On the subject of storytelling, few voices resonate with such richness of heritage as that of Rionna Morgan. An accomplished writer, publisher, and community builder, the scribe weaves her Emerald Isle roots into every element of her life and work.

“I am Irish,” she muses via email with Celtic Life International. “That single sentence brings into being such pride, such love for a people and a place. I was raised in a home that celebrated the ancient festivals – Samhain, Yule, Midsummer – ensuring that the traditions from the generations before were passed on to the children of the future.”

Steeped in the storytelling tradition of her ancestors, Morgan wove those cultural threads into the tapestry of both her own family life and her writing.

“We fill our home with music and dance, love and laughter. We read stories of great heroes, build fairy houses, and believe in magic.”

Her love of the written word began early. “I have always been a writer, a storyteller. From the moment I could form words, I was telling stories. And when I could write, I sure did – poetry, short stories, letters to the universe.”

Her big realization was that “reading was like reaching through time, space, adventure, mystery, and all the other beautiful things a story brings to connect with another person.”

Her focus on storytelling as a bridge to bring people together deepened over the years. As the owner of Whitney Morgan Media, and as the Community & Publishing Lead at PageDAO, Morgan’s work is now centered on creating spaces for writers and readers to come together. “Our mission at Whitney Morgan Media is to remove barriers to publication so more writers and readers can form those powerful bonds.”

She remains aware, however, of the challenges in an ever-evolving literary landscape.

“Balancing the creativity of writing with the business aspects of publishing – whether through traditional means or new technologies – isn’t easy.”

She sees these issues as opportunities for innovation rather than inhibition.

“Being a part of multiple organizations means wearing many hats, which can sometimes feel like a delicate balancing act. With these challenges come possibilities, and I am committed to embracing them as part of my evolution as both a writer and a leader.”

The rewards of those connections, she notes, are worth all the effort.

“The true gift of being a writer lies in the people; it is the writers, the readers, the creatives, and the visionaries who inspire me daily,”

Those associations, she shares, are at the core of her journey.

“Whether it is that little girl at a Barnes & Noble book signing jumping and clapping when I told her I had written a book just for her, or the FBI agent who shared expertise for one of my tales – these moments are everything.”

Among many career highlights, Morgan fondly recalls the publication of her first novel.

“Opening that big box of books and holding the physical copy in my hands was monumental…”

As well, Whitney Morgan Media’s exclusive merchandise collection on Story, and innovative projects such as The 7 Love Stories literary digital collection – a collaboration that blends storytelling with bespoke artwork, sound, and emerging technology – reflect her commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. “I was inspired by my late mother, who was blind at the end of her life. I wanted to create something that she too could enjoy.”

These days, there seems to be no limit to Morgan’s creativity. Her current focus is on her Celtic Wheel of the Year series – a project she describes as “beautiful and a treasure to my heart.” She is also working on a time-travel fiction book, several fantasy short stories, and a romantic suspense novel.

Her advice to aspiring writers reflects the same persistence she applied early on in her own career – despite receiving 154 rejection letters. “Write. Write. And write some more. Read. Learn. Study. Find your voice, find your passion, and connect with others who can uplift and celebrate along with you.

“The truth of your words comes from inside you. Remind yourself that somewhere out in the world, there are readers who need your story, need your truth. Write for them.”

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@rionnamorgan