Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 9

The People of the Raven – Building #Fantasy #Characters and #Realms

Inspired by the artwork of Valentina Remenar, I created a collection of characters and stories for a brand new tribe of Feyfolk for my dark fantasy, Dark Fey, which will be re-published early in 2025.

The People of the Raven are a mysterious, nearly forgotten race of Feyfolk; their existence is whispered about in the southern lands of Jyndari but scarcely believed. They dwell in the remote, windswept expanses of Vrynnyth Gahl, the Northern Territories, where the land is as wild and untamed as its inhabitants. Rugged mountains blanketed in mist rise like sentinels, their jagged peaks piercing the sky. Ancient forests cling to the hillsides, their dense canopies filled with the whispers of the wind, while deep valleys cradle dark, pristine lakes reflecting the hues of the ever-changing sky. The land feels alive, imbued with a potent magic that hums through the air as if Vrynnyth Gahl itself breathes with the rhythm of the Feyfolk who call it home.

The People of the Raven, with their great wings that span the length of their bodies, live as one with this harsh yet breathtaking land. Their feathers, typically black as the night sky with hints of silver and gold, mark them as the chosen guardians of the ancient magic that courses through Vrynnyth Gahl. Each member of their tribe possesses an array of remarkable gifts passed down through generations, and this is the legacy of their deep connection to the land and the creatures that share it. Chief among their abilities is Spirit Walking, a sacred skill allowing them to see through the eyes of their bonded ravens, soaring high above the mist-clad mountains or gliding through shadowed forests. Through this bond, they are never truly alone, and the ravens of Vrynnyth Gahl serve as their eyes, ears, and sometimes even their voice.

Telepathy is another hallmark of their race, enabling them to communicate without speaking, their thoughts woven together in intricate threads. They are deeply attuned to the emotions and inner thoughts of others, using empathic healing to mend both body and soul. They also use mental discernment to understand a person as if peering into their very essence. Some of the tribe have innate dreamwalking abilities that allow them to traverse the realm of sleep, guiding or protecting others as they navigate the dream world. Rarely, among the most gifted, some possess the ability to shapeshift, merging fully with their raven counterparts or even taking the form of other creatures.

These abilities, however, are not merely powers but sacred responsibilities. The People of the Raven are not conquerors or rulers, but guardians, protectors of Vrynnyth Gahl’s ancient magic and secrets. Hidden away in the remote heights of their homeland, they keep their distance from the broader world, content to let the myths of their existence remain just that — myths.

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By ~Morgan~

I spend most of my time on my DeviantArt page. Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my  author website

The Fog – #Dark #Poetry

 

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Stillness Whispers All Around,

Delicate,

Imperceptible,

Incongruous Sound;

The Hush Speaking softly

Of Another Place and Time;

Bending Perception

Through Inharmonious Rhyme.

 

The Fog Enwraps From Every Side,

Closing In,

Drawing Out

An Indiscernible Cry;

The Mist Breathing Blithely,

A Leviathan of Olde;

Enshrouding Inexorably

With Inescapable Cold.

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By ~Morgan~

I spend most of my time on my DeviantArt page. Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

Be Not Afraid – #Inspirational #Poetry

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Though the jagged edge of

Fear and Doubt

Fill the Heart with Trepidation,

Though the wrenching Memory of

Past pains

Rush in to demoralize and devastate,

Though the innate Desire to Protect

Yourself, Your Heart,

Builds a wall that secludes and separates;

Be Not Afraid,

Stand Upon the Mountain

Of Your Hope,

Reach for the Glittering Sparkle

Of Possibility,

Embrace Your Spirit

By Filling Your Heart

With the Love for which it Longs,

With the Laughter it Seeks,

With the Keen Delight for which it Yearns,

If only for the briefest moment in Time,

For Moments are what Fill a Life,

Sparkling Gemstones of Precious Memory,

And Shadowy jet lignite of Challenges

Now Contrasting in Shimmers that make those

Diamonds of Joy and Contentment

Glimmer even more Brightly;

Be Not Afraid,

Sing into the Vast Expanse,

Shine Your Beautiful Light,

And Be at Peace with

You!

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This one rather speaks for itself, but I found it this morning in the midst of my own hailstorm of the worlds ugliness.  I was perusing Facebook and came upon a post of two teens who had cut off a dogs ears and then posed for a picture with the poor suffering animal. WHY!!!!!!!! my Spirit screamed as my stomach twisted into knots and tears welled in my eyes.  What drives us to such horrible actions?

Darkness.  Evil.  Hatred.  Cruelty.  They exist in plenty and fill this world, everywhere we look.  So, I find it a Blessed reaffirmation that Light, Love and Hope also exists, that in such a terrible and anger filled moment, LOVE reached out to remind me of just this.  Be Not Afraid.

I will certainly try…

By ~Morgan~

I spend most of my time on my DeviantArt page. Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

Contemplating the Possible – A Six-Part #Exploration of #Spirituality, the #Paranormal, and the #Unknown

A Place to Start

Spirituality is one of those things we all tend to skirt around, wanting neither to tread upon another’s toes nor to put ourselves out on that proverbial limb by expressing what we believe. Whether we are right or wrong, whether what we think makes sense or does not, we are typically cautious about sharing it. We often limit what we share with our closest family or friends about our thoughts on those things we don’t understand. It’s something we have been taught not to speak of and not to explore. Why? There are probably as many reasons as there are beliefs, but the hush-hush only leads to more profound confusion, and all that unknown fodder can lead to some very adverse outcomes. Because, for as many of us who quietly go about our lives, believing or not believing, there are (possibly) just as many who would raise their voices to defy all sense of proportion, and there are still others who go to extremes most of us might consider cataclysmic.

We’re the Same

I am an average person living a so-called average life. I have neither a doctorate nor a degree of any variety, but I have more than a few years of life experience. I have laughed, and I have cried; I’ve been married and divorced; I’ve been blessed with family and friends, and I’ve suffered loneliness, depression, and the misery of guilt. I went to public schools and church on Sundays. Nothing in my experience makes me an expert of any kind. You might say, I’m just like you, and you may be much like me in many ways. We share a commonality in that, outside of external differences, we are all human. We’ve lived, breathed, laughed, cried, and suffered like a billion others.

Our cultures may be different, and our neighborhoods, backyards, places of work, and worship may vary, yet, like me, you’ve possibly experienced something during your years of life on this fragile planet that you simply could not explain. You may have wondered about the same sorts of things I wonder about, and you may have questions for which there are few answers.

A Premise

I firmly believe that the unexplained exists for the purpose of exploration. It is there to question and consider, not to fear or to quash into silence, and certainly not to dismiss. The unexplained and the unexplainable are simply the margins of the page. The blank space that only some have written their thoughts into is a space where what seems implausible can also be possible. It is the realm most do not wander into or notice, but it is where all things are, at the very least, possible. Let’s keep an open mind and explore these possibilities.

Throughout this series, I will ask many questions and present you with many unexplained, curious, and unproven notions. Some may be unique to specific individuals, while others are common to most human beings regardless of race, creed, language, or social bias. Within this series, we will cross over the threshold of what can be proven with scientific evidence and step into the domain of what is possible.

What is Possible?

The standard definition of the word possible is: something that may or might exist, happen, be done, be used, etc. It is something that may be true or concern something for which there is no contrary evidence. It is, for all intents and purposes — or at least for the intents and purposes of this series— something that has not been proven or disproven.

Throughout this journey, I will shine a small light on many unexplained phenomena. Not to provide scientific evidence or irrefutable proof but to open the door to exploration. I might offer what I think about these unproven notions, but merely as food for thought, as a starting point for consideration and conversation. I may illustrate the idea through a brief fictional caption or short poem.

What I will not do is provide any definitive answers. This journey is not about answers. Instead, as the title suggests, it is an exploration of the unknown. It is a book filled with questions about what may be possible. I have chosen to share the wanderings and wonderings of my mind rather than keep to myself because, among the many things I accept as truth, we learn through sharing. We are guided toward understanding by sharing our thoughts, feelings, hopes, and fears.

Walking With Me

As you delve into the shadows of the unknown through this series, you will come upon lampposts, little glimmers of light in the form of questions. These glimmers are part of the expedition. They, in fact, ARE the expedition. Outposts are where you can and should stop and take a few moments to look around. Consider where you are, where you’ve been, and where you are going. Your role in this journey is not passive. You are an active participant, contributing your own thoughts and reflections to the ongoing exploration.

There may be naive questions, tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, and questions put after inadequate self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand the world. There is no such thing as a dumb question.

Curiosity versus Cowering

Imagine how little we would know if we kept everything to ourselves and upheld the axiom to never discuss this, that, or the other thing simply because it may offend someone. We would be mired in the medieval landscape of inquests, witch-hunts, and horrors. Yet, even in one of my favorite holiday movies, The Polar Express, the train conductor carefully stops his passenger from sharing his beliefs, saying:

It’s nothing I need to know.

Somewhere along the way, we have become timid of spirit, whereas once, we were unabashed and fearless. The Crusades are a perfect example, and while it is fundamentally wrong to force anyone to convert their beliefs to match our own, the fact that we once held our beliefs so vitally important that we went to such extremes is my point. Now, we are often vigilant in concealing them, which speaks volumes about our shift to a more cautious way of believing. At some indeterminate point, we learned to suppress the wonderings and wanderings of our thoughts. We were told not to talk about things we didn’t know about. This series is a call to return to that fearless spirit, to embrace our wonderings and wanderings, and to cultivate an open-minded curiosity about the unknown.

Consider the Unknown with Me

Believe what you want. I am not here to tell you that you are wrong or right. My only hope is to raise a few questions along the way and offer the opportunity to explore and contemplate the possible.

 

By ~Morgan~

I spend most of my time on my DeviantArt page. Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

 

Welcome to Jyndari- Realm of the Fey of the Light

The Observatory and Library of Astronomical Knowledge.

Jyndari, the realm of the Fey of the Light, clouds weave through an endless expanse of azure and land masses drift gracefully among the celestial mists, their edges gently obscured by the delicate embrace of ethereal fog. These floating islands are lush with dense primordial forests, their emerald canopies a vibrant contrast to the drifting sea of white below.The forests of Jyndari are ancient and alive with a magic that dances on the breeze. Towering trees, their trunks as wide as city streets, reach skyward with leaves that shimmer verdant emeraldine in dancing hues of gold and amber magic. Foliage rustles, an enchanting melody of nature, as though whispering secrets of the ages. In Jyndari, the air is tinged with a warm, inviting glow as the native magic of the realm manifests as strands and stars of golden light that weave through the forest, illuminating the land with a soft, enchanting radiance.Amongst the verdant splendor rise villages, palaces and temples, each a marvel of Fey craftsmanship. Gleaming marble structures, radiant in their whiteness, are adorned with intricate carvings depicting the ancient lore and celestial myths of Jyndari. Temples with spires that pierce the clouds, coliseums where the favorire Fey of the Light passtime, Vladokyssum, is played under the open sky, and chapels where the faithful seek communion with the Light are all interwoven into the very fabric of the floating islands.Each building glows with an ethereal light, the marble reflecting the shifting hues of the magical aura that envelops Jyndari. Bridges of light and floating walkways connect some of these islands, each one crafted from the same gleaming marble and infused with a soft, pulsing glow that guides travelers through the sky. The enchantments that hold the islands aloft also weave intricate patterns of light across the spaces between, creating a breathtaking latticework of illumination that binds the heavens with the earth. In Jyndari, magic is a tangible presence, a shimmering cascade that breathes life into every leaf, stone, and structure. It is a realm where the mystical and the mundane intertwine in perfect harmony, and where the grandeur of the floating lands stands as a testament to the splendor of the endless perfection of Light.Welcome to the mythical, enchanted world of Jyndari and the village of Hwyndarin, where the light-loving Fey of the Light reside. Lush with deep primordial forests, sappharine rivers and dappled pools, snow-frosted mountain ranges, and exotic tropical beaches, Jyndari is peopled by winged beings called Fey.This is the Temple of the Enlightened Three, the holy Elders of the Fey of the Light. This temple is located in the village of Hwyndarin.

By ~Morgan~

I spend most of my time on my DeviantArt page. Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

Climbing the Beanstalk – Winning the Battle Against Fear

The First Mistake

Jack traded his cow for magic beans, one of those decisions we regret about ten minutes after it’s too late. With little left to lose, he planted them and was unprepared when a monstrous beanstalk immediately spiraled into the sky. Twisting vines reached and pulled, sweeping him up with the ever-ascending tower of stalks and leaves. This wasn’t going to be good.

Battling our Demons

At the top, Jack found himself in a sinister, alien realm where the beanstalk was a living, menacing entity. Here, the vines and leaves did not continue reaching upward but transformed into a nightmarish labyrinth, its tendrils snaking through the landscape, pulsing with a menacing rhythm.

The beanstalk’s tendrils thrashed violently, their movements fueled by sinister intelligence. Trapped in a labyrinth of gnashing tendrils and thorny branches, Jake tried to escape, but with each attempt, the arboreal anomaly grew stronger. Its grasp tightened as it fed on his fear and panic, and the more desperate Jack became, the more the plant seemed to revel in his torment, drawing him deeper into its grasp.

Accepting our Darkness

As he struggled, horrifying images of his worst fears filled his mind — failure, entrapment, and endless darkness. The beanstalk seemed to feed on these fears, growing more formidable with each attempt Jack made to escape. Exhausted, Jack realized his attempts to escape were only making things worse.

In a moment of profound insight, Jack realized he had to face his fears, not fight them. Yes, he made a foolish choice; he failed, and now he was trapped. Allowing himself to be enveloped by the beanstalk, he surrendered to its living embrace and as he merged with the vine, the labyrinth began to dissolve.

Fall down seven times, get up eight.

A serene light enveloped him, pulsating renewing life into his weary body. The constricting vines twisting around his body transformed into wisps of cloud-like energy that swirled around him. Suddenly he was back at the base of the beanstalk, which had transformed into a vine laden with enough ripe vegetables to feed an army.

The unexpected truth was revealed: only by confronting and accepting our deepest fears can we truly overcome them. Jack’s journey had shown him that facing his fears head-on was the key to conquering them and finding his way home.

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By ~Morgan~

I spend most of my time on my DeviantArt page. Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

The House of a Thousand Stars – #Fantasy #FlashFiction

 

In a secluded valley between two towering mountains, the House of 1000 Stars floated like a dream woven from stardust. Suspended in the air upon magic itself, its alabaster towers and crystalline spires shimmered in the twilight, casting a constellation of lights across the valley floor. This mystical castle, revered by all who glimpsed its ethereal glow, was a beacon of ancient magic. Legend spoke of the House’s creation by a sorcerer who sought to capture the beauty of the night sky and bring it closer to Earth. Enchanted with a spell so powerful the castle defied gravity, remaining aloft amidst swirling mists and drifting clouds. Each night, the magic that enveloped the castle wove itself into thousands of shimmering points of light, resembling a grand tapestry of stars. The castle’s walls were adorned with tapestries that seemed to dance with their own light, and its halls were alive with whispers of forgotten lore. Visitors, drawn by its celestial allure, would often find their wishes granted, as if the stars themselves had listened to their hearts. In the House of 1000 Stars, dreams and magic intertwined, forever suspended between earth and sky..

By ~Morgan~

I spend most of my time on my DeviantArt page. Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

Near Death Experiences – The Awakening #Spiritual Reawakening

Near Death Experiences (NDEs) have fascinated humanity for centuries. These profound occurrences, where individuals come close to death but manage to survive, often lead to dramatic shifts in consciousness and their understanding of existence. Beyond the initial awe, NDEs can trigger significant spiritual awakenings, transforming how individuals perceive life, death, and their place in the universe. This article delves into the nature of NDEs, the common elements found in these experiences, and how they catalyze spiritual awakening.

What Are Near Death Experiences?Defining NDEs

Near-death experiences are out-of-body episodes in which individuals report a series of phenomena that take place after they are pronounced clinically dead. These experiences typically include sensations such as floating outside the body, moving through a tunnel, encountering bright light, and meeting deceased loved ones or spiritual entities. Despite the lack of a unified scientific explanation, the documented reports of experiences across various cultures and belief systems number in the hundreds of thousands, suggesting a common underlying phenomenon.

Common Elements of NDEs

Research indicates several recurring themes in NDEs, including:

Out-of-Body Memories: Many people report observing their own bodies from an external perspective.

There is no scientific explanation for the fact that while my body lay in coma, my mind — my conscious, inner self — was alive and well. While the neurons of my cortex were stunned to complete inactivity by the bacteria that had attacked them, my brain-free consciousness journeyed to another, larger dimension of the universe: a dimension I’d never dreamed existed and which the old, pre-coma me would have been more than happy to explain was a simple impossibility. — Eben Alexander, M.D.

Life Review: Individuals often experience a panoramic review of their life, witnessing significant moments and understanding their impact on others.

Researchers concluded that … people experienced random memories that they described as occurring without the feeling of time passing. Some described memories as feeling as if they were happening simultaneously, like a video collage of sorts, though they were able to separate the events they experienced. Many of the memories were described as exceptionally vivid and emotional and most of the responders also reported experiencing what they described as memories from the perspective of other people — they would feel as if in the mind of another person as events transpired that were actually from their own memories. — Researchers investigate ‘life-review experience’ in near-death people by Bob Yirka

Encounters with Beings of Light: Many report meeting spiritual entities or beings of light that offer guidance or comfort.

Sense of Peace: Nearly every documented case describes a profound sense of peace and unconditional love.

Reluctance to Return: A common theme is the reluctance to return to life, suggesting that the experience was overwhelmingly positive and fulfilling.

The Impact of NDEs on Spiritual AwakeningShifts in Worldview

For many, an NDE is a catalyst for a dramatic shift in worldview. Those who experience NDEs often emerge with a heightened awareness of life’s interconnectedness and a renewed sense of purpose. They may come to view existence as more than just physical, incorporating spiritual dimensions that were previously unexplored or disregarded.

My understanding of ‘reality’ was turned 180 degrees when I learned that at our deepest level of consciousness we are energy beings of pure love and light who are temporarily residing in physical bodies. ― Bruce Greyson

Increased Sense of Purpose

Survivors frequently report a newfound sense of purpose. This can manifest in various ways, such as a desire to live more authentically, help others, or engage in spiritual or humanitarian work. This shift is often accompanied by a reevaluation of personal priorities, leading to a more focused and intentional approach to life.

Enhanced Compassion and Empathy

The profound experiences during an NDE lead many to an increased capacity for compassion and empathy. Individuals may find themselves more attuned to the suffering of others and more motivated to alleviate it. This enhanced empathy can foster deeper connections with others and a more profound commitment to service and kindness.

Reconnection with Spiritual Beliefs

For many, an NDE reinforces or deepens their existing spiritual beliefs. Others might develop new spiritual insights or adopt practices that they had previously dismissed. The experience can act as a bridge to spiritual realms or a catalyst for exploring new spiritual paths, often resulting in a more enriched and meaningful spiritual life.

Scientific and Psychological PerspectivesThe Scientific Debate

The scientific community remains divided on the causes and implications of NDEs. Some researchers argue that NDEs are a result of physiological processes in the brain during extreme stress or lack of oxygen. Others suggest they could be related to psychological factors or pre-existing beliefs about the afterlife, though many cannot explain how a person can create new memories during cases where there is no recorded brain activity.

My Own Thoughts

The collection of documented NDEs is substantial, and most share a commonality beyond personal theology or culture. In fact, many who ‘come back’ after experiencing an NDE held no theological beliefs prior to the event. Physicians agree that the human mind cannot function after brain death, yet nearly all instances of NDEs occur after the brain ceases to function.

The brain stem also relays information to and from the brain to the rest of the body, so it plays an important role in the brain’s core functions, such as consciousness, awareness and movement. After brain death, it is not possible for someone to remain conscious. — Brain death — NHS

I believe that what these people experience is real: a glimpse of the truth. Some may dispute this belief, but I pose a simple question: If there’s even a 1% chance that everything these hundreds of thousands of individuals experienced is true–that unconditional love exists, that peace can surpass understanding, and that pure acceptance is a reality for every person, regardless of their race, creed, or orientation–what harm comes from considering that possibility?

Conclusion

Near Death Experiences are more than just medical phenomena; they are deeply transformative events that can spark significant spiritual awakenings. By offering glimpses into the nature of existence and the possibility of an afterlife, NDEs challenge and expand our understanding of reality. They prompt individuals to reevaluate their lives, embrace a greater sense of purpose, and deepen their spiritual connections. As we continue to explore and understand these profound experiences, it is clear that NDEs have the potential to inspire and transform, offering valuable insights into the mysteries of life and beyond.

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By ~Morgan~

I spend most of my time on my DeviantArt page. Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

The Cavern World of Luminari – #SciFi #Fantasy #FlashFiction

In the heart of a distant galaxy, nestled deep within the craggy labyrinth of an alien cavern world, thrived a civilization unlike any other. The caverns themselves were vast and towering, with ceilings so high they seemed to merge with the heavens above. But what truly set this world apart was their mastery of technology—an art that blended seamlessly the constructs of the ground and the sky. The aliens, known as the Luminari, had harnessed the power of crystalline structures found within their caverns. These crystals not only provided light and energy but also possessed the extraordinary ability to reflect and amplify it. Using this unique resource, the Luminari constructed cities that stretched both horizontally and vertically. Towers of iridescent glass and shimmering metal soared from the cavern floors, their surfaces mirrored to perfection. As one looked up, it was as if the cityscape extended infinitely into the sky, each structure seeming to float among the clouds. The inhabitants of this wondrous realm moved effortlessly between levels, utilizing advanced hovercrafts that navigated the vast expanses with grace. Streets intertwined in a dizzying array of bridges and walkways, all bathed in the gentle glow of the cavern’s luminescent crystals. Gardens flourished on both levels with exotic flora, their vibrant colors mirrored in the reflective surfaces that surrounded them. Every aspect of Luminari life bore the mark of their harmonious blend of natural caverns and technological marvels. It was a world where the line between earth and sky blurred, where architecture and nature danced in an eternal reflection of each other—a testament to the boundless creativity and ingenuity of the alien civilization that called this cavern world home..By ~Morgan~I spend most of my time, lately, on my DeviantArt page.  Please stop by!

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The Difference – #FlashFiction for #Meditation

 

In the village nestled around the shimmering lake of Cyboon, a stark contrast painted the divide between royalty and commoners. The palace, in it’s regal splendor, blazed with light that pierced the dark night sky, casting intricate shadows upon the waters below. Within its walls, opulence reigned—a symphony of silk and jewels, where every whim was attended to with reverence. Meanwhile, in the humble dwellings encircling the lake, darkness prevailed. Candles flickered faintly in some windows, their glow feeble against the velvet backdrop of the night. Families gathered around hearths, sharing simple meals and tales passed down through generations. Their faces, weathered by toil and laughter, bore the quiet dignity of those bound to the earth. Yet amidst the differences, a thread of shared humanity connected them all—the aspirations for safety, love, and prosperity. The palace shimmered like a distant star, its allure a promise of a life beyond the reach of many. Yet, beneath the opulent façade, both royalty and commoners knew the weight of responsibility and the fleeting nature of power. In the silent embrace of the night, the lake whispered stories of unity and resilience, echoing across the divide..By ~Morgan~I spend most of my time, lately, on my DeviantArt page.  Please stop by!

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website