We appreciate our talented authors and the unique aspects each one brings to their work and to IngramElliott. Susan K. Morgan is no exception. Susan is an eclectic old soul who draws inspiration from many muses. She’s a licensed Spiritual Healer, Reiki Master, Christian minister, and longtime birder. Susan and her husband of 20 plus years own a crystal store and metaphysical resource center in Historic Downtown Paducah. Susan’s novel, Surrender, combines all these aspects in a fun, romantic adventure that will restore readers’ faith in true love.

We chatted with Susan about Surrender and her career as an author.

IE: How did you come to be a writer? What inspired you to write Surrender?
Susan: I’ve been a wordsmith for the corporate world for decades. I’m an avid storyteller and wanted to bring some of these characters and their stories to life.
 
IE: What does your book’s title, Surrender, represent to you?
Susan: "Surrender" was word play on both giving into love and passion, and a nod to how wonderful things can happen in our lives when we surrender to who and what we are at our core. When we stop fighting to live up to other people's demands about who we should be and what we should be doing, life gets much more interesting and fun!
 
IE: What genres, other than romance, have you considered?
Susan: I love a good story and interesting characters. Romance is such fun to write, I’m likely to stay close to that genre. I suspect there will be some fantasy and paranormal in future books!
 
IE: What do you hope readers will gain from your books?
Susan: My books are sexy and fun, quick reads with fascinating places and intriguing characters. They have interesting stories to tell. My primary message is life is short. Live like you mean it!
 
IE: What advice would you give budding writers?
Susan: If you want to be a writer . . . you must write something.
 
Well said! Learn more about Surrender and Susan K. Morgan at www.susankmorgan.com. Surrender will be available for purchase this holiday season. 

Our authors are one-of-a-kind. Salem Wolf Heart is author of Benny Moon: Racing the Medicine Wheel, a middle-grade chapter book published by IngramElliott. Salem's unique story follows Benny, who comes from a long line of champion racers. Benny faces the challenges of becoming a teenager--loneliness, bullies, and competition--and finds his way through a magical journey around the Native American Medicine Wheel. Themes of problem-solving and family dynamics aren't foreign to the author. In her work as a Shamanic Practitioner and Reiki Master, she's a natural healer. She hopes that Benny will introduce kids of all backgrounds to the magic of the Medicine Wheel and give them some tools for facing today's problems. 

We sat down with Salem for a conversation about Benny. 

IE: How did you become a writer?
Salem: The desire to write has always been inside me, but the true inspiration came from a dear friend and mentor, when she offered a year-long writing workshop. 

IE: Tell us a little about what Benny Moon represents to you.
Salem: Benny Moon is hopefully a character all pre-teen and teens will be able to relate to. He combines his motocross racing with the magical journey he takes discovering the Native American Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel is a great resource to help us all with our life's journey. 

IE: Is there a special place you prefer when you write?
Salem: Near water is the best location for me to write. It has a calming effect and the words seem to flow with little effort. I try to commit to writing at least one sentence per day, which usually leads to more. 

IE: What do you do when you're not writing?
Salem: I enjoy working with various alternative healing methods. I especially enjoy working with 4-legged animals. 

IE: What do you want readers to take away from Benny Moon?
Salem: That a journey around the Native American Medicine Wheel and it's direction can help take advantage of opportunities that life presents to us. 

Salem is currently working on the next book in the Benny Moon series. You can learn more about Benny and Salem Wolf Heart at www.bennymoon.com.