Gifted writer with cerebral palsy demonstrating the power of her words
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” - Oprah Winfrey. Morgan’s passion for writing has given the power to allow her purposeful voice to be heard. Her creative talent is demonstrated in all her work as an author, blogger, ghostwriter and journalist. She has always aimed to keep her passion for expression alive and proudly obtained a Master of Science Degree in Journalism. Morgan has authored a suspenseful thriller “From The Killer’s Eyes” and has also worked for several online magazines and websites such as VMH Magazine, i.d.e.a.l. Magazine and Examiner.com.
You are a journalist, author, blogger, and ghostwriter. Which role do you enjoy the most and why?M: I enjoy all of my work, but if I had to choose, it would be a journalist. I appreciate having the opportunity to share and interview others through my writing. To see the joy or read the comments of appreciation means a lot to me because that means I've done my job. It's about writing a story that's accurate, fair and objective.
How did you come up with the idea for your book “The Killer’s Eyes”? What did you enjoy the most in the book writing process?M: "From the Killer's Eyes"derived from my time watching a lot of true crime television and Lifetime movies. I also drew inspiration from real-life situations. The character Katie, for example, was loosely based on my own life. She's a wheelchair user and so am I. What I enjoyed most about the book writing process was the writing itself. Developing the characters, plot, twists, and turns, and ultimately having a copy of my book in my hands once the publishing process was complete.
You have earned a Master of Science Degree in Journalism. What challenges did you face during your educational path?M: The challenges I faced during my educational path was overcoming the fear that I didn't have a voice or that my writing didn't matter. I've always been creative ever since I was a kid, so I appreciated the freedom of expressing myself and I felt what better way to continue that then to have a career as a journalist. But being around my peers while in college made me feel at times that my writing and what I had to say didn't always measure up. How I overcame this fear was by taking that same creativeness within myself and utilizing that to my benefit. I paid attention to details, emotions, and so forth, and made sure to include that in my writing. My intent was to start a dialogue amongst people sharing their thoughts, feelings, and so forth.
At what age did you start taking an interest in writing? Which is your favorite writing project and why?M: My interest in writing came in the third grade. My teacher at the time, Ms. Hutchinson, required for all the students to keep a notebook. From what I remember, it was a notebook filled with all of our writing assignments. It was then, I fell in love with the creative freedom to be able to express yourself. Having the ability to write whatever however was my way of being open. Writing created a way for me to express myself that at times I couldn't do verbally. I don't necessarily have a favorite writing project. I enjoy it all. There are so many things you can do when it comes to writing.
What are the two school activities that have helped you in a long term?M: Two school activities that helped me long term was knowing and understanding the importance of how to interview individuals and the various journalism classes I took because the classes introduced me to the different aspects of journalism and how to conduct yourself as a journalist.
Which author’s work inspires you and why?M: I read a lot of fiction and non-fiction authors, but I don't have a specific author that inspires my work.
What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?M: Spending time with my family is important to me. It doesn't matter where we are or what we do. I appreciate creating memorable moments more than anything and having them around.
What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?M: My favorite place to visit is a bookstore. I enjoy reading immensely and to be surrounded by something that I not only enjoy but feel as if I can gain so much knowledge from just by reading various authors makes me one happy person.
What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to explore writing?M: You have to love it. If you don't, you won't last. Consistently work on your craft and have faith in yourself that you can accomplish whatever it is you set out to do whether that's writing a book, becoming a journalist, owning your own writing business, etc. Create a path that's all your own. Writing has such a vast amount of opportunities that you can do just about anything. Also, be open to constructive criticism because as a writer you will have to endure that, and knowing that it is for your benefit will help you in the long run.
Any special message for our community?M: As a person with a disability, it's important for us to make our voices heard and our skills known. We have a lot to offer the world and it's important that we're given that opportunity. If not, then we must create that avenue so that others can follow. Take Inspiration Matters for example. You all are creating something for people with disabilities to have a voice and a way for us to express ourselves. This is what I would like for your community to take away: Never be afraid to express yourself and be who you are. Make the world take notice of you, of your talent, of your importance. Set an example for others to follow so that they can do the same for someone else. Let's help one another to be great, be successful.

