How Music Plays a Role in My Stories by Mary Morgan

I’ve often said music feeds my soul for creativity. It stirs the muse and my writing soars. Dragon Knight’s Ring was an emotional story for me. Since this was the last book in the Order of the Dragon Knights (my first series), I had to search for different types of music—ones that would be epic and convey the emotion of the final story.

Here's my playlist for Adam and Meggie’s from Dragon Knight’s Ring, and the other Dragon Knights along with the scene I was writing…

 

1. “A Celtic Lore” by Adrian von Ziegler, from the album The Celtic Collection. I listened to this song during the beginning of Adam and Meggie’s courtship. It was soft, hesitant—like both of them.

2. “Yearning Hearts” by David Arkenstone, from the album Celtic Book of Days.  Adam is desperately trying to find out what is bothering Meggie. He’s hoping to spark some memory of their past together by skipping stones across the river.

3. “King of the Woodlands” by Peter Gundry, from the album The Dream Weaver.  A meeting between the evil druid Lachlan and Meggie. Cannot say anything more. This song was perfect.

4. “The Witch’s Tale” by Peter Gundry, from the album The Lost Book of Fantasy. The druid, Lachlan is preparing and plotting his one last battle against the Dragon Knights. 

5. “The White Witch” by Peter Gundry, from the album The Lost Book of Fantasy. Adam’s journey to visit his home, Castle Leomhann. He’s unprepared for what he will find. 

6. “Circle of Life” by Adrian von Ziegler, from the album The Celtic Collection. I listened to this many times while writing the scene where Meggie’s memories are restored, and she greets Adam. 

7. “Storm Cry” by David Arkenstone, from the album The Celtic Book of Days. Adam’s quest to reach Meggie before the battle begins.

8. “Morrigan—Goddess of War” by Peter Gundry, from the album The Dream Weaver. A fitting song for the pre-battle between the Dragon Knights, Lachlan, and the Dark One.

9. “The Quest of Culwch” by David Arkenstone, from the album The Celtic Book of Days. I used several songs for the final battle, but constantly played this one until I knew I had poured out every detail.

10. “Ceridwen—The Potion of Knowledge” by Peter Gundry, from the album The Dream Weaver. My farewell song to the Dragon Knights. It starts slow and then builds to this powerful ending. Did I cry writing this ending? Aye! I sobbed buckets! The Dragon Knights dwelled within me for fifteen long years. 

Currently, the Wolves of Clan Sutherland (my third series) dominate most of time and thoughts. Usually, I turn to YouTube for my music selection. Here’s a brief sample: 

Nordic and Viking Music

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pm7QtSXNcno

I’m curious. Any writers out there who use music to aid in their writing? Do share!

 

8 Reasons You Should Read RORIK by Mary Morgan

Psst, did you hear the good news? Nae? Then let me share a few teasers why you should read RORIK, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 2!

1.  The Vikings had their ancient laws, but you will also learn the Wolves of Clan Sutherland had their own called the Nine Noble Virtues of Wolf Lore.

2.  You’ll get to meet a powerful Seer and wise woman from the Orkneyjar Isles who does not get along with a certain wolf in the elite guard.

3. You learn several ways how Rorik can shift magically into a wolf—from swiftly and quietly, to uttering a chant and transforming into the animal. 

4.  You’ll have a chance to revisit characters from the first book, Magnar.

5.  Find out the other magical gift Rorik possesses. 

6.  Experience a Viking sporting game over a raging river. 

7.  Learn what happens when Rorik surrenders control to his inner wolf. 

8.  Dare to immerse yourself in Norse Mythology within the pages of this story, and Rorik and Ragna’s world.

The Dark Seducer is known throughout Scotland as a man who charms many women into his bed. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains information for his king. Yet Rorik MacNeil harbors one secret buried beneath his heart of steel. An unfulfilled conquest plagues both man and his inner wolf, and Rorik would rather suffer death’s sharp blade than confront his greatest fear.

As the Seer for the Orkneyjar Isles, Ragna Maddadsson confronts an unknown destiny when she travels across the North Sea to Scotland. In her quest to deliver a message from a powerful vision, she fears the warrior will not listen. If Rorik ignores her warning, Ragna must find a way to forestall his impending death. If unsuccessful, she risks having her heart cleaved in two.  

To unravel their true fates, Rorik and Ragna must trust in the power of the wolf.

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A sneak preview from RORIK ~

“Have you been eating the fresh berries in the meadow, Ragna?” asked the male voice behind her. The man rolled her name off his tongue, sending shivers down her back. She knew him well, often staring at him while she traveled into the nearby village of Kirkjuvágr. 

Doing her best to compose herself, she wiped the palms of her hands down the front of her gown and turned around. “I have yet to find any. Why do you ask?” 

Rorik stepped forth from the shadow of a tree. His smile came slowly as he approached her. 

She tried to control the fierce beating of her heart as the man loomed over her with a dark and hungry gaze. 

“Your lips are as red as the berries that grow in abundance in the meadow,” he stated softly.

“’Tis only an apple I have been eating.” Unable to move away, Ragna studied the man’s features—from his deep green eyes to the dimple hidden within the dark facial hair covering his chin. To suppress the urge of twining her fingers into his long ebony hair, she dug her fingers into her gown. She thought the warrior had to be chiseled from the Gods. 

Rorik lifted his hand and gently pressed his thumb against her bottom lip. “Beauty.” 

An ache grew within Ragna. His nearness made her weak and without breath. When his hand slipped around her waist, she collapsed into his embrace, placing her palms against his broad chest. “What are you doing?” 

“I want to taste your lips, Ragna. I have thought of nothing else these long summer days.”

She tried to breathe, finding it difficult within his strong embrace. “Why me?” she blurted out on a gasp.

He lowered his head near her ear. “Why not you?”