Welcome, friend! I'm Morgan Hartwell.

I've wanted to write a book my entire life. When I was a kid growing up in Ukraine, I'd stay up way too late with a flashlight under my blanket, reading when I was supposed to be asleep. Visiting worlds full of mystery, magic and adventure. I loved those worlds so much that I started making my own.

When I was nine, I started writing my first novel by hand, on sheets of printer paper that I'd stapled together. It was about a boy and a magical elevator that took him to a magical school. It was the first time I got a taste of what it was like to be an author.

Even when I wasn't writing, my brain never stopped making stories. I'd go on walks with my grandma, and the whole time I'd be coming up with epic tales, telling her stories about heroes on impossible quests, magical worlds with their own rules. It was always my passion. It was always what I wanted to do.

But then I became an adult, and life happened.

I moved to New York, adopted two cats, and eventually got married. Working and trying to build my life from scratch again took every ounce of time and mental energy I had. I still read almost every day. I tried writing stories here and there, but could never finish them.

Then 2025 came, and something shifted. For the first time in my life, the stars finally aligned. I had a great idea, real inspiration, and a bit of free time. So I decided to take it seriously and finally realize my lifelong dream of becoming a published author.

That's how the Sterling trilogy was born.

Right now, the first book The Sterling Secret is very close to being finished. Leonora's story is deeply personal to me. We share a lot in common. Through these three novels, you won't just learn about her and her magical world, but you'll also learn about me and my life.

2026 is the year my childhood dreams finally come true. The Sterling Secret is full of love, secrets, and magic. I really hope you'll enjoy it.