Q & A with D.G. Kaye, featuring Marjorie Mallon and Mr. Sagittarius
Welcome to my Q & A today where I’m featuring author/poet and one of my Sisters of the Fey – Marjorie Mallon. Besides her love for writing poetry and flash fiction, Marje writes in the YA and paranormal genres. You can also find some of Marje’s other contributions to several anthologies. Marje has been busy on an extensive blog tour promoting her new release – Mr. Sagittarius, and she’s going to share a bit about her book with us here today.
About Marje:
I write YA Fantasy/Paranormal novels, Horror/Ghost short stories and multi-genre flash fiction as well as micro poetry – haiku and Tanka. I share book reviews, poetry, flash fiction, photography and inspirational details of my writing journey at my lovely blog home: https://mjmallon.com/
I’m a member of two professional writing groups: The Society of Children’s Writers and Book Illustrators and Cambridge Writers
As well as this I run a supportive group with fellow Administrator D G Kaye on Facebook: Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club
I work as a Receptionist/Event organiser for an international sixth form and live in Cambridge, England.
Available on Amazon
Mr. Sagittarius is a collection of poetry, prose and photographic images inspired by the botanical gardens in Cambridge. It features a variety of my photos including: trees, a robin and a dragonfly! As well as this there are several stories, and even some Halloween poems!
I doubt I would have created Mr. Sagittarius if it wasn’t for these two amazing ladies: Colleen Chesebro (for her weekly poetry challenges and Charli Mills – Carrot Ranch (flash fiction challenges.) Both ladies have been a huge source of inspiration and encouragement.
Mr. Sagittarius is a magical celebration of the natural world, a story about the circle of life, with an emphasis on the changing seasons of the year and sibling relationships.
Huge thanks to my amazing cover designer and formatter: Rachael Ritchey who has done an amazing job creating the ebook, paperback cover and graphics.
Blurb:
Twin brothers Harold and William love the magic of the natural world.
When Harold dies he leaves a simple memorial request.
Will his brother William and his sister Annette honour it?
Or, will the garden work its magic to ensure that they do.
A magical story expressed via an original compilation of poetry and prose with photographic images.
Early review:
Excerpt:
THE GOLDEN WEEPING WILLOW
William walked through the snow-laden bamboo archway towards the icy water. He
knew where he was going and that thought alone brought an enormous lump to his
throat. The lump grew into a bulb that threatened to burst. He willed it down, he
couldn’t cry, not here in public.
The bench was situated where he and his brother Harold had often sat under the
golden weeping willow tree, right by the water’s edge. The branches and leaves of
the tree created a lengthy curtain which twinkled with filaments of spell-binding snow.
Inscribed on the bench were the words:
For Harold, who loved the garden’s seasons, the rainbows, and the distant
twinkling lights. The trees, the birds, and flowers and most of all the beautiful
dragonflies who bring an aura of magic with their short lives.
Dragonfly
Red, devil’s needle,
Or luck bringer with kind eyes?
Ancient, sweet fellow,
Sacred magic bestower,
Change tumbling on fragile wings.
William sat down on the bench, the lump in his throat burst and a dam of tears
flowed from the well of his soul. The weeping willow tree bent its snow encrusted
branches towards him, and little jewels of snow fell upon him. He glanced to his left
and saw a dragonfly sitting next to him. How extraordinary to see a dragonfly in
winter! He remembered he’d seen a dragonfly the last time that Harold had been here with him. It had hovered above a kahili ginger lily. The weather had been sunny
that day.
Today’s dragonfly was red with two black dots on its tail. Its crystalline wings
were delicate, and each had brown frosty markings highlighting it. The dragonfly
didn’t move, so William put his hand just above it. It didn’t flutter away. It stayed
motionless, as if the freezing temperatures were exhausting the creature. William put
his hand next to it and again the dragonfly remained.
William was alone, so he chatted to the dragonfly. It wasn’t something he would
normally do, but this wasn’t a normal day. He had heard that dragonflies were lucky,
and some people even believed they denoted the potential for change. Surely that
had to be promising?
‘Hi, Mr. dragonfly,’ he whispered. ‘I guess you’re a Mr.? It’s good to see you. I’m
glad you’re here. It gets cold in winter for us old ones, don’t feel bad for resting a
while.’
The dragonfly lifted off the bench for a second and landed near William’s
shoulder. It stared at him with its perceptive eyes as if it was listening.
‘I’m glad to see you’re not too worn out, or frozen to fly. You, and your insect
friends the butterflies have such a short but sweet life. Ah, life is too short. I miss my
twin brother Harold so much. It’s like I’ve lost myself and I can’t get back to being me
without him by my side.’
The dragonfly flew up and floated above William’s head and whizzed about as if
trying to say something.
William knew what the dragonfly meant. It didn’t have to speak, William just
knew. It was like they were two ancient creatures sharing a silent chinwag.
He got up slowly, as his poor old limbs had forgotten how to get up fast. He had
to buy something, or make something, that would connect him to Harold. The
dragonfly’s momentary visit gave him the wisdom to understand this.
Now, let’s get to know a little bit more about Marje.
What are your writing goals for this year?
My writing goals for this year are to:
Publish my first poetry/prose and photography collection which released on February 16 th : Mr. Sagittarius – Poetry and Prose with photography. I also plan to start drafting a second book of poetry/prose and photography with the following themes: family, places I love and inspiration. My biggest challenge this year will be to finish my second book in the YA fantasy series The Curse of Time Book 2 Golden Healer. This is currently with my greatest critic: my eldest daughter who is doing the final beta read.
D.G. – Sounds like you’re a busy gal. Good for you Marje, we need to keep busy.
How has writing changed your life?
I’d say it has changed me enormously and given me much more confidence! Also, it’s made me a much more fulfilled and happy person. I’m different! It has changed me in a fundamental way, and I doubt there is any going back! I observe the world in a more
perceptive, interested way.
D.G. – Mark of an observant writer. 🙂
Did you have a passion to write as a child? Do you remember the first thing you wrote?
Yes, as a child I wrote a book about my ginger tom cat, Chester, who was such a friendly, adventurous fellow. He enjoyed getting up to all sorts of mischief! My brother Donald and I would rescue him from strange households. One day we hiked through our local forest to collect him from a house with 13 other cats! Sadly, even though he had a lot of adventures his life was cut short. He was knocked down by a car. I was distraught. He was a very handsome ginger tom cat, we’d had from a kitten and I loved him to bits. So, its not surprising that one of the characters in my YA fantasy The Curse of Time is a cat: Shadow – a black cat – and in Mr. Sagittarius, a ginger tom cat plays a magical part, and there’s also a poem entitled: Life Lessons From Cats.
D.G. – It’s always interesting to learn tidbits about how characters were developed for our books.
Where do you believe your passion for storytelling originated from?
My passion for storytelling originated from my parents. Both of whom are fascinating
individuals. My father had an adventurous spirit and travelled all over the world. His life story is so interesting that I recorded various aspects of his travelling stories which I have compiled together. My mother had a very unusual childhood in Malaysia, climbing trees, being free to do pretty much as she wished. Her mother disappeared when she was very young, (during the Japanese occupation,) and there is speculation about what happened to her. Certain shocking facts have come to light which would make an intriguing story. So, I’ve masses of material for future stories…
D.G. – Wow, surely your mother would have some incredible stories to share. I hope you do come out with a book of your parents’ memoirs.
Which author friends of yours inspire you by being supportive to your writing?
So many! Authors are such giving people. I’ve been very lucky in that respect. From the
wonderful SCBWI (Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators,) group to ‘online’ author friends: yourself, Colleen, Charli, Sally Cronin, Ritu, Ghostly Writers, and anthology pals, everyone on the blog tour for Mr. Sagittarius… all my beta readers, blogging and Bloggers Bash friends and of course the Spiritual Sisters, (or Sisters of The Fey.) You’re all so amazing. ♥
A shout out goes to all the dedicated authors and bloggers who host weekly poetry/writing and photography prompts to encourage writers to write and be creative: Colleen Chesebro, Charli Mills, Diana Wallace Peach, Rachael Ritchey, Hugh Roberts, Sue Vincent, and Ronovan Hester and many more besides. I am in awe of the time and enthusiasm that they give to enthuse and motivate others.
D.G. – That is so wonderful Marje. Thank you for including me. But I know well, like most things to succeed, it does take a village.
It was fun introducing Marje and her work here today. I hope you all enjoyed and will check out Marje’s books. You will find all her books on her Amazon Author Page.
Follow Marjorie on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.
©DGKaye
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dgkaye
D.G. Kaye is a nonfiction/memoir writer, who writes from her own life experiences and self-medicates with a daily dose of humor.
53 Comments
Toni Pike
Hi Marjorie and Debby, What a wonderful interview this is, and I was so interested to read about how writing has affected your life, Marjorie, making you feel so happy and fulfilled. That was beautifully expressed. Congratulations on Mr Sagittarius – I loved your blurb and extract. Toni x
dgkaye
Thanks so much Toni. Happy Easter my friend. Stay safe! <3
Marje
Hi Toni, thank you for your kind comment and interest in Mr. Sagittarius I am rather fond of him and the birds, flowers and trees that grace this little but big-hearted book. <3
Marje
Thank you Debby really appreciate all your support particularly at this difficult time. This is such a beautifully presented Q and A. Mr. Sagittarius is smiling. 🙂
dgkaye
Most welcome Marje. I am delighted to have you over for my readers to get to know. No doubts your book will interest many and I look forward to reading it soon! <3
Marje
Thank you Debby. I am so thrilled you will be reading Mr. Sagittarius soon. xxx
dgkaye
Looking forward Marje! xx
Stevie Turner
Interesting interview, Debby. The Cambridge Writing Group sounds great, although a little too far and too late in the day for me. Marje was always a good supporter of the promotional group that I set up on MeWe.
dgkaye
Thanks Stevie. Yes, and I’m sorry that kind of fizzled out for a few of us with too much social media to contend with. Marje will be pleased to hear. <3
Marje
I know it was a shame that it fizzled out Debby and Stevie. Too much on everyones’ plates.
Marje
Thank you Stevie, glad you enjoyed Debby’s feature of Mr. Sagittarius. It was a great idea the MeWe group, glad to join in. Happy Easter to you and Happy writing. 🙂
Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Hi Stevie, thanks for your kind comment. Yes your idea for the MeWe group was a good one. Always happy to support the indie community. <3
sally cronin
Lovely interview and extract from Mr. Sagittarius.. thanks Debby and Marje… have reblogged on Sunday.
dgkaye
Thank you Sally for your always generosity and sharing. <3 <3
Marje
Hi Sally, thank you so much for all your kindness and help in promoting Mr. Sagittarius. You’re such a lovely person and everyone in the writing and blogging community is in much debt to you for your support.
Priscilla Bettis
I read and enjoyed Mr. Sagittarius. Good interview, it’s nice to learn some more about Ms. Mallon. I wish her luck on Golden Healer and the next poetry/prose/photography collection!
dgkaye
Thank you so much Priscilla for visiting. Marje will be thrilled! 🙂
Marje
Hi Priscilla, so glad you enjoyed Mr. Sagittarius. Nothing makes me happier than to hear readers opinions of my work. And thank you for your encouragement with regard to my future releases. Happy Easter to you and Happy writing. 🙂
Jacqui Murray
Your book sounds wonderful, Marje, and I love your answer to how writing changed your life. I agree! I think the confidence boost comes from knowing who I am–finally. I’m a writer and happy to be. You seem to be that way, too.
dgkaye
Thanks Jacqui 🙂
Marjorie Mallon
Hi Jacqui, yes it’s taken me a while to get here! But so glad I did. Better late than never is about as true as it gets. I am so happy to have released Mr. Sagittarius, a little bit of magic must always be shared!
Colleen
What a lovely interview, Marje and Debby. I enjoyed this book and Marje’s creativity! <3
dgkaye
Thanks Colleen, I am looking forward to reading it soon! <3
Marje
Thank you so much Colleen, you are an inspiration. The poetry in this collection would not have come into being if it was not for your poetry challenges. I appreciate all your help and support with the release and your thoughtful and kind review. <3 Happy Easter.
Olga Núñez Miret
Thanks for sharing this fascinating interview with Marjorie, Debby. I also hope she publishes a book about her parents. Good luck with all her writing projects! 🙂
dgkaye
Thanks Olga. Yes, I know I’d find that an interesting read. Thanks for stopping by <3
Marje
Hi Olga, Many thanks for your kind comment. Yes, writing about my parents is definitely on my to do list! I’ve already drafted some of my dad’s stories. I’ll get to it one day. Wish I had more time but at the moment I still work full time long hours so one day… Happy Easter and Happy writing. 🙂
Darlene Foster
A wonderful interview with Marje. Her life sounds so interesting, no wonder her books are full of magic and colour.
dgkaye
So true Darlene. Thank you. <3
Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Hi Darlene, Thank you for your kind comment it really made me smile. Happy Easter! x
Diana Peach
What a lovely review and shared story from the book, Debby. It’s easy to see how Marje ended up as an author, and I love that the prose and poetry for this book originated with Colleen’s and Charli’s prompts. The story sounds magical and so touching. Congrats to Marje on the wonderful book and review. <3 I hope you both have a beautiful Sunday.
dgkaye
Thanks so much for your lovely praise and good wishes Diana. Happy Easter to you! <3
Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Hi Diana, Thank you for your lovely comment. Wishing you a Happy Easter and many more magical moments of writing!
Jane Sturgeon
Thank you for a lovely interview, Marje and Debby. I really enjoyed this. William’s story with the dragonfly is beautiful. Marje. You have your Mum’s tree climbing spirit within you and it’s no wonder you write so eloquently. The writer’s community you pay loving tribute to is a special one, as are you. Debby and Marje. <3
dgkaye
Thank you my Lovely and kind Jane. <3 xx
Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Hi Jane, so many kind comments! Mr. Sagittarius is blushing, as am I . Thank you so much. Happy Easter to you. <3
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dgkaye
Thank you sooooooooooo much for sharing our interview Sal <3 <3
Robbie Cheadle
What an interesting post, Debby. I had no idea that Marje’s grandmother had disappeared like that. Lots of amazing information for a fictionised memoir.
dgkaye
Oh for sure Robbie, always truth in fiction! 🙂 x
Marje
Hi Robbie, yes my mother’s life story is a particularly interesting one. But there is a lot of sensitivity and sadness around her mother’s disappearance. One day perhaps I might write that story too but I would have to be careful how I broached the subject.
Christoph Fischer
Lovely to see Marjorie here.
I was lucky enough to meet her at one of those bloggers bashes in London and she was just as wonderful then.
Hugs all around !
dgkaye
Thanks Christoph. And yes, I do remember when you got to meet Marje at the Bash. What a great community! <3
Marje
Hi Christof, what a sweet comment, I’m really touched. It was lovely to meet you too at the Bloggers Bash. Hopefully one day when we escape lockdown we can do so again. Take care, Hugs to you, x
Deborah Jay
What a fascinating family background Marjorie has, it’s little wonder she is creative.
Mr Sagittarius is a fascinating format – I’d love to know how easy it was to publish with lots of photographs, especially if there is a print version.
dgkaye
Thanks so much Deb for visiting. I’m sure Marje will be happy to tell you about publishing with photos. <3
Marje
Hi Deb, Thank you for your interest. Yes there is a full colour paperback. The photography was tricky so I hired Rachael Ritchey to work on my formatting for me. She did a fabulous job.
lisa thomson
Nice interview, Deb! Nice to meet you, Marje. Your book sounds sweet and inspiring. Congratulations on the release! Can I ask the inspiration behind the title? Is it the name of one of the poems? I’m soooo curious. I love it. Off to check out your links. Thanks for sharing Marje here, Deb and for another wonderful author Q & A.
dgkaye
Hi Lis. Thanks bunches for dropping by. Marje is quite magical for sure. Happy to introduce you to her and her writing. <3
Marje
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your kind comment and interest. The inspiration behind the title was: an interest in the zodiac, the male central character – Mr. Sagittarius loves the botanical gardens in Cambridge, His magical story is interwoven amongst the poetry, photography and short stories to create a story within a story 🙂
Vashti Q
Hi, Debby! I loved the excerpt from Marje’s book, poem and all! I also enjoyed the Q&A, reading about how writing changed her and about Marje’s fascinating parents. Great post! 😀 xo
dgkaye
Thanks so much Vashti. Marje will be delighted to read this. <3
Marje
Thank you for your kind comment Vashti. Thrilled you enjoyed the interview and excerpt. 🙂