Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 344

In The Lime Light – Richard Ankers – The Writings

Welcome my Friends :) Happy Saturday and, once again, thank you for stopping by to see just who is In The Lime Light this weekend :) I confess, I am Delighted to share a poet and writer with you who has inspired me since the first time I posted on BnV; a friend who has been around since the beginning and whose writing pushes the boundaries and makes me smile, laugh, gasp, tremble and sigh! You will agree, I am sure, when I tell you that Richard Ankers (whose wonderful blog you can find here: http://richardankers.com ) made a rare appearance in the Interview arena JUST for Booknvolume…well and for all of YOU as well…so my blathering is pointless. Lets Jump Right In shall we? :)

IN HIS WORDS: Richard was a Company Director in retail until finally plucking up the courage to show people the writing he had spent years shyly stashing away. Joining HarperCollins’ Authonomy site was the jolt he needed to realise people liked what he wrote. Winning a gold medal there for his book The Snow Lily, was a great boost. Since then, he has spent a long time writing and preparing a trilogy of SciFi/ DarkFantasy books which he hopes to have traditionally published. Richard stopped by for a natter, so lets put the kettle on and get right to it!

Please Introduce us to your Blog. What is it all about? What sorts of posts do you lean towards?

RICHARD: Hello, my name’s Richard. My blog is a place where I post writing and poetry that is on my mind and needs to come out, (there’s far too much in there.) I use my blog as a way of honing my skills for the longer writings that I love. I believe the more you write the better you write and I try to practice what I preach.

What Inspires and stirs your creativity?

RICHARD: Everything inspires me. I can hear a word, or see an image, or even hear something, and it sets off the creative juices. I have written a whole trilogy of books based on one simple image that I saw and was taken by. I never struggle for something to write about because I will never have enough time on this earth to write everything that’s in my mind.

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

RICHARD: I don’t really share any message other than insisting on writing what I want. I would always encourage others to do the same. Don’t pamper to people because the most heartfelt words are those that are most honest, regardless of the length or style they are presented in.

How has your blog helped you as a writer/Indie Author? What things have you learned along the way that you never anticipated?

RICHARD: I wouldn’t say my blog has helped other than not having to worry about wasting what I’ve written. It’s given me a home for all the words.

Tell us about your book(s):

RICHARD: My first book was called The Snow Lily, a story about two abandoned children in Victorian times. I was lucky enough to win a gold medal on the HarperCollins Authonomy site through my efforts. This gave me great confidence (as I have none) and a major boost to my resume. I never had any intention to publish it but one day I might.

I am currently writing a Sci-Fi / Dark Fantasy trilogy. I have made the unusual decision to write all three books in one go and then return to them one by one in order for publishing. I want each book and the trilogy as a whole to be perfect before it goes out there. Believe me when I say, they are unlike any Dark Fantasy book you will have read. The Trilogy was going to be called Decadent Gothic but I have recently altered it to The Eternals Saga, as it’s just a touch more appropriate.

PS. Shhh! They’re almost done.

What Inspired you to write your book?

RICHARD: The whole Eternals Saga was based on a single, spectacular image that I saw. I can’t say what though, as it would give the game away.

From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?

RICHARD: I prefer first person but aren’t particularly bothered. I just find it easier to be in the protagonist’s shoes if I am writing as though it is me. I like to look through my main character’s eyes, so to speak.

How would you describe your “Voice” or Style of writing?

RICHARD: People have said I have a Literary style, but I would leave that to others to decide.

What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?

RICHARD: I love every genre. I hate to be pigeonholed. But, dark fantasy and the speculative genres that abut it are my real passion. Basically, things with a fantastical element.

Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?

RICHARD: I’m neither. I’m very lucky that the moment I have the idea the whole thing unravels in my head. I have no need to write a word of plot unless I wish to. I know exactly how it will start, finish and everything in-between within moments.

Share an insight or secret about your book(s).

RICHARD: They always have a twist near the end.

What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?

RICHARD: Write what you want how you want. And NEVER, NEVER EVER let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough. Practise and you will be.

And now, the part most people hate…lets talk About YOU:

If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?

RICHARD: I wouldn’t, as I’m too shy in person. I always know what to write but never know what to say. Plus, I’ve never had a very high opinion of myself.

If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?

RICHARD: Nobody in particular.

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?

RICHARD: I love to run and do so everyday. I also love nature and all it encompasses.

Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination. Have you ever been there? What makes this place Irresistible to you?

RICHARD: My dream destination is Wengen in Switzerland and I have been there. The place has spectacular scenery, mountains to die for, and once out of the town itself is wonderfully quiet. I also love the British Lake District for similar reasons. I would love to live near mountains and am a very quiet person.

Do you have a Mantra?

RICHARD: Above all else be happy. Life is too short not to be. (Lots of people say that but don’t really mean it. I mean every word of it.)

I am honoured, Richard, that you agreed to share a bit about yourself and your writing with me/us. Thank You Ever So!

You can Follow Richard via Twitter @richardankers

~Morgan~

Filed under: Your Beautiful Life Tagged: Author Interviews, Authors, Bloggers, BnV, BooknVolume, Books, Indie Authors, Indie Publishing, poetry, Self-Publishing, Writers, Writing, ~Morgan~

Friday Fantasy- Standing in Shadows Launch Party

I know, I know, its not a Rhyme of any Kind, but its Fantasy :)

All Weekend…Theres a PARTY going on https://www.facebook.com/events/818373964939127

in Celebration of the Launch of Book Two of the Dark Fey Trilogy: Standing In Shadows! Besides picking up a fantastic (if I do say so myself) read, you can hob-nob with a few other writers, enjoy a couple fun games, enter into as many giveaways going on throughout the weekend as you can manage! OH and, of course, be entered into the drawing for the GRAND PRIZE!!

What IS the Grand Prize, you ask? How does 25 FREE eBooks sound to you? Plus a Free copy of Standing in Shadows!

✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫ღ˚ •。* ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•✫

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY ✿ ◠‿◠ ✿ GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY

✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫ღ˚ •。* ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•✫

For All who are interested in a chance at winning this Amazing Grand Prize, here is what you will need to do:

Of course, you will need to order/Pre-order a copy of Dark Fey: Standing in Shadows – (Once ordered/Pre-ordered, comment below that you’ve done it and pls include the last 4# of your conf. number just for clarification purposes)

Amazon US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018HF4HSA

Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B018HF4HSA

Pre-Ordering the eBook will enter your name into the drawing for the Grand Prize Once.

Ordering the Paperback will enter your name into the drawing for the Grand Prize TWICE!

AND throughout the weekend I will be offering trivia questions and other chances for you to gain additional entries into the Grand Prize (because I’m nice like that!) :) :) :)

I am keeping things simple: No Rafflecopters…No Facebook Giveaways…Just Your Integrity & My Willingness to Trust. I thank you for being Honest and playing fair :)

NOW lets have some FUN!!!

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~Morgan~

Filed under: Dark Fey Tagged: Book Event, Book Giveaway, Book Launch, Celebrate, Dark Fey, Dinner Party, Facebook Event, Free Books, Freebies, Grand Prize, Indie Authors, new Books, Publishing

Cracking Good Stuff

Thanksgiving is admittedly an American holiday, and, being American (ssshhhh!! Don’t tell anyone, ok?) I will be knee deep in the turkey and stuffing tomorrow, to be sure, but I’ve always thought that American’s certainly shouldn’t corner the market on being Thankful. And often times, we don’t (sadly). Setting aside a specific day to Give Thanks is a noteworthy tradition, regardless of your culture or historical background, but to surround that day with rich foods, quality family time and a prayer or two makes this holiday my second favourite. No contest.

Of course, Christmas tops the chart, for a variety of reasons, which I shall certainly visit in other posts as the season unfolds; still, Thanksgiving Day is only second best because there has to be a first. I suppose, if I wanted to be truly impartial I’d simply rate them both as tied for first, but that would be too easy and wouldn’t give me nearly as much to write about, now would it? Nevertheless, notwithstanding, and all the same, Thanksgiving Day, in my book(nvolume) is definitely Cracking Good Stuff!

Obviously, the sumptuously roasted turkey, the 5-bread stuffing steeped in celery, onion, sage, parsley and a hint of garlic, the sweet potato and banana casserole with brown sugar and pecan streusel, the baked broccoli and cheese gratin, the winter vegetables roasted in olive oil and topped with almonds and cranberries, the succulent buttery corn, the whole berry cranberry sauce, the pies, the cookies, and the wines are reason enough (sound’s divine, doesn’t it?) Spending the morning watching the holiday parade live from New York City and eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival always starts the day off with smiles and child-like delight. (I particularly love the horses in full regalia as well as all the balloons!) Gathering with friends and family to enjoy the aforementioned feast spreads throughout the afternoon like the ruddy glow of an amiable fire beneath the heart. Spending the remainder of the day enjoying a fine glass of wine and a rousing game that fills the house with sighs of being far too full and laughter that sometimes ends in fits of tears rounds the day off brilliantly. And finally, finding room in the tummy to enjoy a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie, or some homemade holiday cookies or some far too indulgent fudge (or a smidgen of all!) sends the day spiraling right over the top of perfection into absolute euphoria. (Not to mention sets the bar on the workout regime for the next week!)

Yes, Thanksgiving is brimming over with some cracking good stuff. Undeniably! Yet my favourite time of the day comes when we go round the table and, one by one, say what and or who we are Thankful for, offering a personal portion of gratitude to our prayer before we ever, even begin. To me, this is the most meaningful, entirely wonderful, and beautifully poignant tradition we share, because, to me, without this significant element, the day is meaningless excess.

Lord We Thank You for the Bounty You have Placed Before Us.

We Thank You for this Day of Love and Joy.

We Thank You for Allowing Us to be Together,

To Share with Each Other and With You

The Fullness of Our Hearts on This

Special Day.

Amen.

Yes, Definitely, Cracking Good Stuff!

And as I will definitely be enjoying all of the aforementioned throughout the day tomorrow, I will most certainly not be around to wish you ALL a very Blessed, Very Bounteous day filled with Friends, Family and Thankfullness for all, as I am for YOU :)

~Morgan~Quote from A Christmas Carol with George C Scott (My favourite Christmas Movie, by the by) (Also, definitely cracking good!)

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Beautiful Image found on Google Image Search

Filed under: Just Me Musing Tagged: Blessings, BnV, BooknVolume, Family, Holidays, Macy's Day Parade, photography, Prayer, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Traditions, Writing, ~Morgan~

Wordless Wednesday – Just a Few Things I’m Thankful For

While I could continue forever, I think you see what I mean :)

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful Images found via Google & Pinterest. Credit acknowledged to the Original Photographers. Thank You!

Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: Amazing Photography, Beautiful Earth Photos, Beautiful Photographs, Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Earth_Pics, Light, Nature, photography, ~Morgan~

Wordless Wednesday – Happy Thanksgiving

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful Photos found on Pinterest. Credit Acknowledged to the Original Photographers. Thank You :)

Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: Beautiful Photographs, Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Happy Thanksgiving, Harvest, photography, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, ~Morgan~

A Thankful Heart – Finale

A Thankful Heart is Open to Blessings

because it is closed to worry, doubt, and wailing.

A Thankful Heart is Filled with Love

because it empties itself of loathing, greed, and envy.

A Thankful Heart is Overflowing with Peace

because it does not Share itself with lies, distrust, and negativity.

A Thankful Heart Touches Others with its Blessings and Love

because it is Ever in the Presence of Love and Blessing.

A Thankful Heart Speaks in Kindness, Patience and Empowerment

because it does not Speak of hate, intolerance or to incapacitate.

A Thankful Heart Chooses its Path Each Day with Diligence and Joy

because it does not Concentrate on what it cannot do.

A Thankful Heart Walks in Hope, Love, Peace and Joy

because it Knows nothing else.

A Thankful Heart Shares its Purpose

because it is Incapable of Withholding All that Pours from its Abundant Profusion.

Embark upon Each New Day with a Thankful Heart

and You will Find Endless Blessings for which to be Thankful.

~Morgan~

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Beautiful Image found at: plattform.com

Filed under: Poetry Tagged: Blessings, BnV, BooknVolume, Hope, Joy, Kindess, Love, Patience, Poem, poetry, Purpose, spirituality, Thanksgiving, ~Morgan~

A Thankful Heart, Part Three

A Thankful Heart is Open to Blessings

because it is closed to worry, doubt, and wailing.

A Thankful Heart is Filled with Love

because it empties itself of loathing, greed, and envy.

A Thankful Heart is Overflowing with Peace

because it does not Share itself with lies, distrust, and negativity.

A Thankful Heart Touches Others with its Blessings and Love

because it is Ever in the Presence of Love and Blessing.

A Thankful Heart Speaks in Kindness, Patience and Empowerment

because it does not Speak of hate, intolerance and incapacitate.

A Thankful Heart Chooses its Path Each Day with Diligence and Joy

because it does not Concentrate on what it cannot do.

~Morgan~

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Beautiful Image found at: hipmamamedia.com

Filed under: Poetry Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Faith, Gratitude, Inspiration, Joy, Kindess, Patience, Poem, poetry, relationships, spirituality, Thankfulness, ~Morgan~

A Thankful Heart – Part Two

A Thankful Heart is Open to Blessings

because it is closed to worry, doubt, and wailing.

A Thankful Heart is Filled with Love

because it empties itself of loathing, greed, and envy.

A Thankful Heart is Overflowing with Peace

because it does not Share itself with lies, distrust, and negativity.

A Thankful Heart Touches Others with its Blessings and Love

because it is Ever in the Presence of Love and Blessing.

~Morgan~

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Beautiful Image found at: binkycm.wordpress.com (Thank You!)

Filed under: Poetry Tagged: Blessings, BnV, BooknVolume, Faith, Gratitude, Love, Peace, photography, Poem, poetry, spirituality, Thanksgiving, Writing, ~Morgan~

A Thankful Heart – Part One

A Thankful Heart is Open to Blessings

because it is closed to worry, doubt, and wailing.

A Thankful Heart is Filled with Love

because it empties itself of loathing, greed, and envy.

~Morgan~

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Beautiful Image found at: sunshine625.hubpages.com

Filed under: Poetry Tagged: Blessing, BnV, BooknVolume, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, life, Love, photography, Poem, poetry, spirituality, Writing, ~Morgan~

In The Lime Light – Author O’jay Dimbuh

Happy Saturday :) Its time to meet another Author/Poet/Photographer/or Artist who has stopped by to share a bit about himself and enjoy The Lime Light :) I hope you enjoy it as well while meeting O’jay Dimbuh. O’Jay was born and raised in the Nigerian south-eastern city of Enugu. He is a graduate of Visual Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, majoring in sculpture; he is also a painter.

He has great drive and ambition for his writing, and hopes to become one of the great storytellers of our time. He loves music, drama, and the computer. He has written several published articles, poems, drama, and movie scripts. He is an entrepreneur, masseur, sports & fitness enthusiast, a martial artist, a voracious reader, and a thinker. He is inspired in life by the outstanding characters of the Bible, and great thinkers, both ancient and modern. For him, writing is a means of unburdening his spirit, expressing his values, beliefs and concerns for the future – a relief-inducing exercise. LION-HEART ODYSSEY – his first prose – epitomizes all these. It is a story through which he has expressed his affinity with his roots. He lives in Abuja, Nigeria, where he runs his advertising agency.

So lets get right to the Heart –or the LION-HEART of the matter :)

Tell us about your Blog.

O’JAY DIMBUH: I have two blogs; and they’re both new. The first one is at http://ojaydimbuh.blogspot.com and the second one, attached to my author website, is at http://ojaydimbuh.wordpress.com.

For me, my blog serves the same purpose my writing does – a means of expressing myself. It is about expressing my interests, my values, my fears and my concerns, both for the moment and for the future.

What Inspires and stirs your creativity?

O’JAY DIMBUH: Various things inspire my varying means of creative expression, because I’m also a painter, sculptor, poet and playwright. I’ll say, though, that life itself is my main means of inspiration. Things that happen to me, pictures I see, movies I watch, things I read about, the stories I was told about the events of the past, stories shared among friends, and even stories from Bible all have inspired my creativity.

For example, inspiration for my book, ODYSSEY OF THE LION-HEART, came from stories I was told about my maternal great grandfather and grandfather. Then Chinua Achebe’s THINGS FALL APART, plus countless little anecdotes told by my paternal grandmother and her co-wife.

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

O’JAY DIMBUH: I hope to inspire people to choose the right path in life, and to have hope in the future of mankind. My reasons for wanting to share these values are not just because of their benefits today, but also because of the wonderful future God is preparing for mankind. It’s beautiful to see the efforts people make to better their lot and those of others, but in reality, human efforts can only go so far. Only the Creator can solve ALL of mankind’s problems, and it’s truly wonderful that He has promised to do so in due time. So no matter what your situation is in life, it’s better to do the right thing and be hopeful, because the future will bring a perfect life for those who do their best to follow the right path.

What are your Dreams for the Future in regards to your Blog and your work?

O’JAY DIMBUH: MY hope is that more and more people will appreciate and embrace the message I pass through my blog. As for my writing, I hope to become one of the great story-tellers of our time. I’m very ambitious about, and committed to my writing. I have a very virile imagination that has spurn tens of story ideas I’m eager to develop and write. So despite time limitations placed on me by work and business obligations, I’m still working hard to realize my dreams.

About Your Book(s):

O’JAY DIMBUH: I have one published novel, ODYSSEY OF THE LION-HEART. It is a historical epic tale of Action Adventure, Steamy Passion, Romance, Betrayal and Rebellion… an intriguing tale of torrid sex, volatile colonial tensions, supernatural mystique, and fearless courage; it is the compelling and evocative story of a man’s compulsive and dangerous quest to follow his heart….

What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?

O’JAY DIMBUH: I don’t know if I might be called eclectic, but I don’t think my writing falls into a particular genre. My first prose is a historical Action Adventure, but its sequel will be a more contemporary story. I’m currently working on a much more contemporary story than ODESSEY OF THE LION-HEART, and its proposed sequel. Various story ideas come to me, but they all have a bit of adventure, action, raunchiness and strong moral lessons.

Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?

O’JAY DIMBUH: I’ll say that I painstakingly plot out my stories, though as every writer knows, there are usually on the moment flashes of inspiration that colors your story too. Usually, my stories have a kind of gestation period, during which they seem to marinate in my mind, before I start writing down it’s outline and mapping out its plot.

Share an insight or secret about your book(s).

O’JAY DIMBUH: I don’t think there are any secrets to my writing. I’m not exactly crazy about the word ‘secret’. Lol. I’ll say, though, that my book was written over a period of about ten months, during which I was really driven to get it done, forsaking all but very essential activities in my obsession to tell my story. It was originally hand-written on 882 pages of foolscap paper.

Who is your favourite/least favourite character & why?

O’JAY DIMBUH: My favourite character is obviously the lead, Chidebem, the story’s protagonist. The why will be very easy for any reader of the book to see, because he was truly an exceptional person, through whom I had expressed some of my profound values and philosophies of life. He’s also a very likeable, enigmatic and heroic character. Though I created it, my least favourite character is Ez’ibe, the evil-hearted antagonist.

What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?

O’JAY DIMBUH: Well, writing is an art form, and like all artistic endeavours, is mostly about self expression. So there are really no guarantees about success or failure, especially since there are many determinant factors influencing those. My advice is for authors to write for themselves, be original, and truly express themselves while writing. They should also persevere. Recognition and success might be achieved via a long bumpy road, since there are many authors seeking the same things.

About YOU:

O’JAY DIMBUH: I’m a Nigerian male. I’m an artist, a masseur, sports and fitness enthusiast, nature and music lover, and an entrepreneur involved in the advertising business.

Describe yourself in Five Words.

O’JAY DIMBUH: Frank, Liberal-minded, determined, compassionate and driven.

If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?

O’JAY DIMBUH: If I could, I would have loved to listen to Jesus Christ speak, and watch him perform his incredible miracles! Reason: he was absolutely, undoubtedly, the greatest man to walk the earth. But since that can’t happen, I’ll settle for asking Moses questions about his leadership of the difficult Israelites. Lol. Moses is one of my favourite Bible characters, and by God’s grace, I might see him one day… But besides the extraordinary characters of the Bible, Bob Marley, the great Jamaican Reggae maestro is someone I would love to have met. I truly admire his concern for mankind, and his extraordinary ability to express himself through musical lyrics and melody…

When you are not writing/taking pictures, what is your favourite pastime?

O’JAY DIMBUH: My favourite pastime is reading. I love music, but books that tell stories really suck me in…

Describe Your Perfect Day . What makes it Perfect and Why?

O’JAY DIMBUH: I don’t think there’s any perfection in our world, but some things and some days are much better than others. Lol. I love to work, so I’m usually happiest on days I accomplish the tasks I set out to do satisfactorily.

What makes Life Worth Living?

O’JAY DIMBUH: Good health, happiness, contentment, and seeing people happy are part of what makes life worthwhile to me. But I know that life can be far better for mankind than it is now. So doing things that pleases God, which ensures our place in the wonderful future He has planned for mankind, also makes our difficult existence worthwhile.

I want to Thank You O’Jay for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by and have a natter :) I might also say Thank You for your patience, as the Line for the Lime Light got Really Long and I know you were in waiting about in the queue for a while! Well worth the wait though, as I enjoyed chatting and, I hope, my readers have enjoyed learning more about YOUR Lion-Heart :)

Connect with and Find O’Jay through his Social Media as listed below:

AUTHOR’S ONLINE CONNECTIONS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ojaydimbuh15 (Search O’jay Dimbuh)

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DimbuhOjay (Search @DimbuhOjay)

Google+: https://plus.google.com/105892400047279332388

Blogs: https://ojaydimbuh.blogspot.com ; https://ojaydimbuh.wordpress.com

Website: https://ojaydimbuh.wordpress.com

AMAZON Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/ojaydimbuh

~Morgan~

Filed under: Your Beautiful Life Tagged: Author Interviews, Authors, Bloggers, BnV, BooknVolume, Books, Indie Authors, Indie Publishing, poetry, Self-Publishing, Writers, Writing, ~Morgan~