By Maureen Bonatch
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places
Monday, August 9, 2021
How Music Plays a Role in My Stories by Mary Morgan
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!
Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.
Monday, November 9, 2020
Inspiration for a Series at the Tomb of the Eagles by Mary Morgan
Often times, readers will
ask where I get my source of inspiration for my stories. And my answer is
simple. My travels! I’ve been blessed with several adventures to
England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Each time I’ve visited, I have started a
story and/or series. Thank goodness for my leather travel journal.
With my recent new release, MAGNAR, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 1, I uncovered a treasure trove of inspiration.
During our trip several years ago to Northern Scotland and the Orkney Islands, my husband and I were fortunate to have a personal guide escort us. David Ladd was exceptional in his knowledge—from referencing the names of flowers in the most obscure places to the wildlife and history, especially during our travels on Orkney. He took us on an amazing adventure, oftentimes off the well-worn path, revealing spectacular vistas. I shall always treasure our time with him and for allowing me to crawl into the Tomb of the Eagles in South Ronaldsay, Orkney. For a few hazarding moments, I worried David and my husband when I had trouble getting out of the small tomb. Was I worried? No.
Before I entered, rain and wind pelted us on our mile walk up the hill. Once I crawled inside the small tomb, I stood and encountered utter silence—no howling wind and no rain leaked through the crevices of stone. It was as if I entered another time and place—literally. Here were my immediate reactions within this cairn: Peace. Stillness. I am not alone.
Let me explain further about the Tomb of the Eagles…
Located above the dramatic South Ronaldsay cliffs, the
Isbister Chambered Cairn—better known today as the ‘Tomb of the Eagles’—is one
of Orkney's top archaeological sites. Discovered by a local farmer Ronnie
Simison in the 1950s, the Stone Age tomb revealed an amazing collection of
bones and artifacts, placed here some 5,000 years ago. Among the human bones,
there were many talons and bones of the white-tailed eagle.
The Tomb of Eagles played an important part in the book. I took my experience and wove it into the story and through Magnar.
To learn more visit: http://www.tomboftheeagles.co.uk/
Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.






