iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

As predicted, first thing made with the molcajete was guacamole, for game day. Worked like a champ.

Molcejete with guacamole, glass bowl with red salsa sitting on a tv tray.

TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

#LitHodgepodge Hi! I'm Traci, and I write Aztec epic fantasy/romance. Below are my answers to This or That. I have to admit to loving a hero is a little bit villainous, or at least struggling against their own villainous aspects. But overall, villains are really fun to write.

Literary This or That

My choices:
Paperback
Series
Tears
Coffee
Villain
Character-Driven
Computer
Salty
Soundtrack
Bookmark
Plotter
Lush
Slow Craft
Midnight

Things I crossed out:
Hardcover
Standalone
Laughs
Tea
Hero
Plot-Driven
Pen & Paper
Sweet
Silence
Dog-ear
Pantser
Minimalist
Vomit Draft
Morning

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Writing research landed me on a nice Mexican lady's YouTube cooking channel, and everything looked so good I had to try it out. I bought the wood mortar and pestle 1st, to grind fresh spices, but it so sucked. She used a traditional molcajete so I sprung for a real volcanic rock one from Mexico.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Yesterday was Epcot. Two big step count days in a row was a mistake. Felt really draggy and tired most of the day, plus some sinus started up, so headaches. Geo 82 for lunch and San Angel inside the Mexico pavilion for dinner. Went back to the hotel early.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Usually don't like to start the trip with Magic Kingdom because my feet need to work up to that level of steps in a day, but had to start there this time. Giant cinnamon roll, Beak and Barrel, and castle. New Big Thunder Mountain is so awesome now, so smooth.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

A couple pics from today. Arrived and are staying at the Polynesian. Dinner at Grand Floridian.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Today's word is "advertising" but I'll be vibing with "announced". From the Bone Flower Trilogy. Brothers Red Flint and Obsidian Eagle agree to play the ritual ballgame to determine who will take the throne of Xochicalco. #writesky #writingprompts #TFOTSnip #writingcommunity

Uproarious cheering came when Obsidian Eagle strode out of the hallway opposite us, wearing his father’s yellow and white feathered robe and the enormous quetzal-feathered headdress. Red Flint—who’d been pacing by himself—clenched his fists. Slaves hurried the robe off Obsidian Eagle’s shoulders, revealing his elegant, jewel-encrusted Tlachtli gear. They also replaced the headdress with an eagle-head wooden helmet with feather-covered flaps over his cheeks.

Lord Spear Fish came out of the same hallway, carrying a maroon rubber ball under his arm. He called both Red Flint and Obsidian Eagle to center court.

Red Flint flashed me a weak smile then ran out to Lord Spear Fish. Obsidian Eagle strolled out, waving to the cheering crowd.

Lord Spear Fish raised his hand, and when he spoke, the crowd fell silent. “The first player to win five points, or to knock the ball through one of the rings, will be the winner.”

“I’ve put balls through them three times myself,” Obsidian Eagle announced, smiling up the crowd. “And I intend to make my fourth today.” The audience cheered.

“Today will be my first one,” Red Flint said. “Though it shall be done with your head.”

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

mastiff/war hound in Mexican territory, and Fox/coonhound in American territory. He changes according to which he thinks is less likely to get himself shot at any given time; the real reason he gave up the wolf form. My dog Arya was my inspiration for how he looks in the WIP.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Today's word is "operation". From the Bone Flower Trilogy. Only 1 usage in the entire trilogy! With the death of Xochicalco's demented king, his brother finds himself ascended to a throne he never wanted. #writesky #writingprompts #TFOTSnip #writingcommunity

“We must seize the king and strip him of his headdress, for the people’s safety,” Spear Fish said.

“The god has already done so,” I said. “Lord Red Flint has been struck down by the god’s wrath.”

“You called on him again?” Mazatzin asked. I’d told him that I’d never again use my powers; it came at too high a price.

“He made his will known through the hands of his servants,” I assured him.

“Then matters are settled.” Spear Fish went to his knees and the rest of the room followed. “We honor you, Lord Mazatzin, king of Xochicalco.” I knelt too.

Mazatzin frowned, uncomfortable. Even as high priest he’d never grown used to the attention his status afforded him.

“But there’s more, My Lord,” I said. “Red Flint ordered all the temples burned and he sent men to torch the Merchant Quarters. I’ve already sent people to stop the soldiers, but hearing the news from other soldiers might help this end quicker.”

To Spear Fish, he said, “Dispatch messengers immediately. I’m going to the sacred precinct—”

“With all due respect, Your Majesty, I’d rather you didn’t,” Spear Fish said. “You should evacuate from the city, in case the fires spread.”

“We should evacuate the whole city,” I added. “Our soldiers don’t need to be worrying about rescuing women and children while they’re also battling the fires.”

Flustered, Mazatzin said, “I can’t run out while the gods’ temples are threatened.”

“You’re the king now,” I reminded him. “You’re no good to anyone if you’re dead.”

Mazatzin frowned but relented. “I’ll take my father’s women and children and get a camp established out by the quarry. Lord Spear Fish, will you stay to oversee the evacuation and fire operations?”

“I’d be honored, Your Majesty,” Spear Fish said with a bow.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Today's word is "screen". From the Bone Flower Trilogy. 7yr old Quetzalpetlatl has been wedded to her cousin Black Otter to ensure succession of the kingdom and cement a political alliance. Toltec marriage ceremonies are...arduous. #writesky #writingprompts #TFOTSnip #writingcommunity

“The wedding couple prays for four days,” Eloxochitl told Black Otter.

“Four days! Ayya!”

“Really?” I asked Mother, hoping it was an exaggeration.

Mother nodded. “And on the fourth evening, both of you will lay quetzal feathers and jade stones on your marriage bed, to bring you good luck in having children.”

“Is that why you keep those stones and old feathers on your bed?”

She nodded again. “I re-lay them every day.”

“But they weren’t very lucky for you.”

Eloxochitl shot me a startled glance, but Mother said, “They brought me you, and that’s enough for me.”

I smiled, tickled by her kindness.

Mother took us to a room a few doors away from her own; it used to belong to my grandmother before the Black Dog came for her last year. The hearth’s orange glow lit half the room while moonlight from the open door curtain at the back lit the rest. Wooden folding screens stood in the corner, and two prayer mats lay on the floor in front of the fire.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Queen, book 2 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Sometimes, being the Queen means having to be polite to people you'd rather like to punch in the face. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/021joaOu

Book Quote Wednesday: "Busy". Excerpt: I turned to see a man walking towards us, dressed in the black priestly robes of the Order of the Smoking Mirror. Most priests—besides Quetzalcoatl's—wore their hair matted with blood, but this man was freshly washed, with his long hair pulled back into a tidy knot on top of his head. Still, he bore the telltale scars of daily bloodletting on his arms, legs, and notched ears. He smiled when we locked gazes.

I forced myself to smile back.

He swept his fingers across the ground at my feet—the greeting befitting of a queen. "Glorious day, Lady Quetzalpetlatl."

I arched an eyebrow. "Indeed."

"I've been hoping to meet you for a while, but with the king ill and you so busy caring for city matters, I'm afraid formal introductions had to wait until now." He rose back to his full height. "I'm Ozomatli, the new high priest of Tezcatlipoca."

The day after the Smoking Mirror abandoned my uncle to die on the battlefield, Mazatzin told me some priest of the dark sorcerer god came seeking an audience with me, to discuss the future of the cult. After all I'd been through, I was in no mood to speak to anyone connected to Smoking Mirror, and so I put off the meeting. Besides, at that point I was certain Little Reed and I were going to kick Smoking Mirror's cult out of Culhuacan soon.

Or so I'd thought.

I had no interest in speaking to Ozomatli about his murderous god's cult now, but as the highest of priestesses in Culhuacan, I was obligated to do so. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you," I said, inclining my head. I looked past him before asking, "And where is your order's high priestess?"

"Oh, the Smoking Mirror has no high priestess, My Lady."

"Why not?"

"The Smoking Mirror is a god of warriors, and so women have no use for him." His smile added, Nor does he have any use for them.

I stood taller. "Women are warriors in their own right; I'd dare any man to endure the childbed and not beg the gods to end his suffering."

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Sub Rosa, Sub Rosa, Sub Rosa! (not that it's a good episode)

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Throne, book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Quetzalpetlatl's uncle Ihuitimal lectures his young niece on faith and worship of the gods. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology #KU Amazon: a.co/d/00hAZ4UD

The cover of the novel The Bone Flower Throne, Book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy by T. L. Morganfield against a dark red background. Book Quote Wednesday: "Jolt". Excerpt:

“Blind faith can be very dangerous, Quetzalpetlatl. What do mortals truly know about the intentions of the gods?” He removed the lid from the basket and pulled a rabbit out by its ears. When it squealed, he cradled its bottom with his other hand.

The jaguar perked up its ears and twitched its nose, suddenly interested. As Ihuitimal approached the cage, it jumped from its perch, tail swishing. “In my experience, the gods are like jaguars,” Ihuitimal said. “They care not whether they kill their keepers; they just want their due.” He held the rabbit out through the bars of the cage.

He’s crazy! I wanted to look away, just knowing the cat would tear his arm off, but a strange excitement kept me watching.

The jaguar hissed and backed away, but then snatched the rabbit from Ihuitimal’s hands. The rabbit’s scream jolted me, and I started inexplicably sweating, my heart thudding painfully in my chest. The jaguar quickly silenced the rabbit, but that did little to lessen the alarming distress coursing through me. It was like watching a brother or sister die, rather than an animal. I had to look away.

“Don’t ever turn away from the sacrifice, or someday you’ll find yourself the one on the sacrificial stone,” Ihuitimal warned. “Everyone must eat, even the gods. Your mother’s taught you admirable devotion to the Feathered Serpent, but never forget that Quetzalcoatl doesn’t rule the heavens alone. Every god must be given due."

Bottom text: #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology - Available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Throne, book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Having lost both her parents, young Quetzalpetlatl finds herself in the custody of the High Priestess of Quetzalcoatl in Xochicalco. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology #KU Amazon: a.co/d/00hAZ4UD

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

No cheating. Post your lock screen.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Goddess, book 3 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Quetzalpetlatl goes into the underworld to rescue her son, but the only way out is through. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/07MwexWC

Book Quote Wednesday: "Decision". Excerpt: Yamehecatl rushed to the river bank. “Is it safe, Nantli?”

“Perfectly, my dear.” I held my hand out.

“But Xolotl said those without a guide get lost forever.”

“Xolotl isn’t the only one who knows the way. This isn’t my first time in the underworld, remember?”

Yamehecatl thought on that then he smiled brightly. “Oh, because the Earth Monster—” He didn’t go on though, looking acutely distressed.

“She killed me,” I finished for him. “So yes, I’ve walked the road before, and I know what to expect. Don’t worry, we’ll get to Mictlan together.”

He smiled as he took my hand. “I love you, Nantli.”

I bent to kiss his cold forehead. “And I missed you so very much, my darling.”

He wiped it away with the back of his hand, just as he used to when he was still alive. “We just have to swim the river?”

“This is just the first trial. There will be eight more after that.”

“I’m not a strong swimmer, Nantli.” He eyed the water with trepidation.

“You will ride on my back. I need you to remember one thing though.”

“What’s that?”

“No matter what you feel, none of it is real and it can’t hurt you. Understand?”

He nodded, but fear still shone in his eyes.

I gave his hand a squeeze. “It will be all right.”

Bottom text: #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology - Available in ebook and paperback

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Oh Audible, you're such a tease! (They recently broke my whispersync with kindle and I pulled it up on the app to make sure I still had the audiobook on the audible app)

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Goddess, book 3 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. The once queen of Tollan Quetzalpetlatl negotiates an "alliance" with the war god Mextli. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/07MwexWC

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Queen, book 2 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Change can be hard. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/021joaOu

Book Quote Wednesday: "Change". Excerpt: But we didn't get more than a few steps down the hall before Nahuacatl called out to us. He looked nervous as he approached. "Forgive me for delaying you," he said with a bow. "But I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time, to discuss a...political matter with you, Lord Topiltzin?"
Little Reed's brow creased but I patted his arm, and said, "It would be better if I discussed this matter with him, My Lord, so go on ahead without me."
Nahuacatl looked at me with an expression of horror, as if he hadn't expected me to know what this was all about. Or perhaps that I'd be so bold as to suggest that he should discuss marrying me with me instead of with Little Reed.
Little Reed hesitated until I gave him a reassuring smile then he left, taking his guards with him. Mine remained nearby.
Nahuacatl cast his eyes down as he said, "Please forgive me if I've offended you, My Lady. I was only following traditional protocols—"
"I know you were, My Lord, but the fact that Topiltzin and I share the throne has made it necessary to...change the way some things have been done in the past. You understand?"
He nodded, his cheeks flushed with youthful embarrassment. "Then my sister told you of my intentions?"
"She did, and I'm flattered by your interest."

Bottom text: #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology - Available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

And now for the birthday snip! Fiona receives a unexpected handmade gift from Niyol.

Once she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she noticed a neatly folded pile of clothing sitting on the wooden chair, topped with the pair of boots that Niyol had bought back in Mesilla. Upon closer inspection, she found the left boot had not only been cleaned up from her sickness, but it has also been modified. The rubber sole had been sliced in half horizontally and layers of animal hide sandwiched between the pieces, and all of it covered in a thick layer of honey-brown glue. Curious, Fiona slipped off her old shoes—so full of holes that she’d nearly worn through her wool socks on both of her big toes—and slipped on the boots. They were a little big, but not so much that they would slip once she laced them up.
To her utter delight, when she stood, for the first time in her life it was straight. Her hip protested a bit at first, being used to its normal tilt, but once she walked in a circle a few times, it felt surprisingly good. Her Mam and Da had often talked about taking her into Laredo to get fitted for proper shoes, to fix her limp, but money was always too dear to buy regular new shoes let alone special ones she’d just outgrow before the next year.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

#summerofstories That would definitely be Fiona. Entire family killed in front of her, constantly confronted by hungry gods who want to eat her, tormented by bastard angels who think she's not submissive enough, forms deep connections to people only for them to disappoint and abandon her 1/2

“He up and left, leaving everyone and everything at the mercy of a monster that’s even worse than you!” If Aniel wasn’t among the worst of the angels, as Niyol had claimed, she shuttered to imagine what Michael was like.
“Who told you that?” Aniel whispered, his attention again refocused on her.
“Wouldn’t you like to know, you fiddle-face devil-dodger!”
Aniel releveled his spear, the darkness in his eyes intensifying. “There’s that mouth of yours again. Enough. We need Xolotl to finish this risen gods nonsense, but we definitely don’t need you.” He pulled the spear back as if winding up to stab her.
But Xolotl leapt in between them, straddling her lap, his hair standing on end, teeth bared, growling.
Narrowing his eyes at Xolotl, Aniel said, “Don’t think I won’t kill you now and bring you back after I’m done with her, Black Dog. Perhaps you’ll even get the chance to lead her through those lovely trials into Mictlan.” Turning his gaze in on Fiona again, he said, “That’s right, girl. You love these heathens and their gods so much, you can go to their hell and experience the damnation first-hand. I hear Lord Death is a sight to behold.” He drew back again, preparing to stab.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

#summerofstories I've shared this snip before on wipsnips, but it's the only one that would be considered "exquisitely fashioned". The villian Coyolxauhqui gets dressed in in preparation for going out hunting for a sacrificial victim for her master Smoking Mirror.

Once in her room, she changed out of her riding clothes and into a skirt, a satin blouse fully buttoned up—to conceal her magic mirror—and a pair of shiny black congress gaiters: her hunting clothes. Using a touch of magic, she finished the look by styling her long black hair into an impossibly complicated chignon of braids and curls, accented with feathers and flowers. With one final check in the mirror, she set out into the night.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Queen, book 2 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Becoming Queen presents it's own unexpected set of difficulties for Quetzalpetlatl. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/021joaOu

Book Quote Wednesday: "Simple". Excerpt: "You aren't my servant anymore, Malinalli," I protested. She might have been forced to act as my handmaiden while we'd been captives of my uncle, but that ordeal was thankfully over. And though I was Culhuacan's queen now, she was Quetzalcoatl's fire priestess, and having her play the part of my servant was demeaning.
But when I reached for the brush, she held it out of my reach. "No, I'm not, but that doesn't matter. My sisters and I used to brush each other's hair, and I've missed doing it."
I'd had many sisters but we'd never brushed each other's hair; that was servants' work, and while I'd brushed Little Reed's hair when he was young, I'd found it a tedious task. Even in school I'd had no female friends to share such bonding with, for most girls avoided me due to my status as the high priestess's ward.
But who was I to deny my best friend a little joy? So I let her continue.
"Besides, we'll get this done much quicker if you let me do it," she said, a smile in her voice. "All those noblewomen hairstyles are impossibly complicated, and a queen must have flair."
"Not this queen," I said with a laugh. "A simple braid right down the back will suffice."
Chuckling, Malinalli shook her head and started separating my hair for braiding. When I stifled a yawn, she said, "Maybe a sleep tonic would help keep you from waking in the middle of the night?"
Maybe, but will it stop the dreams? As a young girl, I'd suffered recurring nightmares of traveling the dangerous road into the underworld to face Lord Death, but now they happened two or three times a week; Lord Death always towering over me, the hollow eye sockets of his skull-face glowing like swamp gas, his grin pulling his thin, transparent skin painfully tight. "Welcome home, my spiny little princess," he hissed as a spider scurried out of the corner of his mouth to take refuge behind his necklace of extruded eyeballs.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

I tend to gravitate intro main character, plus add some worldbuilding/cultural flavor. #1 is opening paragraph of untitled WIP, #2 is opening paragraph of 1st book of the Bone Flower Trilogy. I like to drop folks straight into the world itself. 🧵 #SummerOfStories #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompt

Sometimes when he arrived at the gates of the underworld, Xolotl would find a recently deceased soul waiting for him; hundreds of years ago, lines of people would be waiting, all anxious to begin the treacherous journey to eternal peace in Mictlan, but those days were long over. Most humans worshipped but one god now, and there hadn’t been any new souls for him to guide in at least three decades.

In my sister Cualli’s love stories, a woman’s wedding day is always the happiest day of her life, but none of them had to marry their cousin when they were only seven. Though things could have been far worse; I might have had to marry one of my older brothers, like Itzcoatl, who thought it was funny to blow his snot at my older sisters. My cousin Black Otter at least was well mannered, and my best friend. But none of my sisters had to marry so young.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Back when I was on my 9-year writing hiatus, this was how I passed my days. This #crossstitch took me about 3yrs to finish. Caught up on a lot of TV while I worked in it. If I remember right, it was around 700k stitches. (Did half stitches otherwise I'd still be working on it)

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Throne, book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. After making some potentially life-altering stupid mistakes, the Fire Priestess Mothotli takes Quetzalpetlatl to task about her future. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/00hAZ4UD

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Throne, book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Quetzalpetlatl has been offered an important task from the god Quetzalcoatl, which she's eagerly agreed to take on with his son Topiltzin. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/00hAZ4UD

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

I commissioned these for my website a decade ago, based on characters from The Bone Flower Trilogy. They were done by Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon. Characters are (pic1) Quetzalpetlatl, Smoking Mirror, (pic2) Topiltzin and Mextli.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

#BookQW from Fugitives of Fate, a #historicalromance set in an #alternatehistory #Aztec empire that never fell, where Cuauhtemoc, the last Aztec emperor, falls for the infamous La Malinche. Can love overcome destiny? #BookSky buy/read with #kindleunlimited: a.co/d/00oKPujk

Image: cover for T. L. Morganfield's alternate history historical romance Fugitives of Fate, featuring a native man embracing a native woman against a background of a reed-covered lake. The sun with an Aztec calendar superimposed over it sinks below the mountains on the horizon. Followed by the Text: Book Quote Wednesday: "never" then the following snippet from the book:

When a guard came out of the palace at a determined pace, Cuauhtemoc expected Malinali to follow him out, but he was alone.
The guard bowed before Ixtlil and waited to be acknowledged before standing up straight again. “My Lord, the chief of the guards requires your presence in the throne room.” He cast a nervous glance at Cuauhtemoc.
“Is something the matter?” Cuauhtemoc asked.
The guard bowed again and this time didn’t look up. “One of your slaves won their freedom by reaching the palace entrance on their own, Revered Speaker.”
“One of my slaves?” He rose to his feet, confused.
The guard nodded. “She’s in the throne room right now with the chief of the guards.”
His heart skipped a beat. She? Cuauhtemoc exchanged glances with Ixtlil then followed his friend inside, his trepidation growing with every step. It might not be Malinali, he tried to convince himself. But what if it is? What if she leaves and you never get to see her again? His throat tightened. It would serve you right, for not having the backbone to free her yourself when you had the chance.
But when he saw her standing with the chief of the guards in the throne room, filthy with dust and her hair windswept, but unabashed exhilaration on her face, his fear gave way to unfiltered joy. She’s never looked more beautiful and strong!

At the bottom is the text: #alternatehistory #historicalromance Visit tlmorganfield.com for purchase link. Available in ebook, paperback, and Kindle Unlimited.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Throne, book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Quetzalpetlatl discusses the divine parentage and religious philosophies of her brother Topiltzin/Little Reed with his best friend Citlallotoc. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/00hAZ4UD

The cover of the novel The Bone Flower Throne, Book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy by T. L. Morganfield against a dark red background. Includes the following excerpt:

“Some people cannot help being fools,” Citlallotoc said with a frown. “I always found his cool demeanor strange though. I thought priests were supposed to be personally involved with the community.”
“Yes, but Topiltzin hadn’t been a priest more than a few days before he left for the army.”
“He does perform the daily sacrifice for the troops, and he’s quite the sight to watch. Even the men from the other armies come to hear him talk about Quetzalcoatl. It all makes good sense now that I know his true parentage. He says we should all give a little blood to the god of our choice before a battle, and once I started doing this, my sword fell swifter and I’ve twice escaped being dragged off by Chichimecs. I wouldn’t think to go into battle without honoring Quetzalcoatl with a little of my blood.”
Little Reed had told me about such things in his letters. He’d been working hard instilling the idea of bloodletting as a noble and worthwhile practice, especially among the soldiers. If I can get warriors to believe in the superiority of sacrificing their own blood, converting the general populace will be easy later on, he’d written in one letter. They’ll be the most difficult group to convert, since they’ve been trained for so long to shed their enemies’ blood in honor of the Sun, not their own. Over the years such philosophical statements became the staple of his letters, making me wonder if he considered me nothing more than a religious peer he was exchanging notes with.
But he never fails to sign his letters with love, I reminded myself.

Bottom text: #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology - Available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

#BookQW from Fugitives of Fate, in which Malinali admires Cuauhtemoc's horsemanship as he demonstrates the animal's capabilities for his potential new allies in Tlaxcala. #alternatehistory #historicalromance #BookSky #kindleunlimited buy from Amazon: a.co/d/00oKPujk

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Throne, book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Quetzalpetlatl meets a powerful stranger and learns not only her destiny, but that of her brother as well. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology Amazon: a.co/d/00hAZ4UD

The cover of the novel The Bone Flower Throne, Book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy by T. L. Morganfield against a dark red background. Cover features a stylized silver and black feathered serpent symbol on a red Mesoamerican-patterned background that fades to black at the bottom. The top title is crowned with white tuberose flowers, known as bone flowers to the ancient civilizations of Central America. Includes the following excerpt:

“Are you a nahual?” I whispered.
It flicked its leather tongue at me then spoke in that familiar ethereal voice. I am the Feathered Serpent’s tonal companion, it confirmed.
I sat up and immediately bowed. “My Lord.” Last time we’d spoken I hadn’t had time for bows, but I would do it right this time.
I am but a humble servant. It is you I have come to honor.
“Me?”
The nahual bowed, dragging its neck feathers on the stone floor. The Morning Star has risen, and through my fangs he anoints you guardian of his only son, the future Emperor of the Tolteca, and he gives you the power of his counsel when your need is most urgent.
I touched my wrist. “You mean—”
You may call upon the Great Feathered Serpent in body and spirit and he will come to aid you, the nahual answered.
My mouth dropped open. “You mean I can summon the god anytime I want?”
Use the gift wisely, the nahual warned. The sacrifice only becomes greater the more you use it. The gift is meant to protect his son and yourself from those who would harm you.
My mood darkened. “You mean like Ihuitimal. He sent someone to poison Little Reed.”
And this very night, another assassin walks the palace halls.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Forget sharing the last picture you saved. I want to see the first picture on your phone. How the heck did a pic from 2009 find it's way on my phone?!? (And no, not my Hugo award! If only! I don't remember whose it is.)

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Quote with a fictional band that’s not Spinal Tap.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

QTP with a video game that transports you back to your childhood!

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

The original #cover #art for The Bone Flower Throne, made by Zelda Devon. So beautiful, it killed me to replace it, but everyone thought the #book was young adult based on the cover (it most assuredly isn't!). I do get to enjoy a framed print of it every time I go into the guest bedroom though.

Digital painting featuring a golden-colored stone feathered serpent head--representative of the god Quetzalcoatl--gazing down at a woman sitting upon a pile of Aztec greenish-turquoise pots, her feet resting on a jade skull--representative of the god Tezcatlipoca. She wears a maroon, sleeveless dress, her hair flowing as if in a breeze.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Pass it along, let's see your pfp in its full sized glory! Art by Zelda Devon and Kurt Huggins. Came from a short story I had published with Realms of Fantasy.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

quote with four of your book covers! 💫 (or as many as you have so far) I don't think I've posted any of these covers here before. Made them all myself.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

#BookQW from The Bone Flower Throne, book 1 of The Bone Flower Trilogy. Broken promises break kingdoms and exile their gods. #BookSky #romantasy #epicfantasy #mythology tlmorganfield.com for purchase links.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Sharing the artwork that Kurt Huggins (www.kurthuggins.com) and Zelda Devon (zeldadevon.com) made for my old website. Characters from The Bone Flower Trilogy. Left: Quetzalpetlatl and Smoking Mirror. Right: Topiltzin and Mextli. #art #fanart #bookart

Watercolor artwork of Quetzalpetlatl and Smoking Mirror, done by Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon. Quetzalpetlatl is a woman with dark brown hair, wearing a white feathered headdress with a rabbit head on the front, and a white dress fringed with gold trim and neckline. She holds an orange maguey flower in her right hand. Smoking Mirror faces away at an angle, and is wearing a jaguar pelt cape, complete with jaguar head with a tufted of red feathers protruding from the crown. His body and face are painted with red strips, and he holds a staff behind his back that is topped with a human skull decorated with jade mosiac stripes. White smoke flows up from one upheld, clawed hand.

Watercolor artwork of Quetzalpetlatl and Smoking Mirror, done by Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon. Topiltzin wears a headdress of green feathers with a plumed serpent head atop thick gold patterned trim. The body of the plumed serpent winds around his neck like a scarf. He also wearings a cape embroidered with an image of Quetzalcoatl. Below him is Mextli, who wears a headdress of black and white eagle feathers trimmed attached to a gold diadem decorated with turquoise stones. He wears a light blue feathered mantle and rests his hands on the head of a obsidian-bladed macuahuitl sword. The left side of his body is covered in green-blue feathers.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Dog still not happy with her accommodations, but least the Hugh leg wrap is off now.

Unhappy dog recovering from TPLO surgery in her cone of shame.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Worst hotel ever! The proprietor locks you in cage with a cone on your head, and has the nerve to address you as conehead. Pros are 3 meals a day and lunchmeat treats, but I suspect she's drugging me. 1 star.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

The mad zoomer who blew out both of her hind knees. Her name is Arya.

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Dog is now ready for her 12wk convalescence (2nd TPLO surgery).

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TL Morganfield @stitchingfiend.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Back in 2009, I had my first (and only) professional #shortstory publication in Realms of Fantasy. The story was a #weirdwestern about a reborn #Aztec god who's trying to change his bloodthirsty ways. The artwork was by Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon. Story is #free on Amazon: a.co/d/0d9FyKgr

"The Hearts of Men". Artwork by Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon, from Realms of Fantasy Magazine, 2009. A shirtless boy removes his heart from his chest and holds it out to a blue man dressed in a blue trench coat covered in Aztec symbols. The blue man holds a bowie knife in his right hand while accepting the boy's heart with his left. The bottom landscape is dark green with a farmhouse on the horizon. The sky is early dawn with stars and two vicious dog-like creatures with quills on their backs and glowing orange eyes float over the blue man's right shoulder.

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