Roh Morgon's Blog, page 10
February 6, 2012
~bloody hearts blog hop
And now, we return to our regular programming…
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The *Snowfest* Blogfest was a nice departure from the dark fantasy in which I usually dwell. I thought the topic would appeal to a wider audience, one that doesn't typically write about blood and death. I was surprised (and pleased) by several entries that definitelystepped over the line of darkness.
For those who enjoy 'walking on the dark side', Vamplit Publishing, courtesy of Dark Media City, is hosting a Valentine's Day event by the name of the Bloody Hearts Blog Hop. This event takes place Feb 13 & 14 and entails visiting the blogs listed on the Hop page, leaving comments, and getting free books.
Sounds hard, right?
The Bloody Hearts Blog Hop is still open to participants, so if you want to list your blog as one of the hot spots to visit, head on over and sign up.
As for what's happening on my blog during the Hop, I'm asking visitors to list their favorite vampire in literature or film (or both!) in a comment on Feb 13 or 14. Those who do so will each receive a free ebook copy of The Last Trace.
In addition, all respondants will be entered into a random drawing at the end of the hop for a free ebook copy of Watcher: Book I of The Chosen. The winner will be announced on February 15.
So if you like your fiction a little dark, maybe tinged with fear or accented with splashes of red here and there, check out the Bloody Hearts Blog Hop on Feb 13 & 14. You may find a new author you like, or win a free book or two. And be sure to stop by here to get your free copy of The Last Trace.
February 4, 2012
~wintery winner!
Today is Saturday!
Today's the day of the *Snowfest* Blogfest participant drawing for a copy of Watcher: Book I of The Chosen. Inclusion in the drawing required the entrant to post a snowy scene or story on their blog.
We ended up with nine entrants (go figure – what is it with the nines?).
I used a really cool tool from RANDOM.ORG to randomly select a winner.
And the winner is…
His entry is titled…wait for it…
Ninth Circle
(Rob just reminded me of this)
Can you believe it! I'm telling you, nine is so closely woven into anything having to do with Watcher that it's downright spooky sometimes.
Oh, and I guess I should also mention the fact that Rob's Ninth Circle just happens to be a vampire story.
It gets weirder and weirder all the time.
This will definitely go into the Watcher Weirdness archive (yes, there is such an archive, 'cuz there is a lot of really strange things that have happened since this story took over my life).
Anyhow, congratulations, Rob!
Once again, thank you, everyone, for participating in the *Snowfest* Blogfest!
Which, by the way, was held on a nine-day. Would you expect anything else?
February 3, 2012
~*snowfest* sweep-up
Brrr…
It was blustery here in blogland yesterday!
We had nice turnout for the *Snowfest* Blogfest. I read a number of great entries that contained a wide variety of chill – from wintery temperatures to heart-stopping terror.
I just want to thank everyone who participated for not only providing readers with a selection of snowy stories, but for visiting one another and leaving such encouraging comments.
All participants who submitted stories are eligible for a drawing for a free copy of Watcher: Book I of The Chosen. I'm still waiting on entries from a couple of latecomers who had signed up. Since I know that 'life happens' and how I've even been late to my own blogfest party in the past, I'm going to give them today to get their stories posted and will wait to do the drawing until Saturday morning.
If you didn't have a chance to check out the flurry of snow-filled scenes, below is a list of the participants. Be sure to leave a comment on their blog letting them know what you enjoyed most about their stories.
Roh Morgon
stuart sharp
Jen Greyson
Don Gilbert: So Many Words, So Little Time
Rob Lopez: Forsaken Stars
Tessa Conte
Going Postal With Mitch
Stephanie @ Scribbler to Scribe
Donna Hole
Gladiators Pen
J. W. Parente @ In My Write Mind
Wendy Tyler Ryan
jeremy bates books
Life Happens
Again, thank you everyone for joining our story snowstorm in the first annual *Snowfest* Blogfest. I will definitely do this again next year!
February 2, 2012
~*snowfest* blogfest!
It's snowing!
Well, not really. But if you read all of the entries in our wintery writing exhibition, hopefully you can imagine the cool kiss of a snowflake on your cheek or even feel a nip in the air.
My entry is an excerpt from my novel, Watcher: Book I of The Chosen. This is Sunny's first encounter with snow since becoming a vampire. She's on the mountainside behind her home near Pikes Peak, Colorado.
Enjoy!
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The snowflakes are huge, drifting down like miniature parachutes. Everything is silent and very still, except for the falling snow. It's already starting to accumulate and any bare patches are rapidly donning their white carpet. The trees look like they are reaching out, trying to catch their share.
I reach out and catch my own little white puffs. When I examine them closer, I'm amazed to see the individual crystals forming delicate snow lace. I look up to the sky and open my mouth and can feel each one as it lands on my tongue. To my surprise, they don't melt. I collect them and form a tiny snowball in my mouth, then with a laugh, spit it into my hand and throw it into the air to join its brethren.
Hiking past the trees to the rocky top of the mountain, I turn around to look at Pikes Peak. But the falling snow forms a curtain, wrapping me in gossamer white, and I can see nothing beyond it. The mountain is silent, yet I can still hear the soft patter of the flakes as they land.
I walk back down into the forest, which is thickly covered now, and wander among the pines and firs. They are starting to look like Christmas trees, proudly wearing their flocking in anticipation of that special day. The logs and rocks are disappearing under their snow blankets as the forest floor transforms into a big, fluffy white bed.
The scene is surreal, and I agree with Nicolas. It's like watching the creation of a painting, only it is being unpainted, with the forest colors slowly becoming the white of the canvas.
I wander for the rest of the afternoon, and eventually make my way to a small meadow in which I've hunted. It's empty now, and looks like a giant down pillow. I can't resist, and I throw myself backward, sinking into its cold, soft embrace. I try to make a snow angel, but the snow is too deep and keeps caving in on me. I jump up, laughing wildly, and run across the white powder, sinking to my knees with each step.
My affection for the mountain deepens. It seems like somehow it brought this storm for me. I feel cleansed, strong, and more like my old self than I have in awhile. As thoughts of Nicolas begin to resurface, I shove them down, determined not to dwell on him. A rabbit saves me, bolting from its shelter, and I give it merry chase. We zigzag through the snow in the eternal race of prey and predator, and I thrill to the hunt. But I finally stop and let him go, reluctant to see the pure white snow sullied by the red stain of his death.
~~~~~~~~~
Hope you enjoyed tasting a little bit of winter with Sunny. 
Be sure to visit each of the blogs listed at the bottom of the post announcing the blogfest to read their snow stories. Leave a comment to let the author know you stopped by, and if you liked their scene or story, please tell them why!
Oh, and one more thing – each of the blogfest participants will be entered into a random drawing for a free copy of Watcher. The winner will be notified on February 3.
I'm buttoning my coat and slipping on my snowshoes to head down the blogfest trail, and maybe even help build a snowman or two. Hope to see you out there!
February 1, 2012
~last chance to sign up!
Got your winter boots and coat on? Your mittens and ear muffs? Are you ready to dive into a snowdrift?
Today's the last day to sign up for the *snowfest* blogfest. If you've already written your frosty entries, get ready to shove them out into the crisp winter air. If you haven't, peel yourselves away from that cozy fire and get the snowball rolling.
For those who might be new to blogfests (I know there are a couple of you on here), post your story or scene on your blog anytime after midnight tonite. Then tomorrow, visit everyone's blog that is on the list and leave a comment. Tell them what you liked about their entry, or just say 'hi.'
This is a great opportunity to discover new blogs, and have folks discover yours. So sweep the floor, dust the library, and prepare to welcome visitors to your bloghome.
See you all tomorrow!
January 19, 2012
~kissing the clouds
Yeah. That's where I am. High in the sky, kissing the clouds.
It's amazing how much impact one person can have on the life another.
Watcher just received its first review from a professional in the industry. A writer and publisher for the last 24 years, Shannon Riley runs Southern Rose Productions.
Shannon contacted me in response to a mailer I sent out to members of the Horror Writers Association and requested a copy of Watcher to review.
Here's what she posted on Amazon:
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"MOVE OVER ANNE RICE"
"If you think there is nothing new, fresh and original in vampire fiction, you haven't read Watcher: Book 1 of the Chosen, the debut novel by Roh Morgon. I am not particularly a fan of traditional vampire stories, but I found this incredible book more engrossing than anything I have read in the genre in years. The reasons are not only the suspenseful and well written tale, but its potent underlying themes."
"Sunny Martin is attacked and ravaged by an inhuman being who leaves her clinging to life and with an ravenous thirst for blood. In her half-human state, she determines that, for her beloved seventeen-year-old daughter's sake, she must allow the girl to believe her mother is dead. Yet Sunny's love for her child and her loneliness drives Sunny to stalk her daughter, hungry for whatever glimpses of her she can get. Five years later, when Sunny's granddaughter is born, the sight of the child's sweet face intensifies Sunny's longing, and the separation from her family becomes almost more than she can bear. Sunny flees the state, hoping to begin her life anew."
"She meets Nicolas, leader of a secret society, whose love for her may be able to fill the void in her heart, yet to bond with him, she must make the Change that would destroy the part of herself that remains human and give up her daughter and grandchild forever."
"I loved this book, not only because I was able to identify immediately with the heroine, but because the premise is so undeniably true: Love does not always conquer all, and true happiness cannot be found unless one is true to him or her self."
"Watcher: Book 1 of the Chosen is a suspenseful story told with such skill I wanted to consume it in a single read. This is a level of skill and professionalism seldom found in first novels, and I predict great things ahead for this writer."
"Move over Anne Rice, a new "Queen of the Damned" is born. "
—Shannon Riley, writer and publisher
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When I read that, I have to admit it made me cry.
Shannon and I have corresponded several times since she finished Watcher, and, well… I'm blown away by her praise.
All my fears of whether or not my writing was good enough, my storytelling good enough, evaporated with the assessment of this industry professional.
It's hard not to crave validation when you're first starting out in any venture. Beginners need some indication of whether or not they're on the right track. Friends and family offer encouragement to keep newbies going, but the feedback from an established professional is critical to the continuing evolution of the fledgling.
Well, this fledgling has taken to the air, and her first flight looks to be a success.
I know there will probably be other reviews not quite so glowing, because, after all, each reader interprets a story based on their own life experiences and desires.
But I will never forget this one and the generous encouragement from an experienced member of my new flock.
Now it's time to learn how to fly.
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~Roh, still kissing the clouds
January 18, 2012
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Don't forget the
*Snowfest* Blogfest ~ February 2, 2012...
.Don't forget the
*Snowfest* Blogfest ~ February 2, 2012
Bundle up and bring your best snow story
Sign up here!
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January 16, 2012
~surprises
Surprises.
I love them.
Well, unless they're a bad surprise. Which really makes them more of shock.
But being the optimist that I am (though you wouldn't know it from my dark writing), I naturally think of surprises as being good.
This one was. It was one of those surprise so good you can't quite believe your eyes and you stop and say 'no way!' and 'how cool' and you almost fall out of your chair.
Yeah, one of THOSE surprises.
The other night, I visited the Horror Writers Association blog to catch up on their latest posts. As I was reading, the graphic at the top of the page was scrolling a collection of book covers. My eyes happened to drift upward just in time to see Watcher makes its leisurely way across the screen!
What?!
I watched the covers march by, and – lo and behold! – those red eyes staring out from the stark black strutted across the stage once again. It was the ninth book .
The third time I was ready and captured it with a screen shot:
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Now, those of you who follow my blog know that I'm not really all that happy with Watcher's cover. It was only meant to be a temporary ARC cover (Advance Reading Copy), and will be eventually be replaced with imagery that fits the vision in my mind.
That said, I still felt the burst of pride parents feel when their child appears in the school play. You just want to elbow your neighbor and say, "Hey, that's MY kid up there!"
So yeah, my kid's in the play. In fact, it was on Christmas Day when Watcher took center stage and the spotlight shined (shone?) on my first-born:
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Pretty cool, huh?!
Yeah. That's MY kid in the spotlight . Go watch her dance across the stage yourself, and check her out as she takes center stage.
Have a great 2012. I know mine's off to a galloping start.
