Interview with Cecily Magnon

Published 2015-05-01.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story that stuck with me was VC Andrews, Flowers in the Attic. Holy moly! I can't believe I read that when I was like 11 or 12 years old. I remember, I could not get that story out of my head. I lived in that book and I felt like I was there feeling all the same hurts and anguish as the kids.

That book made me feel emotions that a movie could not have elicited out of me and that's when it really dawned on me that the power of carefully crafted words is like no other. Books can bring you joy, love, happiness, and then at the turn of a page, bring you to tears and sadness.
What do you read for pleasure?
I love reading fantasy/paranormal fiction. I find that even the toughest subject matter becomes a little bit easier to swallow when it is steeped in magic and mayhem.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I consider my iPad one of my closest friends.
When did you first start writing?
My earlier writings were contained within the pages of my private diaries and journals. As most little girls, I had one with the cute little heart shaped lock. When I grew out of that, I still kept notebooks where I would just jot down random thoughts or my most painful moments. My journals were my tools to unload all the angst I felt. It was a safe place for me to figure things out. I continue to journal until today.

It wasn't until I was in high school when I started dabbling in writing stories and I found that I really enjoyed it. But unfortunately, writing stories was not an "academic priority" and it wasn't something that I fostered. I gotta say, I have regrets about that and I wish that I had kept writing. I didn't pick up story writing again until 2012. (Big sigh...) A part of me feels like I lost a friend during all those years that I wasn't writing stories. I've found her again and it feels so much better :)
Describe your desk
My Yoda Bobblehead is sitting smack dab in the middle of my monitor. I feel like he watches me sometimes... "Write you must," he says and I try to ignore him. But then I move wrong and my knee hits the inside of my desk and he starts to bobble and I take that as a sign to get back and start writing.

Besides Yoda, I also have two containers, full of pens, markers, highlighters, and pencils. I have a lamp, pics of my kids, lip gloss, and a snack drawer :) I kinda want to get one of those mini-fridges, but then I may never leave my desk.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
My best friend. She's a writer/author too. She sparked my dream of writing again. I didn't think it would be possible to write a whole book by myself, but she gave me the courage to do it and indie publishing was the best avenue to make the dream come alive and actually see an e-book/book with my name on it. It's an awesome feeling.

I gotta say that being an indie author has been one of the biggest accomplishments I am proud to have under my belt. I love writing and I would encourage anyone who has the same dream, to take that leap of faith and self-publish.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love seeing a story come together. I'm a pantser. I don't outline and when I'm in the zone and the story is coming out hard and fast, I often find myself surprised by what is coming out. I've caught myself a few times saying, "oh my god, whaaat?!" Like, I am so surprised at what some of these characters are getting themselves into.

But, even better than seeing the story develop, is hearing from readers that they enjoyed the story and they're wondering what's going to happen next, and that they 'get' a character. It's such an incredible feeling, I can't even describe it. It touches something so special in my heart that can only be described as bliss. It's a blissful feeling. THANK YOU READERS!!
What do your fans mean to you?
Fans give me the courage to do what I do. Fans give me the drive to keep going. Every bit of positive energy that is shared with me through the encouraging words of the fans -- priceless. What do fans mean to me? They mean everything to me and words can't express the gratitude I truly feel. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords is awesome! It's a great platform to work in and makes distribution so easy. Imagine submitting your work to just one place and when the review process is done, your work magically appears at the other places like iTunes and B&N! Plus, Mark Coker, founder of Smashwords provides several great books for FREE to get us indies started on the right path.
Who are your favorite authors?
1. Nancy Brooks
2. JK Rowling
3. Anne Rice
4. VC Andrews
5. Lara Adrian
What are you working on next?
Tempest Dawn is with my editor and I hope to get that published in the next few months. I'm currently working on Midnight Rain which will conclude the Order of the Anakim series. I'm also collecting ideas for a serial I want to put together.
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Books by This Author

Midnight Rain: The Order of the Anakim
Series: The Order of the Anakim. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 87,490. Language: English. Published: August 31, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Urban, Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
If you're a fan of good vs. evil, The Order of the Anakim series is for you. Midnight Rain is the fifth installment in the series and is promised to keep you turning the pages. The demons are gaining hold and The Order must be prepared to do whatever it takes to protect their city. Prepare to stay up past your bedtime to get your fill of this packed urban fantasy drama.
Tempest Dawn:The Order of the Anakim
Series: The Order of the Anakim. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 83,310. Language: English. Published: March 30, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Urban, Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
Since the time of the Nephilim, The Order has been the stronghold that have kept the demons at bay. Help is desperately needed when faith and hope are crippled when the demons trample The Order's beloved city of San Francisco. Can The Order overcome mounting challenges? Tempest Dawn is the fourth installment in the Order of the Anakim series, and will take urban fantasy fans on an emotional ride.
Dark Skies: Order of the Anakim
Series: The Order of the Anakim. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 77,530. Language: American English. Published: June 10, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Fantasy » Urban
Elysa's passion is lured by a wicked voice as a gathering gloom hangs heavy over The Order of the Anakim's mystic realm. The demon hordes are measuring a final deathblow in their age-old struggle and step by step the demons conjure their way toward complete domination.
Gathering Storm: The Order of the Anakim
Series: The Order of the Anakim, Book 2. Price: Free! Words: 76,780. Language: English. Published: May 17, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
Battle lines are revealed between ancient enemies that have been cloaked in bygone magick and traditions. The Order of the Anakim will reveal to Elysa a world beyond her imagination; her proud Anakim lineage, mystic powers, and a new passion to burn through the ages…
Prelude to a Storm
Series: The Order of the Anakim, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 11,600. Language: English. Published: May 5, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Urban, Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
Sarah Amalfi and her best friend Samantha are headed to Tijuana looking for some summer fun after their high school graduation, but there’s something far more sinister looming over this road trip than an innocent shopping trip at Tijuana’s famous market place... The truth comes hard and fast in this riveting prequel to the romantic supernatural awakening of Gathering Storm!