Tuesday, June 18, 2024

The Inspiration Behind Stellar Harmony by Morgan Sterling #UrbanRomance


I was inspired to write "Stellar Harmony" because I am a blerd—a black nerd. I’ve always found black nerds to be fascinating and attractive, embodying a unique blend of intellect and black culture. Yes, I can talk to you about the composition of black holes. I can also show twerk. Nothing wrong with it. 

This fusion creates a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that I wanted to celebrate and bring to the forefront.

Growing up as a blerd, I often felt like an outlier, both within the broader society and at times, within my own community. I sat in more rooms than I could count, where I was the only minority, the only woman, and sometimes both. I’ve also been in a room reading a book on a topic like radioactivity because I had a question I just wanted answered and been asked what was wrong with me. The libraries local to my hood often had to request my books from other libraries with a wait of a few weeks and a curious question as to what I wanted with a book about “xyz.” 

The stereotypes and alienation we face, whether it's from being deemed "too black" for certain spaces or "not black enough" for others, can be incredibly isolating. I wanted to write a series that challenges these notions, showing that we are not only a viable and accepted part of the African American culture but also immensely attractive and desirable.

"Stellar Harmony" is more than just a love story; it’s a narrative that underscores the beauty and strength of being a black nerd. It touches on the social issues of alienation and stereotyping, presenting characters who navigate these challenges with grace and resilience. By highlighting their journeys, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique identities and to see the value in their individuality.

This book is a celebration of black nerds and their rightful place in both the nerd and black communities. It’s a call to recognize and appreciate the diversity within our culture, and an invitation for readers to fall in love with characters who are unapologetically themselves. Writing "Stellar Harmony" has been a deeply personal and rewarding experience, and I’m excited to share this story with the world.


Stellar Harmony
A Nerdy Love Affair
Book 1
Morgan Sterling

Genre: Urban Romance
Date of Publication: May 31, 2024 
ISBN: 9798883229052
ASIN: B0CW1BH188
Number of pages: 211
Word Count: 59,926
Cover Artist: Morgan Sterling 
Tagline: An Urban Romance Written In The Stars

Book Description:

In the vibrant streets of Chicago, Langston, an astrophysics professor, and Aurora, a gifted musician, find solace in each other's embrace. But as their love blossoms, they must confront societal pressures and personal demons. Will they find harmony in the chaos of their lives? Dive into this captivating urban romance filled with passion, self-discovery, and the wonders of the cosmos.


Excerpt:

We reached across the table to clink our glasses together.

"No one understands me either," we said in unison.

I blushed. His scent of fresh soap and spiced cologne intoxicated me as if I could taste it on my tongue.

The server asked if we needed another round, but we both declined. Langston waved him off kindly and said we should get some air.

Outside, the cool night air felt good against my skin. The stars twinkled above us, and Langston pointed out constellations like reading a book. Orion, Cassiopeia, and others. I let out a small gasp when he told me there was one that resembled a man with a star for a crown.

"Wow. That's the first time anyone's ever shown me that," I whispered, goosebumps prickling my arms.

He smiled. "Imagine how people used to look up at stars, see images, paint pictures." He blew out a breath in a cloud in the cold air. His nose was starting to turn red. He looked adorable. But he didn't seem to notice the cold as he looked up. "Fantasies in the sky."

He looked down at me but said nothing as he wrapped his arms around himself to stay warm.

"So, tell me about your fantasies," he murmured into the silence.

"Huh?" I blinked, caught off guard by his directness.

He chuckled. "You know, what do you like to dream about when the stars come out? What turns you on?" His voice was deep and husky, sending shivers down my spine.

"I don't know," my eyes lowered nervously. "I've never really thought about it." My cheeks flushed as I realized how naive that sounded.

"I don't think that's true," he began, taking my hand into both of his. He blew onto them, his hot breath hitting my cold skin. And his lips, so soft, brushed against the palm of my hand.

A moment later Langston pulled me in for a warm kiss. When our lips met, a fire ignited, spreading like wildfire through my veins. Langston's mouth moved against mine with a fervor that matched the intensity of the kiss. His lips were soft and pliant, molding perfectly to mine.

I tasted the remnants of the wine on his lips, an intoxicating blend mingling with the sweetness of his breath. His heat enveloped me, seeping into my skin. Gathering my hair peeking from under my hat, he tangled it in his fingers, willing my head back, my lips parted. His other hand slipped past my bomber jacket, onto my butt, pulling me closer.

A moan escaped me instinctually. It was all he needed to pull me in further, his tongue exploring my mouth.

My pulse pulsed, feeling him press against me.

"God damn it," he said, pulling away, searching my eyes as I searched his back for answers to unasked questions.

"I think- I think I should head home." I took wobbly steps back, cold air rushing between us. I did not come to Chicago for this - the last thing I needed.

I waved briefly and left him confused on the cold Chicago street. And if he felt only a pinch of what I did, I also left him horny as hell.





About the Author:

Explore the captivating narratives of Morgan Sterling, a seasoned wordsmith whose storytelling prowess transcends boundaries. Spanning various genres, from contemporary to paranormal and urban romance, Morgan's narratives challenge conventional norms, spotlighting the allure of imperfection. Within Morgan's literary universe, characters are intricately layered, diverging from traditional romantic archetypes. Here, protagonists may embody antiheroic traits, and heroines navigate their journeys with authenticity and fortitude, illustrating the boundless nature of true love.

As a minority woman blerd (black nerd) with a penchant for romance and an imaginative flair, Morgan draws from personal encounters to craft authentic and diverse tales. Motivated by a quest for representation in literature, Morgan embarked on a creative odyssey to fill a void, merging romance with the fantastical realms of science fiction and fantasy.

Beyond her literary endeavors, Morgan is a polymath of varied interests. From indulging in cosplay to immersing herself in anime, comic books, and lingerie, she draws inspiration from her eclectic passions, infusing her creative process with vivacious energy. Influenced by literary luminaries like Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, and Rebecca Roanhorse, Morgan's narratives transport readers to both familiar and fantastical worlds, captivating them until the last page.

Morgan lives in the Southern United States, but fully embraces her 1st generation status as a Caribbean-American. Though her pen allows her to live many lives, she lives real life with her husband, children, and pets.

Embark on a journey through Morgan Sterling's enchanting realm, where love transcends conventions, and imperfections are celebrated with reverence.








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