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<title>Morgan Sterling | Updates</title>
<description>Morgan Sterling | Updates</description>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 04:03:44 +0000</pubDate>
<lastBuildDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 04:03:44 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com</link>
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<language>en</language>
<item>
<title>Enchanted Knights: Fairytales and Fables</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/enchanted-knights-fairytales-and-fables-ovideo-flindoor-free-to</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/enchanted-knights-fairytales-and-fables-ovideo-flindoor-free-to</guid>
<category>Event</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Happening on 2026-03-14</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Ovideo, FL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Indoor | Free to attend&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This the kick off to one of the coolest series of events!  This two day ren faire takes place inside Oviedo Mall on March 14th and 15th from 11 am to 6 pm.  I will only be there on Saturday. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&quot; ⚔️Watch two full days of armored combat and live stage shows!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎭Partake in community contests and free activities to win prizes!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🤺Jump in the free fighting pit to face the masters!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎪Browse a massive collection of incredible local artists and artisans!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;💵Get free art prints with Sidequest Shopping!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And don&#39;t forget about the scavenger hunt! &quot;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn More: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wizardsandlizardsstudio.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://www.wizardsandlizardsstudio.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>APO Absolutely Avalon 2026</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/apo-absolutely-avalon-2026-orlando-floutdoor-free-to-attend-nbsp-annual</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/apo-absolutely-avalon-2026-orlando-floutdoor-free-to-attend-nbsp-annual</guid>
<category>Event</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 5 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Happening on 2026-04-11</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Orlando, FL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Outdoor | Free to attend &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Annual event that celebrates Avalon Park! Enjoy international food, music, and vendors, activities for kids, community performances--and of course fabulous vendors, including yours&#39;s truly! &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Learn More: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eventeny.com/events/apo-absolutely-avalon-2026-19975&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://www.eventeny.com/events/apo-absolutely-avalon-2026-19975&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Summer Lovin&#39; Book Festival</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/summer-lovin-book-festival-the-summer-lovin-book-festival-is-your</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/summer-lovin-book-festival-the-summer-lovin-book-festival-is-your</guid>
<category>Event</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 8 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Happening on 2026-06-06</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;&quot; The &lt;strong&gt;Summer Lovin’ Book Festival&lt;/strong&gt; is your ticket to the hottest reads of the season. Celebrate the romance genre in all its forms — from sweet beachside love stories to heart-racing passion and everything in between. &quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Learn More: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.myoviedomall.com/summer-lovin/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://www.myoviedomall.com/summer-lovin/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Page &amp; Pen Festival</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/page-pen-festival-step-into-a-world-where-imagination-leaps-off-the</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/page-pen-festival-step-into-a-world-where-imagination-leaps-off-the</guid>
<category>Event</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 8 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Happening on 2026-10-03</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;&quot; Step into a world where imagination leaps off the page and into real life! Meet &lt;strong&gt;authors, publishers, literary agents, and industry pros&lt;/strong&gt; as they share their passion for storytelling.  &quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Learn more: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.myoviedomall.com/pageandpen/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://www.myoviedomall.com/pageandpen/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Why I Wrote Embers of Harmony</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/why-i-wrote-embers-of-harmony-nbsp-some-stories-start-with-a-plot-this-one</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/why-i-wrote-embers-of-harmony-nbsp-some-stories-start-with-a-plot-this-one</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 1 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some stories start with a plot.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This one started with a tension.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Duty versus personal cost.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’ve always been fascinated by systems — cultural, political, familial — and the quiet pressure they place on us. The way they ask for loyalty. The way they reward obedience. The way they sometimes demand that we deny parts of ourselves to belong.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And at some point I had to ask:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What happens when the system is wrong about you?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Or worse — when it refuses to know you at all?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Embers of Harmony&lt;/em&gt; grew out of that question.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At its heart, this is a romantasy adventure about love under strain. Not love as refuge. Not love as escape. But love as liability. Love that forces you to choose. Love that makes you confront the inheritance you didn’t ask for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There’s a moment in the story when Rynara watches Dante stand before the dragon elder council — visibly afraid, but still defending his truth and her choices. The system has already decided who he is. It hasn’t bothered to know him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And in that moment she realizes something simple and dangerous:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If a system doesn’t know you, it cannot define you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That’s when everything shifts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Writing this book forced me to confront something personal: loyalty to a system — or to cultural prejudice — that asks you to deny part of yourself is a betrayal of yourself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And when you choose your truth anyway?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The world doesn’t fall apart.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It rebalances.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Embers of Harmony&lt;/em&gt; is for readers who have ever known — deep in their bones — that going against social pressure was the right thing to do.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s fantasy. It’s intense. It’s romantic and steamy and full of dragons and power and consequence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But underneath all of that, it’s about this:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Harmony isn’t peace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s balance under strain. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;---- &lt;br&gt;Interested in &quot;Embers of Harmony&quot;? It can be read as a standalone, or either before or after Golden Melodies. Buy now @ &lt;a href=&quot;https://buy.bookfunnel.com/bmrv0tb3ed&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://buy.bookfunnel.com/bmrv0tb3ed&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Beyond ComicCon</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/beyond-comiccon-nbsp-north-miami-fl-indoor-5-admissionbig-con-energy</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/beyond-comiccon-nbsp-north-miami-fl-indoor-5-admissionbig-con-energy</guid>
<category>Event</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 8 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Happened on 2026-02-28</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; North Miami, FL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Indoor | $5 admission&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Big con energy with Cozy vibes. Cosplay potential. Booth hype fully engaged.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’re nearby — or already planning to go — I’d genuinely love to see you. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Learn More: &lt;a href=&quot;https://beyondcomicon.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://beyondcomicon.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>SyFy Bartow 2026</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/syfy-bartow-2026-nbsp-bartow-fl-outdoor-free-to-attendfull-nerd</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/syfy-bartow-2026-nbsp-bartow-fl-outdoor-free-to-attendfull-nerd</guid>
<category>Event</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 8 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Happened on 2026-02-21</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Bartow, FL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Outdoor | Free to attend&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Full nerd energy. Sci-fi, fandom joy, and people who absolutely get it. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Learn more: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/syfybartow&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://www.facebook.com/syfybartow&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Galentine&#39;s Day Smutty Book Fair </title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/galentine-s-day-smutty-book-fair-orlando-flindoor-ish-free-to</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/galentine-s-day-smutty-book-fair-orlando-flindoor-ish-free-to</guid>
<category>Event</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Happened on 2026-02-13</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Orlando, FL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Indoor-ish | Free to attend&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Grab y&#39;all gal or guy pals who enjoy good BREWS and a bit of STEAMY read. Support this awesome local brewery while finding your next steamy read! Several indie authors in attendance, including yours truly. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more: &lt;a href=&quot;https://hourglassbrewing.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://hourglassbrewing.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Location:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2500 Curry Ford Rd #4, Orlando, FL 32806 &lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Riding the Waves: Mental Health and Self-Discovery in Your 40s</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/riding-the-waves-mental-health-and-self-discovery-in-your-40s-nbsp-most</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/riding-the-waves-mental-health-and-self-discovery-in-your-40s-nbsp-most</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most people believe stepping into their 40s equates to a stable, predictable life. However, what if this steadiness feels like an incomplete story, bursting with untapped potential? Mental health in your 40s might bring more down days than before, yet it can also ignite a journey of self-discovery, compelling you to confront the demons molded by years of fear and societal expectations. This journey involves embracing these shadows to forge a path forward. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@healingkatee/video/7240796230467456261&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Check this out for more insights.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mental Health in Your 40s&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Life in your 40s isn&#39;t about accepting the ordinary. It presents a time to tackle the emotional waves accompanying this life stage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;bmob17ladkxtzbmq141l10dfe22c&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:1481460,&quot;height&quot;:2048,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,c_limit,w_1200/bmob17ladkxtzbmq141l10dfe22c&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:600}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/jpeg&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,c_limit,w_1200/bmob17ladkxtzbmq141l10dfe22c&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;2048&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Navigating Emotional Ups and Downs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your emotions might feel like a rollercoaster. One day, you’re soaring; the next, you&#39;re questioning everything. It&#39;s common for your emotional landscape to shift more frequently now. On the bright side, you&#39;re not alone. Many experience similar highs and lows, meaning there&#39;s a supportive community available. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/groups/1700972020647867/posts/1868214707256930/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Join a community that understands.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It&#39;s crucial to acknowledge these fluctuations. They signify growth, not failure. Embrace the highs and lows. Understanding their coexistence allows for greater appreciation of the good times. Importantly, remember that seeking help when necessary doesn&#39;t indicate weakness; it demonstrates strength.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Embracing One’s Demons&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Facing your fears can be daunting. However, these demons hold the key to a brighter future. By acknowledging them, you start to understand their role in your life. This process isn’t about banishing them but about learning from them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your fears originate from past experiences and societal pressures. Identifying their roots helps demystify their control over you. Once you recognize them for what they are, they lose their grip. This newfound freedom paves the way for personal growth. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.lemon8-app.com/@jford.fit/7461274063302918702?region=us&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Here&#39;s a story of someone who found freedom through this journey.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Self-Discovery Journey&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By embracing your fears, you open the door to self-discovery. It’s a path teeming with potential and the promise of a more authentic life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Breaking Free from Expectations&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The expectations imposed on you can feel like chains. They shape who you think you&#39;re meant to be. But what if you could break free? Recognizing these expectations is the first step. They often derive from parents, society, or even past versions of yourself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you identify them, you can decide which to keep and which to discard. This isn’t about being reckless; it’s about aligning your life with what truly matters to you. Imagine the relief of living life on your terms, not someone else&#39;s.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Rediscovering Personal Passions&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Remember the things that used to excite you? Rediscovering these passions can reignite your spirit. It might be a shelved hobby or a dream you put on hold. Now is the time to revisit them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Starting small is perfectly fine. Dedicate a few minutes each day to something you love. The joy you feel will propel your journey forward. Most importantly, these passions remind you of who you are beyond the roles you play. &lt;a href=&quot;https://open.spotify.com/show/24RyeJsNqzdQHgaVz3z8oS&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Explore how others have reignited their passions.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Facing Life Challenges&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Embracing your demons and embarking on a journey of self-discovery equips you with the tools to face life&#39;s challenges.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Overcoming Mental Struggles&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mental struggles can feel overwhelming. The key is to break them down into manageable parts. Start by identifying one small step you can take today. Maybe it’s speaking to a friend or writing in a journal. Each step builds momentum.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Remember, overcoming these struggles is a process. It’s not about quick fixes but about creating lasting change. Celebrate each victory, no matter how small. These milestones are proof that you’re progressing. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.lemon8-app.com/@johnnythomas230/7473607818265084462?region=us&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Read more about overcoming challenges.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Finding Peace in Uncertainty&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Uncertainty is part of life. Instead of fearing it, what if you learned to embrace it? Accepting that you can’t control everything is liberating. It frees you to focus on what you can control: your reactions and choices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Finding peace in uncertainty involves mindfulness. Being present in the moment helps you appreciate the here and now. It’s a gentle reminder that, while the future is unknown, this moment is yours to shape. So, take a deep breath and step forward with confidence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Embracing your 40s with open arms can transform these years into a time of profound growth and joy. By acknowledging your emotions and confronting fears, you unlock a path to a more fulfilled life. Remember, it&#39;s never too late to live the life you imagined. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;----&lt;br&gt;Image prompt by &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/groups/810469815089174/user/576660718/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://www.facebook.com/groups/810469815089174/user/576660718/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/martin-luther-king-jr-unity-celebration-nbsp-nbsp-kissimmee</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/events/martin-luther-king-jr-unity-celebration-nbsp-nbsp-kissimmee</guid>
<category>Event</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 8 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Happened on 2026-01-17</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Kissimmee, FL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Outdoor | Free to attend&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Friendly, community-focused, and very much a &lt;em&gt;come browse, chat, and vibe&lt;/em&gt; kind of afternoon. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Learn More: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.kissimmee.gov/Parks-Recreation-Events/Events-Festivals/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Unity-Celebration?utm_source=Author+Morgan+Sterling&amp;amp;utm_campaign=8b7a1f1e11-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_01_05_03_01&amp;amp;utm_medium=email&amp;amp;utm_term=0_7d6d969d1e-a524d82624-474967543&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://www.kissimmee.gov/Parks-Recreation-Events/Events-Festivals/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Unity-Celebration&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Even my characters have New Year&#39;s Resolutions</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/even-my-characters-have-new-year-s-resolutions-it-is-that-time-of-year-that</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/even-my-characters-have-new-year-s-resolutions-it-is-that-time-of-year-that</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 7 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;It is that time of year that a lot of people are making lists about what they will and won&#39;t do this new year. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Guess what? A few of my characters have made some lists. The lists, of course, are a bit unique. Want to see them? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Tally&#39;s List&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;smtjj1nirewoajvh2p23r3gkk42i&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:574104,&quot;height&quot;:350,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_350/smtjj1nirewoajvh2p23r3gkk42i&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:350}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/jpeg&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_350/smtjj1nirewoajvh2p23r3gkk42i&quot; width=&quot;350&quot; height=&quot;350&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;**Vey Serraden&#39;s Official List of Resolutions for the Upcoming Galactic Cycle (Subject to Change Based on Immediate Threats and Available Beverages):**&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. **Resolve to *not* accidentally incinerate any more subordinate officials.** This is a lofty goal, I know. I’ll aim for a *controlled* vaporization, at most.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. **Finally figure out how to use that damn “emote” function on the comms.** Apparently, a condescending raised eyebrow isn&#39;t universally understood. Who knew?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. **Investigate the structural integrity of Cairn Velos&#39;s skull.** Purely for scientific purposes, of course. To understand its resilience under extreme duress.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. **Reduce my reliance on the phrase &quot;Is that truly necessary?&quot;** It seems to be interpreted as a prelude to extreme violence. I’ll try more subtle forms of disapproval, like a prolonged, silent stare.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. **Acquire a personal AI assistant who *doesn&#39;t* sound like they’re judging my life choices.** Failing that, I’ll just upgrade Tally’s sass circuits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6. **Practice saying &quot;I&#39;m wrong&quot; out loud.** My vocal cords are already protesting. This might require professional intervention.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7. **Develop a more constructive relationship with the concept of &quot;waiting.&quot;** This is proving more challenging than disarming a rogue Sanctifier.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8. **Ensure my tea is always at the optimal temperature for maximum contemplative bitterness.** A true art form, and one I refuse to let slide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9. **Consider a hobby that doesn&#39;t involve galactic domination or the systematic dismantling of incompetent individuals.** Perhaps… knitting? We&#39;ll see.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10. **Survive.** It’s a classic for a reason. And with my luck, it’s the only one I’ll actually achieve. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;em&gt;This character is in &quot;The Iron Protocol Archives.&quot;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Grateful for this year, looking forward to the next</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/grateful-for-this-year-looking-forward-to-the-next-nbsp-looking</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/grateful-for-this-year-looking-forward-to-the-next-nbsp-looking</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Looking Ahead&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;8wrvnj4rmrdv6nip961370udxstj&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:231175,&quot;height&quot;:161,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_200/8wrvnj4rmrdv6nip961370udxstj&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:200}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/jpeg&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_200/8wrvnj4rmrdv6nip961370udxstj&quot; width=&quot;200&quot; height=&quot;161&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;As this year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking less about what I accomplished—and more about how much I’ve grown. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yes, I released projects and reached milestones. But the biggest changes happened behind the scenes, in the way I think, choose, and move through the world. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’m at a stage of life where many people are comfortable staying on the path they’ve already built. There’s nothing wrong with that—but it’s not who I am. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I still have big visions for the future. Not reckless ones, but intentional ones. Visions shaped by experience, mistakes, and moments that taught me what really matters. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The hard seasons.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; The good ones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; The unexpected turns. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All of it played a role in getting me here. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don’t see this next chapter as starting over. I see it as building forward—using everything I’ve learned to create something stronger, more aligned, and more meaningful. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’m proud of this year. Proud of the progress I made, even when it wasn’t visible to anyone else. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The future isn’t something I’m waiting for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; It’s something I’m actively stepping into. &lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>From Fake Headline to Full Story: The Weird Truth Behind The Yahtzee Club of Central Florida</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/from-fake-headline-to-full-story-the-weird-truth-behind-the-yahtzee-club</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/from-fake-headline-to-full-story-the-weird-truth-behind-the-yahtzee-club</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;I love a good headline—especially the kind that makes you pause and say, &lt;em&gt;Wait… what?!&lt;/em&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A while back, one floated across my feed that made me blink twice: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Florida man, 37, arrested for kidnapping 27 people and forcing them to play Yahtzee for 36 hours straight.”&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;align-center&gt;&lt;em&gt;Embedded Youtube video removed, see original post to watch.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/align-center&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>A Mega Sale for Romance Novels that highlight Authors of Color? Refreshing!</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/a-mega-sale-for-romance-novels-that-highlight-authors-of-color-refreshing</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/a-mega-sale-for-romance-novels-that-highlight-authors-of-color-refreshing</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;Romance novels flood your reading list, but finding fresh stories feels like a chore. The Mega 99 Cent Romance Novel Sale flips the script with over 950 titles waiting to surprise you. From new voices to beloved subgenres, this sale offers a perfect chance to expand your collection without breaking the bank. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;align-center&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.romancebooklovers.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;https://www.romancebooklovers.com/&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/align-center&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Diverse Stories to Explore&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this collection, you&#39;ll find voices that speak from a wide variety of backgrounds. It&#39;s a chance to see love through countless lenses, each offering a unique perspective. These stories celebrate diversity, showcasing the beauty of love in all its forms. It&#39;s one of HUGE REASONS I love this sale. It highlights Authors of Color, Neurodivergent Authors, LBGTQ Authors, Authors with Disabilities, and books with protagonist that are Neurodivergent or have Disabilities! This level of support, ensuring often under represented subsections are *right there*. Yes, it helps the authors, but it helps the readers too! &lt;strong&gt;Isn&#39;t a story better when you can connect somehow with the characters? &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You&#39;ll definitely find characters you can connect with here. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don&#39;t miss the opportunity to explore narratives that reflect the world we live in today. These tales aren&#39;t just about romance; they&#39;re about understanding, growth, and the shared experiences that unite us all. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;strong&gt;99 Cent Book Extravaganza&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Dive into the world of romance without emptying your wallet!&lt;/strong&gt; Imagine getting your hands on over 950 books for just 99 cents each. The savings alone are enough to make any book lover&#39;s heart skip a beat. This sale offers a treasure trove of stories, each promising to whisk you away to a different world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every title in the collection is a doorway to passion, adventure, and the magic of love. Whether you&#39;re a fan of passionate tales or prefer the sweet allure of a gentle romance, there&#39;s something here for everyone. And with such an affordable price, you can indulge in as many stories as your heart desires. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Your Next Obsession Awaits&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ever found a book so captivating that you can&#39;t put it down? That&#39;s the thrill awaiting you in this sale. Imagine discovering a new favorite author, someone whose words pull you in and keep you guessing. With 950 titles, the odds are in your favor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;While scrolling through the selection, keep an eye out for those hidden gems.&lt;/strong&gt; The kind of stories that make you lose track of time, engrossed in a world crafted just for you. There&#39;s no telling what your next obsession might be, but it&#39;s out there, waiting for you to find it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Countdown to Love&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:4016,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://blaze-media-uploads-for-dev.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/a_stack_of_books_in_retro_style_and_bokeh_hearts_l-638c45215010ed8f78ea.jpg&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:6016}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image&quot; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://blaze-media-uploads-for-dev.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/a_stack_of_books_in_retro_style_and_bokeh_hearts_l-638c45215010ed8f78ea.jpg&quot; width=&quot;6016&quot; height=&quot;4016&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Must-Read Authors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; As the days tick down to the end of the sale, there&#39;s no better time to get familiar with some must-read authors. &lt;strong&gt;This sale is only 4 days long. Don&#39;t put it off, grab your books now, or your might be kicking yourself for missing your opportunity in a few days.&lt;/strong&gt; These storytellers have honed their craft, delivering narratives that stay with you long after the last page.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From seasoned veterans of the genre to fresh new voices, each author brings something special to the table. Their unique styles and stories enrich the tapestry of romantic literature. Whether you&#39;re revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new one, these authors are sure to impress.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TBR Pile Woes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Is your &quot;to be read&quot; pile threatening to topple over? It&#39;s a common problem among book lovers, especially during sales like this. But with these deals, you can afford to add just a few more without feeling guilty.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Imagine the joy of browsing your bookshelf, filled with options for every mood.&lt;/strong&gt; A rainy day? There&#39;s a cozy romance waiting. Feeling adventurous? There&#39;s a daring tale ready to sweep you off your feet. Your pile of unread books is a treasure chest, brimming with possibilities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Try a New Trope&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ever thought about stepping outside your reading comfort zone? &lt;strong&gt;This sale is the perfect excuse to do just that. With so many stories at your fingertips, why not try a new trope?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Perhaps you&#39;ve always stuck to contemporary romance. Why not give historical romance a shot? Or maybe venture into the world of paranormal love stories. Each trope offers a new way to experience the thrill of romance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:2000,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://blaze-media-uploads-for-dev.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/a_book_with_a_heart_on_it-6069cc1e86140d70213f.jpg&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:1333}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image&quot; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://blaze-media-uploads-for-dev.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/a_book_with_a_heart_on_it-6069cc1e86140d70213f.jpg&quot; width=&quot;1333&quot; height=&quot;2000&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;align-center&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.romancebooklovers.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;https://www.romancebooklovers.com/&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/align-center&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Binge-Read for Less&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Who doesn&#39;t love a good binge-read session? There&#39;s something magical about diving into a series or collection and not coming up for air until you&#39;re done. &lt;strong&gt;Now, you can binge guilt-free, knowing you snagged each title for just 99 cents.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Get ready for long nights of reading, where the outside world fades away and you&#39;re left with the stories that captivate your imagination. It&#39;s the perfect way to escape, one page at a time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Global Perspectives&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A love story from a different culture can offer fresh insights and a deeper understanding of the world around us. &lt;strong&gt;These narratives provide a window into the lives of others, showing how love transcends borders and unites us all.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Explore stories from different cultures and backgrounds, each adding a layer of richness to your reading experience. These global perspectives are invaluable, offering a chance to learn and grow through the universal language of love.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hidden Romance Gems&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Among the hundreds of titles, there are bound to be a few hidden gems. &lt;strong&gt;These are the stories that might not have caught your eye at first, but once discovered, they leave a lasting impact.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keep an open mind as you browse the sale. You never know which book will become a cherished favorite, the one you recommend to friends and return to time and time again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:2000,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://blaze-media-uploads-for-dev.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/an_open_book_book_on_a_heartshaped_bokeh_backgroun-eb0df9d2ca232733f328.jpg&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:1453}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image&quot; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://blaze-media-uploads-for-dev.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/an_open_book_book_on_a_heartshaped_bokeh_backgroun-eb0df9d2ca232733f328.jpg&quot; width=&quot;1453&quot; height=&quot;2000&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Celebrate Love Stories&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the conversation on social media by using inspiring hashtags. Share your favorite finds, recommend new authors, and connect with fellow book lovers. It&#39;s a community celebration of all things romance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Use hashtags like #RomanceBookBlast (this sale&#39;s official hashtag) #RomanceReads, #LoveStories, and #BookSale to join the fun.&lt;/strong&gt; Share your excitement and connect with others who are just as passionate about romance novels as you are.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember: Champion Diverse Authors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This sale isn&#39;t just about great deals; it&#39;s about supporting a diverse group of authors who bring unique perspectives to their stories. By championing these voices, we enrich our own reading experiences and support a more inclusive literary world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the movement by using hashtags like #DiverseAuthors and #CulturalStories. Your support helps amplify these voices, ensuring that more stories get told and heard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Enjoy the Mega 99 Cent Romance Novel Sale and happy reading! &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.romancebooklovers.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;https://www.romancebooklovers.com/&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>Why Diversity in Sci-Fi Matters: Insights from a Black Female Neurodivergent Writer</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/why-diversity-in-sci-fi-matters-insights-from-a-black-female</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/why-diversity-in-sci-fi-matters-insights-from-a-black-female</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;nuoptbys994zeycm0rbnclhxg6v1&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:2657442,&quot;height&quot;:233,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_350/nuoptbys994zeycm0rbnclhxg6v1&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:350}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/png&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_350/nuoptbys994zeycm0rbnclhxg6v1&quot; width=&quot;350&quot; height=&quot;233&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;Science fiction has always been a playground for the imagination, but it’s time to ask ourselves: whose stories are we really exploring? As a Black female neurodivergent writer, I’m here to shine a light on the vibrant tapestry that diversity in sci-fi can weave. Imagine a world where unique voices in literature aren’t just part of the conversation but are leading it with fresh perspectives and untold stories. With statistics on neurodiversity and the growing presence of Black female authors, we’re witnessing a shift that’s as exciting as it is essential. Let’s embark on this journey together to discover why embracing different narratives isn’t just important—it’s transformative. &lt;a href=&quot;https://arimeghlen.co.uk/2019/02/13/the-erasure-of-black-women-from-fantasy-and-science-fiction/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;The erasure of Black women from fantasy and science fiction.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Importance of Diverse Voices in Sci-Fi&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The realm of science fiction is vast and boundless, offering a canvas for exploring endless possibilities. Yet, the voices that paint this canvas have often been limited. &lt;em&gt;Understanding why diverse voices matter in sci-fi is crucial.&lt;/em&gt; It enriches the genre with fresh ideas and perspectives that challenge conventional narratives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Unique Perspectives from Black Female Authors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Black female authors bring a unique lens to sci-fi, one that&#39;s often overlooked. These authors introduce narratives that are deeply rooted in their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. This enriches the genre with stories that are both relatable and transformative.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For instance, &lt;a href=&quot;https://electricliterature.com/10-science-fiction-books-by-black-women-writers/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;electricliterature.com&lt;/a&gt; lists some must-read science fiction books by Black women writers. Their works highlight experiences and histories that are often marginalized, offering stories that demand attention and respect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Moreover, Black female authors aren&#39;t just writing; they’re reshaping the way we perceive stories. They challenge stereotypes and inspire the next generation of writers. As noted in &lt;a href=&quot;https://mediadiversified.org/2014/01/02/chardine-taylor-stone-is-searching-for-black-female-experiences-in-speculative-fiction/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;mediadiversified.org&lt;/a&gt;, these narratives provide a much-needed representation that resonates with diverse audiences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Neurodivergent Writers in Literature&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Neurodivergent writers, including those on the autism spectrum, bring invaluable perspectives to literature. They challenge traditional storytelling by offering narratives that reflect their unique cognitive experiences. This diversity in thought and expression enriches the literary world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Neurodivergent writers often employ unconventional narrative structures and character developments. This can lead to stories that defy typical tropes and explore complex themes. &lt;a href=&quot;https://vusf.wordpress.com/2023/11/06/the-others-black-exclusion-and-creation-within-the-science-fiction-genre/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;VUSF&lt;/a&gt; discusses how these writers create worlds that reflect their distinct ways of interacting with the world around them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The growing presence of neurodivergent authors in literature is a positive shift. It challenges readers to broaden their understanding of what storytelling can be. These voices encourage empathy and a more profound connection to diverse experiences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Statistics on Neurodiversity in Writing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Understanding the impact of neurodiversity in writing requires looking at the numbers. Statistics reveal the increasing representation of neurodivergent authors in the literary world. This growth is crucial for fostering inclusivity and understanding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to &lt;a href=&quot;https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241237881&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;journals.sagepub.com&lt;/a&gt;, neurodivergent authors are gaining recognition for their contributions to literature. These statistics highlight the importance of diverse voices in shaping narratives that speak to a broad audience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Incorporating neurodiversity into literature provides benefits beyond just representation. It introduces readers to new perspectives and encourages open dialogue about mental health and cognitive diversity. This broadens the scope of what literature can achieve.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Benefits of Representation in Sci-Fi&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Representation in sci-fi does more than just diversify the genre; it transforms it. By including voices from various backgrounds, sci-fi becomes a tool for empowerment and better storytelling. Representation ensures that all readers see themselves in the stories they love.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Diversity Enhances Storytelling&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Diversity in storytelling offers a richer, more comprehensive narrative experience. It allows sci-fi to explore themes and settings that might otherwise remain unexplored. This leads to a wider array of storylines that captivate audiences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For example, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.thenextgenlibrarian.com/blog/diversity-audit-science-fiction&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;thenextgenlibrarian.com&lt;/a&gt; discusses how diverse authors bring fresh perspectives to sci-fi, challenging preconceived notions. This not only revitalizes the genre but also appeals to new audiences eager for different stories.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The inclusion of diverse voices in sci-fi ensures that the genre remains vibrant and relevant. It encourages innovation and creativity, pushing boundaries and redefining what sci-fi can be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Empowering Readers Through Representation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Representation in literature has a profound impact on readers. It validates their experiences, offering a sense of belonging. This empowerment is essential for fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When readers see themselves reflected in stories, it boosts self-esteem and inspires confidence. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.are.na/block/27247277&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;Are.na&lt;/a&gt; notes that representation in sci-fi encourages readers to dream big, knowing their stories matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Empowering readers through representation also promotes diversity in readership. It opens doors for readers to explore different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding across communities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Impact of Unique Voices in Literature&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unique voices in literature play a crucial role in shaping cultural narratives. They introduce new ideas and challenge old paradigms, paving the way for progress. This impact is especially evident in the ever-evolving genre of science fiction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Authors who bring their unique perspectives to sci-fi offer a refreshing take on traditional narratives. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/08/16/books-black-sci-fi-writers&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;MPR News&lt;/a&gt; highlights how Black sci-fi writers are making significant contributions to the genre, pushing for more inclusive storytelling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The impact of these unique voices is far-reaching. They inspire change, encourage dialogue, and promote a more inclusive literary landscape. This influence ensures that literature remains a dynamic, ever-evolving art form.&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title></title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/95jdrnwwwxayaa59hnn2hr73j5re-823-28-kbhey-there-fellow-book-lovers-if</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/95jdrnwwwxayaa59hnn2hr73j5re-823-28-kbhey-there-fellow-book-lovers-if</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;95jdrnwwwxayaa59hnn2hr73j5re&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:843040,&quot;height&quot;:250,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_200/95jdrnwwwxayaa59hnn2hr73j5re&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:200}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/png&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_200/95jdrnwwwxayaa59hnn2hr73j5re&quot; width=&quot;200&quot; height=&quot;250&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;Hey there, fellow book lovers!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you&#39;ve ever picked up a sci-fi novel and found yourself immediately drawn to the character who &lt;em&gt;doesn&#39;t want the spotlight&lt;/em&gt;, then you&#39;re definitely going to want to meet &lt;strong&gt;Cairn Velos&lt;/strong&gt;. He&#39;s the heart (and headache) of my series &lt;em&gt;The Iron Protocol&lt;/em&gt;, and today I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at who he is, why he’s so compelling, and how his journey might just snag your own heartstrings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Who Is Cairn Velos?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cairn is not your typical hero. He didn’t ask for greatness; rather, he inherited it like a ticking time bomb. In a galaxy ruled by archived memory and sitting in the rubble of a ruthless empire, his family’s name was literally wiped from history—erased. However, when he accidentally activates a long-buried AI, the system suddenly recognizes him as the last heir to a disgraced House long thought destroyed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Think of Cairn as a bureaucratic mess with a pulse—except the paperwork fights back, and it might even be sentient.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A Reluctant Protagonist on a Relentless Journey&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;From the first chapter, you’ll see Cairn navigating the galaxy not with bravado, but rather with sarcasm, skepticism, and a solid desire &lt;em&gt;not&lt;/em&gt; to die. He’s morally gray, emotionally wounded, and always calculating the cost of being wrong. He doesn’t charge into battle with a sword; instead, he walks in with a legal clause and an escape plan.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And yet, beneath all that fear and reluctance, there is a deep-seated desire to do what&#39;s right—even if it kills him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Makes Him Real?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cairn is no natural-born hero. You&#39;re not introduced to a guy with big muscles or a cool superpower. Instead, you meet a regular guy just trying to make it in a world that has punished him just for being born. His keen intellect, obsessive memory, and low tolerance for small talk often come across as cold or calculated. But they’re also part of his resilience, his insight, and his ability to find solutions no one else sees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His internal world is rich, chaotic, and often at odds with the high-stakes galaxy he&#39;s navigating. And that tension? It’s exactly what makes him human.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Allies and Antagonists He Encounters&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;From haunted ships with personality disorders to manipulative councilors and AI with too much attitude, Cairn’s not just up against villains—he&#39;s up against an entire system built on selective memory and fear. And then there is that annoying and threatening Vey Serranden.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And yet, he builds relationships. Awkward, hard-won relationships. The kind that hurt when they’re tested. The kind that grow when you least expect it. Especially when trust is a luxury.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why Readers Connect With Cairn&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;He’s not flashy. He’s not fearless. But he &lt;em&gt;is&lt;/em&gt; real. He makes bad decisions, owns up to them (sometimes), and grows in slow, painful, and powerful ways. He&#39;s likely to get punched in the face, but you know he&#39;ll get up. If you’ve ever felt like the world expected too much of you without offering a manual—Cairn gets it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His journey isn’t just about unlocking an ancient protocol. It’s about reclaiming identity, confronting history, and deciding what kind of future to build when the past refuses to stay buried.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ready to Meet Him?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can listen to &lt;em&gt;The Heir of Iron Protocol&lt;/em&gt; FREE on the Spoken app. It&#39;s also a &lt;strong&gt;Spoken Staff Pick&lt;/strong&gt;, which means the curators behind the platform saw something special in the story—in the writing &lt;em&gt;and&lt;/em&gt; the performance. You can also read it on Amazon—it is part of Kindle Unlimited. If you prefer, you can buy it at the specially priced at 99 cents.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here&#39;s the link for Kindle Unlimited and Amazon: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://amzn.to/3Sogh2u&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Read it Now&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here&#39;s the link to dive in: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://ihave.spoken.press/p/8h9SVthxW9t&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen Free on Spoken&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So go ahead. Hit play. Get to know Cairn Velos.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just don’t expect him to make it easy on you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;:: kisses, hugs, and back rubs :: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Morgan Sterling &lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title> Cosplay for Everyone: Celebrating Diverse Identities and Creative Expression</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/cosplay-for-everyone-celebrating-diverse-identities-and-creative</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/cosplay-for-everyone-celebrating-diverse-identities-and-creative</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cosplay for Everyone: Embracing Identity Through Creativity&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;irp8l7gsf00kries7s7rfhetbgei&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:1642857,&quot;height&quot;:138,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,c_limit,w_600/irp8l7gsf00kries7s7rfhetbgei&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:138}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/png&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,c_limit,w_600/irp8l7gsf00kries7s7rfhetbgei&quot; width=&quot;138&quot; height=&quot;138&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sparking Change with Style: Cute Girls Cosplay Tees&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a banner, and sometimes? It’s literally on a shirt.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That’s the heart behind the &lt;strong&gt;“Cute Girls Cosplay”&lt;/strong&gt; tee line: to celebrate creative expression, body positivity, and joyful representation in the cosplay community. These tees aren’t just merch—they’re a message. A visible reminder that cosplay should feel welcoming, not exclusive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By wearing them, cosplayers and allies alike are saying: “You belong here—exactly as you are.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The line&#39;s goal is to:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Raise awareness about inclusivity in geek spaces&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Open up conversations about representation at conventions and online&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Give people a visible way to show support for marginalized voices&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Studies like &lt;a href=&quot;https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7946&amp;amp;context=etd&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;this one from USF&lt;/a&gt; back it up: initiatives that promote identity, community, and visibility can have real mental health and social benefits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And on a personal note? Seeing someone rock one of those tees at a con makes my whole day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You can grab them on &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.teepublic.com/user/morgansterling&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TeePublic&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt; or &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://morgansterling.printful.me/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Printful&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;—and know that with every wear, you&#39;re helping build a more colorful, inclusive cosplay world.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cosplay Is for Everyone—No Exceptions&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At its best, cosplay isn’t about perfection. It’s about passion. It’s not about fitting into someone else’s idea of a character—it’s about expanding the story to include &lt;em&gt;you&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From gender-bent knights and fat witches to green-skinned soul brothers and silver-haired elders, the community is thriving on creativity, connection, and courage. And with every con, post, and shared photo, we’re rewriting the narrative together.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The future of cosplay is inclusive, imaginative, and beautifully &lt;em&gt;weird&lt;/em&gt;. And if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong? I promise—there’s a place here for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So suit up. Get loud. Be bold. Be cute. Be green if you want.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cosplay is for everyone—and that includes &lt;em&gt;you.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>🎉 Big Updates, New Stories &amp; Sneak Peeks!</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/big-updates-new-stories-sneak-peeks-i-know-i-know-it-s-been-a</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/big-updates-new-stories-sneak-peeks-i-know-i-know-it-s-been-a</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;I know, I know… it’s been a little quiet over here (I’ve been a &lt;em&gt;bit&lt;/em&gt; busy 😅), but I’ve got tons of exciting news to share with you today. So, grab your favorite snack and let’s dive in! 🍿&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;✨ &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The AI Mayor Debate&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; – Fully Free &amp;amp; Available NOW! ✨&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Guess what? &lt;a href=&quot;https://ihave.spoken.press/p/t9hEkWymRBS&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The AI Mayor Debate&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt; (the first part of my &lt;strong&gt;Solar Glade Snapshots&lt;/strong&gt; series) is &lt;em&gt;FREE&lt;/em&gt; and fully available for you to enjoy right now on &lt;strong&gt;Spoken&lt;/strong&gt;. That’s right, you can listen to all the quirky, AI-filled chaos at no cost!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But wait—there’s more! The &lt;strong&gt;second short story&lt;/strong&gt; in the series, &lt;a href=&quot;https://ihave.spoken.press/p/yO3r7lG0Xeb&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Bureaucratic Wormhole&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, is also up and ready to go. Get ready for more laughs, more glitchy AI moments, and, of course, more of Solar Glade’s ridiculousness. It’s completely &lt;strong&gt;free&lt;/strong&gt; to listen too, so don’t miss it!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;🎬 &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Pushing Up Daisies&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; – My New Satirical Short Story on YouTube 🎬&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’ve got another story to share with you! This one’s called &lt;em&gt;Pushing Up Daisies&lt;/em&gt;, and it’s a satirical short story that will have you laughing and cringing at the same time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here’s the setup: &lt;em&gt;&quot;Harriet has lost the Millfield Annual Garden Competition fifteen years running. She is determined to figure out the secret of reigning champion. But when she finds out the answer, she may wish she didn’t.&quot;&lt;/em&gt; 🌸&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a little dark, a little hilarious, and full of unexpected twists. I’ve embedded it right here in the newsletter for you to enjoy!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;👇 &lt;strong&gt;Watch it below and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button for more fun stories!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;background-color: highlight;&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Embedded Youtube video removed, see original post to watch.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;🎙️ &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Podcast Alert&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; – 52 Authors 52 Weeks 🎙️&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’m super excited to share that I’ll be on the &lt;em&gt;52 Authors 52 Weeks&lt;/em&gt; podcast with Dr. Lisa L. Campbell on &lt;strong&gt;April 22nd&lt;/strong&gt;! 🎤 This will be a great conversation about my books, my writing process, and my journey as a neurodivergent author.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once the interview is live, you can find it on their website: 👉 &lt;a href=&quot;https://52authors52weeks.com/episodes/episodes-season-2/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;52 Authors 52 Weeks Podcast – Season 2&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Can’t wait for you to hear it! 🎧&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;📅 Upcoming Events! 📅&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s also time to start marking your calendars! Here are some &lt;em&gt;fun&lt;/em&gt; events I’ll be attending:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Starkey Ranch Author Fest – May 3rd, 10 am–2 pm (Odessa, FL)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt; If you’re in the area, come meet me and hang out with a bunch of amazing authors! Books, chats, and good vibes!&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Feel The Heat Romance Book Bash – July 12th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt; Romance lovers, this one’s for you! A day full of &lt;em&gt;swoon-worthy&lt;/em&gt; moments and epic bookish fun. Can’t wait to meet you!&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;👀 Sneak Peek Time! 👀&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You know I love giving you a sneak peek into what I’m working on! Here’s a little something that inspired one of my stories—check out the artwork below. It’s part of a project I’m currently working on, and I’m excited to share it with you. 🌟&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;a1mevnfe2rjgshpficb3nndp896h&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:2236158,&quot;height&quot;:797,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,c_limit,w_600/a1mevnfe2rjgshpficb3nndp896h&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:600}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/png&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,c_limit,w_600/a1mevnfe2rjgshpficb3nndp896h&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;797&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;💡 Let’s Make This a Two-Way Conversation! 💡&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I want &lt;em&gt;your&lt;/em&gt; help! I&#39;m on the lookout for a &lt;strong&gt;comic book artist&lt;/strong&gt;, more &lt;strong&gt;podcasts&lt;/strong&gt; to be on, and some fun &lt;strong&gt;community events&lt;/strong&gt; to attend. Have any suggestions? Hit me up! Let’s chat and make this journey even more amazing together.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your feedback means the world to me, and I love hearing from you!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thank you again for being part of this wild ride. Your support keeps me going, and I truly appreciate you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Until next time,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; :: kisses, hugs, and back rubs ::&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Morgan Sterling&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>A Huge Reveal and an AI getting Sassy?!</title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/a-huge-reveal-and-an-ai-getting-sassy-yi4fono93hcqy6yqyp9fycww0k3b-2-6</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/a-huge-reveal-and-an-ai-getting-sassy-yi4fono93hcqy6yqyp9fycww0k3b-2-6</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 4 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;yi4fono93hcqy6yqyp9fycww0k3b&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:2728694,&quot;height&quot;:300,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_200/yi4fono93hcqy6yqyp9fycww0k3b&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:200}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/png&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_200/yi4fono93hcqy6yqyp9fycww0k3b&quot; width=&quot;200&quot; height=&quot;300&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The AI Mayor Debate – New Installment is LIVE!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Have you met Hal and all the other quirky residents of Solar Glade yet? Over on &lt;strong&gt;Spoken&lt;/strong&gt;, the AI-fueled chaos continues in my &lt;strong&gt;Solar Glade Snapshots&lt;/strong&gt; series with the third installment of &lt;strong&gt;The AI Mayor Debate&lt;/strong&gt;! With only &lt;strong&gt;one more episode to go&lt;/strong&gt;, now’s the perfect time to jump in. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; If you love humor, quirky sci-fi, and small-town charm (but with slightly confused AI), this story is for you! &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://ihave.spoken.press/p/t9hEkWymRBS?utm_source=Author+Morgan+Sterling&amp;amp;utm_campaign=a1a7199a4e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_03_04_03_46&amp;amp;utm_medium=email&amp;amp;utm_term=0_-a1a7199a4e-&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen for FREE on Spoken&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;As always, &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;:: kisses, hugs, and back rubs ::&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Morgan Sterling &lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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<title>February Updates – Free Books, Fun Events &amp; More! </title>
<link>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/february-updates-free-books-fun-events-more-hello-readers-february</link>
<dc:creator>Morgan Sterling</dc:creator>
<guid isPermaLink='false'>https://authormorgansterling.com/blog/february-updates-free-books-fun-events-more-hello-readers-february</guid>
<category>Blog</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 1 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description>Blog post.</description>
<content:encoded>&lt;![CDATA[ &lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hello Readers!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;February is packed with &lt;strong&gt;free books, exciting events, and big announcements!&lt;/strong&gt; Let’s dive in!&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Solar Glade Snapshots – Listen for FREE on Spoken!&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My &lt;strong&gt;sci-fi-meets-small-town&lt;/strong&gt; short story series, &lt;em&gt;Solar Glade Snapshots&lt;/em&gt;, is now available on &lt;strong&gt;Spoken&lt;/strong&gt;, a revolutionary &lt;strong&gt;new platform for writers of all genres&lt;/strong&gt;, including &lt;strong&gt;Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Erotica, Non-Fiction, and more! &lt;/strong&gt;Yes, I write more than steamy sci-fi, lol.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why do I love Spoken?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; - &lt;strong&gt;It’s indie writer-friendly!&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- Authors retain &lt;strong&gt;ALL rights&lt;/strong&gt; to their stories. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;- &lt;strong&gt;We get paid based on listening time,&lt;/strong&gt; making it a fair and supportive space for authors. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;It’s in beta, meaning every story is currently 100% free&lt;/strong&gt;—including mine!If you’re curious about &lt;strong&gt;audiobook-style storytelling&lt;/strong&gt;, check it out now!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Listen for Free:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://ihave.spoken.press/p/t9hEkWymRBS&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;https://ihave.spoken.press/p/t9hEkWymRBS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;figure data-trix-attachment=&#39;{&quot;contentType&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;filename&quot;:&quot;r1xuntloooxqpvvbuk7egw1mvfh5&quot;,&quot;filesize&quot;:268515,&quot;height&quot;:200,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_350/r1xuntloooxqpvvbuk7egw1mvfh5&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:350}&#39; data-trix-content-type=&quot;image/jpeg&quot; data-trix-attributes=&#39;{&quot;presentation&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;}&#39; class=&quot;attachment attachment--preview&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://res.cloudinary.com/wellfleet/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,w_350/r1xuntloooxqpvvbuk7egw1mvfh5&quot; width=&quot;350&quot; height=&quot;200&quot;&gt;&lt;figcaption class=&quot;attachment__caption&quot;&gt; &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;WOOOOO… that was a lot wasn’t it? That’s ‘cause your girl is on that grind!&lt;strong&gt; Thanks for reading! See you next time!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;:: kisses, hugs, and back rubs ::&lt;strong&gt;Morgan Sterling&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ]]&gt;</content:encoded>
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