Now that I have achieved some modest success, I feel it's time to recognize those who exerted the greatest influence on me and my writing. Without them, chances are there would be no Gwynn Morgan books today.

James L. "Jim" Walton
If I were ever to need a reason or an inspiration to write romance, it was given to me by the love of my life, my partner, best friend and soul mate. His untimely and unexpected passing left a huge hole in my world but I honor our bond by marching on and doing my best to continue and complete projects we had planned, shared and dreamed of. Among these are books we were collaborating on as well as tales of my own. The Copper Stars series is a special tribute.

Our love story was a simple tale. When as a new graduate, I joined the ranks of the employed, I soon found my princely salary ($8,098 per year!) didn't go as far as I had imagined. With a new Ford Pinto to pay for, I moved from Sierra Vista to Bisbee, Arizona, a declining little copper camp town where housing was cheaper. The day I moved in, I was greeted by a little girl wearing her cat across her shoulders like a fur stole. (Poor patient cat!) "Hi," she said. "I'm Jennifer. I live next door."

A few months later after the untimely death of her mother, Jennifer decided I would do for a replacement. Perhaps she later came to regret this decision, but once the wheels were in motion it was too late to undo! "The cop next door" and I discovered one another. We found we had many interests in common and then that magic known as "chemistry" kicked in to fuel the attraction. A whirlwind summer courtship led to marriage and an enduring partnership, touched with the wonder that makes fairy-tale nobility out of ordinary people, the magic of love. Whimsy and complex Celtic humor kept us on our toes, joking and lovingly teasing each other for thirty two and a half years. As I write this, it is the thirty-third anniversary of our first date.

Jim Walton was one who aroused strong feelings in everyone he met. Many loved him, a few hated him, but no one ignored or readily forgot him. As a police officer and Scout Master, he worked with youth. As a Marine and a "cop", he knew danger and hardships, saw the worst in humans and their interrelations, but never lost his love for humanity or his fascination with the extremes of sublimity and depravity to which they could go. All that fueled his urge to tell tales. He called himself "Sceali" which in old Gaelic is a sort of bard, one who tells tales and carries on the oral history. As a Celt-mainly Scot-- he had a vivid imagination and a way with words, a love for music and beauty and the world around him.

The tie between us was severed on November 10, 2003. Since then I often feel a good half of me has gone missing, but I also know this will be only a temporary separation. We have been together before and we will be together again. Thus I can endure for now. Strangely, Jim was accompanied on his journey to the beyond by Butch, our little dog, whose life ended the same day. This was a double blow to me, for as a male dog, Butch was 'my' little canine boy, but it was also a comfort since I knew they were together. Sadie, who had been Jim's dog, remains with me.

My "Old Bear" called himself my biggest fan. At 6'4" and over 200 pounds, he found few to dispute that title. Go in peace and beauty, My Dearest One, and know your memory will be with me always. My Hero, my Love, my Marine…

This is the last picture of us together, just over a month before the final parting. We were at Jim's 55th high school class reunion and everyone was having a great time. Later I was so very glad we were able to attend this event although at the time I had no clue it would be one of the last social events we'd share.

Charles Morgan and Margaret Witt Morgan
My parents encouraged me in many ways. By example, since they were both writers, and in word and deed as I began to develop my own talent. They passed to me the writing bug, which bit early and hard. They also taught me a great deal more and started me off on a life of discovery and adventure which I translate into my books. Both are gone now but I hope they are proud of my work. Mom called herself my first fan; it was she who praised my first little verse when I was eight-I later learned she'd written her first poem at the same age! Dad had the Irish gift for gab, fearlessly and unabashedly told the wildest tales he could imagine, and used words like bludgeons, scalpels, and a whole kit of tools.

They met and married during the early days of World War II and I was an early baby-boom child, the first of three they produced. I owe my love of the southwest to the fact they moved to Arizona when I was a toddler and raised me in the beautiful Verde Valley which is an area touched with special magic. My chosen pseudonym honors my paternal family line (Morgan) and I hope to recognize my mother's Kentucky heritage in a future novel set in the pioneer days in that state during which her family settled there.

Here are my parents. It is hard to imagine they were once this young, love and happiness shining from their faces. Life was not always kind to them but the love remained and that example added to my faith in love as "powerful medicine" with its own unique and wonderful magic.

Three Teachers
Three English/Communication teachers at Mingus Union High encouraged me, recognized my interest in writing, and nurtured it as they could. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I wish I could do so in person and could provide their likenesses here. At least one is now long dead; one still among the living and about the third I do not know, but to Blanche Rayle, Ernest Gabrielson and James McLarney, my thanks and I hope your pupil's efforts make you proud.

Rosalie Shambra Whiteman
Finally I have to mention a dear friend, one who helped many aspiring writers along in their careers, often to the neglect of her own. Rosalie was a petite bundle of energy and emotion. Although never an elected officer, she was one of the driving forces of Outreach International Chapter of RWA. Much of the chapter's "Networking by Mail" program is the product of her creative energies and efforts. Cancer took her in 2002 with one long paranormal/historical manuscript not quite completed. Efforts are in progress to get this published for her, but the success of that endeavor is yet unknown. Rosalie was one of my first critique partners and she taught me a great deal. My first book, Powerful Medicine, owes much to her wisdom and suggestions. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

There are many others, mostly still very much alive, who have helped and supported me. I cannot name them all, but I think most of them know who they are and I hope they also know that I cherish their friendship and deeply appreciate their support, suggestions, and emotional sustenance! I must at least mention two, however. Sheila Seabrook designed and created my web site, making it an original and unique work of art. I know there is no other like it anywhere! Thank you Sheila. Now it is being carried on and enhanced by Tina Pavlik, whose patience with my quirks borders on the saintly. May God bless you all and may the good karma circle back to boost your careers. The community of women's fiction authors is better that each of you is a part of it.

Last but not least, thanks to my readers and fans. Your pleasure in my words is the frosting on the cake for me. I'd write if no one ever read a word; I cannot help that! But to know my words and stories touch someone's heart, maybe lighten a dark day or make you laugh or cry-that is a blessing beyond almost all save love itself. Thank you for sharing some of your feelings with me and please keep reading!