SPOTLIGHT ON BUZZ GUEST(S) MORPHEUS, INC. YA'LL! AUTHOR(S) OF THE VIVID DREAMER! LET'S GENERATE A BUZZ!!

My BUZZ GUEST today is MORPHEUS, INC! 

THE VIVID DREAMER by MORPHEUS, INC. is seeking representation at the moment.  In Morpheus, Inc.'s own words “THE VIVID DREAMER is a complete novel in and of itself, but there are short stories that are dream sequences within the overall novel.”      

You can find MORPHEUS, INC., at:
Twitter/Instagram -> @MorpheusWriters
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/MorpheusWriters/

MORPHEUS, INC., has taken the time to answer some BUZZ GUEST questions: 

1. What drew you to writing?  Kurt Wagner: I couldn’t help it.  Characters and stories kept leaping around in my mind and wouldn’t quiet down until I put them on paper. Suzanne: I stumbled onto it. I loved writing songs and spoken word poetry (but that was before I even knew what Spoken Word Poetry was) and that passion grew into stories. Now, I can’t seem to turn it off. I’ll be in a random place and have to stop to furiously write down a new twist or an entirely different story idea; Jason: When I was really young I was obsessed with my favorite books, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc. I read them over and over and over again until the books were worn out and well-traveled. When I got older, I thought about creating my own stories to see if I could replicate that same magical infatuation that I had for my favorite books. I wanted to help other readers get hooked on the creativity and beauty of a story. Sean:  Stories. I was raised a film buff. I always liked to hear stories that other people had and I loved telling them myself. That drove me into journalism, where I worked at a paper for a bit. I eventually found myself drawn to the fantastic tales I consumed in my youth and began the path of the fiction writer.

1. What have you learned in between? Kurt Wagner: I am more aware of techniques for improving the pacing while maintaining the integrity of the story. Suzanne: Community is so important and social media is a great way to connect with other artists and authors so we can mutually support each other. Jason: I have learned that nothing you first write is perfect, and it shouldn’t be. You have only started your story when you finish a first draft. Afterwards, through hours of meticulous and tedious work you need to edit, revise, and change your story so that the end product is something amazing. Only then am I satisfied with my creation.

 

1. Do you prefer creating short stories, or novels?  Kurt Wagner: I write both.  The Vivid Dreamer is a novel made up of dream sequences, each of which is its own independent short story. Suzanne: I create both. The Vivid Dreamer is individual dream sequences that are held together by an overarching theme and story of its own. Using short stories as a catalyst for creating and finishing content was a great way of tricking myself into completing a novel. The Vivid Dreamer is the first piece of writing I’ve finished, but it won’t be the last.  Sean: That's a real toss-up. Growing up with fantasy and sci-fi, I've always been drawn to huge worlds with expansive histories, something that the novel can do very well. But also growing up as a film enthusiast, I admired poignant tales told with brevity. So I like both. Lately, though, I've been into short stories, as I've had a lot of ideas bouncing around my skull.

1. What Genre do you write and why? Kurt Wagner: My default is fantasy, sci-fi, but I’ve been working to explore other genres and add to my “tool belt” of writing styles and techniques. Suzanne: I currently write science fiction and fantasy, but I have a wonderful outline for a young adult fiction novel with a dash of post-apocalyptic and dystopia. I write science fiction and fantasy in general because I believe that truly anything is possible and the worlds I create reflect that wonder. Jason: I usually write stories pertaining to adventure and fantasy because that is what I love to read. I want to make a story that can pull readers away from reality and enable them to let their imaginations loose.  Sean:  Typically, I write sci-fi. It's my favorite genre in many aspects. But like the others, I've been making attempts to grow as a writer and explore other categories. Though honestly, I think there should be more blending of genres. Why can't speculative sci-fi and literary fiction exist in the same space?

 

1. Can you pick a favorite line from your latest work (or the work being highlighted) and tell us why this is your favorite? Kurt Wagner: "Dreamers are gods of their own realities.  While they sleep, they create, shape, and destroy entire worlds in a fraction of the time it took the gods of old.”  I like this line because it reflects my own philosophy of our lives and our reality.  We have a great deal more control over our world than most of us realize.  It is up to us to make it what we want.  Suzanne: “This proved to be far more challenging than previously estimated because, for some inexplicable reason, many of the thought organs thoroughly objected to being removed from their various shells.” Universal Brain Trust of The Vivid Dreamer. This is my favorite because of the tone and the ridiculousness of the situation. This is one of our more High Sci-Fi dream sequences and it allows so much freedom of thought (no pun intended).

1. What is next on your current writing agenda?  Kurt Wagner: I actually have several projects in the works.  I have a feature-length screenplay that I’m very close to completing, two young adult fantasy series that are outlined, a mystery/thriller/suspense novel that I’ve started, and a dystopic trilogy. Suzanne: What isn’t next might be a better question. We’re trying to find the right Literary Agent for The Vivid Dreamer and in the mean time we’re editing and revising (some more). We’re also finishing up a script for Sun Dance Film Festival. We’re all signed up for theprose.com to continue improving our poetry skills. We also have our own individual novels that are outlined, just waiting to be fleshed out. Sean: I have a host of works that I'm making progress on. Though my current goal is to work on my short stories so that I can explore multiple ideas and concepts as they come to me.

 

1. What kind of books do you enjoy reading?  Kurt Wagner: Most books- love fantasy, sci-fi, fiction, classics, satire, comic books; Sean: Speculative sci-fi, satire, parody; Suzanne: I love YA novels, as well as fantasy, dystopia and apocalyptic (BUT NO ZOMBIES). 

1. Pick 5 books and tell us why you loved them. Kurt Wagner: Fight Club – Wonderful exploration of man’s struggle for freedom against the walls he has erected for himself.  It questions personal, social, and corporate/governmental conventions and makes the reader think about those conventions for him/herself; Perks of Being a Wallflower – A great look at an ordinary teenager and the trials he endures while growing up.  The story is very real and very down-to-earth, but the feelings and emotions are deep and touching.  You reflect on your own friends and your own childhood and you just want to reach through the pages and hug these characters; The Handmaid’s Tale – Wonderful female protagonist, who challenges authority and questions societal norms.  She is strong with a rich backstory and enduring character; Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – A nonstop ride through the ridiculous nature/ ego of man and his place in the universe.  The writing is witty and quick and funny.  The story aims a mirror at humans and makes us recognize our foibles so we can laugh at them, hopefully examine them, and maybe make a few changes; A Spell for Chameleon – This was my gateway drug into the world of fantasy.  I love the quirky characters and the pun-filled world of magic.  It is irreverent and poignant.  Suzanne: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon because he made me fall in love with the magic of Barcelona and these tragic characters that your heart just breaks for. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho for his vivid imagery and philosophy that really makes you ponder your own philosophies.  The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams because the characters are so honest and real and relatable and wacky. They pull you into their story. It’s unfair to add an entire series, but The Harry Potter Series because of the depth of characters and the ability of JK Rowling to have subtle morals and themes in a Young Adult novel, and have it affect at least 2 generations in such an enormous way. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, one because she’s got a great name, but she captured the way some women view their survival and their feelings.

1. If you could invite any 7 people (cartoon character, famous person, rock band, poet, artist, living or dead) for a day out, or a meal together, who would they be?  Kurt Wagner: Socrates, Hitler, Athena, Dumbledore, Superman (but only if he brought gold kryptonite so I could copy his powers), Lucifer, Mark Twain/ Kurt Vonnegut (both Twain and Vonnegut if Superman is a no show).  Sean: God, Satan, Socrates, Joan of Arc, John Hodgman, Paul F. Tompkins, George Carlin; Suzanne: Minerva McGonagall, Nikola Tesla, Bill Gates, Tony Stark (Iron Man is not invited), Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway, Frida Kahlo. 

1. Are you a positive person, negative, or realistic?  Kurt Wagner: I have my head in the clouds and my feet rooted in reality, which makes me both and neither positive and/ nor negative.  Suzanne: I’m a positive person, that needs reality checks every once in a while. Jason: I would like to think I am a positive person. I believe in order to be happy you have to have a mindset that looks for the good in life.  

 

1. What is your favorite hot beverage? Kurt Wagner: Jade Citrus Mint green tea; Sean: Hot Chocolate Suzanne: Hot Chocolate; Jason: Hot Chocolate

1. What is your favorite meal?  Kurt Wagner: Whichever one I’m currently eating.  Probably my mom’s lasagna; Sean: Pasta; Suzanne: The meal in the afternoon, I eat at weird times, but food always tastes better when the sun’s up.

 

1. Favorite Color? Kurt Wagner: Black; Sean: Blue; Suzanne: Orange; Jason: Green

1. Do you work well under stress?  Kurt Wagner: I hope so since I’m pretty regularly stressed.  Suzanne: Yes, the thrill of beating the deadline and also being creative is exciting instead of stifling. Jason: I do my best work under the right amount of stress.

1. How do you de-stress?  Kurt Wagner: I’ll let you know if I can figure it out. Suzanne: I’m an introvert, so I hide from everyone in my room and Netflix or Pinterest. Jason: Anything from hot showers to stretching to taking a nap.  Sean:  Having a relaxed get-together with a couple friends usually helps me. No pressure, no obligations, just enjoying each other's company.

 

1. Do you enjoy Chocolate? Kurt Wagner: Not so much on its own.  If it is mixed with other things, then I do in small doses.  Suzanne: Yes, please. Jason: Of course!

1. What season most inspires you? Kurt Wagner: I’m a summer creature.  Represents freedom and the height of human possibility to me; Sean: Winter because it’s a time of holidays plus everything is cold and dead.  It’s a great dichotomy. Suzanne: Autumn. Even the name evokes mystery and adventure. Jason: Fall

 

1. What motivates you in life? Kurt Wagner: The quotes - “Life begins when you leave your comfort zone.” “I am the master of my fate.  I am the captain of my soul.”  “If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” Suzanne: I want to always be growing and changing and pushing myself and others to become more of themselves. Sean:  My own dreams and the dreams of others. I feed off good vibes, working together, and the company of others.

1. When you were a child, what did you always want to be when you grew up?  Kurt Wagner: a ninja or spy…I’m still holding out for that.  Suzanne: I was sure I wanted to be a Veterinarian. My first animal science class cleared that up really quick. Jason: Zookeeper.  Sean:  What did any child too excited about Jurassic Park want to be? A paleontologist.

1. Which Harry Potter house would you belong to? Kurt Wagner: on the online surveys I always wind up perfectly split between Gryffindor and Slytherin with Ravenclaw following close behind. Suzanne: Gryffindor or Ravenclaw with a dash of Slytherin. Jason: Ravenclaw.  Sean:  These tests are inherently not very good. But probably Ravenclaw.
   

 
Thank you Morpheus, Inc. for being today’s BUZZ GUEST!  And I too, in my heart of hearts, would like to be a ninja or a spy when I grow up.  Hold onto that dream! 
 
 
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