Congratulations to Marjorie Mallon on the paperback release of The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone – yahoo! You may recall she came by last year to post about the topic of self-harm that she addresses in this book. Today, MJ Mallon stops by as part of her blog tour to chat about her experiences blogging and how dreams are achievable at any age. I’m giving MJ the floor now:
It’s been an amazing three and a three quarter years! When I consider what I have accomplished, I can hardly believe it. I’ve published my first YA fantasy novel, The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone and formatted it myself. I’m learning new skills all the time and the experience has been a tremendous confidence boost.
I owe a huge debt of thanks to blogging and to book reviewing. Without a doubt, if I hadn’t started blogging and writing reviews in April 2014 I wouldn’t have achieved all that I have. Through this wonderful experience, I’ve learnt so much.
I’ve ‘virtually met,’ so many awesome people and grown as a person. Before my blogging journey began, I was quite shy. I’m still intrinsically shy but I’ve become much more adventurous. I believe the change began with my very first bloggers bash, an event held in London organised by Sacha Black.
Since then, I have attended each of the Blogger bash events in London, joined SCBWI, (The Society of Children’s Writers and Book Illustrators,) and participated in my local writers’ group – Cambridge Writers. For a while I ran the Children’s Writing Group. I’ve helped out at the Literary Festival in Cambridge. I’ve even attempted to draw at Fitzwilliam Museum and The Museum of Natural Sciences in Cambridge. The last event was via the Scrawl Crawl (a SCBWI writers and illustrators event,) in Cambridge. This was such a laugh. It taught me that there are limits to my creativity! I really can’t draw! But, I enjoyed the experience so much. It’s awesome to connect with talented authors and illustrators and to share ideas and inspiration with like-minded souls.
The writing and illustrating community are awesome! There are countless kind and supportive people who are keen to help. With this in mind I started a Facebook group called Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support club with my two writing friends Colleen Chesebro and Debby Gies. It has been so popular, and helpful. I often pop over to this group when I’m in desperate need of advice, or want to share something I have learnt myself. Community is the key to success. Together we are stronger.
Recently, my good friend Colleen Chesebro started a new blogging initiative: The Sisters of the Fey. A blogging sisterhood including myself, Debby, Colleen, Adele, Tina, Annette, Wendy and Belinda. Some say we are witches …My husband always had his suspicions! Colleen has many fantastic plans for the blog and for the sisters and I am honoured to be part of her vision.
So, whatever age you are please don’t give up on your dreams. Whether you are in the flush of youth or a grandmother, you can do it! I’m no spring chicken. My chicks are grown up; my eldest has flown the nest to teach English as a Foreign Language in South Korea and my youngest is due to start University in September. Classic empty nest syndrome! I am so glad I have discovered a much loved vocation in life if I hadn’t I’d be so distraught. It has been hard coping with my eldest daughter being so far away. You should have seen me the day she left; I cried all day. I miss her so much. Thank goodness for Skype!
Age is no barrier. Some of the best writers started writing later in life. Do read Flavorwire‘s words about late bloomers to see what I mean.
Work hard, write, read, and make those all-important connections.
Then smile and watch the magic happen. It is such an incredible feeling when you hold your paperback in your hands for the first time. When you can say the magic words, I am an author! When the reviews come in your heart swells with pride when you read comments such as: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
Of course, it’s not all sunshine. There are moments of self-doubt. Less favourable reviews. All sorts of gut-churning, hell what am I doing feelings. But, you carry on because you love it so and no one can take that incredible feeling away from you. That love is yours to keep.
I have a motto that I coined that sums up my love of creativity:
Do what you love! Stay true to your heart’s desires, remain young at heart, and inspire others to do so, even if the odds are stacked against you like black-hearted shadows.
So, battle those shadows, tackle them into submission and feel the fire of creative joy burning in your heart.
About Marjorie Mallon
Marjorie is a debut author who has been blogging for three years at Kyrosmagica. She also participates in the collaborate blog Sisters of the Frey. Her interests include writing, photography, poetry, and alternative therapies. She writes Fantasy YA, middle grade fiction and micro poetry – haiku and Tanka. She loves to read and have written over 100 book reviews.
Connect further with author Marjorie Mallon on social media at: Facebook, Twitter personal and The Curse of Time accounts, Goodreads, Instagram, and Tumblr.
About The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone
Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger.
With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.
Get your paperback copy of The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone by Marjorie Mallon now! The paperback copy includes two beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Carolina Russo. The eBook is also available.
Fabulous to see Marje over here on her book tour, Christy. The blogging community is so vital to the writing and poetry world.
Thank you Robbie. I agree wholeheartedly the blogging community and the support you receive from blogging friends is wonderfully uplifting. :)
Great post for Marje. Hugs for supporting her. <3
Thank you Colleen. I’m so delighted with this post at Christy’s and all the wonderful support I’ve had from you and the #ABRSC boys and gals!
That’s because we love you, Marje!! <3
Aww, likewise dear Colleen. <3 xxx
Yay, so happy to see Marje making the blog rounds over to your wonderful blog too Christy. <3 Great post Marje, you've put a lot of work into your blogtour posts, wishing you lots of book sales! <3
Thank you Debby. Yes, it’s been a ton load of work and I’m pretty shattered! But, felt I had to give it my all. Thanks so much to Christy, you and all the #ABRSC guys and gals I couldn’t have done it without you. xxx
My pleasure to be part of it Marje. :) xx
Really loved reading this❤
Thank you Jyo. :)
Thank you so much Adele. :)
My pleasure. <3
Thank you Jack. :)
I began reading a chapter a day of Marje’s book six days ago. Loving it so far…
Wow, great to know Jack. :)
Wonderful and inspiring post , especially loved “So, whatever age you are please don’t give up on your dreams” . Thanks for sharing Christy and Congrats Marjorie!
Thank you! So glad you found it inspiring. :)
Thanks for the introduction, Christy. Congratulations to Marjorie!
Thank you Jill. :)
Thank You, great read 👍❤
<3
Love this post!
Thank you so glad you enjoyed. :)
Great post, Christy! Thanks for hosting! Marje, it’s been fun getting to know more about you and your process. :D xx
Thank you so much Vashti. I’m so lucky to have such wonderful blogging/author friends. :)
Thank you so much Christy for the lovely blog tour post. :)
It’s my pleasure to have you here, MJ! :)
<3 xxx