Darkness of Truth Prologue.

Today,I'm going to post the prologue to the new book, BEFORE it's released.

I hope you all enjoy it!


Here it is....

Darkness of Truth  (book 6) in the FBI/Romance series

            ~Prologue~

 Red River Indian Reservation

            March

Darkness is never to be shunned, especially when you spend all your time creeping through its inky blackness, working your magic. These skills were the essence of their kind and had been for hundreds of years. They were passed down from one generation to another in the form of myth and story.

Only it wasn’t legend in this case. It was truth and it was fact. They existed and were on the hunt to right the wrongs that were committed against them so long ago.

Their people endured.

They continued on despite it all.

And they held a wicked grudge over the man that restrained them and crushed their dreams.

Now it was time to take that step from the darkness, seeking revenge on those hell bent on destroying what was never theirs to begin. Soon they would pay with the ultimate price.

Their lives.

He stood beside the fire, built to offer warmth as the cool air circulated around him and his next victim. Soon his captive’s time on this side of the spirit world would come to an end. It was simply how it must be.

When you committed the ultimate sin, you paid the ultimate price. There could be no bargaining or making of deals.

What’s done was done, sealed in blood, and offered up to the hands of fate.

Pulling out his deerskin sack, he rolled it out and inspected his tools of the trade. The blades were sharp and glinted in the moonlight and firelight. Everything was there and ready to be utilized in his quest.

Running his finger over the edge of the knife, it drew a single line of crimson blood. Immediately, he placed it in his mouth, tasting the salty essence of life drawn from his body. It gave him pleasure and joy to feel the power in the sacred fluid.

It was all about that blood.

The sacred fluid was with us from birth until death.

In life, some were born to Native mothers and others born of the outsider, but what it all came down to was who you were inside the shell, and what you could become.

Destiny could be decided with one moment of fate.

He had chosen to be one of the dark wanders and that meant everything to him. His father had been the same, passing it to him in secrecy. Always warning him to not get caught, as so many wouldn’t understand why it needed to be done.

Protect their people.

Uphold his heritage.

Be strong and indestructible.

Remain a shadow, hidden in plain sight.

In life there were many hidden secrets and deceptions needed in order to endure. That is true of all the ones who came before him, and those that were destined to follow. Existence is all about working your way to the top of the food chain and holding on for dear life.

It was exactly what he intended to do.

Remain at the top.

Be the predator and not the prey.

He took the herbs from the pocket of his pants and tossed them into the fire, watching them burn in the flames, filling the air with the acrid smoke.

Inhaling deeply, he reveled in the ancient strength it gave him to carry on with his plan. Already the mix began taking effect. His vision wavered, his head fogged, and he was beginning the transformation. It was time to start the ritual, and doing what needed to be done.

Tonight was about protecting his people once and for all.

With a few words in his native language, he blessed himself, knowing he was indeed ready to take care of the prone victim, lying on the ground. With more spoken language, unbeknownst to his captive, he prayed to his ancestors for the strength to take the life before him, granting him the ultimate prize of his energy.

Stripping down to almost nothing, he dipped his finger carefully into the ash of the fire, smudging it onto his chest in symbols that his father had taught him years ago as a boy.

They stood for justice.

They offered power.

They revealed the truth for all to see.

Now began the ritual, and the start to the beginning of the end. He danced around the flames, tossing more sacred herbs into the fire, needing more intoxicating smoke as he enjoyed the ritual as much as he knew he’d enjoy the killing.

Ultimately wasn’t that what it was all about?

Taking a life and making the energy yours was a thing of beauty, and something to be relished and enjoyed. Anyone could steal a life, but absorbing the good and the bad energy and building your own strength was a finely honed skill. 

It was the skill of one of the skinwalkers and the harvesters of the night.

It was that of the witch and warrior.

Most importantly, it was a secret that none should see.

After the dance was done and the stage set, he moved to the body lying beside the tree. His hands were bound behind him, and he was hogtied, so as not to escape. Not that it would matter. Then he’d simply hunt him down. The man had no clue as to where he’d been taken, and to run would simply mean being tracked like some wild animal.

His chapter in the book of life was already written. Fate had its final say and tonight, the gatherer was about to sow.

The reaper was calling and the answer was obvious.

The eyes of the soon to be victim were filled with fear and terror, as he watched in horror at the scene that was unfolding. Now he knew, his life was forfeited and soon to be lost to the more powerful. One minute he had been out checking on his cattle, and the next he was waking beside the fire.

It was funny how life had viciously wicked, twists and turns that no one seemed to see coming. Had he known tonight was his end, surely he’d have stayed inside with his wife.

The shadowy figure picked up one of the horrifically sharp knives, kneeling before his captive. It was time to take care of business.

“Don’t worry my friend; this won’t hurt a single bit. I promise to be fast.” He ripped open the bound man’s shirt, searching for the exact right spot. “You sinned against my people, and now I find you guilty.”

His struggles and muffled pleas were met with nothing but disregard.

There was no mercy.

There was no clemency.

There was only judgment and justification for the sins committed. Now was a time to show them that someone watched and would offer up justice.

Punishment.

With more ritual words, he plunged the knife deep into the man’s chest, piercing his heart. Pulling the blade out, he watched the blood ooze from the wound. The sticky red life ebbing back towards Mother Earth, and the dirt from which all life had sprung. “You’ll go quickly now.”

The victim tried to scream for help, but to no avail, no one would hear him out here. This was the end of his existence, and he had so much more he wanted to accomplish. He watched as the mostly naked man dipped his fingers in his blood and smeared them on his chest and arms along with the symbolic marks made of ash.

His blood was no longer his and neither was his life.

The darkness came and the truth was evident.

He was collected from life into deaths cold hands.

The reaper of spirit watched his victim’s body shudder out his last and final breath, before he cut free the ties that bound him. Now for the part that mattered most. He needed to take one last thing from the man before he could call it a night.

He got to work, doing the job as he was taught years ago. It was tedious and difficult to do it correctly, tearing nothing and making sure it remained in one piece. Each slice in the skin was vital to complete the next.

It was a finely tuned craft.

When he was done, he stared at it in awe and wonder.

It was one more job well done.

Another soul that was now his.

Most importantly it was one more perpetrator taken and tried for his crimes.

The victim’s spilled blood freed him, cleansing the man of the deeds he’d done.

This was a masterpiece worthy of his kind; Native and skinwalker alike.

An evening in late March

The scene had been set and the trap was laid. The victim would be coming soon to commit his offenses. He’d watched him every week for months to learn his patterns and routines. At first he’d come to the land once in a while, taking only for personal use, and it was overlooked. Then as time passed, he became greedy. Monthly foraging became weekly and that became daily. Soon it was nothing more than pillaging what wasn’t his to take. 

It had always been their unspoken law. Take only what you need, waste nothing and leave some for others.

Not this man. He was stealing money from the people that needed it most. He was creeping onto their sacred land and destroying it to dig for his precious prize. The vile outsider thought nothing of taking from Mother Earth, stripping it of all the resources much like his invading ancestors had before him.

The reaper remained still in the bramble, hiding in plain sight as he observed the man digging in glee, finding his ill-gotten gains. Once he located them, he’d sneak back off the reservation until the greed overcame him again, luring him back on the hunt for more.

It had to be stopped.

The pillaging and desecration needed to come to an end.

The judge, jury and executioner had been sent out to sow justice and reap the guilty for their crimes.

Since he’d taken what wasn’t his repeatedly, the favor would be returned tenfold. Watching him kneel beside a tree, he waited until the man was fully engrossed in the act of theft and violation of the Native lands. As he shoveled dirt, brushing away the surface layers, the shadow slid effortlessly across the Earth, taking his place behind him.

It was time.

With a swift strike of a rock, the man crumbled forward onto the ground, never seeing the one that would be voraciously stealing something from him now too. The life he bartered away for the greed of money was now the sought after prize.

He shook his head in sympathy, knowing that it was far from a hunt and sport when it came to the outsiders. In their minds, they deemed the Natives weak and complacent. Well, their naivety would be their downfall- even if he had to level the playing field one cheater at a time. Thankfully, the man had wandered close enough to the ritual site, and he wouldn’t have to drag him far at all.

He patted the herbs in his pocket as he mentally ran over the plan, step by step. The ritual would be done, the life forfeited, and the intruder punished for his audacity.

It was time to get down to business and take what was now his.

Let the punishment fit the crime.

  

Two hours later

  

The ritual had been completed without incident, and the prize had been removed without a single error on his behalf. It was a delicate art to completely skin an entire human being. Animals were easy, but a man was exact work.

Stripping away the protective layer of the body was tedious. Slowly slicing between the meat of the flesh and the papery thin skin was an exact science. One wrong slip and the entire work of art was ruined. Once completely free, it was time to begin the most enjoyable part of the evening’s festivities.

The ritual.

As he slipped into the man’s forfeited skin over his own, it gave him a sense of power. The cooling layer coated his in a wet barrier, offering up the dissipating energy. As he danced around the fire, singing the story of his people and the legend of the skinwalkers, he harvested the dead man’s essence.

This moment was why he was the reaper.

The energy around him sizzled, as he tossed more herbs into the fire to keep the mood intact. He found that the cathartic scent made it even more enjoyable. No longer did he find it pungent, but now it was addictive and gave him pleasure- so much that his body ached for more in response.

Finishing the ritual, he rolled up the newly obtained prize and placed it in a plastic garbage bag until later to keep it moist. Inside, he also placed the man’s scalp, laughing at the irony of a Native scalping another unworthy white man. He’d hide them both as soon as he returned to his cabin to clean up. They were one more trophy to be stashed away with the memories and the joviality, knowing he was protecting his people. Later, they may come in handy.

After all, waste not want not…

Already he swore he could feel the transfer of spirit from the dead to the living. This was the allure of the skinwalker, and he completely understood why so many before him travelled the same taboo path.

It was all about this moment, as his aura greedily swallowed anything it brushed against.

 It was invigorating to say the least.

Glancing over at the deceased, he dragged him into the cave dwelling with the other victim. Making room beside the animal bones and carcasses, he’d placed there many times before. When he couldn’t find a person, he’d use the animals found on their land.

Now that he’d taken a human life, he could say it simply wasn’t the same.

This was far better, because it was pure justice for their people.

Recalling the final step, he grabbed his pack from the mouth of the crevasse and left his calling card. It was his way of marking the kills as his own, in case another skinwalker happened to find them.

Laying down a pure white feather, he smiled, content and at peace.

“Justice is served,” he whispered to the dead, even though they’d never hear his words.

“Go in peace.”

He knew he would.

Across the country in Cypress Grove

It had been a long seven months.

When she found out she was three months pregnant and going to raise a child alone, Desdemona Adare was at first afraid.

Now, not so much.

It hadn’t been easy being pregnant and working full time in a town she’d learned to despise. Coming back had been a mistake, and she was paying for it dearly.

Her feet hurt.

Her back hurt.

Her grand’mere was still pissed she had gotten knocked up by an Indian, and so was she. Then again, it had been her choice to not tell him about the baby. Once he dumped her for Elizabeth Blackhawk, her ex-best friend, there was no going back.

She’d made the decision and now it was going to be her burden to carry alone. The hate she was feeling for the people Desdemona once claimed to love filled her and threatened to boil over. It took the deep cleansing breaths to get past the rage.  

There were other issues she had to deal with that were far more important than a man she despised and a woman who betrayed her. Desdemona was almost ten months pregnant now. In her heart, she believed that there’d be some maternal attachment to the child due in days.  Isn’t that what should happen?

Yes, there was a cute nursery and plenty of things purchased after she sold her grand house back where she once belonged. But there was no excitement about having this child…

Alone.

If Callen Whitefox had still been at her side, possibly there would be joy and happiness, but at that moment none existed. Maybe it would come when she held her child in her arms the very first time.

Or so she hoped and prayed.

God knew she was on her own from here on out. Her grand’mere wanted nothing to do with the bastard child, and informed her of that repeatedly. This was her mistake for bedding down with an Indian, and she should have known better. Anything from here on out was weighing on her shoulders alone.

The birth.

The child’s life.

The eighteen long years before her offspring would leave the nest.

Desdemona sighed. Deep down, she wanted to call Callen and tell him about his child in hopes he’d come take it. Sadly, Desdemona swore she’d never contact any of them again, and that was her plan. Why give him a gift that he didn't deserve, especially when he opted to leave her side so easily.

Once she found out about the pregnancy, she believed there would be a strong support system for her, and that being the only reason why she opted to follow through. Although Desdemona’s half sisters and brother had held no grudge toward her after what had happened, anger still lived in their hearts, much like it did in hers. When the truth came out and Desdemona informed her step family who the father of her child was, the shit hit the fan again. When their father committed suicide and brother was killed by Elizabeth Blackhawk in that swamp, it was a brutal few weeks and no one wished to return there. The half-breed child she carried would do only one thing.

Reopen the wounds and be a daily reminder of what had happened.

No one forgave the FBI for the hell that had opened up around them. Granted, Elizabeth Blackhawk saved her life, but she also took the life of their brother. Jonathan, Holly and Ivy Delray were still damaged over the loss of Vinny, despite him being an incest enjoying, murdering nutjob.

Desdemona patted her giant belly and tried to feel maternal towards the half native baby, preparing to enter the world.

Maybe time would change her feelings.

Or maybe her heart was just too hardened over what should and could have been.

One would have to wait and see.

Until then, this was her lot in life. She was trapped in a hellish swamp, as a barely needed ME with no prospect in life. It wasn’t long ago she had it all. A six figure job, a gorgeous home, a sexy native man in her bed- my how the mighty had fallen.

Resentment filled her.

Anger surrounded her.

Where life prepared to spring free and be born, bitterness threatened to swallow it whole.

Nothing would ever be the same again.

Nothing.

My little giggle for the day

Sometimes in life, you just have to roll with whatever comes your way.
In my life it's occasionally a bad review or something book related. Last night as I reacquainted myself with Facebook, (I left last year because it was soul sucking) I was blocked out of my three day old account.
Why you ask?
I'm possibly not a real person.
Whaaaaa?
Really FB? If you've ever gotten that warning from them, you now know the conundrum I face. I have to send them two forms of legal ID to prove that I'm truly Morgan Kelley. I've had to procure documents that have my pen name on them.
Now, for someone that doesn't write under a pen name, that may be easy, but Morgan Kelley isn't my birth name.
ahhhhh, the dilemma. So, I sent my IRS LLC papers, a driver's license, and a photo of one of my first books that has my picture on the back.
I had to show less ID to give birth. Next they'll want DNA too.
Really.
So, I'm pretty sure that my days as Morgan Kelley on FB may be coming to an end. It does make me wonder though, how there are so many accounts with weird bogus names and they don't get pulled. Hmmmmmm.
If I was a conspiracy freak, I might be worked up into a frenzy on this one.

So, back to work it is, and Vegas is Dying (2) is in progress. I'm about 1/4 of the way through it and will begin writing the holiday sequel next week.

Maybe. Unless I can get the real Morgan Kelley to do it for me...

Much love, Mayhem and Murder,

AKA Morgan.

I love a surprise!

First off, Happy Memorial Day, USA.
Please remember why we celebrate this wonderful holiday, and when you see a soldier, thank them and appreciate the sacrifice they've made for all of us to be free!

Next, I woke up to the most amazing review of The Killing Times, by a terrific book reviewer, Lynn Worton.
Seriously, it was amazing. There is nothing better in life than reading a review and knowing the person gets it. She picked up everything I wanted to portray in Elizabeth and Ethan Blackhawk.
It was perfect.
If you want to read it too, then here's where you can find it.

It was a fabulous surprise to find this morning on Facebook, Amazon and also BlogSpot. Thank you, Lynn Worton!

Now, back to business.
Darkness of Truth (6) is done and will be released in paperback on Friday and Kindle on June 1st. So, be ready for it!

Today I begin rolling out the details for Vegas is dying (2). It's already 443 pages long and 145,600 words in length, so there isn't much more to be added. Maybe another twenty pages. I'll wrap the details this week, proof read it next week and then begin the sequel, Christmas is Killing (3). I'm dying to write that one! I think I have it all executed in my mind and ready to go. I need to have it done by July 1st, so I can write Devil Hath Come (7).
Both releases will be towards the end of the year and the final ones for 2013.
Momma needs a book writing break.
I'll still be working, but anything that pops out of my mind, will be for the 2014 season. I have 6 books planned for next year, with a MEGA book in the works for next holiday season. It's going to be an FBI/Romance and Croft & Croft cross over.
So, it'll have Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen crossing paths with Greyson and Emma Croft in an assignment so difficult, it's going to take both teams to pull it off.
People will be dying.
Bleeding and hurting before I'm done... (Shocking, I know...)

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!! 

Okay, have a great Memorial Day! I'm off to make coffee and start working on Vegas is Dying (2). (I love the book! It cracks me up...)

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,
Morgan.

Wednesday is a preview of the new book day!

On Wednesday, I'll be posting the entire prologue to the new book.

So, pop on in and check it out, if you're curious to meet the crazed killer that's going to make Tori, Julian, Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen's life hell...


Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

How it all started..

One of the questions I get most frequently is where I came up with the idea of Elizabeth and Ethan Blackhawk. You would think that it began with them, but oddly it didn't.

It's no secret that I'm part Native American. I've always loved the culture and the outdoors. Take me camping and set me free in the woods and I'm in my glory. I despise the city and noise. I believe that's my Native roots.
One day, I found a painting online and fell in love with it. When I saw the price tag, I laughed. I wasn't paying that much for an oil on canvas print. So, I decided to recreate it. I'm a lover of painting, and think I'm fairly skilled at it. What did I have to lose?

So, I got messy and created my fireplace work of art.
As it began to unfold, and I began seeing the person in the abstract colors, I gave him a name.
Timothy Blackhawk was born.
If you've read my FBI/Series, you know him from book 2, 3 and 4. He's the head of the Blackhawk clan, and the 'Shaman'.
I knew then that by some intervention I had created a very important work of art, not only for my mantel, but also for my stories.
Thus, the Blackhawk family was born.
To this day, I see him in his majestic glory and I fall more in love with the story and the characters, and today, I thought I'd share him with you.

As I prepare to release Darkness of Truth (book 6) in the series, it seemed appropriate to give homage to the man that started it all.

Here he is. (He's relatively large- over five feet tall, so excuse me squishing him down a little)



Shaman Timothy Blackhawk

Without him, there'd be no Elizabeth, Ethan or Callen.

Have a great day!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan 









Final day of the blog tour!

Last stop of my blog tour is here!  I'll be wrapping up with a visit to my fellow writer and friend's blog. KC Cavanaugh is hosting me today!
You can find my interview here.

Thank you for following along!
Back to our regular blog tomorrow!

Okay... I finally broke down and did it...

I get one question more than anything in emails.

WHY ARE YOU NOT ON FACEBOOK?

I was at one time, but not under my pen name. I closed the account a year ago, because it was an addiction. I was weak. I couldn't control myself.
So it had to go.

Now, I have to say... It's back. I created a page for my work. I know... It's going to suck out my soul and swallow me whole, but I have to try.

Join me on FB here.

If you have FB, come on out and like my page. Join me in the downfall of modern society. I swear, we can go down together...
It's just beginning to be put together, so excuse it's appearance. Much like the page, we're a work in progress.

I even posted a picture of me, for those of you that think I don't really exist and am a figment of someone's imagination. Yep. That woman on the page is me.
I swear!
Really!

For those of you that don't have a FB page, fear not, I shall be posting here as always.

I've gotten some emails for the trivia contest, and I can't wait to see who wins!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan

 

Blog Tour Day 8!

Hi all!

Today is the eighth day in the tour and we're coming to the end soon!

The stop today is at Book Reviews by Lynn. You can read it here.


Tomorrow is the final day, and I hope you all enjoyed the different sites as much as I did!


Morgan. 

Day 7 blog tour

Hi all!

Sorry this is late getting posted. Was on the road most of the day.
Here's today's blog stop.

https://www.facebook.com/TitanInKorp

As soon as I get the blog link I'll post it too

Morgan 

June 1 st release of Darkness of Truth and giveaway.

Top of the morning to you all from Chocolate World USA.
I'm getting ready to take my kids to Hershey Park, and thought I'd pop in for a work update!
(since that's why you're here!)

Darkness of Truth (book 6) will be releasing on June 1st as scheduled. In honor of it rolling out, I'm also giving away The Killing Times (book 1) free for two days on Kindle. So, if you don't have it, get your free copy! If you do have it, then tell your friends to get theirs!

I'm also going to be giving away 3 free kindle downloads of Darkness of Truth to three lucky readers. Starting next week there will be a trivia contest and the individuals that can answer the questions, gets the e-book free the day it releases.

So, keep coming back to get ready to answer your trivia questions and get free stuff!

Off to eat chocolate until I make my self sick!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

Day 7 of the Blog tour!

Greetings my fellow romance and murder lovers!

Today is day seven in my blog tour and I've connected with so many great people along the way!
Thank you all for the emails!

Today you can find me at Samantha Warren's blog and Jennifer Oliver's blog!

Both are great blogs, so check them out!
The best part of a blog tour  is exploring all the great sites out there and opening new doors to new books!

I love the adventure!

Stay on the tour, keep reading and keep looking for the trivia questions for your free kindle download of my new book Darkness of Truth (Book 6) in the FBI/Romance Series.

Day Six Blog tour!

Morning all!

Today is day six in my blog tour! It's been amazing so far! I hope you're exploring along with me!

The stop today is over at A.R Von Dreamz of Dragon's Blog.
Stop in and check out our tour!

Morgan.

 

Blog Tour Day Five!

There are two scheduled stops for the blog tour today!

You can find one of them here at Sizzling Hot Books, and the other will be at Nancy Jardine's blog.

I hope everyone is following and having fun exploring some truly excellent blogs out there!


Have a great day!

Morgan

Question Monday!

Happy beginning of the work week!

As promised, here are a few of the questions ya'll sent me!

Morgan,
How many books are coming out for the rest of the year? I want to start your Croft & Croft series, but don't want to wait until next year to read the sequel.
Tina

I can't say I blame you! I hate picking up a book, only to have the author leave it hanging and not having a planned book out for 6 more months. It's frustrating!

Here's the progression of the series for the Croft & Croft Romance Series:

Celestia is Falling (1)
Vegas is Dying (2) out in July.
Christmas is Killing (3) out in Nov/ early December.

There will also be one out in Feb or March. I'm planning a massive crossover with Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen too. Once you read book 2 - Vegas is Dying, you'll understand why! Until then... shhhhhhhhh. I will say it will be a MEGA novel. Vegas is Dying is about 470 pages, and the mega book cross over will be almost 700 (or I'm planning on that. We'll see as I sit down to write it!)

Here's the progression for The FBI/Romance series:
The Killing Times (1)
Sacred Burial Grounds (2)
True Love Lost (3)
Deep Dark Mire (4)
Fire Burns Hot (5)
Darkness of Truth (6)  out by the week of June 1st.
Devil hath Come  (7) Released for Halloween at the end of Sept. .

That's about it for this year. I will be working through the Christmas holiday penning one or two books for the 2014 season to start off, but my proofer Tammy, she's off from Nov 15 to Jan 1st. Everything that I plan on releasing has to be ready to go by that date in Nov.

So, there are more books coming out for the Croft & Croft series this year. If you're reading both series, you'll have one in June, one in July, one in Sept, and one in Nov.
Plenty of reading!

Morgan,
Are you still planning to erroneously steal one of Elizabeth's men from her?
Charlotte

Hmmmm, how do you really feel, Charlotte? Your question made me laugh, because I get it about every other day. I will only say this. IF something were going to happen to either Callen or Ethan, it would be in Devil Hath Come. That being said, I've yet to write that book, and won't be until July, so I can't tell you much more.
I've storyboarded it with Tammy, and she and I have discussed where I'm heading with the series. Will there be a cliffhanger leading into 2014? No idea yet. One never knows with me....

Morgan,
I just read Celestia is Falling, and I'm in love. I wasn't sure if you could top two sexy native men, but you managed to make Greyson Croft completely endearing and different. Why did you go that route?
Sally.

Greyson Croft is a throwback to a long ago era. I wanted him to be sexy, dominant and bossy. I'm setting the readers up for book 2 with his temper, his behavior and attitude. Emma isn't Elizabeth. She's softer, more delicate and gentle. She needs a different kind of man, and that's Greyson. As you read book 2, you'll see that (Spoiler) Vegas is the perfect town for them. He's going to need to be bossy, strong and tough for what I have coming for both of them.
In book 2, you'll see him start to unfurl into the man he's meant to be, as you watch Emma define herself too.
I sometimes get called on not giving my characters enough depth in the first book, well I can't. If I give it all away in book 1, why read the series? I like to develop them over the course of the series. You're going to see some things you may like or dislike in both characters over the progression. In life, seldom is it always smooth sailing, and this couple came together in less than two weeks. They're going to hit some rough spots. It's normal.
Vegas was ideal for a man that is 'old school' and very opinionated. He makes no excuses, and tells it like it is. Emma is his woman and that means something to him.

I will say that in Vegas is Dying you're set up for something big brewing. It's most likely leading to the Mega Novel crossover.
So, if you haven't read both series by the time it rolls out, you'll need to, or you won't understand all the characters.

Again, thank you for the great questions! I already received more and will post them later in the week. I'm going to be taking the next three days off to take the kids to an amusement park fun-fest, but I'll be back blogging later in the week!
If I survive the rollercoasters!

Have a great week and keep reading!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

 

Darkness of Truth synopsis and book cover

Morning everyone!
I'm getting a late start today. I actually slept in for once.

But as I promised, I'm going to reveal the new cover for Darkness of Truth (book 6) and the breakdown of what it's about.

Here it is! What do you all think? I loved the stark contrast of the white feather against the black and grey cover. It was exactly what I pictured in my head!

I love when something works out perfectly!

As promised, here's the synopsis.

Darkness of Truth -Book six in the FBI/Romance Series

Julian Littlemoon has finally found the one. Special Agent Tori Christensen completes his heart and soul like no other before her. Rescuing her from the VA, they retreat to his home to help her recover. As she grows stronger, he knows there’s only one thing left to do.
Marry the girl.
Victoria Christensen can never repay him back for saving her heart and soul. Never will there be a man that can replace Julian in her life. He’s her all. As the time comes to make her decision on returning to the FBI, the tension is building.
Stay with her career?
Or stick with a man that gave her a second chance?
Before she can decide, a killer had returned to Red River. This time as a Native Skinwalker hell bent on justice his way. The rules are quickly changing, as everyone fights to figure out what’s happening around them.
When the skinless bodies begin turning up, Julian and Tori are lucky enough to have back up by their sides. In comes the FBI with Callen Whitefox and Elizabeth and Ethan Blackhawk leading the way. They made a promise to Tori once before, and they plan on keeping it. 
Friends always have your back.
The killer has a few secrets of his own, as he gives Julian the surprise of his life.

It’s all going to come down to friends and family holding strong through the storm as the ugliness shines a light on the Darkness of Truth…

Back to work!

I have to finalize some corrections before I can move forward and meet the deadline of June 1st for release of Darkness of Truth.

Look for some really great questions tomorrow!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder!

Morgan!

















 

Blog tour day four!

More blog tour going on today!

You can read a synopsis and author bio here for Deep Dark Mire. 

If you haven't read Sacred Burial Grounds there's a posting here too!

There's even one for True Love Lost here.


Keep following he blog tour!!!
Morgan.

Darkness of Truth (book 6) is coming soon!!!!!!

Morning all!
Happy Saturday!

I'm dropping in to give you all a quick update on the next book in the FBI/Romance series.
Darkness of Truth  will be rolling out in a week or so.
YAY!!!!
I've received the final proof and am doing the last read through this weekend. Once all the corrections are approved and Tammy gets me her spot checks, we'll be ready to go!
That means a possible release between May 28 and June 1st.
I hope you all fall in love with it as much as we did!
(It's Tammy's new favorite! This book dethroned her old fav Sacred Burial Grounds)
Tomorrow I'll post the cover and synopsis!
I also have great questions from you the reader scheduled too!

Vegas is Dying (book 2) is also complete. I begin the detail read through this week and then begin writing Christmas is Killing (book 3) right after.

Busy summer here for me!

Everyone have a book filled weekend!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

Day three of the blog tour!

I'm being featured featured on a blog by Sylv Jenkins here.


Stop in and check it out!
Seven more days in the tour and so many more great blogs to visit!!!!

Keep visiting them for more tidbits about me and the FBI/Romance series!
Coming next month is the book tour for the Croft & Croft Romance Adventure series!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

Today's blog tour stop!

Head on over to Zanna Mackenzie's blog for more of my tour!!!

Today is day 2!!!

Kicking off the Blog Tour today!!!

I'm the first stop in the blog tour for my series. If you click on the tabsabove, you'll see the tour schedule!

Follow me every day! You may find out some secrets on what's coming up for Ethan, Callen and Elizabeth!

The Killing Times (book 1) ~ An FBI/Romance Series

Then: Salem, MA 1692. Burning, hanging, stoning and drowning were the way they killed a witch. The trials were a joke, and the deaths were a shame. The Killing times changed so many lives... forever.


Now: Salem, SC. Elizabeth LaRue has come home. After a stint in the FBI, a failed assignment and a disastrous affair, she has returned to a town she willingly walked away from, her body and heart battered and bruised. Her father's sudden death has brought her home, opening up more questions that need answers. As she agrees to step in as Sheriff, she finds that the town isn't quite as tranquil as she thought. A string of bizarre killings that are mimicking the Salem Witch trials is plaguing her home, and scaring the people she has sworn to protect.

Elizabeth now has to call in the FBI, and be faced with a past and people she is trying to forget.

Will Ethan Blackhawk be her salvation or her ultimate downfall?

Time is running out, bodies are stacking up, and there are only two options. Stop the killer, or die trying

 

 

 

Morgan Kelley lives in the beautiful Pocono Mountains with her husband and two children.  After attending college at Penn State University and studying Criminal Justice, Morgan knew here only true passion in life would be murder and books.  She put them both together and began her career as a writer.  Other than books and writing, you can find Morgan hanging out in her garden and digging in the dirt.

Her other works include: The Junction, Serial Sins, The Blood Betrayal, The Blood Redemption, The Blood Vengeance, The Blood Retribution, The Killing Times (1), Sacred Burial Grounds (2), True Love Lost (3), Deep Dark Mire (4), Fire Burns Hot (5), Darkness of Truth (6),Celestia is Falling (1) and Vegas is Dying (2)

Please feel free to visit Morgan at her website: www.morgankelley.com, or drop her an email at author.m.kelley@gmail.com, visit her blog at www.morgankelley.blogspot.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morning!

Greetings from Morganland!
I'm happy to say that I'm one day out from finishing the sequel to Celestia is Falling. I should have Vegas is Dying (book 2) finished by tomorrow night. That means it'll be going to Tammy for read through in the next ten days of so. I still have to do my thing with it and make sure all the details are in and perfect.
I'm excited, because it was fun to give Emma and Greyson a life together.
If you've read Celestia is Falling (book 1) you know that the hero in the book is a throwback to a time long gone. He's a man's man, bossy and possessive. Well, you put him in Vegas, and a whole lot of Greyson comes to the surface. (That's all I'll say for now...)
Emma has moved into her new career (Again, not spilling the beans...) and their lives have taken a whole new path together.
I think everyone will enjoy the second book in the series. I'm having one heck of a time writing it!

Now, as for the next book in the FBI/Romance Series. Darkness of Truth (book 6). It's done with the final proof read. I'm getting it back today, and I'll do all the fixes and corrections this weekend. By next week, it'll be off to proof and going for it's final read through. That means we're looking at the first or second week of June, depending on scheduling. I'll be traveling next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and Tammy is off for the Memorial week. So, we'll have to see where we fall into the schedule. I will say, she had told me this is her new favorite book. For a while, it was Sacred Burial Grounds (book 2) and I finally managed to wow her and dethrone that from her all time favorite list.
I hope you all feel the same. It's wrapping up a lot of loose ends that have happened over the last three books or so. We see the conclusion of Julian and Tori's story, and we also find out whatever happened to Doctor Desdemona Adare.
She's had it in for Callen Whitefox since the day he broke off their engagement and moved on to Elizabeth. Well, she's back and boy... does she have one hell of a plan to break the man that broke her.
I've tossed in a few twists, turns and surprises. So, look for Darkness of Truth to be out in about three to four weeks. If I can make a miracle happen and get it out earlier, you know I will.
Starting next week, when I'm back home, I'll be writing book three in the Croft & Croft Adventure series. Christmas is Killing (book 3) won't be out until November fifteenth, or around there. That's slotted to be the last book of the year for Emma and Greyson.
I'll have one more for Elizabeth, Callen and Ethan too. Devil Hath Come (book 7) due out in time for Halloween. I've decided to pick a creepy cover, and I hope you all like it!.

Look for my Blog tour to begin on the 16th right here. Then there's a listing on my blog of all the other sites during the week that will have interviews, posts, reviews etc. on the entire FBI/Romance series.
There's an interview with Callen and Ethan too. I found it charming and fun to watch unfold.
Everyone have a really great day!

Keep reading, so I can keep killing!

Much love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

Happy Mother's Day

To all the moms out there, Happy Mother's Day!
It's the hardest job in the world.
It gets the least acknowledgment.
and rarely does anyone say thank you.

It's also the greatest job
the most rewarding
and absolutely the best experience out there!

Being a mother is the best and worst of everything all at once.
You get the hugs, the cuddles and the smiles, but you also have to watch your little ones navigate the scary outside world.
It's the toughest thing in the universe, and each mother who has caught puke, patched up cuts, and answered where babies came from at seven a.m. over Fruit Loops, deserves a medal.

Today's all about Mom.
Love her.
Appreciate her.
don't always agree or get her, but know that when it comes down to it, having a good mom means
you have one bad ass person in your corner that will drop kick anyone that tries to hurt her babies.

I hope you're all sitting up, feet up, coffee in hand opening your cards and presents your husbands forgot to get until the last minute. (story of my life)
Today is all about us.
However many years ago it was that you brought life screaming into the world,
spent years trying not to strangle your teenager,
or picked gum from under things that were once treasured 'antiques'.
No murder from me today, only happiness that I get to be celebrated for my most important works of art.

They aren't Ethan, Elizabeth or Callen.
Or Greyson and Emma,
but Isabella Ali and Alexzander Ares,

Happy Mother's Day all,
and if your husbands forgot, didn't get you flowers or something
big, fat and sparkly, give me their name.
I'll send out Elizabeth to ass kick them into next month.

Much Love, Mayhem and Mommy-hood,

Morgan.
 

Weekend is here!

Happy Friday everyone!
And happy Mother's day weekend! I hope all the moms out there get pampered and treated really well this Sunday!
I'm not sure what my family has planned for me, but I'm going to be working. I pray it involves copious amounts of coffee and quiet.
But in my house, one never knows!

I'm happy to report that Celestia is Falling has gotten it's first review, and I'm sure more to come. All the feedback seems to be positive, and that makes me happy, since I'm in the middle of writing the second book in the series. I'm just about halfway through, and by Monday I'll be in the home stretch. I'm liking how Vegas is Dying is unfolding. It's been fun to write. I'm carrying over a few characters from the first book. I'll most likely be rolling right into writing the next one as soon as this one is done. While I'm focused on Emma and Greyson, I might as well get it wrapped, but it all depends on the first read through of the next book in the FBI/Romance series.

I haven't had a recent update on Darkness of Truth, but generally no calls means good news with Tammy. If there's a problem, I usually hear about it quickly. As soon as she get's it back to me, I'll be able to gauge when it's coming out. I need to see how much work is needed repairing and fixing it. As soon as I know, you'll know...

I did get a few emails this week asking more questions, and I'll post them as soon as possible. I was busy writing this week, and getting a new tattoo for the collection. (I can't help it, they're addictive!) But as soon as I have a few moments this weekend, I'll get them into the blog. As always, great questions!

Keep reading. Keep sending me emails with your comments and questions, and every mom out there, have a great Mother's day! You deserve it!
It's the hardest job on the earth!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.
 

Celestia is doing great!

Wow! I woke up to a bunch of emails and the success of Celestia is Falling.
I can't tell you how happy that makes me! Thank you for all your emails telling me you're reading the new book!
I promise to get the sequel out as soon as possible! Vegas is Dying  is on it's way! Writing it has already begun and I'm proud to say I'm 1/4 of the way through it already. It should be completed by next Tuesday after a week of a few all nighters.
I know the worst part of a series is having to wait for the next book to come out. I've been there, but I'm slotted to release two more in the sequel this year. In fact, I'm writing two books back to back.
Vegas is Dying (2)
Christmas is Killing (3)
Then it's back to the last book of the year for the FBI/Romance series Devil Hath Come (7)
This year I'm doing two holiday themed books. Christmas is killing is self explanatory, and Devil Hath Come  is all about my favorite holiday, Halloween.

So far, I'm on schedule and it's looking good.
(I just jinxed myself....)

Keep reading everyone!
Leave reviews too! They help me gauge the book!


Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

Blog Tour information!!!

So many of you have been emailing me about the blog tour schedule, so here it is!
I'll also be posting it on it's own page so you can reference it easily!

5/16 Morgan's Lair  - Promo

5/16 The Cavanaugh Connection - Review of The Killing Times

 

5/17 Zanna Mackenzie - Promo

 

5/18 Sylv Jenkins and Friends - Guest Post

5/18 Naughty and Nice - Promo - Who is Morgan Kelley?

 

5/19 Natasha Johnstone - Promo

5/19 To Read or Not to Read - Review of Sacred Burial Grounds

 

5/20 -Sizzling Hot Books  - Promo

5/20 - Nancy Jardine  - Specialty Post 'This and That'

 

5/21 - A.R. Von Dreamz of Dragons - Specialty Post- The series progression.

 

5/22 - Samantha Warren  - Review of True Love Lost

5/22 - Jennifer L. Oliver/World Beneath the Evening Star - Promo

 

5/23 C.J. Austin - Character Interview with Ethan Blackhawk and Callen Whitefox

 

5/24 - Reviews by Lynn  - Review of Deep Dark Mire

 

5/25 - The Cavanaugh Connection - Interview with Morgan Kelley

Celestia is Falling...

I just approved the final release, it should be out sometime tonight! (Midnight my time.)

I hope you all enjoy!

I'll post the links here as soon as it's available!

Click here for the Kindle version

Click here for the Book version



Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

So many Emails and so little time...

Yikes!
My email box overfloweth.
I love hearing from each and everyone of you daily!

Here's the couple emails I promised you...

Morgan,
What's the major difference between your two series?
Susan.

I get this question a great deal. When I wrote the FBI/Romance series, it took on a life of it's own after Sacred Burial Grounds.  Since I only have Celestia is Falling completed (It's the first book in the series) I can't really give you too many details. In my head, I know where I'm taking it, but what happens is usually out of my control. It takes on a life of it's own. For now, here's what I can say. In the FBI/Romance series, obviously there is Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen. In the Croft & Croft series, there's ONLY going to be Emma and Greyson. I've done the threesome twist, and I won't repeat it. It was a one shot deal for me, and I don't want to copy the other series. While you may see the Blackhawks cross over into the Croft & Croft series, the new books are their own story.

When I created FBI West, it was with the premise that I was making a center hub to play lots of different novels out of it. Ethan and Elizabeth Blackhawk are the TOP of the food chain there, but they have other people under them we haven't met. Callen Whitefox is Director of Native American Affairs, but we also have other offices that report to them. I'm sure in the new series, they may pop up, when they're needed.

The other major difference is the characters. Ethan is the 'Boss' in the office. Elizabeth may be the more vocal, but if you noticed, she refers to him as the boss and backs down when it comes to office things. That's not her specialty. He's the rules and regs guy. Elizabeth is the fine details person. They just happen to balance out perfectly. He is king of the profilers, and she's the best at solving the mystery.
Emma and Greyson are a whole other ballgame. I can't go into too many details, since the book isn't out until tomorrow, but by the end, they won't both be on the same playing field. Let's just leave it at that. He's FBI to the core, and she's never been an agent and never will be. That's the tension that's going to keep popping up. Local law hates the Feds and here she is stuck between two worlds.
What's a girl to do?
Then you also have the main point of Greyson being old school, dominant, possessive and the jealous type. Where he wouldn't work with Elizabeth, he meshes with Emma. Elizabeth needed a man that would sit back, observe and let her drive the bus when it was time. Emma isn't Elizabeth. She's quieter and actually likes that Greyson is emotionally leading the way in their lives.
Ethan is more refined, likes the expensive suits and being the 'mysterious'.
Greyson was Army and doesn't mind getting down and dirty. He's not a rules guy, but he's tough and bossy. (He's a male Elizabeth- I guess.)

Elizabeth would fight non-stop with Greyson and clash, but Emma, they fit perfectly. (Or so I hope you think so when you read the book!) I try to make each and every character unique to the story. If all I did was make my heroines ass kicking tough women, it would get boring to write and read. When I switch it up, it makes it fun.
Almost like real life. We're all different and bring something new to the table.

Emma is:
calmer
doesn't curse
easy going
Vegetarian and worried about Greyson's health
more patient
has some inner demons that haunt her
likes a tough, bossy partner in life and love.

Elizabeth is
Controlled and calm under pressure
bad ass and not afraid to take a life
loves her bacon and cow.
short tempered
has the inner demons, but isn't haunted. She chases them.
is in love with both men equally and has two soul mates.

These are just a few differences. Once you read Celestia is Falling, you'll see what I mean. They are vastly different but still make excellent characters to fall in love with.
(Or so I hope.)

Morgan,
Why don't you just write one series? Elizabeth is so awesome you could put out ten books a year on just her and her life.
Leslie.

The problem with that is it gets boring for me the writer. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE ELIZABETH, but think of it this way, if all you read every day was the same two characters over and over, wouldn't you get tired of it?
The three of them are so much fun to write, but now and again I need a mental break from it all. I find that with a new series. It makes me think, keeps it fun and most importantly it stays FRESH. Elizabeth makes me laugh all the time. I'll be typing and crack up while working, but it takes a great deal of focus to reach that level with every book.

Now, let's address the 10 books a year thing. That made my brain hurt. Someone once suggested I cut each of my books in half and make more money. Most books in E format are 200 pages. I've seen authors luring people in with NOVELLAS and calling them books, in hopes of scamming more money out of them in the end. You buy book one, its 200 pages. They have a big story line and then cut it off to volume 2, and then same thing at page 400 for volume 3. That's crappy to do to a reader. I'd rather charge $3.99 for +500 pages than 2.99 for 200 pages three times. That pisses people off and makes them want to run you over with their cars. (or so I hear.)

I can't humanly put out 10 novels every year at 500 + pages a clip. One, I'll burn out and the quality will drop and two, my proofer has a life of her own and she doesn't want to be tied to my hip 24/7.
Right now I'm at 6 FBI/Romance novels in one year, and that's likely where it'll stay. Three for Elizabeth and three for Emma and they'll alternate back and forth.
Most publishers allow 2 books a year. Every six months, and that's why I'm no longer with a publisher. It frustrates people to have to wait 6 months to get the next book. I like to have one out every other month at the most.

I hope that answered your question!

Whew! That's a long one!  Now I have to outline the next book, production starts this week on Vegas is Dying  (book 2).

Keep the emails coming!
I promise to keep answering them!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.












 

Yay!

Thanks to the team, Celestia is Falling (Book 1)  will be out this week!
I didn't think it could be pulled off, but the book will be released sometime Wednesday!

I'm so darn excited! Now I can begin writing the next book in the series. I'm going to kick back, have a very large glass of wine and start the celebration!

I'll post questions tomorrow that I received via email this week!

I also heard from Tammy, and she'd already read through the prologue of Darkness of Truth (book 6). SO FAR, everything's good. Let's all keep our fingers crossed. The first read through is always the scariest...

Everyone get ready to meet Emma Starling and Greyson Croft!!
Wednesday is the day!!!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

Holy Chaos !!!!

This is a late post for me!
I was still up and working bright and early, but the work was just overwhelming today!

Good news! Darkness of Truth is being dropped off to begin its proofing!
Bad News... Celestia is Falling still isn't finished with it's final read through. My intent was to release it by this Friday, and I may not make it...
I own all the blame on this one.
With a blog tour coming up and having to write the junket material, a business trip starting tomorrow, and other editing issues, I'm not sure I can pull it off.

So...
I'm still aiming for next weekend, but if I can't pull it off, I'll apologize in advance. I'll get it out as soon as possible! (By next week at the latest!)

Keep the emails coming (Yes, I saw them all and will reply while I'm in the airport)  and I promise to get some posted tomorrow before I leave on my trip!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan

 

Almost the weekend!

My most favorite day of the week is Friday.
Why?
Pretty much because I'm off duty with school and kids, but also because during the spring and summer months, we burn wood and sit on the patio after dark.
It's my quiet time for the week.
When I sit down outside, I began plotting my next couple of books. I know you're thinking, "You write for a living, isn't it always quiet in your head?"

(Insert laughter and comment about the voices here.)

I spend all day having inner dialog with myself, or should I say with my characters. When I'm writing, I'm having the discussion along with them. I'm laughing at Elizabeth's comments, or gauging how pushy and bossy I should make Greyson Croft.
When I sit out by the fire, I'm silent. The thinking stops and all I do is let the ideas come to me.
I get asked a lot what my process is for writing a book, and I generally don't have a valid answer.

I sit, I write, I create.

But Fridays... They're special and the truth behind it all. They are my process. I keep that little moment precious and only for me.
During the winter months, I take an hour or so before bed to contemplate what's next by staring aimlessly into the fireplace, letting my mind go lax. Rarely venture out on a Friday, and this is why. I treasure those moments of 'ME' time. In a day filled with kids, running around, writing and stressing, I allow myself a few moments to relax and be thoughtful of what's ahead.

I look forward to May Day, solely for this reason.
Happy Spring everyone!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

My guest blog...

KC Cavanaugh was gracious enough to have me on her website to discuss my newest release in the FBI/Romance series Fire Burns Hot.
Check it out here.

Also, my blog book tour will be starting up soon, and I'll have a list of all the websites that will be hosting my interviews, reviews and books!

Back to the grind!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

~ Morgan.

Happy Thursday!

Sorry I haven't blogged in a couple of days! I'm under the gun here and buried in murder up to my eyeballs!
Here's an update of what's going on in my world.

Celestia is Falling (Book 1) has had it's proofing. It's going to need it's final read through by me for approval. The proof copy arrives Monday, and it'll take me three days max. That means the book is going to probably release a week today. (Give or take a day.)
Yay!

Darkness of Truth (Book 6) is going to Tammy on Sunday to be proofed for first read through. As soon as she does that, we're looking at a release in June or end of May. It's going to depend on what she finds as she digs into it.

Vegas is Dying (Book 2), the sequel to Celestia is Falling is slotted to be written in the next three weeks. I'm going to try something crazy, and write that one and the follow-up book Christmas is Killing (Book 3) back to back. That's six weeks of straight writing. It may kill me...
Or may not. We shall see.
That one's coming out just in time for a little murder around the holidays. Who doesn't love a good serial killer in time for egg nog and homemade cookies?

I'm also changing up the book lineup for the FBI/Series. I had intended to do a book called Home Sweet Evil to follow up Darkness of Truth, but I had so many people stirred up over the fact that I was contemplating killing someone off, that I rethought my options and am taking a different route. So, the next book in the series with Elizabeth, Callen and Ethan is slotted to be Devil Hath Come (Book 7). It's going to roll out around Halloween. (My favorite time of the year.)

So, everyone wondering if I'm going to kill Callen or Ethan, you can relax (maybe...)
*Evil laughter*

Also, later today KC Cavanaugh is having me as a quest blogger, talking about Fire Burns Hot. For those of you that haven't read it yet, I'll post a link to her blog once it's up and you can check it out.
For those of you that are waiting for Darkness of Truth and Celestia is Falling, hang in there. I'm working day and night to get them out as soon as possible!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

 

Hello Monday! Welcome! I missed you!

Yeah, I know! Who's excited about Monday?
Me.
It was a long weekend here in Crazy-town on a personal level. I'm just wrapping up a kid's birthday weekend and a few down days from working.
Today I'm back at it and pushing ahead to get Celestia is Falling out by next week some time. Tammy and I are currently both doing a final read through, and then she's ready to go!
Yay!
On the other book front, Darkness of Truth (book 6) in the FBI/Romance series is going to have it's final read through from me before heading off to Tammy next week. It's slotted for release in the next month or so. By July at the latest.
After that, I'm going into lock down for 5 weeks straight to write two books in the Croft & Croft series back to back. I may not be blogging much in those 5 weeks, but I promise to update everyone as much as possible.
I will be answering emails, so keep them coming. I had some great ones this weekend, and I'll be posting them this week as I get some spare time.
Promise!
I have been getting quite a few emails for the Blog tour schedule, and I'll be contacting the woman running it today and get a breakdown for the blog. It's coming! I promise!
Hang in there!

Off to get some killing done!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder.

Morgan

Excuse me... But I have a question!

Greetings from Morgan-land!

I'm getting a late start this morning on the Blog. It's been a packed week here.

Tomorrow begins the final read through of Celestia is Falling, and I can't wait! Releasing a book is much like giving birth. You grow your work of art, love it and nurture it until it's time. Then you deliver it for the world to see.
I'm in the final stages just waiting to hand my new baby over to all of you!
I hope you love her!

I had some really great questions this week. Some were regarding the books and some were about me. I picked one of each to answer today.

Morgan,
What happened to the plans for the paranormal book series? I was looking forward to it!
Cynthia.

Cynthia, I was too! Unfortunately with my time schedule it isn't possible this year. I'm not saying I won't try, but with my books slotted for release and vacation time scheduled, I can't seem to make it work. As I've stated before, my year runs Sept to Sept. If I complete the last three books for this year, I'll have released 10 novels. That's all I can really pull off. Writing is a multi-stepped process.
Write the book.
Add detailing.
Read through.
Edit.
Off to proofing.
Clean up.
Read through.
Final Proofing.
Final approval before release.
Those nine steps have to happen with each and every book. There's more if there's an issue. For example, with Fire Burns Hot, Tammy had a few concerns, and I had to do a re-structure on a few scenes. That meant adding another read through. From start to finish here's the time frame.
 It takes me two weeks to write each novel
 A week to add details.
Three days to read through.
A week to edit.
Tammy needs up to 2 weeks to proof each manuscript line by line.
It takes me 2 days to clean up (sometimes more)
Read through is another week.
Final proofing is three to five days.
Approval is two more days.
Right there you're looking at nine weeks to get a book out start to finish, if nothing else happens in life, like parties, events, kids appointments, and general mayhem.  Usually I'm a few books ahead, but this time, I'm releasing Celestia is Falling without the second book already completed. That's rare for me. I like to tie my books together and make sure they sync. Fire Burns Hot  was done, and so was the following in the series Darkness of Truth. That makes my life easier. Now I'm in the situation with a projected deadline approaching and no books on the back burner done. Once Celestia is Falling  and  Darkness of Truth release, I then have to write their sequels.

Tammy and I made an agreement this year that by November 15th, all work would be done (for her) until January 1st. I'll be writing, but nothing will be in the process for release until January 1st when we both go back to the grind. Trying to get a paranormal out while on hiatus would be a half assed effort on my behalf, and that's not how we like to roll. (I channeled my inner Elizabeth.)

I promise to try and get the series out for next year.

Morgan,
We all have guilty little pleasures. What's yours?
Tamara

Oh, where to begin.
Tattoos. I think they're probably my most favorite thing in the world. I have my back done, and I'm currently working on my ribs. In fact, I have an appointment on May 8th to get my one side done. There's something that draws me about them. I love the art, the story behind them, and I find a man with tattoos very sexy.
After tattoos, my second guilty little pleasure is shoes. I'm a typical girl. I have a shoe fetish. Which is entertaining since I don't leave the house to work. I love heels and crazy shoes that look like medieval torture devices. I have a pair of blood splattered pumps.
They make me laugh whenever I put them on.
Life is too short to be serious.

Thank you all for the great questions! Please don't forget to leave some book reviews on amazon! Spread the word!


Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,
Morgan.









 

I've been MIA, but I'm back!

Good Morning!

I apologize for not blogging the last two days, I've been neck deep in work and personal life and couldn't spare a single moment!
But here I am now!

I have some updates for all my readers. Celestia is Falling (book 1) had had a little name change, only because it fits better into the series of books following it. I decided to lose the apostrophe 's' and toss in the word 'is', instead. Other than that, it's the same book.
For those of you anxiously anticipating the release, I can tell you that tomorrow I should receive the proof hard copy, and the final read through begins. Tammy will get her copy on Friday and we should have a book release in about two weeks.
YAY!
I'm looking forward to this book coming out for a few reasons. One- It's a change from Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen. Not that I don't LOVE them, but it's nice to switch up the mind every now and again to some new material. Two- I really fell in love with Greyson and Emma. Their love story is sweet and reminds me of my own life. (minus the killing and dead bodies!) Girl meets boy, girl and boy date short time, girl and boy fall hopelessly in love and stay together for a very long time! (happily ever after)
So, I really hope you all love them as much as I do!

Next up on the agenda, is Darkness of Truth (book 6). I've finished detailing it and I'm working on a read through. It goes to Tammy around May 10th for first edit. So we're looking at the release around the middle of June sometime. I found myself laughing quite a bit in this book. If it entertains me the writer, I hope it makes y'all giggle too. Elizabeth, Callen and Ethan have formed a very tight unit, almost unbreakable. Unfortunately, someone from their past is about to rear her head and shake the family up. Callen's heart is about to take a major blow.
I enjoyed writing about Julian and Tori too. I've slotted a series for them and a book by winter, but it may have to be pushed back until January, only because I have a pretty heavy book schedule and not a lot of time to get it done. If I want to roll out Home Sweet Evil (book 7) in the FBI/Romance series, Vegas is Dead (book 2) and Christmas is Killing (book 3) in the Croft & Croft Adventures, I may need to sacrifice Julian and Tori's book until 2014. In my head, I still believe it's doable. Unfortunately, on paper...it looks improbable.
We'll have to see!

Possibly this weekend, I'll release the book back cover for Darkness of Truth (book 6). I've had a few emails from readers that finished Fire Burns Hot (book 5) and are 'dying' to know what happens next.
If I get it done, I'll give you all a sneak peek.

I had great email questions this week!
I'll post a few tomorrow in my blog. Thank you all for purchasing my books this week, emailing me your questions, and reading my blog!

I appreciate it!

Don't forget to leave me some book reviews on amazon! Your review could convince someone else to fall in love with Elizabeth, Callen and Ethan!

Much love, Mayhem and Murder!

Morgan




 

Thank you!

I saw the great reviews that are starting to come in on Amazon, and I greatly appreciate it!
Thank you!!!
Thank you!!!
Thank you!!!
If you haven't left one, please do! I need the input to have an idea on how long I should run the series. I don't want to keep it going if everyone's blasé about it. So, please... Tell me if you like it or not! I know one comment was too much sex. Do you agree? Disagree? 

I'm wrapping up Darkness of Truth (book 6) today, and then doing my final read through before it's ready for proofing in May. Starting next week, I'll be writing the sequel to Celestia's Falling.  I've already had emails regarding it, and that's terrific that everyone's excited already!
YAY!

I hope you all have a really great Sunday!
Keep reading!
There's more Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen coming!
Plus Emma and Greyson are about to roll out in a couple weeks too!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.

Q & A Saturday.

Happy Soggy Morning from the North East!

I received some really great emails this week, and I thought I'd share them with you.
The response to Fire Burns Hot  has been amazing! It's outsold all the other books in the series in the two weeks it's been available.
So thank you!
I appreciate all the great emails and comments you've sent me.
Here's two:

Morgan,
Will you ever end your FBI series or do you plan on running it for as long as possible?
Amy.

Well, I don't really know. I always tell everyone that the characters have a life of their own, and when they tell me it's time, then it's time. So far, I still plan on giving Christina a sexy Native, I want to pair off  Doctor Leonard and Doctor Magnus with their own ladies, so that's potentially 6 more books. I love Elizabeth enough that I could keep going with the novels for years to come
BUT
(yes you read a but)
Not at the pace I'm working at right now. My year runs from September to September (I have no idea why, it just does) By the time I reach the end of my year, I'll have dropped 10 novels. That's in one year alone. I'll be honest, I'm going to have to cut back at some point. I either need to cut the books back to 2 per series per year, or I have to cut back on the size of the books.
I'm pushing out 500 page novels every other month and I'm exhausted!
(Yeah, I know. Poor me! I get to work in my PJ's on my couch.)

The other issue is I need more people to leave reviews of the books. My ranking rocks! I'm pulling five novels all under 30,000 on Amazon. That means that out of all the Kindle E books, I'm ranked around 30,000's for each one. To put it into perspective, there's almost 1 million E books out there. To a writer that doesn't really advertise, or publicize her books, that's spectacular. I want to keep Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen going, but other than the emails I get from the few readers, I don't know if the series is making people happy.

Sales+ no reviews = bewilderment on my behalf.

If I could get more reviews, then I'd be able to gauge how many more books I plan on writing with the Blackhawks.

Morgan,
I want to be a writer, what advice can you give me?
Dorothy

I get this question a lot. There are two kinds of writers in the world. Those that make a living off it, and those that don't. If you can write and pay your bills, awesome. If not... That should be your goal. Until you get that first big royalty check, and you can put some of it away, writing is a hobby.

Here's my suggestions:

Keep practicing your craft.

Write every day and don't stop.

Publishing is great, but it's like any other skill. It's about the practice. Before I published my first novel in 2002, I had ten manuscripts on the back burner. None of which saw the light of day, but had been my test runs.

Don't try and make your work like anyone else's. The reason the big sellers rocked it out, was because they wrote something completely different. Find your own niche and stick with it!

Don't set unrealistic goals. Not everyone can write a novel in 2 weeks. If it takes 3 years, it is what it is. Setting yourself up for failure isn't helping you reach your goal.

Take advice- if you ask someone to read something you wrote, and they don't give you the response you wanted to hear, still heed it. What you see as a work of art, or your 'baby' may be rough around the edges and need some help.

Find someone you trust to help you fine tune it. Pick one person and stick with them. That trust you build is important. Where it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a team to build up and break down a literary work.
(I have Tammy. She runs me through the ringer, but I put my faith in her to be honest and not bullshit me.) I fight back, but generally she wins in the end, and that's how it should be. I'm the writer, but she's my audience. I'm not here to write for me, I'm here to write for everyone else.

Work on a schedule and stick to it. I get up at 2 a.m., and bed at nine every night. It's a routine and I work best when I'm doing something familiar.

Lastly, don't jump around. If you start a book, finish it. By quitting or stopping half way to 'shelf' it, you're only giving yourself permission to never go back (I've done it myself and they're still waiting for me.) 

I hope this answers your questions! Keep the emails coming! I'll post more questions and answers tomorrow!

Okay, back to Darkness of Truth (book 6). I have a schedule to keep and need to channel my Elizabeth Blackhawk!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder.

Morgan





 

Morning all!

Going to ask a favor!
If you read the FBI Series with Ethan, Elizabeth and Callen, can you post a review on Amazon?
Tell me what you thought about it there and maybe others will be inspired to fall in love with them too!

I get all your great emails, but sharing your thoughts on Amazon will spread the word further! WE LOVE ELIZABETH! Now go out and share with all the others who have yet to fall for her charm, charisma and sense of sarcasm.

More questions coming tomorrow! I'm deep in the bowels of Darkness of Truth (book 6). I spoke to Tammy yesterday, and Celestia's Falling (book 1) is fairly clean and will be out before we know it!
YAY!
I hope you all love Emma and Greyson as much as you cherish Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen!

Much love, Mayhem and Murder

Morgan.

Back to work!

Morning from Morganville. It's a sunny day here and I'm just prepping for the rest of my day. I had some issues with the kindle version of Fire Burns Hot yesterday. For some reason, Kindle formatting isn't doing what it's supposed to, and the chapters are not starting on full pages. After spending five hours trying to get them to line up, I've sent numerous emails, etc. I had to let it go, so here and now I'll apologize that the start of each chapter isn't on it's own page.

Sorry!

I really tried to make it look as clean as possible, but after butting my head against the publishing wall numerous times, I had to just let it go.
AND breathe.

Onto better news...
Celestia's Falling is off at the proofer getting her makeover, and today I'm neck deep in Darkness of Truth (book 6). Once the kids are off on the bus, I'll be shutting down my phone and getting down and dirty with Elizabeth, Ethan, Callen, Tori and Julian.
In darkness of Truth, we're encountering skinwalkers, and I'm taking it back to my Native roots and going hardcore American Indian- even on the Rez.
Since the book is already written and currently at 460 pages and 152,000+ words, I'm just adding the fine details and cleaning it up. This one should hit 500 pages easily.

After that project, I'm going to be writing Vegas is Dying (book 2) in the Croft & Croft adventures. Thanks to Tammy last night, I can say it's going to involve Showgirls and some gruesome murder. I can't wait to see how Special Agent Greyson Croft and his new wife Detective Emma Starling-Croft handle it. I hope I don't gross you all out too much!
*wink wink*

Once I finish Vegas is Dying, I'll be writing Home Sweet Evil (book seven). This is the one where we find out who in the family dies. I'm still getting random emails trying to bribe me and beg me not to kill Callen or Ethan off...
My lips are sealed, Darlin'.

I'll also be writing Stolen by Moonlight (book 1), featuring Tori and Julian. That was going to be my last book for the year, but I opted to toss in a Christmas book in the Croft & Croft series too. I believe it's going to be called, Christmas is Killing  (book 3). As it stands, I'm aiming to have it done for December, so I have to have it written by September. Once November gets here, I've promised Tammy no work through Thanksgiving until New Years for her. I'll be writing, but she's on hiatus.

As you can see, that's three full novels I need to have completed by September. 600,000 words and 1500 pages written, in order to assure I stay on deadline. Let's toss in there that I'm going to be on vacation most of September. (That's when I'll make Tammy work in the word mines toiling away!)
*evil laughter*

I hope I can deliver!

Thank you all for your emails and comments! I'll be featuring a few later this week!
Off to work!
Hi Ho, Hi Ho....


Much Love, Mayhem and Murder.

Morgan.








 

In honor of Boston....

My love and peace to the poor people hurt at the Boston Marathon yesterday. My heart goes out to you and your beautiful city. May your hearts heal, your souls find solace and may those of you that lost loved ones, one day find peace.
To the family that lost their child in this senseless act, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine your pain.

Today is about the ones lost.


Blessed Be.

Morgan.

One of th possible Celestia is Falling back covers

Happy Monday Mourning!
In my opinion, the worst day of the week! I always feel like I'm three days behind on Monday, even if I'm not!
I'm almost done with Celestia is Falling. I'm doing my final read-through and it get's sent off today or tomorrow morning. So, like I promised here's a possible back cover to the book. I have three, so I'm not saying this is the one, but it's a candidate.
Anyway, for everyone dying to know what the book is about, it'll give you a basic idea.

Celestia is Falling; (Book one)

In life there are few constants.
We're born.
We die.
And we all have secrets.
Emma Starling is no different. She's on the run and trying to escape the murder of her brother, and the death she chased on the Philadelphia streets that stained her soul. To make it out alive and wash away the blood on her hands, she's forced herself into self imposed exile . Nothing matters now but keeping her sanity and patching up her life.  
Celestia is her new found sanctuary and the best part? No one thinks about murder in the sleepy utopia. That is until a serial killer comes to town, targeting the women he deems guilty of the oldest sin. 
What's a skittish sheriff to do?
Nothing less than call in the FBI before it gets out of hand.

Greyson Croft comes to Celestia on the trail of his own serial killer, and what he finds is something he never expected.
Love at first sight.
Now he has only one chance to keep his woman alive. If the killer doesn't get her, he has a chance of catching her himself.
Love conquers all, but can it beat back a homicidal maniac bent on Celestia Falling?

 

 

 

Tomorrow I'll answer some of your questions that I've received this weekend via email!

 

Have a really great day and keep reading!

 

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder.

 

Morgan.

Update on the next book

I've had a slew of emails this weekend already regarding my next book. Celestia is Falling will be out in a few weeks. It's not part of the FBI series, and will stand alone as book one in it's own coming series of books. It is a romantic thriller. I'll be posting the synopsis for the back cover tomorrow!

As for the Elizabeth, Callen and Ethan's books- They have one slotted for summer. I know you want them all right now, but I can't keep up!!!  I promise you'll all find out what's going on in their lives in Darkness of Truth (Book 6)  At 500+ pages each book, it takes me a couple of weeks to get the book out. Bear with me! 190,000 words isn't a 40 hour job, but I love (and appreciate) your enthusiasm about it!

Keep coming back to the blog to get the details on my upcoming Blog tour! It's fast approaching!
I believe there's 11-13 different Blog venues slotted for the schedule. It should be a blast!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder.

Morgan.

April Showers...

Bring days where I want to blow off work and bake cookies for the kids.
(maybe eat some too...)

Morning all! It's a chilly, wet day in Morganville. I've been up working and I'm in the mood to shut down the laptop and watch movies all day with the kids.
Maybe that's a sign I need a vacation.

Anyway, pushing forward... Doing the read though of Celestia's Falling in an effort to stay on track for the weekend. I'm taking a holiday in Salem MA in a few days, so I'm trying to wrap up everything that needs to be taken care of before hand.

This book is going off in three days, and before I leave I'll have done my detailing of Darkness of Truth.  I like to keep Tammy busy when I'm away... (Idle hands are the devil's workshop- that always makes me think of my granny!)

I had some great emails from you all! Thank you for reaching out to just tell me your opinion and ideas! I wish I could use some of them, but sadly, Elizabeth's journey already is written in the stars. But thank you!  I love how you all are taking an emotional investment in the characters!

I did receive an email from a disgruntled reader upset about the sex in the books. I'll address that here and now. (Once again!)

I'm sorry that you believe that my novels can be written without the graphic sex. This is why they're classified CONTEMPORARY ROMANCES. If you want romances that are less sex and more feeling, you can search for Christian Romance Novels and not have to deal with sex and language. Granted, I understand your perspective, but try and understand mine. If you read the book description on Amazon, BAM or Barnes and Nobel, you will see that it's tagged with a warning about graphic sex. I do that to appease the readers that don't want any surprises in their books.
Lastly, I'm the author and I like sex in my romances. I think it acts as a cohesive bond between the two (or three) characters. Since my name has to go on them, I stand by it.
Off my sex soap box and back to the grind!

This weekend I'll be posting a synopsis for Celestia's Falling.  Keep checking back!

Much Love, Mayhem and Murder,

Morgan.