Morgan's publisher has offered to give away a hard copy of the book (US ONLY). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends December 6, 2018. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) Here's Morgan...
The story behind the story...
All of my stories begin with a scene, usually while I'm doing dishes or folding laundry. I see a situation in my mind and immediately I start asking who are these people? How did they get there? And what's going to happen next? This is how Mark of the Raven began. I saw this scene in my mind where a young woman is standing over the bed of a man. Her mission is to kill him, but she hesitates. So I asked who is she? Why is she here? And what's going to happen next?
If you want to find out the answers to my questions, you'll have to read the book :)
Q&A with Morgan...
Q: What message do all readers take away from your story?
A: That no matter your background, your family circumstances, your current situation, you can always change. You are not chained to your past. There is always hope. And that hope is in God. But the journey is not always an easy one.
Q: What character in the book do you relate to the most and why?
A: I relate to Selene in the fact that for many years, I hid behind a façade. I was afraid of people knowing who I really was (this geeky, intellectual tomboy). I was especially afraid if Christians knew, they would judge me since I am married to a pastor and there always seems to be certain expectations of a pastor's wife, which I hardly seem to fit. I love that Selene is exploring who she is, and ultimately who God made her to be. That is my journey as well. Learning to love the person God made me to be, no matter what others may think.
Q: What advice do you have for new authors?
A: The biggest advice I would give is to not let your writing eclipse your life. Take time for your family. Your kids are going to grow up and move out. But your writing will always be there to come back to. And spend time with your spouse. They can become your biggest cheerleader. And don't forget to live life. Take those walks, enjoy those quiet moments, laugh, and play games. It is life we are trying to write, but if we don't live ourselves, we won't have anything to write about.
Q: What can you tell us about your next project?
A: Right now, book two, Flight of the Raven, is done and in edits (and coming out next spring!). In the meantime, I'm currently working on book three. After that, I have a few ideas, but those are between me, agent, and publishers. :)
Q: What's your favorite writing-related book?
A: My Emotional Thesaurus. I use it almost every day. I recommend it for every writer!
Q: Now for a few fun questions. What would you be doing if you weren't an author?
A: I was on a path to become a scientist and wanted to do research in the medical field. Instead, God had a different path for me.
Q: What's one thing about you that would surprise your readers?
A: I'm not really into chocolate. My husband is the chocolate lover and our family.
Q: Do you have any writing rituals?
A: I always listen to music, usually a soundtrack or something soothing on YouTube.
Thanks so much, Morgan! I'm sure my readers will enjoy the chance to know a bit more about you.
My review...
Lady Selene just learned of her gift. She is heir to her
family’s gift of dreamwalking, which comes with many abilities and
responsibilities, including killing. Will she be able to take her mother’s
place one day as head of the House of Ravenwood?
I’ve heard about Busse’s books in the past, but I have never
read them. Boy, will that change in the future! This book is very different
from my typical reads, but it immediately pulled me in, despite being a bit
dark at times. The characters and scenes are so vivid. I could easily envision
everything. I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, and parts of this book
reminded me of that book (in relation to the various Houses). The characters’
struggles are relatable, even though this is a fantasy/fiction story, as most
people struggle with doing what is right and making wise choices at some point.
The story does involve a dual POV, from the perspective of Celine and Damien,
the head of the House of Maris. The overall story is a good illustration of our
lives, and the part God plays in it when we choose to follow Him. The pace
stays active, making this quite the page turner. Sadly, it will be some time
before the sequel is released, which is unfortunate, as the book ends on quite
the cliffhanger :-(
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the
publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
I recently had the privilege of meeting Morgan and having my books autographed. What an exciting day!
About Morgan...
Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Wood series, the Carol-Award winning steampunk series, Soul Chronicles, and the Ravenwood Saga, a new fantasy series from Bethany House. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.
Where you can find Morgan online...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Title: Why Did You Choose Me?
