By now, M.A. Church should be a familiar face, right? Not surprising! She's both a friend and a fellow
author and she's my co-author for the Moonlit Skies series. Today she's talking about the third book in her Gods series with Dreamspinner. And before we get to that, I was lucky enough to interview Morpheus, from Pure! How lucky can one person get? Well, get yourself a drink, fasten your seatbelt, and let's see what the God of Dreams has to say.But first, I'm going to find us something worthy of the gods to drink!
Interview with Mo
Ah, the things I do for my readers! Today, I have packed my
bags and traveled across the country for an interview with a god. Yes, you
heard me correctly. I’m interviewing one of the gods. Morpheus, to be precise,
the god of dreams. He’s also known as Mo. And he’s one of the stars of M.A.
Church’s series, The Gods, at Dreamspinner Press.
But I digress.
Here I am in Las Vegas. Ironic, as I don’t gamble. Mo has
sent me the address of the Palms, and the mini-penthouse where he and Zygi live.
I find a cabby who seems very friendly, and only two hours later, here I am,
knocking on the door, running over various salutations in my head. How does one
address a god? Hello god seems too informal, Mr. God too inane. Dear God,
maybe? Or your godness?
I suspect he’ll let me know. I lift my hand to knock again
when the door opens, almost of its own volition.
Mo: Well hello, Ms.
Julie! Come on in. *blush* Hope you don’t mind, but Zygi’s making cookies. We
thought you might like something to eat while we do this.
Isn’t he so sweet? I enter this fabulous place, but I barely
notice the trappings. My attention is focused on this most ungodlike man before
me.
“Of course I don’t’ mind. Cookies?” I take an appreciative
sniff. Something good is indeed wafting from what I presume is the kitchen. “Do
I smell chocolate?” I dare to hope before turning my attention back to my host.
“Um, do you mind if I call you Mo?” I ask on impulse. It seems the natural
thing to do. I have to confess, I thought he would be bigger, perhaps because
the image of most of the gods is that of very muscled men.
Mo: Of course, I don’t mind! Everyone calls me Mo. Good
grief, Zeus would not be happy if
folks were calling me by my real name. Besides, I like Mo. That’s what Zygi
calls me. And speaking of my mate, he’s making chocolate chip cookies for us to
nibble on while we talk. Hope that’s okay. He said he was in the mood for
something sweet. He’s teaching me to cook, did you know that?
“No, I didn’t know that. I love to cook myself. I hope you
enjoy it.” I reach into my purse and pull out my voice recorder. “Mind if I use
this? It’s a lot easier than taking notes. And certainly more reliable than my
memory.” I laugh. “Just tell me where
you want me to go and where you want to do this? Did I say thank you for
allowing me to interview you? Especially on such short notice. Michelle’s so
busy and I have so much going on, it’s sometimes hard to coordinate our
schedules.” I glance around me as I speak. “Your home is very lovely. So’s the
whole hotel, for that matter.”
Mo: *blush* Zygi’s method of teaching me to cook is… very
fun. And I don’t mind if you use a voice recorder. Whatever’s easiest for you,
and thank you. This was Zygi’s place but I’ve made a few improvements’ since I
moved in. *looks around* Well, I guess we could sit right here at the bar. I’m
ah… I don’t really understand that first part. Am I supposed to tell you to go
somewhere?
I see that Mo takes things very literally. I’ll have to
watch what I say. “I just meant where do you want me to park... I mean sit?” I
offer him a smile, as I plant myself on one of the barstools. And set the voice
recorder before me, turning it out. “I’m
guessing Vegas is a far cry from Mount Olympus. Tell us how you ended up here?”
Mo: I came to visit Cupid. *grin* Well okay, I did have a
reason for the visit. I’d found Zygi in his dreams and wanted to meet him. I
knew he was my mate. Since Zygi’s friends with Cupid’s mate—Cupid goes by Cam
in human form—I figured this was the best way. Cam did introduce me to Zygi
after I told him there was a human I was interested in. Cam also helped me
learn to act more human. Outside of dreams, I didn’t have much interaction with
humans. *shrugs* Sometimes I still don’t understand all their slang. And let’s
be honest, Zygi’s an intimidating man, among other things.
I can’t help but release a sigh. “That’s so romantic. I
mean, knowing who your mate is, and everything. I wish it was that easy for
humans. I don’t suppose you have any unattached gods running around looking for
a mate?” I can’t believe I just said that. I clear my throat and start again.
“How does this mate thing work? Is it like a visible red string that literally
ties you to that special someone? Or is it a feeling in your heart when you
find that certain person, or what?”
Mo: *laughs* I don’t think you’d be interested in most of
the gods. They tend to be a little arrogant and self-centered. Some, like Ares,
can truly be a pain in the ass.
Knowing who your mate is… It’s like this feeling comes over
you—there’s this sense of rightness. Once you see that person, no one else
attracts you. They are the only one for you. There’s this need to be near them,
always. That part of you that’s always searching is finally settled. *shrug*
You just know. *bounces a little on the bar stool* Oh good! Zygi is done with
the cookies. *sigh* Isn’t he just the greatest?
Zygi? This is Ms. Julie. She’s doing the interview. Ms.
Julie? This is my mate, Zygi.
Zygi: *nods to Ms. Julie* Nice to meet you. Hope you like
chocolate chip cookies. Would you like something to drink with that?
Mo: *big grin* What about milk? That’s really good with cookies! I like to dip the cookie in the milk then
eat them.
Zygi: And he makes a big mess every time. *winks at Mo* Of
course, I enjoy cleaning my boy up too. Now that’s fun.
I can’t help it. My mind goes places it probably shouldn’t,
but Hell, he said it, how can I not think it? And after all, it’s what I do,
write about men in love. Naked men in love. Oh my. I barely keep myself from
asking can I watch, but I do.
Instead, I demurely reply, “I’m sure it is. Milk would be
wonderful. My daughter and I drink it with every meal. It’s nice to meet you,
Zygi. Thanks for letting me come here today. And for the record, I love chocolate chip cookies. I take it
you agree with what Mo was saying about knowing your mate. Did you feel the
same way first time you saw Mo?”
Zygi: *takes a cookie and bites into it* I was attracted to
him, very much so. I was actually surprised when I felt the urge to… You do
know that I’m a Dom, right? That Mo is my submissive? This doesn’t come as a
shock to you, I hope.
Anyway, I wanted to see my collar on him, which surprised
me. I hadn’t felt that way for a long time. But no, I didn’t know about this
mate stuff or that he was a god. And the way I found out wasn’t exactly… Well,
let’s just say I wasn’t happy with the situation.
Mo: Ha! That’s an understatement.
Zygi: You’re right. *takes Mo’s hand* But Cam talked to me
and I begin to see things in a different light.
Mo: *looks at Ms. Julie* Zygi and Cam are both… shall we
say… strong-willed. *nibbles on a cookie*
Zygi: More like Cam’s a smartass. *snort* You humans have no
idea what a smartass he is, but I sure found out. But, to be fair, the things
he said… I deserved. And it got my attention.
“Oh yes,” I hasten to assure him. “Michelle told me, so no,
it’s not a shock. I’ve learned a lot since I became friends with her, actually.
What exactly does it mean to want someone to wear your collar? Is it like a
mark of ownership, or something? And I mean in a good way? Are there bad doms
and good doms? How do you know if you’re a dom or a sub? I mean, are there
signs? Can you switch? Have you ever wanted to switch? I hope I’m not asking
too many questions.”
Zygi: Well yes, it’s a mark of ownership but also visible
proof that Mo is mine. To other Dom’s it’s warning that this sub is taken. I
think subs also like having that collar, that mark of ownership.
Mo: *fiddles with his collar* Yes. I like that people can
see it and those that know what it means, know I belong to someone.
Zygi: And of course there are bad Dom’s just like there are
bad people in the world. I knew early on that I was a Dom. I like the power
play, the sense of making someone submit to me. And no, I don’t switch. Never
wanted to.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but being a Dom isn’t an
indication of strength and power, per se, is it? Just as being a submissive
isn’t about being weak? I mean, look at Mo. He’s a god, for God’s sake. No pun
intended,” I hastily add. “So I would think a good Dom would make his sub feel
protected and loved, but they would be equal in one another’s eyes. Do I have
that right?” I look between the two men, and I can’t help but feel the love
between them. It’s very heartwarming.
Zygi: To be honest, the sub is the one with the power.
Everything revolves around him and his needs. Not all subs are in a steady
relationship, so love isn’t part of that.
Mo: But we are and being loved is very much part of what we
do. I do feel protected, but I’m also capable of taking care of myself. Zygi
gives me what I need, and part of that is his love.
Zygi: And my hand to his ass when I think he needs it too.
Mo: *blush* Sometimes that feels really good. Other times,
not so much. *dips a cookie in his milk*
Zygi: *checks watch* Hate to say it, but we need to wrap
this up. We’re meeting Jeff and Cam later at Rain.
I finish the cookie in my hand and reach for another. I
can’t seem to help myself, they are delicious. And the milk tastes great with
them, just like Zygi said. “So ultimately it’s a matter of respect for one
another? About setting and maintaining agreed boundaries, and working together
at the relationship? Do you have any words of advice for potential partners,
particularly doms and subs?”
Zygi: Just be careful and make sure you know what you’re
getting into.
Mo: And always let someone you trust know where you are if
it’s a new person you’re playing with. Thanks, Ms. Julie. I’ve really enjoyed
this. *stands*
Zygi: You’re welcome any time, too.
I turn off my recorder and place it back in my purse, before
hugging Mo and Zygi good-bye. “Thanks very much for all your help. And if
you’re ever in St. Louis, look me up. Or if you’re in Atlanta in October,
you’ll find me and Michelle there, at GRL. I think you’d have fun.
I take my leave, heading down the elevator. I resist
stopping in to the casino, but the temptation is there. As I’m going through
the lobby, a blond catches my eye, the sort you could never miss, not in a
crowd. He gives me a wink and a nod, but before I can respond, he’s gone. I
smile to myself as I leave the hotel and jump into the nearest cab. “Airport,
please.” I lean back in the seat and relax. It’s been a good day.
Morpheus,
god of dreams
Hey, everyone! Pure is the final book in The Gods
series and will be released June 12th by Dreamspinner. This is a series
about love, gods, and the issues all three couples in it face.
Book three is about
Zygi and Mo, otherwise known as Morpheus, god of dreams. Zygi is a dom who is
tired of the endless scenes. Mo is a sweet, shy god who wants nothing more than
to be loved for who he is.
While the couple battle
through several issues, there are Zeus and Ares, both of whom have their own
reasons to break up the couple … and things come to a head in the worst way.
Can Zygi accept the god of dreams? Or will he turn his back on the lovable
Morpheus?
According to Greek
mythology, who was Morpheus?
Morpheus was one of the primeval gods, descended from Nyx, the dark goddess of
night who was the mother of everything mysterious and anything that was
inexplicable—such as death, disease, dreams, ghosts, dreams, witchcraft, and
enchantments. The drug Morphine which, as a side effect, can cause hallucinations,
was named after Morpheus. Morpheus was the eldest son of Hypnos, the God of
sleep. Morpheus had the ability to take on
the appearance of a mortal in dreams. He was the god who relayed messages from
the gods and prophecies of the future.
Symbols of Morpheus
The symbols of Morpheus were wings and poppies. These are often featured in
depictions of the god of dreams. According to Greek mythology, there was a
garden of poppies at the entrance of his palace in the Underworld. Poppies
symbolized death, eternal sleep, and oblivion. The hypnotic properties of the
poppy plant have long been used to treat insomnia, allowing sleep to people who
have trouble sleeping.
Blurb:
Zygi Wyatt is an
intimidating dom, but he yearns for love just like the next man. However,
finding a partner who isn’t scared of his size is no easy task. The easygoing
Mo seems like the answer to his prayers.
Love is the stuff of
dreams. Ask the god Morpheus—he knows all about it. Mo wants Zygi in a forever
kind of way, but he has to be sure of Zygi’s love before he claims him for his
mate and reveals his true self.
Unfortunately, Zeus is
growing increasingly unhappy with Morpheus, and Ares is determined to throw a
monkey wrench into everything. Zygi and Mo will have to brave the wrath of the
gods to make their dreams come true.
Excerpt:
“Zygi.” Mo was breathing heavily. “Can
we go, please?”
“Where do you want to go?”
Heavy-eyed and breathless, Mo struggled
to speak. “My place, your place—I don’t care. I just want to go… somewhere
private. Can we go to your home? Can we do that?”
“Look at me,” Zygi demanded, his voice
low. “What exactly are you saying? I need to be absolutely sure I know what you
want. Are you asking me to take you to bed?”
“I—I… can we just play? Explore some
more? Please?”
“But not go all the way, right? You’re
not ready to fuck.”
Mo wanted to beat his head against the
thick ice table. He couldn’t go to
bed with Zygi until the man knew who Mo was. He wouldn’t give his virginity to
anyone but his mate. Zygi had to know, to understand that, before Mo went to
bed with him. Zygi would need to claim him when he made love to him that first
time. He needed Zygi to look in his eyes and say the words “mine” as his dick
traveled up his channel.
“I’m sorry, Zygi, I’m not—I’m not ready,
yet. But I want you to take me to bed, that awesome bed of yours, and play.”
Zygi set a new record getting their
heavy coats off and pulling Mo out of the bar. Mo was impressed. He had no idea
such a big man could move so fast. In no time flat, Zygi had him in his truck,
buckled in, and on the way to the casino. The drive was silent except for a few
moans from Mo. Once Zygi parked, Mo scrambled out of the truck. Zygi waited for
him, and they walked to the elevator together. As soon as the door slid shut,
Zygi pulled the remote from his pocket and held it up for Mo to see. Zygi made
Mo watch as the remote was switched on low again. With a soft gasp, Mo grabbed
hold of the railing and shot Zygi a desperate look.
Zygi kept the vibrations on low so Mo
could handle it, but Mo still watched the floors change with an urgency that
had Zygi chuckling. After a few seconds, he shut the plug off, and Mo sighed.
As soon as they were through the front door of his penthouse, Zygi guided Mo
straight back to the bedroom with a persistent hand to his back. As they walked
through the bedroom door, Zygi turned the plug on to a higher setting.
“You remember your safewords?”
“Aaah, yes. ‘Yellow’ to slow down and ‘red’
to stop.” Mo jerked from the vibrations.
“Right. Use them only if you need to.”
Zygi laid the remote on a nearby table. “Strip, now.”
Author
bio: M.A. Church
M.A. Church lives in
the southern United States and spent many years in the elementary education
sector. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two
children. Her hobbies are gardening, walking, attending flea markets, watching
professional football, racing, and spending time with her family on the lake.
But her most beloved
hobby is reading. From an early age, she can remember hunting for books at the
library. Later nonhuman and science fiction genres captured her attention and
drew her into the worlds the authors had created. But always at the back of her
mind was the thought that one day, when the kids were older and she had more
time, she would write a book.
By sheer chance she
stumbled across a gay male romance story on the web and was hooked. A new world
opened up and she fell in love. Thus the journey started. When not writing or
researching, she enjoys reading the latest erotic and mainstream romance
novels.
My
links:
Twitter @nomoretears00
A pleasure, as always, Michelle! Come back again soon!
.JPG)
.JPG)
