A story lover at heart, Morgan has always been crafting stories. Growing up in East Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains, their mystery and beauty have inspired many of her tales. She’s a big fan of rain, stargazing, coffee, and taking the long way home.
Currently residing in East Tennessee, Morgan lives with her husband writing books and exploring the mountains. When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll find Morgan outside foraging among the plants or trying new coffee shops and voraciously reading.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
When I was twelve, my dad gave me a copy of the Lord of the Rings. I’d never read anything so profound and encompassing. J.R.R. Tolkien inspired my love of travel, my love of fantasy, and my love of writing. Since then, I’ve searched for books and films that make me feel the way the Lord of the Rings made me feel. And I aim to write stories that are even a fraction of what Tolkien wrote.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
For seven years, I’ve worked in the coffee industry as a barista, social media marketer, and assistant manager. It was one of my first dream jobs, and I’ve been blessed to work with some incredible people. I’ve also gotten to connect with regulars who inspire me and also may inspire a few things my characters do! Working as a barista has given me many different story ideas I intend to explore in the future.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
Titles never come automatically for me. There’s always a period of using a temporary title, a week or so when I try a title on to see if it fits, and then the official decision. My first novel, This Cursed Line, started off as On the Winds of November since it took place in November and wind was the main motif. This Cursed Line better fit the genre (historical paranormal fantasy) and the trends of titles at the time. To Live Among Wolves started out as Legend, but I always knew I would change it. To Live Among Wolves actually originated from the writing itself, and one of my early readers loved the line. Thus, To Live Among Wolves became the title of book one in the Legends of Arcadia trilogy.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
For each book (and book idea for that matter), I create a playlist on Spotify. I write to music, both instrumental and with lyrics, and I think it’s helpful when setting the tone for each chapter. So it’s easy to say what would be on the soundtrack for To Live Among Wolves! “Creature” by Penny and Sparrow, “Welcome Home Son” by Radical Face, “Bottom of the River” by Delta Rae, “Furr” by Blitzen Trapper, “Son of Nyx” by Hozier, and “The River” by The Show Ponies are just a few on my playlist for that book.
I make all of my published book playlists public on my Spotify, that way, if anyone ever wants an immersive experience, they can press play and enjoy!
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
In researching the publishing industry, I decided to go the independent publishing route. A lot of people consider that to be a copout or admitting failure, but it’s been so freeing for me. It’s been so rewarding to see my books from conception to published, managing the details, putting in the hours, and hiring out freelancers to do the parts that I’m not the best at like cover design and character art. And through my choosing the indie pub journey, I’ve connected with so many other indie authors and found lifelong friends that are on this author path with me. Nothing could ever replace that.
What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?
Currently, I’m working on final edits for the second book in the Legends of Arcadia trilogy (To Live Among Wolves, To Breathe Beneath Stars, and To Dance With Spirits). And I’m drafting the third book in that trilogy. I’ve also started the initial planning stages of a YA contemporary portal fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Gravity Falls and Over the Garden Wall (it’s also a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice with a happily ever after…eventually.)
To Breathe Beneath Stars releases on December 31, 2024. To Dance With Spirits will release in winter of 2025.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.