I hear you saying “It’s been forever!” and “We thought you forgot!”, but I assure you, nothing could be further from the truth. (well, ok, maybe you are slightly on the money, but I refute forgotten and forever). I do, however, agree that it’s been some time since I put some lucky writer In The Lime Light, but as holidays will take over any free moment one might have in ones schedule, I’m sure you understand. Be that as it may and notwithstanding, I should like to introduce you to fellow author and blogger, Lela Markham, who I met through the tweets and twitterings of Twitter. She and I recently spent some time chatting about writing, our books, and the joys (and trials ) of self-publishing. (not to mention the magic and wonder of Alaska) (curious? do read on!)
SO, without further Ado (yes yes, there I go again….)
Hello Lela, Please Tell me/us all About Yourself:
LELA: Hi, thanks for having me. My name is Lela Markham. Iām an Alaskan novelist and general rabble-rouser, which you will find is a character quality of many Alaskans. We sort of like to swing flaming sticks at hornetās nests to see what comes out. I told stories from the time I could talk. If you write them down, itās not considered lying. I have a husband and two adult-adjacent children and an ancient husky who keeps a yellow Lab as a pet. I work full-time as an administrator for the State of Alaska and squeeze fiction writing and publishing into my spare time.
Tell us about your Blog.
LELA: Aurorawatcherak is my main blog. I have blogs for each of my book series too, but theyāre mostly book-oriented. Aurorawatcherak is sort of all over the map. My original purpose in starting it was to highlight my writing, but research for the Transformation Project took me toward examining political philosophy, which was good because I donāt think Iām enough of an expert on fiction writing that I could post more than four times a year on a writing topic and I think itās really boring for readers to just keep seeing āBuy my book!ā
For variety ā and because I have a limited attention span — I bounce from political philosophy to my Christian faith, to insights in economics and history. Occasionally I examine the candidates and then sometimes I talk about my writing. Iām participating in the Open Book Blog Hop these days, which has me writing about totally-not-me topics on Mondays and then focusing on Thankfulness and now Courage on Thursdays. On Wednesdays I post an author interview and maybe portions of my WIP. Itās really got a ravenās nest flavor to it ā whatever the shiny object is at the moment. Although I have very strong opinions on political philosophy, I am not into partisan politics. Iām a registered non-partisan and with libertarian (small l deliberate), voluntarists and anarcho-capitalist leanings, so I think Iām a little unique that way.
Thatās quite a mouthful and explains a bit about What Inspires and stirs your creativity, but please tell us more?
LELA: Several things. First, God and my relationship with Him. Jesus Christ is my Muse with some augmentation by music, books, newspaper stories, and people on the street that I pretend not to stare at or listen to their conversations. The world is filled with stories and finding those and bringing them together in unique ways is what really sets my creativity on fire.
What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?
LELA: Well, speaking strictly about my blog ā I think that people should set aside political designations (Republican, Democrat, whatever) to decide for themselves what they believe on a particular issue and to know that liberty means you donā have to mold yourself to your neighborsā vision of society, but that also means that you cannot force your neighbor to mold himself to your utopia. We can influence one another through debate, but whenever we use the coercive power of government to make laws that we expect other people to comply with against their wills, we are making ourselves into tyrants at the expensive of liberty. Yeah, there have to be some rules, but pretty much boil down to donāt kill, donāt steal, donāt aggress against someone elseās property and fulfill your obligations ā which is the basis for natural law. If we all just stopped and asked ourselves if what we are doing contradicts natural law and accept that when we violate those basic few rules our neighbors do have a right to object and even punish us or ban us, this would be a whole lot more free and civil society than it currently is and we wouldnāt need to run an annual deficit of over $1 trillion.
What are your Dreams for the Future in regards to your Blog and your work?
LELA: The blog will probably go on being my Ravenās Nest. I sort of like doing it that way. I think itās entertaining. I am trying to get to a place this year where I riff on the non-partisan theme. Yeah, there are a couple of the Republican candidates that I might vote for in the primary, but I am currently planning to vote third-party in November because so far neither major party has shown me that it gives a damn about the United States or has any intentions of preventing the hard economic crash that our spendthrift fiscal policies are guaranteeing. When I ask myself āDo I want that candidate (male, female, Democratic or Republican) to be President when the Greatest Depression hits?ā, I shudder and want to crawl under my bed to hide. There are a couple of them that I think could soften the blow, but I donāt think thereās a hero on the horizon and there are one or two of them who would be absolute disasters in the coming crisis. The more liberal candidates of both parties lack the understanding of economics and history to weather this coming storm and Donald Trump scares the stockings off of me.
I donāt expect my little following of 600 people to do anything to change the election results, but Iām hoping some people will read what I wrote and, when the fecal matter hits the oscillating rotor, remember that there is a road less traveled that we might find more pleasant if weād just give it a try ā¦ if we even have the liberty left to try it.
Sadly true, but being bold, you have written and released some books: Tell us All About Your Book(s):
LELA: Right now I have two series in progress. Daermad Cycle is an epic fantasy with medieval Celtic influences set in an alternate universe with elves, dragons, vengeful goddesses, manipulative mages, and a fractured kingdom about to be devoured by a greater enemy. The Willow Branch came out in 2014 and Mirklin Wood is scheduled for publication in March of 2016. I left a bunch of cliff-hangers at the end of The Willow Branch, some of which I will resolve, but then Iāll probably leave some more at the end of Mirklin Wood. Itās a tradition epic fantasy pitting good and evil against one another with I hope some unique perspectives. I get to explore language and mythology, which I am very much enjoying.
Transformation Project is set in the American Midwest. Itās an action adventure apocalyptic headed toward dystopian. In Life As We Knew It, terrorists blew up several American cities in simultaneous attacks. I ended it with everyone hunkering down to wait out the radiation. In Objects in View, we get to see how well the government copes with the disruption in their standard operating procedure as my townsfolks forge their own disaster plan. The series is definitely designed to explore some of those anarchist themes that I flirt with in my real life. LAWKI came out in March 2015. Objects in View should come out in the fall.
I have several others works-in-progress that I hope to someday publish, but these two are taking most of my attention right now.
What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?
LELA: I am extremely eclectic. I love fantasy, but find that I need the release of writing other genres. If I tried to hold myself to just one, I think Iād stagnate and my production would go down. There are a couple of genres that I donāt read and therefore donāt write, but I have about five genres I write in often.
Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?
LELA: Iām a discovery writer and that is a function of being a character-driven writer. I am really recording the story as my characters reveal it to me. After I have the basic bones of the book of the first half of the book, I do outline for continuity sake and I decide how my characters are going to get to the end ā¦ or since I write series, how they are going to get to the next threshold. The outline often reveals the milestones the characters must meet to reach that threshold. Certain characters have to engage in certain conversations and events in order to get to that point, so the outline makes sure that happens. But that typically doesnāt exist until after the rough draft is complete. I have a process of write, rewrite with outline, edit.
I love what youāve said about your characters revealing the story to you. This is how I write as well. Can you also Share an insight or secret about your book(s)?
LELA: Islamic fundamentalists have almost nothing to do with the terrorism in Transformation Project and my characters are wrong even in their guesses of who might have done this horrible thing.
Who is your favourite/least favourite character & why?
LELA: Now thatās like asking a parent to choose between their children which is their favorite!
In Daermad Cycle it is Lady Lydya of Clarcom. Sheās a very strong woman who loves her children fiercely and would walk through fire to accomplish what is right, but sheās also a woman of character. The men in the series talk about honor a lot ā¦ she embodies it.
In Transformation Project it has to be Jazz Tully because she is somewhat based on me when I was about her age, so sheās pretty easy to write.
My least favorite character is either Talidd or Gil in Daermad Cycle. Theyāre both very dark characters and hard to write. Especially with Talidd, I often feel like a need a shower after Iāve written a scene.
I have my favs/least fav in my story as well. It does help to make the characters relatable though, right? What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?
LELA: Read everything you can get your hands on, including crap because that will teach you what not to write. Buy a dictionary and a thesaurus (or get them on line) and read them like they were a novel. Research everything. If your character is opening the back of a delivery truck, research connex boxes so you know what the parts are called and how they work. You donāt want some truck driver who spent good money buying your book to have his willing suspension of disbelief destroyed by your ham-handed writing.
And now, the part most people find a bit more Challengingā¦.Lets hear About YOU:
Describe yourself in Five Words.
LELA: Adventuresome. Determined. Opinionated. Committed. Imaginative.
If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?
LELA: Paul the apostle because I would love to sit down and talk theology with him and have him explain some of the passages he wrote that I struggle with.
Agreed, as I often feel my head spinning when I read the new testament. When you are not writing/taking pictures, what is your favourite pastime?
LELA: Well, living in Alaska, we have two seasons ā indoor and outdoor. They donāt really have much in common. So favorite outdoor pastime is hiking. My husbandās nickname is Ridgewalker, so weāve seen a lot of 300-degree vistas. Weāre not mountaineers ā¦ we leave that craziness to the truly fit ā¦ but if you can make it to the top of it in an overnight camping/hiking trip, weāve been there and not just in Alaska.
Favorite winter time, not writing pastime ā I could just say reading, but that would be a cheap selection because itās really writing-related ā so itās probably quilting. Itās like doing a collage, bringing together different patterns and colors in a mosaic that you really donāt fully see until right at the end and then ā¦ wow! And then you have this practical artwork for your beds, couches, chairs ā¦ Iāve got one that serves as a rug on my side of the bed. I love that kind of practice creativity.
And following that lead, can you Describe Your Perfect Day . What makes it Perfect and Why?
LELA: A perfect day would be one mostly spent with family and friends doing something moderately athletic ā hiking, canoeing, building a cabin or collecting firewood ā that ends at a warm springs near Fairbanks (called Chena Hot Springs) followed by a relaxing dinner and feet up at a nearby cabin. Iād gain some ideas for writing, but also interact with people in a companionable and relaxed way.
What makes Life Worth Living?
LELA: Jesus Christ crucified and living in my heart eternally. Everything in my life comes back to my faith and when all is said and done, there is nothing of higher value that I possess or that possesses me. Itās what makes living in a family tolerable and sometimes lovely, it inspires my writing, it keeps me from committing a road-rage atrocity on the drive home ā¦ itās just everything. Itās the sundae, the whip cream, and the cherry on top.
š
Where can we find what youāve written?
Links:
Main website: https://aurorawatcherak.wordpress.com/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lela-Markham/e/B00OQWYP68/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1452735955&sr=1-1
Daermad Cycle: https://thewillowbranchbookonedaermadcycle.wordpress.com/
Transformation Project: https://transformationseries.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lela.markham.7
Twitter: @lelamarkham
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/9792440.Lela_Markham
Thanks Ever so much for sharing yourself and your dreams with us, Lela š Best wishes and much success, not to mention many Blissful days in the Alaska haze š
~Morgan~
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Interview with Cynthia A. Morgan
How would you go about selling one of your books as a movie idea?Ā Ā
Hi Hugh šĀ I am actually fortunate enough to know someone in the industry, so I have interest alreayd šĀ However, before a writer can sell his/her story, its crucial to have a fantastic screenplay.Ā Directors want to be able to visualize what your story is going to look like and know how much work is going to be involved in each scene.Ā The best way to convey that information is a screenplay. You can certainly pay someone to write it for you IF you have thousands of dollars at your disposal, but I’ve bought a few books and am learning the process for myself.Ā It will certainly take longer, but who can tell my story better than I?Ā Ā Hope this is helpful? :)Thanks ever so much for joining the conversation! :)Best Success~Ā
Do you give a “Preview” of your books to your family?Ā Ā
Hi CessMee šĀ I actually give Free Previews of my books to anyone who wants to try it out via my blog as well as the official Dark Fey Website (links Below).Ā My family got free copies of the entire books šĀ Ā Free Previews and Free copies are a great way to get your work into the hands of readers, who, WHEN they like it, will spread the word about your story for you.Ā Its a fantastic and easy marketing tactic :)Thanks so much for stopping in and chatting šĀ
How can you say that you’ve reached the zenith of success?Ā Ā
Hello Ana šĀ I certainly cannot say that, and might never say that.Ā After all, Success is an ever-changing ocean of tides and eddys, currents that take you in one direction and then another.Ā Perhaps, if you’ve reached the goals you’ve set for yourself for writing or publishing you may consider that you’ve reached that zenith, but I would then suggest you set new goals š
Thanks ever so much for stopping by and chatting.Ā Blessings~Ā
Where is the best place for you to settle and allow creativity to flood in?Ā
Hi NicZ.Ā For me, this varies.Ā Sometimes it’s outside, sitting quietly amid nature or beneath the starry sky; sometimes its in my ‘writing room’ listening to music; sometimes inspiration hits right in the middle of watching a movie (usually something stirring or inspiring).Ā I’ve written a post on my blog aboutĀ What Inspires MeĀ and hope you might stop by and enjoy it.Ā What works best for you?Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting :)Blessings~Ā
Which of your books gave you popularity and made you proud?Ā Ā
Hi CBREEZYX3 :)I have to say the entire series has made me proud.Ā It is very rewarding to have written something that has a positive under-lying message, which is being So Well received by readers.Ā However, when I began this journey, I started off by posting out segments of book one, The Reviled, on my blog and that got the ball rolling.Ā All the positive feedback was Very encouraging to me and helped me to decide to publish it ;)Thanks ever so much for stopping in and chatting :)Blessings~Ā Ā
How easy is it for you to manipulate word to form harmony, which resulted in poems?Ā
Hi Faye…GREAT Question.Ā I am very fortunate, indeed.Ā I am Blessed with (perhaps) a not so common ability to write poetry in moments.Ā Once Inspired, the Spirit sings (or the Muse Speaks, depending on your point of view) and very often it is all I can do to keep up.Ā Ā Ive actually written a post on my blog that describes my writing process when this happens, if you are interested šĀ Ā https://booknvolume.com/2016/02/09/down-from-heaven-2/Personally, I think the most important thing about forming words into musical rhyme is not to be afraid of how someone else might perceive how you ‘sound’.Ā If you have a true Passion for words, harmony, and the music of poetry, let it play in the flow of your words.Ā Ā Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting šĀ Many Blessings~Ā
Did socialization and community affiliation help you boost your book sales?Ā Ā
Hi BrownRyan :)This is a good one, because I often wonder myself if social media really helps to increase sales.Ā I’ve even done some small tests on the subject, posting verses not posting and watching sales as a result and I have come to the determination that it does, in fact, help.Ā My own personal blog has helped me to forge new friendships, which in turn not only generate sales, but also word of mouth referrals, because friends make recommendations to their friends šĀ Ā Facebook is a good avenue as well, through the use of groups I have been able to build additional alliances and network with other authors who can help spread the word about my books.Ā BUT, and I do beleive this is key, your interactions with other authors and readers need to be genuine.Ā I offer free author spotlights on my blog to help build friendships and support other writers.Ā I do reviews (and always make a concerted effort to give a positive review!) and I use Thursdays on my blog to Share other’s posts exclusively, rather than my own.Ā Ā You will need to discover what works best for you and meshes with your own personality, but, when it’s all said and done, YES, the social media community has helped increase sales.Thanks so much for your question. I wish you all the best success :)Blessings~Ā Ā
How passionate are you about relationships? Does this help you create your fantastic books?
Hi Karen :)I am a passionate person by nature, and I believe this shines through in my characters and writing.Ā I believe very strongly in honesty in relationships, and think that we are only ever truly complete when we find our ‘other half’.Ā Yes, I believe in Soul Mates, and I believe in Being The Miracle; treating others as I would want them to treat me, Karma, whatever you might call it.Ā Ā I think my innate desire for harmony shines through in my writing, and even though I tried to create adversaries in Dark Fey, it ended up more harmonious than I expected, so to answer your questions, I believe it does help creating a believable and relateable realm.Thanks So much for your questions Karen šĀ I truly appreciate you stopping by :)Blessings~Ā Ā
What do you think is your most valuable asset as a writer?
Hello MBradShaw :)I believe my imagination/creativity is the most valuable, after all, without the ability to create out of nothing, I would find it very difficult to write.Ā I have learned throughout my life, however, that creativity ebbs and flows like a tide.Ā There are times when I can barely keep up with my whirling thoughts and other times when it seems there are none.Ā So, in addition to the gift of creativity, I would also say it is a very valuable asset to be able to understand that gift; to realize that it is not a boundless wellspring, but rather something that needs to be nurtured.Ā Creativity needs to be fed, just like the mind and spirit; and it also needs to rest.Ā Learning what fuels your own creative fire and how to feed it and allow it to recharge is intregral in being a successful, prolificĀ writer…….atĀ least, in my opinion ;)Thanks So Very Much for your question.Ā I hope my answer is of some help or insight.Blessings~Ā Ā
Can you describe a scene from your dreamy evening?
Hi Robert šĀ Im not entirely sure I completely understand your question, however I guess I could say that nearly all my poetry is a description of my dreams….and since I tend to write most often in the evening, that asĀ well….here‘s one I like.
By the Breath of Twilight,
When Labours Cease and Silence,
For One Fleeting Measure,
Like the Soothing Caress of a Loverās Hand
That in his Lightest Touch does Ease the Sorrows of the Day and Burdens of the Mind,
A Balm as Sweet as Dulcet Wine to the Lip and
As Fine as the Harmonious Melodies of the Lute,
Fills Each Lingering Breath with Sighs,
Dries the Water from these Searching eyes,
When in that Shifting Light, āneath the Lavender Whispers of Eventide,
I See Your Most Beguiling Smile.
. ~Morgan~
Hope this is what you were looking for šĀ Thanks so much for asking!Blessings~Ā
What is the secret to persevering challenges every writer has to hurdle?
Hello Karen :)OH that is a great question!Ā I am not sure I can tell you what THE Secret is, but I can tell you what has worked for me.Ā Firstly, I think it’s very important to Believe in what you are writing/offering. Believe in it’s integrity.Ā That can carry you a long way to building the bridge that helps you traverse the chasms of doubt, criticism, etc.Ā The support of family/friends/other authors and readers also help to span those gaps when we wonder if we are doing the right thing.Ā Do not allow the Light that Shines from within to be engulfed by the Darkness raging all around.Ā I often tell myself, the more opposition I come up against, the more powerful my offering must be and that helps to Inspire me.Trust in yourself and your writing.Ā I guess thats the Best advice I can give.Ā I hope it helps!Thanks so very much for stopping in :)Blessings~Ā Ā
What has been your secret to winning those numerous awards?Ā Ā
Hi RamirezErica :)Firstly, I’d have to say, Blessings!Ā I’ve been Blessed with a story that seems to speak to people.Ā It touches on relevant issues in a way that carries readers away into another place/time, and I suppose that is appealing.Ā Secondly, I did enter the New Apple Book Awards ‘contest’ in 2016, so submitting your work is also important.Ā If you feel you have something award-worthy, trust in it.Ā Trust in yourself and be Bold!Ā And Finally, I guess I have to say that the old adage is true “If at first you don’t succeed……”.Ā Keep Trying, Keep submitting your work. Dont Give Up.Ā Ā Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting.Ā I do hope this may help to inspire you :)Many Blessings~Ā Ā
You are such a creative soul, intrigued by mysteries. Are you also a hopeless romantic?
CYNTHIA MORGANĀ
Hi Kelly šĀ Yes, I absolutely am, though I like to say, I am a Hopeful romantic!Ā I do believe being a romantic at heart aids in writing/creativity and I think you may agree that most ‘artists’ are also romantics.Ā Whether you dream of a utopian socieity, finding your Soul Mate, or the possibility of life in another realm of existence, being a romantic gives you the ability to look beyond reality and dream of what may be better. Ultimately, that is what generates creativity.What do you dream about?Ā Do you use it in your own writing?Ā Ā Thanks ever so much for asking:)Ā Many Blessings!Ā Ā
What is the secret to persevering challenges every writer has to hurdle?
I am not sure I can tell you what THE Secret is, but I can tell you what has worked for me.Ā Firstly, I think it’s very important to Believe in what you are writing/offering. Believe in it’s integrity.Ā That can carry you a long way to building the bridge that helps you traverse the chasms of doubt, criticism, etc.Ā The support of family/friends/other authors and readers also help to span those gaps when we wonder if we are doing the right thing.Ā Do not allow the Light that Shines from within to be engulfed by the Darkness raging all around.Ā I often tell myself, the more opposition I come up against, the more powerful my offering must be and that helps to Inspire me.Trust in yourself and your writing.Ā I guess thats the Best advice I can give.Ā I hope it helps!Thanks so very much for stopping in :)Blessings~Ā
What is the most effective technique for you to gain the spotlight in the social media world?
CYNTHIA MORGANĀ
Hi Sandra šĀ For myself, I have found that by connecting with other writers/artists through genuine conversations and by offering spotlights/reviews/guest blogging on my own blog, I have found reciprocal offers easy to come by.Ā You might call it networking; you may call it Karma, but I have found that others are far more liable to offer you an interivew or spotlight for your book if they already know and (hopefully!) like you šĀ Ā The other, more obvious avenue (though usually less successful, by my counts) is asking.Ā Peruse other blogs and websites, see what they offer and what they are looking for; and if it meshes with what you are seeking to share, reach out to them.Ā Ā Every new avenue helps to lay a foundation for you.Ā Each opportunity, no matter how seemingly insignificant, widens the path; so don’t be shy.Ā Believe in yourself and Be Bold.What have you found works best for you?Thanks ever so much for asking and visiting me today.Ā Delighted to meet you and wish you all the best !Ā Ā
If I’d like to follow your footsteps, what golden nuggets of advice can you share with me?Ā
CYNTHIA MORGANĀ
Hi Heenal šĀ Im not sure if they are golden, but these are a few things that have worked for me.Ā Most Importantly, Believe in yourself.Ā Confidence shines through everything you do, just as doubt does.Ā Project what you want.Ā Speak your Successes.Ā Live your Dream.Ā Work Hard!Ā Thats something not everyone wants to hear, but its so very true.Ā I’ve put in countless hours that I will never be financially compensated for, but when you love what you do those hours don’t matter.Ā All of these are probably ‘no brainers’, but they are vital to any measure of success.Ā I suppose it should also be said that you shouldn’t expect to become the next J.K. Rowling.Ā If monetary gain is at the heart of your desires, you may be disappointed, but if you truly love the written word and believe in what you are sharing through your gift, whatever measure ofĀ ‘success’ you achieve will be gratifying.Ā Finally, I’ve heard it said that you should strive to do something every day to work towards your goals.Ā A Journey of a thousand miles requires 10000 steps (probably more!) so be faithful to yourself and take them :)Does any of this make sense? Is there anything you’d like me to elaborate on more fully?Thanks so much for asking and I wish you the Best Success~Ā
You must be a blithe spirit, easy to be cheered with simple things. How do you maintain such a disposition?Ā
Hello Rhoda š Yes, Yes I am, although I’ve never heard that specific phrase before. A Blithe Spirit.Ā I like it…and perhaps that speaks volumes about me.Ā I do enjoy the simple things.Ā I love Harmony, Peacefulness, Laughter, Love.Ā It’s certainly not easy to maintain such a perspective in a world filled with darkness and calamity, and I’ve surely had my own low moments; but I believe the best way to hold onto the Light is the seek the Light.Ā Fill your Spirit with what you want to Be, what you want to Project into the world, and what you want to Achieve.Ā Ā If you seek Joy, you will probably Laugh.Ā If you follow after violence, you will probably end up angry and hateful.Ā For myself, I tend to read/watch things that uplift or feed the soul.Ā It might be something as simple as a Nature program or the London Symphony Orchestra playing Vivaldi.Ā I listen to beautiful music that Inspires.Ā I surround myself with Positivity and do not involve myself with destructiveness.Ā Its actually rather surprising how one Small Act of Kindness can feed your soul!Ā Just smiling can be its own inducement.Ā What about you Rhoda?Ā What cheers and Inspires YOU?Thanks ever so much for asking.Ā Many Sweet and Blitheful Blessings šĀ
How did you attain overnight success?Ā
Hi Elena šĀ Ā It’s taken me four years (and counting!) to attain the limited measure of ‘overnight’ success I currently enjoy.Ā Many Many hours of ‘unpaid’ and unapplauded work, as well as a great deal of Self Motivation has gone into this and I’d be lying if I said it’s been easy.Ā Every day I look for a new opportunity, and I try to make a concerted effort to give something back each day (or at least each week lol) as well.Ā Success after all, is a relationship, just like anything else.Ā Its the offspring of your relationships with readers, other writers, and even those who decide they don’t like what you are doing/offering.Ā I guess, Id also say that being prepared for the blockages that may appear in the road and accepting that it isn’t an easy journey are keys to making that journey prosperous, but its also important to define what form of prosperity you are seeking?Ā It’s taken me a lot of years of dreaming to realize that I am truly happy NOT being the next J.K. Rowling.Ā Ā So what measure of success are you looking for?Ā What will make YOU truly happy?Thank you so much for chatting.Ā Many Blessings~Ā
Are you open to sharing your expertise and tips to budding authors or rising stars?Ā Ā
Hi Marsha. Yes, always.Ā Success is no secret and the best piece of advice I can, and usually, give is Work Hard and Believe.Ā I have written blog posts about ‘success’; I’ve talked about what I’ve done and am doing in interviews and in private conversations and am Blessed to continue to find friends who want to share their own experience and ideas.Ā Its an ever-changing ‘model’, success, and Im also open to what others have to say.Ā What are you doing that is working? What’s not working?Ā And is there anything specific you’d like to know that I might share? Thanks so much for asking šĀ I wish you all the very best~Ā Ā Ā
How does one get over a writer’s block?Ā
CYNTHIA MORGANĀ
Hi Geekeeme :)Writers Block, in my experience, is just your mind’s way of asking you to rest.Ā Just like the body, your creative processes require rest and refueling.Ā Very often, I take time away from writing and allow the silence full reign.Ā Do other things that you truly enjoy.Ā Listen to Music, Read, go for long walks, whatever you find Inspiring, because during the quiet interlude, you may hear the whisperings of The Muse, leading you in a new direction perhaps.Ā Ā The Words will return.Ā It may take longer than you want, but try not to fill the void with frustration or forced writing.Ā Give yourself time away and allow your creativity time to renew itself.Ā Ā Hope this helps š
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You can Discover more about Dark Fey on its Official Website:Ā Ā https://allthingsdarkfey.wixsite.com/feyandmusings
Visit Morgan on some of her other social media sites:
Twitter:Ā Ā https://www.twitter.com/MorganBC728
FacebookĀ https://www.facebook.com/booknvolume
Pinterest:Ā https://www.pinterest.com/cynthey728/dark-fey/
GoodReads:Ā Ā https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14174277.Cynthia_A_Morgan
Creativia Author Page :Ā Ā http://www.creativia.org/fey-folk-and-emeraldine-fens-fantasy-author-cynthia-a-morgan.html
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~Morgan~