Hello Reader. October is here, and it feels like a month made for stories – crisp evenings, golden leaves, and that touch of magic in the air. This year, it’s especially special for me, and I’d love to share a few celebrations with you.
A Decade of Stories
I can hardly believe it, but this month marks my 10-year publiversary. Ten years since I first pressed “publish” and nervously sent my words out into the world. Thank you for being part of that journey – whether you’ve been here from the start or only just joined in, you’ve made this path brighter than I ever imagined.
And speaking of beginnings – it’s also Water Weaver’s birthday this month! That book was the spark that set everything in motion. If you’ve read it, I hope it still holds a special place in your heart, just as it does in mine.
✨ Special Birthday & Publiversary Gift for You ✨
To celebrate both Water Weaver’s birthday and my 10-year publiversary, I have a gift just for you, my newsletter readers. If you send me a quick email, you can choose any book from the Wraidd Elfennol series – or even the entire series – absolutely free. Consider it my way of saying thank you for walking this journey with me.
Anyway, what else has happened since last we spoke? Let me tell you... 💙
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that Ravens and Ruin will be out in the world on 7th October! Writing this book was such a joy, and I can’t wait for you to meet Ewan and Lowri, wander through the shadows with them, and uncover the secrets hidden in the land of Melthkior.
I’m so excited to share this next chapter with you. If you pick it up, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Ewan, Lowri, and the magic that lies between the worlds…
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In a land where gods still whisper through stone and stream, one man’s forbidden gift may be the key to salvation or ruin.
Two years have passed since Harri was crowned King of Melthkior. Though peace holds above, something ancient stirs beneath the earth. When Ewan—the youngest of Arianrhod’s Brodyr Alarch and now General of the Melthkiorian army—unknowingly consumes the flesh of a White Snake, a druidic creature steeped in forbidden magic, he gains the ability to hear the thoughts of beasts, birds, and even the wounded land itself. But such gifts are never freely given.
As shadows gather beneath root and rock, and unrest bleeds through the land, Ewan finds an unlikely ally in Lowri, a healer-warrior of the old ways. Together, they are drawn into a quest shaped by two goddesses known to them: Branwen, mournful and vengeful, and Arianrhod, whose weavings bind fate to flesh. Tasked with three impossible challenges, Ewan must uncover forgotten truths, confront his deepest fears, and navigate the blurred boundary between love and sacrifice.
Ewan and Lowri face a path none have walked before. As the Veil between worlds begins to fray, they must decide whether the power to listen is enough… or if one must speak a truth that could shatter everything.
Ravens and Ruin presents a spellbinding reimagining of The White Snake, weaving together Brothers Grimm folklore and the ancient mythology of Welsh deities. As the penultimate instalment in the Brodyr Alarch series, it continues a sweeping tale of fate, love, and legacy. Sealed with a Curse serves as the unifying thread that binds the series into a single, mythic tapestry.
#Fantasy
#Romance
#WelshGods
#BrodyrAlarch5
#BrothersGrimm
#FairytaleRetelling
October 2025
October has always felt like one of the most magical months of the year for me. I live as a pagan all year round, of course, but there’s something about October that brings those connections into sharper focus. The veil between worlds feels thinner, nature begins to turn inward, and we’re called to gather our strength for the darker half of the year. The changing colours of the leaves, the crisp bite in the air, and the longer evenings seem to invite reflection, storytelling, and just a touch of mystery.
Samhain – or Nos Calan Gaeaf in Wales – is especially meaningful. It marks both an ending and a beginning: a time to honour our ancestors, to celebrate the harvest, and to embrace the mysteries that lie ahead. October holds a beautiful balance of memory and possibility, making it the perfect month to share new stories and revisit old ones.
Here are some dates to keep in mind this October:
- 4th October – World Animal Day 🐾
A day to celebrate and raise awareness for the welfare of animals across the world.
- 7th October – Full Hunter’s Moon 🌕
October’s full moon is traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon, linked with gathering, hunting, and preparing for the winter ahead. For me, it carries a deeper resonance – a moment to reflect on what I’ve harvested from the year so far and what I need to release before stepping into winter’s stillness. Rising large and golden, the Hunter’s Moon reminds us of cycles of renewal and the balance between light and shadow. It’s a beautiful time for gratitude, letting go, and setting intentions for the months ahead.
- 13th–19th October – Iris Prize Film Festival (Cardiff) 🎬
Cardiff comes alive with stories, film, and celebration at this internationally acclaimed LGBTQ+ film festival. With world premieres, features, shorts, Q&As, and red-carpet events, Iris is more than a festival – it’s a family.
- 16th–18th October – Sŵn Festival (Cardiff) 🎶
Cardiff’s premier music festival, founded by BBC DJ Huw Stephens, takes over venues across the city with an eclectic mix of live performances. Now run by Clwb Ifor Bach, it’s a weekend full of music and discovery.
- 16th October – World Food Day 🍎
A global day of action to end hunger and celebrate food as a basic human right.
- 24th October – United Nations Day 🌍
Marking the anniversary of the UN Charter, this day celebrates peace, cooperation, and international community.
- 31st October – Nos Calan Gaeaf / Samhain / Hallowe’en 🎃
A night rich with folklore and tradition. In Wales, Nos Calan Gaeaf was seen as an Ysbrydnos – a night when spirits roamed freely. Families would gather around the coelcerth (bonfire), each placing a stone in the flames. By morning, if a stone was missing, it was a dire omen for the year ahead. Other eerie Welsh traditions included tales of Y Hwch Ddu Gwta (a terrifying tailless black sow), and the belief that gazing into mirrors on this night would bring visions of witches or demons in your dreams. Ground ivy was said to induce prophetic dreams if used correctly, while in Glamorgan, tailors were even thought to wield witchcraft!
Whether you mark the night with ritual, reflection, or a roaring fire, Nos Calan Gaeaf reminds us of the deep roots of our folklore and the magic woven into this turning of the year.
FREE BOOKS (October)
This October, I’ve got three special collections to share with you. Each bundle brings together bestselling authors offering a rich mix of stories – perfect for cosy autumn evenings, darker nights, and that touch of seasonal magic. They’re only available for a short time, so don’t miss the chance to scoop them up while you can. |
What’s on your calendar this month? Any exciting plans or events you’re looking forward to? I’d love to hear about them—and yes, AUTHORS, that invitation includes you!
If you haven’t already, come join my Facebook group, Morgan’s Musings—it’s where we keep the conversations (and bookish fun) going.
That’s all from me for now. I hope October brings you cosy evenings, the magic of autumn in every falling leaf, and plenty of time to get lost in a good book. As the Hunter’s Moon rises and Nos Calan Gaeaf approaches, may you find moments of reflection, gratitude, and a little brush with the mysterious energy of the season.
Thank you, as always, for being here—your support means the world. Keep an eye on your inbox for more updates soon, and don’t hesitate to hit reply if you’d like to share, ask a question, or simply say hello.
Until next month, take care and happy reading! 💙
