Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Ayden. By day, I’m a contemporary romance and New Adult fantasy author. By night, I’m a 911 Dispatch Supervisor. I spend my time leading a team of dispatchers as they watch over our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. When I’m not working or writing, I spend my time reading, hiking, watching hockey, and building a Spork Army.
I’ve published fifteen books since 2012, primarily in the contemporary romance genre.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest series is a trio of novellas – Devour Me, Destroy Me, and Defend Me. The series features Roman Gregory, an ATF agent who finds himself hiding out in Santa Cruz after killing a gang member in Los Angeles. While there, the intense attraction between him and his daughter’s twenty-two year old best friend boils over, forcing him to confront the powerful feelings he’s spent four long years trying to deny.
To keep her in his life, he’ll make choices he never could have expected. With a dangerous gang gunning for him, and a cartel war brewing, that’s easier said that done. When Mila’s life is threatened, Roman will break every rule in the book to keep the gorgeous little blonde safe and to secure his future with her.
Roman appears in the final book in the Teplo Trilogy, and this series started as a way for me to get to know more about him. As an undergrad, I spent some time researching drug cartels and their connections to street gangs. His story was so tied to that research, I had to finish it! It’s insane how far cartels are willing to go to expand their territory!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write almost everything by hand and then type it up. I have an unhealthy obsession with colorful gel pens, so everything I write is brightly colored and messy as heck!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! I grew up reading Patricia Cornwell and John Grisham. I love how Patricia Cornwell dives into the lives of characters in the Criminal Justice field. It really is a different, dangerous world out there for law enforcement officers. I appreciate any author who understands that and brings that reality to life.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently completing the third and final book in the Teplo Trilogy, Rapture. In this book, Roman Gregory teams up with Tristan Riley to help him save his ballerina and stop a cartel war. It’s gritty and a little dark at times, but I’m so excited to see these two teaming up to take on the cartel that’s made both of their lives miserable!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Presence, presence, presence! If people don’t know your books exist, they aren’t going to buy them. Advertise where the people are (Facebook, Amazon, newsletters), and do so consistently. It’s also super important to connect with your audience. Let them get to know who you are and build relationships with them!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! You’re going to have days where you think you’re the most terrible author on the planet. You’re going to have days where you wonder if you’re wasting your time. You’re going to ask yourself if being a writer is worth the hassle. Fight through the doubts and keep going!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Appreciate the heck out of reviewers, but don’t read your book reviews! They aren’t for you, they’re for readers. They will inevitably make you doubt yourself.
What are you reading now?
I just finished The Grumpy Hero by Ethan Mawyer. It was great and made me laugh out loud so many times. Next on my list is Overture by Skye Warren. I’m really looking forward to this one!
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish Rapture, I’ll be working on a series of standalone novels featuring some of the officers and federal agents readers met in previous books. Michael Kincaid’s story (Fight for You) is first. His story is so emotional and powerful. I have a feeling I’m going to cry my way through writing it!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Can I count the Wizard of Oz collection as one book? Please say yes. 
I’d also bring Candide by Voltaire, because it’s my all-time favorite. I love any and everything by J.M. Darhower or Melanie Moreland, so I have to bring something by one of them. And Wizard and Glass by Stephen King. I’d also bring along a How-To Guide on surviving. Because, let’s face it, I know nothing about building shelter.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ayden K. Morgen Website
Ayden K. Morgen Amazon Profile
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