by Iona Morrison | Sep 20, 2015
What I enjoy most about writing is that almost anything can inspire me. A photo, a place, or even the waiter who served me at lunch. His smile or the way he talked can turn the wheels of my imagination and suddenly a story starts to frame itself in my mind.
When I look at this scene. I can see a woman running through the woods alone or at least she thinks she’s alone. She has established a nice steady pace for herself. Here feet are striking the ground a sound she is lost in; her mind is thinking ahead to what she has to get done when she arrives back home. She is unaware of her surroundings she has reached the running zone. She is oblivious to his eyes that are tracking her every movement. He’s staying behind her just far enough to keep her in his sights, while remaining out of hers. Will he give chase, is he building up the nerve, or is he another runner enjoying the peaceful quiet? It could go so many ways. The story is waiting to be told.
When I saw this photo a few days ago my attention was instantly captured. It’s certainly spooky enough. What would my character find if she stumbled upon in in the woods? Would she live to tell about it? There are so many stories waiting to be told in these two photos alone.
Fiction, of course, is made-up. It’s a lie with an element of truth to it. I find through my character’s lips and personalities I can say things that I could never get away with saying in real life. I can create towns for them to live in, situations to go through, and even new worlds if I want.
I’m not in competition with other writers, but I am with myself. I want to improve my craft and write a better book each time I write one. It’s idealistic I know and only the reader will be the judge of whether I am successful or not. Like every author I want to believe that there may be a great book in me somewhere and I haven’t yet been inspired by the idea.
Mostly, I love to write because at last my imagination is free.
Summer is coming to a close I wish you a beautiful and happy fall. May the next path you take be one of beauty.
by Iona Morrison | Sep 13, 2015
There are a few things that I’ve come to understand that make me tick. I’m a social person, with a vivid imagination, who loves to hang out with people, but also loves to write. I’m a bit of a character, really. I’m willing to share a little of me if for no other reason to establish the fact it takes all kinds of wonderful, unique individuals to make the world go round. Variety is the spice of life as they say.
I was asked in an interview recently the question; what are the 3 words that best describe you. Now, I have to admit I had to ask for help with the answer. It’s not always easy to be kind to yourself. The three words most often used to describe me were: Compassionate, happy, and witty. I’m not sure what that says about me. I know that I still have things to learn, room for change, and new adventures to write about. I want to continue to grow trying to fit the great shadows of those who have gone before me. I have big shoes to fill.
I love my family. We are a crazy eclectic group with lots of opinions and talents. I enjoy every moment we are all together. From the stories of escapades that I’ve never heard before to the wiggles and giggles of grandkids this is life at its sweetest.
I have found from the time we are little we learn fast that life can pat you on the back or push you in the dirt. There will be people who like you, people who don’t, and you’ll often never know why. Some folks will love what you do, a few might even tell you, while others will hate it and let you know without reserve; good things and bad things all jumbled together, that’s life. Learning to find the good in a an otherwise bad day, that’s progress. At least for me it is.
I’m a new writer with two books published, but I have by no means arrived. I’m still learning and hopefully growing in skills. In me somewhere I think there may be a really good book. When will it be written I have no idea. I believe it is possible with every book I write. So I practice and write everyday the potential is always right there within reach. I love the process of writing from beginning to end. The first draft has room for improvement and the final edited version shows the possibility that was hidden in it all along. A little like me, rough around the edges and constantly being improved by editing.
Enjoy the waning days of summer for just like that they’ll be gone.
by Iona Morrison | Sep 8, 2015
One year ago on September 5, The Harvest Club was released. (Happy Birthday to my first book.) It has been a roller coaster of a year since then. I released a second book in May, saw my husband go through three major medical procedures, and finished two more books. I’m still amazed and excited every time I see my books on Amazon. Or when someone starts to talk to me about the characters like they are real people. They are very real to me and are at home in my head. Thank you, thank you, for all of your support, prayers, and encouragement. I hope there will soon be another Blue Cove Mystery out there to join them. The Harvest Club is still doing well… And I’m very grateful that my husband is still with me.
Here are what some folks are saying:
“I loved the book, found it hard to believe that this was the authors first book. Just enough description of background to put me in the setting without getting bogged down with minutia. Fast paced page turner without profanity. Answered my desires in a book.”
“Overall, I enjoyed reading The Harvest Club. The pacing is well done, and Jessie is a smart and sweet heroine. I recommend it to anyone looking for a mystery that alternates effortlessly between being chilling and heartwarming.”
“I’m not much of a reader, and a book really has to grab my attention early, and keep it. This book did just that. Iona Morrison’s got a real way with telling the story of Jessie that makes you connect with her character from the get go. The relationship between Jessie and Matt is so well represented, I can’t wait to see what happens next. One specific thing I enjoyed is that Iona is able to marry a wholesome content with some paranormal activity – which for this reader was a big hit! I’m already half-way through her second novel “Not for Sale” and have to tell you – it’s better than Harvest Club. KUDOS to Iona Morrison, and here’s to the next several novels in her series!”
by Iona Morrison | Aug 22, 2015
“Life was meant to be lived,
and curiosity must be kept alive.
One must never, for whatever reason,
turn his back on life…”
~Eleanor Roosevelt~
Sometimes I get the feeling this world which is so full of magic, waits patiently (or not so patient) for our senses to grow sharper. The hidden waits for us to become curious enough to search, and to listen. It waits for us to desire, to awaken, and to live before we die. We often just survive. We rush to work, we rush through our day, we come home only to arise, and do it all again. But what if… an extremely powerful thought…what if. A question that writers, filmmakers, and artists try to get us to think about. The amazing possibility of more. What the world might be like if we did this or we didn’t do that. What might happen if we could see what is going on around us hidden in the shadows.
I write because I like to imagine the possibilities of what if. I like to think about a protagonist who might have sharpened their senses. Who see and hear that which is unseen to most of humanity. I want a character who refuses to turn their back on life, and lives in each moment. I like to write because for a period of time I can live through my protagonist and I can see something beyond myself.
Yes, I know it’s only fiction but it’s my small attempt at caring. I feel very strongly about the subject in my new book, ‘Not For Sale’. The scourge of human trafficking, finding those enslaved, and the amazing people who work with tracking dogs that find real people everyday. I wanted my main character Jessie to represent what might happen if we actually tuned into the cries of humanity around us. Anyone of us, ordinary folks, could be a real hero or heroine. We could make a difference.
by Iona Morrison | Jul 21, 2015
I’ve read a few blogs recently that started by asking the question; if you could go back in time and talk to one person who would it be? Honestly, I never can think of just one person, much less what we might talk about for a moment. But the blogs are filled with replies that amaze me. People have given a thought to the one person they would like to speak to and the conversations they might have with them.
At some point, I hang my head because I still can’t settle on just one. There are many great people who have spoken words that resonate long after they have passed from this life; not to mention the great artists, poets, teachers and leaders of nations. To settle on only one is like eating one chip, or a single M&M.
I do sometimes wish, however, that I could go back in time and talk to myself. What was I thinking? Life moves by fast enough without being in such a hurry. I would look myself in the eye and say; slow down, you may not believe this, but times goes fast. I mean really fast, you’ll be old before you know it.
Those quirky little things you do are what make you, you. I would smile at me with a knowing smile. People will want to change that about you but don’t let them. You can give up many things, but not who you are in your heart of hearts. You probably will to fit in, but keep fighting to hold on to who you are.
Daydreams, don’t hurt. Believe in your dreams and you’ll reach some of them. You’ll be often told they’re impossible but hold tight to each one they will bring you joy when the naysayers are gone.
Smile often, love deeply, show kindness and lend a helping hand. Live simply so others can simply live. Be happy to be, in every stage of life given to you. Enough said for the truth is, I would be so shocked to go back in time and see me, I would say nothing at all.
