Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 83

#FreeBookPreview – #DiscoveryReedsy #BookContest

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My Newest Book Misericorde (Mercy Series Book One) has the opportunity to be promoted to over 100K readers worldwide!  But I need YOUR Help.

Discovery Reedsy is an awesome website that pairs Indie Authors with Readers around the world.  They have just reviewed and released Misericorde for voting.  (Upvotes)  The more votes I receive, the better chance I have, which is where YOU come in.

Please stop by. You can read a free Chapter and let me know what you think.  Of course, All Upvotes are very Greatly Appreciated

Kings of Muraine – #BookReview #Spotlight with #Author J.R. Vaineo

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Book Description

My Review

Everything he thought he was, he wasn’t. Everything he thought he understood he had to re-discover to actually learn the truth. Tyler, a 13-year-old who has lost much very early in life stumbles into a shocking revelation that makes such a loss seem inconsequential at best.

Author J R Vaineo has crafted a unique, imaginative and truly fascinating realm of fantasy and magic where things are not as they seem. Readers are taken on an exciting adventure, following Tyler and his companion, Gemma, who seek to unravel a mystery that will ultimately change his life forever.

Cryptic clues and paradoxical numbers confuse and, often, confound both the characters as well as this reader, as the plot thickens. Characters pour out of the pages in droves, and like the many people we run into in our daily lives, some are important and some are just there to fill the void. I might have liked a glossary to help keep the multitude sorted, but having read Charles Dicken’s Bleak House (where there are more characters then you know what to do with) the imaginative array was not overwhelming. They added to the complexity of the tale and gave a true-to-life feel to the story.

Kings of Muraine is the first book in The Journals of Ravier and end with a perplexingly pleasing puzzle that points readers to part two, Hunt the Dragon Within. Thrilling and bewildering at the same time, this is a tale readers will find as difficult to put down as it is to unravel. Recommended for readers who love to not see what’s coming next!
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Behind the Story with J.R. Vaineo

Let me tell you a little about the beginnings of creating this story. I’m thirty years old now. But the idea for The Journals of Ravier series started back when I was fifteen. It was in the Fall, the first week of school. Oh yeah! I almost forgot to mention I was homeschooled K – 12th grade. Though not an ideal way to grow up, as I spent a lot of time alone, I survived. A lot of things happened, prior to school starting that year. I was never the same. This story helped me to stay sane, during a time in my life when I was lost and lonely; hurting so, so bad inside. I needed an escape. And I got it through writing that first horrible, ugly draft in a spiral-bound notebook. It’s true what the battle-scarred authors say. First drafts are never pretty. The original story began with something like this: ‘What if horses had wings, and could fly? A boy once found this horse, and he named her Angel. He found her in the woods by his home. A boy named, Tyler Craven. This is their story.’ Not a good beginning, I’ll admit. But it was a beginning.

In 2005, around the time Hurricanes Katrina then Rita hit, is when I made the start. It was such a sad year. Yet a good year. Lovely Texans opening their hearts to their Louisiana neighbors . . . that was a beautiful thing. Recently home from a lengthy visit to Texas, my heart was bursting with so many emotions. Through it, I found a love for writing. And here I am, fifteen years later. My third book will be out, at the end of this year or sometime at the start of 2021.

In 2013, I changed the focus of the story. I made it better. Closer to what it is now. Caucasian Tyler Craven became Tyler Malik Ravier—half Caucasian, half Iraqi. Angel was renamed to Awngelic and then finalized as Awngeleik, similar in sound to the name of Angelique. I won’t even mention what Gemma Galloway’s name used to be. I will say this, however. Tadashi’s name was Ted! Amira was Gloria. All the characters were Caucasian. But I changed that, in 2013. Started thinking of new things. New names. New storylines. Then I wrote a rough draft, in 2015. That draft became the foundation for the first three books in Tyler Ravier’s series.

I’ve spent countless hours dreaming of the landscape of Muraine, tweaking it as needed . . . I wanted something unique. See, I grew up in a place with few trees around. Southwestern Wyoming. Always took twice as long for trees to grow to a “normal” size. It was a place at risk of droughts, well, quite a lot. Very dry. Unbelievably windy. Lots of snow, in the winter (usually). As you can imagine, I wanted a place vastly different to escape to. A place with lots of trees. Hence, Paragon was born. A model of excellence. The ideal sort of place I’d love to escape to. I later realized it needed a foreign name. Therefore, Pawv’Ragaen it became. I think that was in 2014.

Writing the books in this series has been a wild ride. I never thought I’d be an author. Though I’m self-published, I’m proud of it. Proud of the work I’ve put it. My writing isn’t perfect, but it is heartfelt. I’m honored to be the author, who’s steering Tyler’s story. Being a writer is so many things, really. I hope the product of my imagination wins you over. And know that I’m just warming up. I can feel it. Tyler demands that more be said than what the three books contain. And who am I to stand in the way of an amazing story being told through his eyes? Truly, there are days I simply feel like the characters are writing the story. That I’m their voice. Lol! I feel what they feel. I laugh with them, cry with them, cheer for them. As they grow, I grow. Not the other way around. Being a writer has changed who I am, as a person. I’m better, kinder, stronger. I actually like who I am. I didn’t, before. I simply existed. But that’s not living.

In parting, I must tell you . . . if you want a dream badly enough, chase it. Don’t give up. Just know that it takes time. Persevere.

Bio

J.R. Vaineo is a self-published indie author, residing in Salt Lake City, UT. In 2018, she published her first book: Kings of Muraine. When she’s not writing, she and her husband, Jessie, have many adventures together. Mostly in cooking, hiking, photography, analytical talks, and fawning over their two adorable fur-babies.

While J.R. Vaineo writes mostly fantasy fiction—combining elements of epic, portal, paranormal, and dark fantasy—she enjoys reading all genres; except, perhaps, for horror stories. After finishing a creative writing program, through the Institute of Children’s Literature, she continued to improve her craft of writing. In 2013, she graduated with her AA degree in psychology. During that time, she expanded on many things, especially focusing on what would prove invaluable for fleshing out characters and plot twists. What started out as a writing prompt, in 2005, has now become a nine book series she is currently working on: The Journals of Ravier. Sometimes, she is quite jealous of the characters’ abilities, found within her own writing. If that is a sign of anything, it is this: Obsession.

All the best,

Julie

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Find Julie on:

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Instagram

JR Vaineo Author website

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Where to Purchase

Amazon:

Standard Edition
Special Edition

Barnes & Noble:

Standard
Special

Books2Read / Other

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Thank you so much to Julie for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her story with BnV and Word Mongery and Musings

#Dystopian Done Right – #Reviews of The Mercy Series & #FreeAudioBook!

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I have been overjoyed and overwhelmed by the incredible reviews my new release The Mercy Series has been receiving and simply had to share some of them with you.

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For a Limited Time I have FREE Copies of Misericorde on Audible available.  Just comment below if you’re interested!

All Life Is – #Thoughts for #ChallengingTimes – #COVID19 #Meditations for #Peace

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Life is All you Ever Want it to Be,

When you spend the Least amount of Time

Worrying about how to Make it Be

All it Is.

~Morgan~

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(Beautiful artwork found on Pinterest: Acknowledgement given to the original artist, whoever they may be)

#Seafood Extravaganza – #Seafood #Recipes #Instafood #Yum

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2 lbs Fresh Shrimp (Cleaned)

1 Lbs Langostino tails

Small Bag 50 count Little Neck/Mahogany Clams

1 pound sea scallops

Smoked Andouille Sausage (4 Links)

3 Haddock Loins (4 Ounces each)

2 Cups (or so) Baby potatoes

1 Large Pepper – cut into 1 inch pieces

5 Green Onions – diced

1/2 red onion- cut into 1 inch pieces

1 / 2 cup roasted garlic cloves

Brown Sausage in a skillet and chop

Par boil potatoes until 50% cooked

Place vegetables and par-boiled potatoes on the bottom of a large roasting pan

add shrimp, langostinos, sausage, scallops, and clams

In a separate bowl blend:

2 sticks butter* melted

1 cup Ex Vir Olive Oil

1/2 cup cocktail sauce w/ horseradish

the juice from 2 lemons

The roasted garlic cloves

4 TBSP Old Bay Seasoning

2 Tbsp chopped parsley

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 Worcestershire sauce

Pour this mixture over everything in the roasting pan and use your hands to gently stir to combine.

Bake at 450F for 45-60 Mins until shrimp is pink, fish is cooked and clams are open ( DO NOT eat any clams that don’t open)

Serve with a french baguette to enjoy the broth!

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~Morgan~

Misericorde #DarkFantasy #Dystopian #AudioBook #Free!

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Misericorde (Mercy Series Book One) Is now #AVAILABLE ON #AUDIBLE !!!

Even better, I have #FREE #AudioBooks to give away For a VERY Limited Time.   (Comment below to request a copy)

It’s the year 2446, and the first three Horsemen of Revelation’s Apocalypse have ridden.

Pestilence, War and Famine have changed the world into a dictatorship ruled with an iron fist. Commoners have few rights, and liberty is a distant memory.

Before the final Horseman is released, the Archangel of Mercy – Tzadkiel – makes a bold plea, asking for permission to find even one human who remembers the meaning of mercy and compassion. He is given 100 years, until Death will sweep across the land.

Taking human form and coming to Earth, he finds a place ruled by greed, hatred and fear. With time running out and Death growing impatient, can Tzadkiel find what he’s looking for… and how much will he need to sacrifice?

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~Morgan ~

Expression – #Poetry and #Thoughts for #ChallengingTimes

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The Capacity to Love is far Greater than any,

It reaches across vast divides

Drawing the disillusioned together

Building bridges

and

Healing wounds

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Unless it is never Given Expression.

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In these troubled times, our random acts of Kindness may not be trusted, but they are invaluable.  Our compassion may be met with incredulity, but it is inestimable.  Our willingness to be more than what the world around us has become may raise eyebrows or garner suspicion, but the alternative is more lethal than any pandemic will ever be.

~Morgan~

Official #Author Website – #FantasyBooks #YAFantasy #InspirationalBooks for All Ages

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BooknVolume has been my home away from home for seven years – yes, can you believe that – Seven Years!  Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere, BUT, I do now have a vacation cottage in addition to my BnV mansion.

Today it became official (whatever that means, exactly)  the Cynthia A. Morgan Author website is up and running and waiting for you!  Pop on by, say hello, check it out and let me know what you think?

Personally, Im delighted, but I’m also open to feedback.  Is it easy to navigate?  Easy to read?  Does it have too much? Too Little?  OR is something missing you’d really like to see?  I’d love to know.

 

 

The Other Magic – A Reverse Interview into an #AwardWinning #Fantasy

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Winner – Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.

Runner-up – Independent Publisher Book Awards.

Finalist – Foreward INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

Finalist – National Indie Excellence Awards.

Darkness stirs in a world that is ill-equipped to confront it.

A prophesied king is born, but not all will benefit from his foretold conquests. In a realm where only clerics are permitted to practice magic, Kibure, a mere slave, draws the attention of much more than just his master after wielding an unknown force in a moment of desperation. In a twist of fate, Sindri, the priestess hired to strip Kibure of his power, defies the law, revealing designs of her own. But trust is in short supply in a land ripe with deceit. This wayward pair will have to work together if they hope to evade capture at the hands of the Empire’s most potent wielders.

Halfway around the known world, Aynward’s knack for discovering trouble drives him deep into conspiracies within which he does not belong. Too arrogant to accept counsel, he will have to learn the hard way that some actions have consequences that cannot be undone…

This epic fantasy series will be especially enjoyed by fans of Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Michael J. Sullivan, Patrick Rothfuss, and Michael Wisehart. .

In a unique Reverse Interview, Author Derrick Smythe interviewed on of his readers for more insights into the book:

What sparked your interest in this story that made you want to read it? First, it has a great cover, and that drew me in right away. Then I read the blurb for the book and knew I wanted to give it a try.

Who is your favorite/least favorite character and why? My favorite is Aynward and my least favorite is Grobennar. Anyward because he is the most fun and Grobennar because he’s such a jerk. He is fun to dislike, though, so I guess he’s not all bad.

If the story was made into a movie, can you see any specific actors portraying certain roles? No, I’m awful at that.

What surprised you about the story that you didn’t expect. There were more points of view than I expected, although it was not an unpleasant surprise. Quite the opposite, I thought it added additional complexity to the story. The fact that the author did a fantastic job of making these characters very distinctive and believable meant each new point of view brought an additional set of characters to life for me to discover and get to know.

What are you hoping to see happen as the story moves forward? All of the characters from the different points of view coming together and interacting. I know it’s going to happen and I can hardly wait.

Which scene has lingered with you the most? Why? I don’t want to give anything away but there is a scene near the end where Aynward loses some things that were more valuable to him than he realized and as he processes the losses he grows. It was moving and memorable.

Did you disagree with any of the characters’ decisions and why? Of course! Aynward makes tons of bad decisions and the things that happen to him because of it don’t seem to stop him the next time. It is a part of his charm.

If you could ask the author anything about the book, what would it be? When does the next book, the Other Way, come out? I read the sneak peek at the end of book one and I am ready for more.

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The Other Magic audiobook was recently release by Podium Audio, and is performed by Audie Award-winning narrator Greg Patmore. “Greg did such an amazing job. Listening to his voices for each of characters has given me new insight into the very characters I created. I’m finding myself hearing his version of each now as I continue working through the second book in the series. It’s absolutely incredible!” – Derrick Smythe

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Derrick Smythe has been fascinated with all things elvish, dwarfish, and magical since his days of running through the woods with sharpened sticks in defense of whatever fortification he and his brothers had built that summer. After consuming nearly every fantasy book he could find, he was driven to begin work on one of his own. When he isn’t dreaming up new stories, he can be spotted hiking the Adirondack Mountains or traveling the world. He currently resides near his hometown in Upstate New York with his enchanting wife, ethereal daughters, and his faithful-if-neurotic Australian Shepherd, Magnus.
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Find Derrick:

Website: 

Amazon Link

Facebook

Goodreads

Audible Link

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~Morgan~

When and Where – #Poetry for #DarkTimes

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When shadows fall dark and deep

and echoes of Gladness

weep in reverie,

When callous choices strut with bravado

while Kindness goes unheard,

unseen;

Where anger laughs vitriolic

and Need sleeps empty,

The door stands open for ebon shades

to clutch and tear

while Mercy Keens

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~Morgan~

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This poem was Inspired, in part, by this post

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Amazing Image created by Ursula88