudge on. Often, we need to double back, realizing that we’ve chosen the wrong direction. The going can be difficult, uphill, over large stones and through loose gravel that slips underfoot; yet the light is always shining down on us, streaming through the lush canopy of green swaying in the wind over our heads. Nevertheless, we ultimately come to a place where we can go no farther unaided and we must make a deliberate choice. Turn around and stumble back the way we came, making no further progress and never reaching our goal(s) or reach for the walking stick waiting at our feet; accept the hand that is offered to help us continue on; allow ourselves to Breakthrough and clear away the brambles so we don’t fall or bleed anymore.
This isn’t a cop out, however. Nor is it taking the easy way out or cheating. In fact, it’s just the beginning. The start of a whole new journey; another path to walk along, another avenue to sojourn, though not alone, and when we walk this road, aided by the Light that is within us we will discover our Purpose. A purpose that will fill us (oddly enough) with Purpose. A destiny that will lead us to our Destiny; and a gift, One True Gift, that will give us the greatest Gift of all.
Breakthrough the fear and doubt so you may Discover YOU.
~Morgan~
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Photography by ME .
Pause – A-Z#poetry
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Pause
As the Listless Cause
Grasps at Straws of Ephemeral Living
Sigh
With the Celebration Fly
Through Open Generosity, Giving
Strive
In Life be Blithe
As base Trepidation Reaches
Pause
Amidst the Thunderous Applause
As the Spirit Quietly Teaches.
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~Morgan~
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Beautiful Photograph found on Pinterest. Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer. Thank You~
Filed under: Poetry Tagged: Be The Blessing, Beautiful Photographs, BnV, BooknVolume, Harmony, Inspiration, life, photography, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Purpose, spirituality, ~Morgan~
October 2, 2016
Otherwise – A-Z#poetry
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Speak in Words otherwise Unsaid
That All the rhymes within
May tumble forth in tides of
Liquescent Splendour
Like the glistening stars of ebon night
Temptation upon a Sea of Silence
Waiting for what Otherwise
May never be heard.
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~Morgan~
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Beautiful Photograph by Ed Leckert. Thank You
Filed under: Poetry Tagged: Beautiful Photographs, BnV, BooknVolume, Harmony, Love, Nature, Night, photography, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Poetry Challenge, relationships, spirituality, Writing Challenge, ~Morgan~
October 1, 2016
Deliberate Ruse – #Poetry to #Music
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Deliberate Ruse
He tries to Confuse
As the tumbling shadows rend subterfuge
He Whispers in Darkness
He Enchants in Moonlight
Deliberate Ruse
Intoxicatingly Right
A Silver Shadow in the Ebon Mist
No Sound; No Echo
Of His Deliberate Kiss
I, Standing in Waiting
He, Plummeting to Earth
As the Ruse of Deception
Rings in His Mirth
Winged Denizen
Gloriously Blinding
His Ravenesque Desire
Deliberately Spellbinding
As the Shadows Shift
And the dimness turns Bright
His Deliberate Temptation
Ever So Right!
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Inspired by a truly Spellbinding poem entitled The Changeling by Trini Lind of Tales from the Fairies
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~Morgan~
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Incredible Original Music by Within Temptation.
Filed under: Music and Muse, Poetry Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Dark Fantasy, Dark Fey, Desire, Love Poetry, Musical Inspirations, passion, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Temptation, ~Morgan~
Never – A-Z#Poetry
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Never Forget
To Never Recollect
The Never in Ever
That might Reflect
From Never Wanting
Nor Never Asking
Afraid that Never
Would be thoroughly Tasking
When Never is Never
What you Ever Expect
Never Cries Forever
When Never goes Unchecked
Never Remember
To Never Forget
Never Never Spoken
Never Bides Regret
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~Morgan~
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Beautiful Black Water photo found on Pinterest. Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer. Thank You.
Filed under: Poetry Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, depression, Doubt, Fear, Pessimism, photography, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Poetry Challenge, Writing Challenge, Writing Poetry, ~Morgan~
In The Lime Light #AuthorInterview – Getting Lost In Wonderland with Nicky Peacock
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Today I should like to Introduce you to Nicky Peacock: Hello Nicky…lets begin with you telling us a little bit about Yourself
I guess I’ve always been a storyteller, not in a ‘liar liar pants on fire’ kind of way, although I do work in advertising! When I was little, kids would crowd around me in the playground and I’d tell them tales of blood soaked horror filled with vampires, werewolves, ghosts and more.
Yes, most would consider me a disturbed child, but my playmates couldn’t help themselves, they’d huddle around me every break time like an ancient tribe feeding off the fear; and that’s how I learned that horror stories hold a certain power, no matter what some might say, everyone is addicted to a good scare, especially if it is somewhat rooted safely in unrealistic beings… or are they unrealistic?
Writing was really a natural progression for me. So far I’ve had 35 short stories included in anthologies produced by publishers all over the world; my latest was included in Little Brown Book Group’sMammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories. I have two YA series with the publishers, Evernight Teen:Battle of the Undead and The Twisted and The Brave.
Please Introduce us to your Blog. What is it all about? What sorts of posts do you lean towards?
My blog is dedicated mainly to fellow author interviews, writing advice and book reviews. I tend to be a bit frugal with my social media time. I think that a writer can get side-tracked by all the sites out there. They are important, but writing your manuscripts should be the top priority.
What Inspires and stirs your creativity?
Anything and everything have influenced me. I’ve never been short of inspiration, just time to execute my dark thoughts. I have a brimming ideas folder on my computer, which I keep adding to. Sometimes I’ll just hear a snippet of a conversation, my dark sticky mind then grabs onto it and rolls it round and round till it becomes something terrifying – I then have to exorcise it onto the page. I love reading New Scientist magazine; it always seems to have something interesting in and the website Listverse always has something interesting on!
Conversely, what do you find difficult to write about?
I try to stay away from political issues. Everyone has their own opinion and have a right to it, whether it’s commonly held opinion or not. Getting into online debates can be frustrating, and no one actually wins them.
What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?
If you want to write, get on and do it. There are lots of opportunities in the industry now, so if your dream to write a book – go for it!
How has your blog helped you as a writer/Indie Author? What things have you learned along the way that you never anticipated?
It’s helped me build an audience and is a great showcase to publishers to see how dedicated I am to promoting my work – which is a much more integral part of being an author than I ever thought.
Tell us about your book(s):
Lost in Wonderland is a YA supernatural thriller twist on Alice in Wonderland. It starts a new series that mashes up classic children’s books with YA thrillers. It’s centred around a teenage girl called Mouse who works for a secretive vigilante organisation called Wonderland that baits and executes serial killers that elude the authorities.
The Battle of the Undead series is a YA vampires VS zombies urban fantasy series.
What Inspired you to write your book?
Lost in Wonderland was inspired by Alice in Wonderland’s 150th anniversary last year. I wanted to honour the book, but not just by transposing the story into a different genre. I took the themes of madness and growing up and twisted them up with the plot of a supernatural thriller that, although features an Alice, doesn’t have her as the main character.
Battle of the Undead was born out of me wanting to read a Vampires VS Zombies book, but not finding one. They are both such rich monsters who have very different characteristics that, having them fight against one another for their ‘food’ meant that the story practically wrote itself!
From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?
I prefer the first person, but don’t mind third too now. I love the second person, but it’s not a very malleable and only works for certain stories as it can come over a bit accusatory.
How would you describe your “Voice” or Style of writing?
I’m very action orientated so I tend to move my stories on pretty quickly. I hate books that meander around and around scenes that have no link to either theme, character development and plot.
What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?
I have a very dark and fertile imagination, so genres such as urban fantasy, horror, supernatural thrillers and steampunk are what draw me. I tend to write YA but do also write for adults too. I think if I were asked to write contemporary literary fiction, I’d get bored and start to insert some paranormal element into it.
Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?
I’m a plotter; I have a bit of an odd process; I tend to write the scenes I’m most passionate about first and then go back over the plot to fill in the gaps. It’s a bit unconventional, but I find that once I’ve written all the exciting scenes the story itself starts to evolve, and so the weaker ones become more coherent to the overall story, and I’m more committed to not wasting what I’ve already written and so I know I’ll finish the book.
Do you have a favourite or least favourite character? And Why?
A zombie dog called Buddy. He appeared in my story, For Audrey which is included in the So Long and Thanks for all the Brain anthology. Buddy wakes up dead in a zombie apocalypse but doesn’t let that stop him getting his young ward to safety. He’s the only character that made me cry! I think you can guess why…
Share an insight or secret about your book(s).
I have a fear of being lost. It’s hard to explain to most people, but I get very worried about going places I don’t know. I’m not sure how it started and I’m fine as long as I’m with someone else, but if I have to go somewhere new alone, especially when driving, I break out into a cold sweat and have to Google street map where I’m going to the point of madness to feel even slightly comfortable. I gave this fear to my character, Mouse in my book Lost in Wonderland.
What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?
You can’t please everyone, so write something you are passionate about.
And now the part everyone seems to hate…lets take About YOU: If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?
She’s funny; both ha ha and weird funny. Try not to make any sudden movements, lol!
If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?
Amelia Earhart. I’d love to know what actually happened to her. Also, she was such an inspiration; it would be lovely to treat her to an all you can eat Chinese buffet and pick her brain.
When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?
I work full time on a trade magazine and spend the rest of my time writing and promoting my work (a massive part of the modern author’s life) I try to exercise, but to be honest, my heart is rarely in it and I usually find an excuse – I’ve gotten quite a bit of writing done in the past trying to avoid the treadmill! I’m a big movie and TV addict and run a local writers’ group to encourage others that need help on the road to their literary dreams.
Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination. Have you ever been there? What makes this place Irresistible to you?
I’d do a three location themed hop: New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Mexico for the Day of the Dead and Venice for their carnival. Lots of tasty food, music, dancing and cool costumes. I’d also like a stop at Loch Ness to do some monster hunting.
Do you have a Mantra?
I watch a lot of Project Runway so I tend to hear Tim Gunn in my ear saying ‘Make it work’.
What “Charity” or “Cause” do you feel passionately about & Why?
The British Heart Foundation. High blood pressure affects me and lots of other people in the UK. Your heart works so hard through your life, and it’s easy to forget that your lifestyle has such an impact on it. My best friend recently had to undergo heart surgery, and it was scary. Look after your heart readers, and it will look after you.
You can find me online:
Blog: Twitter: Y A Facebook Page: UK Amazon Author Page:
US Amazon Author page: Good Reads: Tumblr: Authorgraph:
I’ve currently got a FREE read available: Traitors’ Gate which is a historical vampires VS zombies urban fantasy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Traitors-Battle-Undead-Nicky-Peacock-ebook/dp/B01KGBLIN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473879260&sr=8-1&keywords=traitors+gate+nicky
And readers can buy Lost in Wonderland here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Wonderland-Twisted-Brave-Book-ebook/dp/B01E9NX1W2/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1473879295&sr=1-2
Thank you so much for interviewing me today
September 30, 2016
#FridayFantasy – Muse – A-Z#Poetry
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The Muse Speaks
In the Echoes of Night
When Shadows are Silent sentinels
And Whispers Sing in Ethereal Light.
The Muse Stares
In the Glimmers of day,
His Gaze entirely Focused
On what I might Say.
The Muse Watches,
Waiting in the Breathless Rush
Of Inspiration Dancing
Amid the Ebon Hush.
When the Muse Sleeps,
His Dreams Filling the void
Grasping at my thoughts
That are Ever Employed.
When The Muse is Telling,
All His Secrets Unfold
In the Lavender Twilight
And the Bright Morning’s Gold.
The Muse sits beside me
Waiting for me to respond,
His Endless Enchantment
An Unbreakable Bond!
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~Morgan~
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Beautiful Photograph found on Pinterest. Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer and model. Thank you~
Filed under: Friday Fantasy, Poetry Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Fantasy, Inspiration, Muse, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, relationships, Soul Mates, Writing, ~Morgan~
Linger – A-Z#Poetry
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Speak of the Dance
While the Dance is Speaking;
Linger in the Trance
While the Trance is Seeking;
Memory Gilded in the Rose-hued Glow,
Baptism of Forgetfulness
As the Parade flows;
Whisper of Ruse
Where the Ruse plays;
Shadows Enticing
Where Enticement Splays
The Darkness of Reverie
Where Silence will Linger
As Intoxication is Spilling
Over the Diligent Bringer,
Biding Time
While Time Bides no Rules,
Dancing and Whispering
Where it Lingers
Among fools.
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~Morgan~
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Artwork: time traveler by beyzayildirim77 on DeviantArt
Filed under: Friday Fantasy, Poetry Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Fantasy, Memory, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Poetry Challenge, Steampunk, time, Writing Challenge, ~Morgan~
#FridayFantasy – Veryth- A Healer for #PositiveChange
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A Friend and fellow Author recently invited me to do a character interview with one of my characters from Dark Fey and after much consideration, I decided it should be Veryth. Although he is a supporting character in the trilogy, his contributions are vital to the story and, indeed, the Fey with whom he interacts. His influence is gentle, yet powerful and, although he would never step forward of his own volition, being entirely good-natured and humble of spirit, I couldn’t resist giving him some much deserved attention. I hope you may enjoy discovering more about him and do please feel free to share what you think and if you have any additional questions about/for him.
Hello Veryth, Thank You for taking time out of your busy schedule at the Temple to speak with us and tell us about yourself. I am honoured.
What are you passionate about? – I am a Healer whose focus is Counseling. I follow a creed of Guide Gently, Lead Quietly, Extol Empoweringly, which allows me to help others help themselves. This is the deepest aspiration of my spirit and fulfills my purpose.
In most times, what would someone find you doing? I reside at the Temple so I may be close to the Healing Wards at all times. If any fey is in need, I am available to give assistance, offer support, suggest guidance or simply to listen. This is what I love doing and you rarely find me amidst any other activity, although I do enjoy reading and quiet walks, as they allow me to refocus my energy and settle my mind.
Please tell us, who are you really. What do you look like, where/when are you from, what would you say is your biggest strength, biggest weakness? I am a Fey of the Light who is old enough to have been unified to my beloved, who bore us a beautiful daughter; young enough to still connect with the youth of the village and vibrant enough to play an active role in our community. I am of an average height for a malefey at 5’10” with a healthful physique, dark blond hair, deep green eyes (from which my name was inspired), and typical, broad, white-feathered wings. My beloved insisted I am handsome as well as kind of spirit and wise beyond my years, but my humility normally does not permit me to boast such things. I was born and raised in the village Hwyndarin, where I am happy to make my home among the Fey I care about so deeply.
My strongest skill is an ability to remain calm even in the most intense situations, which I am able to share with others through my gift of Empathic Transference, which is the ability to share my emotions with others. This same gift, however, also presents the most challenges. It has taken most of my life to hone this gift and learn how to govern it, because, as you might imagine, such a skill could unintentionally overwhelm another or be utilized with cruel or unkind intent.
What is the most important thing to you? Helping others. It is what my essence drives me to do and what gives me a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
What irks you the most? I have a reasonably even temperament; not much irks or irritates me, however, I would be untruthful if I said the heartless cruelty of the Reviled and their unthinkable need to inflict harm does not, at times, make me wish I had more of a warrior nature.
What delights you the most? Seeing positive change, whether in the life of an individual whom I or another Healer may have aided or through the actions of a group, such as the Liberators, led by the Fierce One, Gairynzvl.
What is one thing that you want us to know about you? Though I do not often speak of such a heart-rending loss, the reason I chose to dedicate my life to helping others was inspired, in no small part, by the help I received (from Healers and Counselors) after the Reviled stole both my beloved and our only child from me. It took much time to recover from such an unspeakable injury, not only to my heart but also my spirit, but I learned much through the loss and grief, and the challenges I faced to try to set my life to some useful purpose. I cannot help, now, believing that the darkness, which steals into all of our lives at some point or another, is there to challenge us to become more than we are at that moment. It is an opportunity to make a change, a positive change, that can and often will not only effect our own life, but the lives of those around us. At least, in my case, this is true.
Where can we find you? I am usually to be found in the precincts of the Temple and play an active, although gentle, role in the entire Dark Fey Trilogy.
Thank You, Veryth, for sharing your Inspiring story with us. I hope these few insights will help others understand your vital Purpose better. You honour me generously. It is I who Thanks You.
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Care to know more about the Dark Fey Trilogy? You can visit its dedicated website All Things Dark Fey
~Morgan~
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Beautiful Original Artwork by: Dusan Markovic
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Filed under: Dark Fey, Friday Fantasy Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Books that Matter, Character Interviews, Fantasy, Fantasy Books, Fantasy Characters, Fantasy Realm, Kindle, Kindle Books, Meet My Character, YA Fantasy
