You’ll find romance in Morgan Mandel’s mysteries, and vice versa, since she loves mixing

genres. She’s an active member of Chicago-North RWA, where she’s served in many capacities,

including president. She was also the library liaison for Midwest Mystery Writers of America,

and belongs to Sisters in Crime and the Electronically Published Internet Connection.

Her latest paranormal romantic thriller is Forever Young: Blessing or Curse, Book One of the Always Young Trilogy,

available in Print, Kindle, Nook, Smashwords and more. Other available novels by Morgan Mandel include the

romantic suspense, Killer Career, the

mystery, Two Wrongs, and the ever

popular reality show romance, Girl of My

Dreams.

Morgan also contributed two short stories to The Corner Café: A Tasty Collection of Short Stories.

Where does your passion for writing come from?
For years I worked as a legal secretary, taking orders. I was also an avid reader. Then I

chanced upon a program by RWA members at my local library. I discovered that authors were real

people, with real lives. Not only that, though they followed directions about formatting and

crafting quality books, ultimately they were their own bosses.

I couldn’t be in control at my day job, but I could be in control of at least one area of my

life. I could write what I wanted, when I wanted. That was over 15 years ago, yet my passion

for writing continues.

If your passion for writing was a color, what color would it be and why?
When writing’s going well, the color’s a serene blue.

When I run into writer’s block or am editing for the umpteenth time, yet still finding errors,

the color turns red.

Writing isn’t always smooth sailing under a clear blue sky, but it’s my passion.

How do you keep the passion burning in your relationship with storytelling?
Online writing groups, such as BBTCafe and DorothyL, plus the semi-monthly meetings of

Chicago-North RWA are wonderful motivators. It’s great to be amongst people with common

interests and goals. Also, every time I attend a writing conference and listen to the guest

speakers, I feel energized and ready to tackle the toughest manuscript.

Still, I have to admit there are times when I’m just not in the mood to write, so I don’t force

myself. I know the urge will come back even stronger later, because it always does. Something

inside compels me to reach out and share my stories with others.

Thanks for hosting me at your blog today, Shonell.

A limp object lay sprawled in the parking lot where Dorrie was to meet her husband. It looked like, no it couldn’t be…

Pulse pounding, she hit the brakes and flung open the door. A few steps, and she stood staring in disbelief at her husband’s still form. That red streak didn’t belong in Larry’s salt and pepper hair, nor should it mar his olive skinned cheeks, and trickle onto his white cotton shirt.

She groped in her purse for the smartphone. Fingers shaking, she dialed 911. “There’s been an accident at the Life is for Living Institute. I need an ambulance. Hurry, please.”

A helpless feeling engulfed her. If only she knew first aid, but in all her fifty-five years, she’d never bothered to learn. She had to do something, but what? Bending down, knees scraping the asphalt, she touched her husband’s hand. “Larry, it’s all right. I’m here.” She wanted to be brave for him, but couldn’t keep her voice from quavering.

He whispered something she couldn’t catch, something about his iPhone.

“I found it on the nightstand, Larry. It’s right here in my purse.”

“Dorrie, I want you to keep it. Something’s…on it,” he gasped.

She bent closer. “I know honey, all those songs and photos. They mean a lot to me, too. Don’t worry, when we get home tonight, we’ll share them together.”

“No, more…Life is for Living isn’t…Forever Young isn’t…”

He struggled to speak, but his voice faded in and out. He probably shouldn’t talk. Where was that ambulance? Her husband needed help.

Larry flashed a weak smile and looked straight into her eyes. “Love ya,” he whispered.

Stifling a sob, she completed the ritual. “Love ya, back.” In their thirty years of marriage, how often had they said those words to each other?

His lips stilled. His hand slackened. His brown eyes stared unseeingly, as his face froze into a smile.

This can’t be happening. Larry, you can’t leave me. It’s too soon.

Blood rushed to her head. Roaring filled her ears. Larry couldn’t be gone. She’d prove it. Dorrie bent to kiss his lips. They felt warm and soft. He must be alive. Soon the ambulance would come, the paramedics would fix him, and he’d be all right.

She glanced again at Larry’s still form. The truth hit, sucking her breath away. She didn’t need a medical examiner to tell her what she could see with her own eyes. Larry had left and would never return. Her stomach convulsed, her chest heaved with sobs.
It shouldn’t end like this, not in the middle of a parking lot. Larry deserved better. So did she.

• Kindle Link
• Amazon Print Link

In the works is Blessing or Curse: A Forever Young Anthology, about others who take the Forever Young pill. Always Young will follow, bringing back the original heroine to close out the trilogy.