Author Interview - Cynthia Morgan

My guest this week is Cynthia Morgan.

Cynthia is the author of the award winning YA Fantasy Dark Fey trilogy.

I hope you enjoy reading a little about my guest this week.

Thank you, Cynthia!

About Writing/Books/Being an Author

1. Do you remember the first book you read that had an impact on you - in what way and what was the name of that book?

One of the first books to really open my eyes to what was possible is Lord of the Flies by William Golding. We studied it in 9th grade and I was immediately enamored by all the imagery, underlying themes, and the powerful use of symbolism. It became the ‘bar’ at which I set my own writing and the standard I still aspire to.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to write?

I began writing full blown stories as early as 5th grade, when I was just 10, so I guess I was born a writer, but until 2014 I had no idea how to take the step from hobbyist to published author. It was only when a friend took an invested interest in my story Dark Fey and helped me figure out how to turn my manuscript into a Kindle Direct Publishing-ready document that I could realize the dream. She even went so far as to hold a publishing party for me with my closest friends and family. (Thanks Jena!)

3. Who is/are your favourite author(s)?

I have always loved classical literature because of its beautiful use of the English language and the complexity of it’s writers. Charles Dickens, Jane Austin, Poe, and of course Shakespeare are my ‘go-to’ authors.

4. What is your favourite thing about writing? What is your least favourite thing about writing?

I truly love spending an entire day immersed in the words, landscapes, conflicts, passions and quagmires of my stories and characters. I once spent 14 hours writing…and it was blissful! My least favourite thing is that I rarely ever get a chance to do the aforementioned.

5. Where do your ideas come from?

Varying sources, but always something that stirs the heart and mind equally.

6. I’ve often found that creative people have more than one talent, what is yours?

Words have always been my forte, but behind the words is a sensitivity that allows me to relate very closely with animals. My friends call me the Cat-Whisperer because I seem to relate to and understand cats better than many. I have always had a deep love for animals and nature.

7. If you could jump inside a book for one day (as an observer) what book would it be?

Fall of the Malazan Empire by Steven Erikson. So many unique creatures, characters, and settings, it’s engrossing…..when I have time to listen to it.

8. When you create characters, are they completely made up or do they resemble or remind you of people you know?

Often, they are initially similar to someone I know, or am aware of if I don’t know them personally, but usually they take on their own personalities as I write. It’s rather like when you meet someone for the first time. You might often think, “Oh, they remind me of so and so”, but then as you get to know them, you realize they are their own person with their own quirky qualities, intriguing traits, and sometimes, annoying habits.

9. Have you ever created a character “out of thin air” only to run into someone in real life that reminds you of that character either in personality or their features?

I haven’t had that happen…yet.

10. How do you come up with titles for your books?

I don’t usually spend a great deal of time stressing over the title. I allow it to come, just like the story, on its own time. I’ve been writing a story for well over 20 years (a Regency period romance drama) and only with the last two years finally decided on a title.

11. What are you working on now and can you tell us about it?

My current WIP is a Post Apocalyptic Fantasy Romance. It tells the story of life after the first 3 Horsemen, Pestilence, War and Famine, have ridden. In the 4th Era after the Great Cataclysm, (roughly 400 years in the future) the final horseman, Death, is caged and waiting on the Archangel of Mercy to release him. Tzadkiel has been sent to earth in human form to find one human who still understands Mercy. He has been given 100 years, after which Death must be released. With only 4 years remaining, he finds her; a servant named Lourdes, but they must escape the harsh dictatorship of the Eminent Protectorate and find a place of sanctuary before the appointed hundred years are spent and Death is freed from the abyss.

12. Have you won any awards for your writing/books and if so what?

Yes, I have and I am truly honoured and still very excited. Dark Fey has received an Amazon #1 Best Seller award, two separate Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Reviews, the 2016 New Apple Excellence in Independent Publishing Award, the 2017 Golden Box Books Publishing Reader’s Choice Award & Judges Choice Award, an award from Fresh Lifestyle Magazine 2017 Book Awards and the Authors Data Base 2018 Book Cover Contest Gold Medal.

A Little More Personal

13. What is one thing you haven’t done but would like to do?

I’d love to visit Great Britain. Not just for a week or two, but for a few months, roaming the untraveled byways and meandering the foothills and highlands, savoring the lush greens and enwrapping mists, visiting the places NOT found on all the tourist maps.

14. Can you tell us about an embarrassing/funny moment?

I love to laugh, so there are many, but I’ve written about a great one that was both funny and slightly embarrassing, on my blog called A Splendid Giggle, if you care to enjoy it (Link: https://booknvolume.com/2014/02/21/a-splendid-giggle-2/ )

15. Have you ever experienced something weird you could not explain?

I believe in the realm of spirits, the paranormal, the beyond…whatever you choose to call it, partially because I’ve experienced several unexplainable events. I used to work in one of the Caesars resorts, and believe it or not, it was haunted. I don’t say that simply because of what I experienced, but also because of the many comments guests would leave via comment cards about ‘the ghost’. I’ve actually seen this ghost. She chose to show herself to me as a bright white apparition that scared me witless, but I remember enough to be able to say it was a woman, wearing what looked like a nurse’s uniform, or a white skirt and sweater and some form of hat. She was there and gone in an instant. Maybe I scared her by reacting with the scream that I couldn’t contain, but she made herself known in other ways, though she never chose to reappear. Pictures that had no reason to fall, fell from walls; lights would go on that I had just turned off; doors would open that I had just closed. She scared me, I’ll be honest, but I will never forget her, and perhaps that’s the immortality she needed.

16. Are you superstitious? Do you have any rituals for good luck?

I am spiritual, but not superstitious. Some may say it’s the same thing, but I would disagree. However, that’s an entirely separate article so I won’t digress.

17. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?

Nothing terribly odd. I’ve had escargot, I’ve eaten ostrich steaks, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed beluga caviar.

18. Do you have a favourite vacation spot? Where?

I love Cape May New Jersey. OH such a lovely, restful, charming, place; that draws you in like a melodic tune and captures your heart before it’s done playing. Quiet Seashore, Balmy Breezes, Beautiful Victorian Homes, Guest Houses, Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, Fine Dining, Casual Street-side Cafés, Quaint Shoppes, Artisan Galleries, Horse-Drawn Carriages, a Lighthouse, a Pebble Beach, a Winery, a Playhouse, Music, Wine and Art Festivals, Afternoon Teas, Leisurely Bike Rides, Long Quiet Walks, Sea Glass Hunting, and no loud, boisterous Boardwalk or commercial hotels, all delivered with quiet, delicious, Victorian Flair. AAahhhh!

19. Can you tell us about one of your favourite childhood memories?

I don’t honestly have just one. I am truly Blessed to have had a wonderful childhood with two loving nurturing parents and a sister who, when we were having a sisterly spat, was and still is my best friend forever. I have many fond memories of camping trips and campfires, days at the pool or working in the yard, spending evenings with my father in his garden, or standing beside my mother watching her cook. Yes, Truly, I am Blessed and Thankful.

20. What makes you happy?

Simple things mostly. My Beloved, my family, time spent with friends, my sweet kitty Orangie Pooz, gazing up at the stars, listening to birdsong, sitting quietly by a lake while the breeze sings sweetly, walking along the ocean shore, helping a stray cat or dog, laughing, being present, loving.

21. If you aren’t writing (or doing anything associated with writing), what are you doing?

Usually doing one of the aforementioned above 😊

22. Have you ever met anyone famous – who?

Strangely enough, I’ve met Alan Jackson, Michael W. Smith, and (frighteningly) Marilyn Manson. I’ve also had supper sitting at a table right next to Clint Eastwood.

Bio & Links

Cynthia A. Morgan is an award-winning author; columnist for the national magazine Fresh LifeStyle, and a member of the Poetry Society of America and Artists for Peace. Creator of the mythical realm of Jyndari and author of the epic fantasy Dark Fey Trilogy, Morgan’s powerful story relates how the power of hope, acceptance and forgiveness can change the world, when positive action is taken to create change. The only way to achieve peace is to become peace.

Morgan is also the author of the popular blog Booknvolume where over 18K followers can explore Morgan’s own brand of poetry and English Sonnets, musings about life, personal recipes, photography, book reviews and more.

Upcoming projects include a fictional drama in Regency Period England; a foray into the lives of a young housemaid and an immortal archangel in French post-Armageddon earth; a non-fiction exploration of the supernatural/paranormal and beliefs around the world; and a return to the realms of Dark Fey in a prequel/sequel.

Some of her other interests includes a deep love for animals and the environment. She is passionate about music and theatre; is frequently heard laughing; and finds the mysteries of ancient times, spirituality, and the possibilities of life elsewhere in the cosmos intriguing. Morgan believes in the power of love, hope and forgiveness, all of which is reflected in her lyrically elegant writing style.