Madeleine D'Este's Blog, page 6

#64 – Christopher Ruz – Write Through The Roof

Interview with horror and fantasy writer Christopher Ruz

‘Look for people who are one or two stages ahead of where you’re at.’

[image error] Episode 64 – Christopher Ruz – Show Notes Doesn’t know how to write short stories any more. Tries to write every day – most productive when writing every dayRituals – encasing in a bubble, getting rid of visual distraction and white noise. Pomodoro method – 100 words every 5 minutes.Themes – horror-based but fantasy and sci-fi. But also spy fictionA narrow focus on...

Women of Wasps and War

My new novel is available now as an ebook on Amazon

Women of Wasps and War

The Sting of Justice

Agata, the Duchess of Ambrovna, was never meant to take the throne. 

In a land where men rule, her sole purpose was to smile and curtsey.

However, when war left her land leaderless, the Fatherhood religion begrudgingly allowed a first; a woman to rule. 

Now the war is over the men have returned more arrogant and cruel than ever, and the Duchess is shoved back into a life of needlework and silence...

#63 – Toby Neal – Write Through The Roof

Interview with best-selling romance & mystery writer Toby Neal

‘People are preoccupied by crime because we want to recognise the wolves in our midst’

[image error] Episode 63 – Toby Neal – Show Notes Writing is like a muscle – needs regular workouts2000 words a day targetBoth a plotter and a pantser. More pantser for romance and plotter for mysteries Recording affirmations and listening prior to writing session Themes of good versus evil and the shades of grey in everyone and how love can overcome a multi...

Music for writing – atmospheric synths

Today’s music recommendations are all about the synths. Instrumental of course, because this is music for writing.

These artists aren’t necessarily soundtrack composers (although sometimes they are) but their electronic music creates a special dark atmospheric mood.

S U R V I V E

S U R V I V E is a dark synth group from Texas and two of the members are well known for creating the ‘Stranger Things’ TV series soundtrack. Their music reminds me of 80s horror films with a touch of early Depeche M...

#62 – Suzanne J Willis – Write Through The Roof

Episode 62 with Suzanne J Willis – fantasy short story & flash-fiction writer

‘The best kind of fairies, you know, the nasty ones’

[image error] Episode 62 – Suzanne J Willis – Show Notes A natural pantser but learning to plot and outline. A structure helps to hit the right beatsMaking notes every day but not writing every dayTea and chocolate – frecklesConnection between music and writing: lyrical and poetic.Themes of lack of belonging, search for self or a home, life and musicLearning that the language...

Music for Writing – dark & spooky moods

Most of the time I need music for writing. And the right kind of music. Like books and stories, I’ve always had a passion for music.

This is a new series where I’ll be sharing what I’m listening to.

Today is dark and spooky music for dark and spooky moods.

Here are three artists to inspire your dark and spooky writing.

Lebanon Hanover

Lebanon Hanover is a German-British goth electric duo. Think New Order with Nico. Great music for taphophiles and recovering goths.

Bohren and der Club of Go...

#61 – Pauline Wiles – Write Through The Roof

Episode 61 with Pauline Wiles – women’s fiction author & writing productivity coach

‘We need to figure out our own path and plod along steadily.’

[image error] Episode 61 – Pauline Wiles – Show Notes Benefit from writing both fiction and non-fiction: entertainment v exploring own worries Take a day off once a week Tea – English breakfast with milk Bacon controversy Fiction – light-hearted escapist women’s fiction but dealing with finding yourself as a person before getting in a relationship. Quirky cultu...

#60 – David Baboulene – Write Through The Roof

Episode 60 – interview with David Baboulene – author, academic & story consultant

‘I find inspiration but analyse the inspiration to speed up the process’

[image error] Episode 60 – David Baboulene – Show Notes Type of writing depending on mood and deadlineBoth a plotter and a pantser – wearing two hatsSuccessful writers are very productiveWriters being hermitsWinning a competition but having an unsatisfying experience with a Hollywood guruExplaining the story craft without telling the writer what to doS...

#59 – Rebecca Tope – Write Through The Roof

Episode #59 – Interview with cosy-mystery writer Rebecca Tope.

‘I didn’t get published until I was 50.’

[image error] Written 35+ murder mystery novels as a pantser Coffee or gin Themes of natural burials & anti-technology. British cosy mysteries featuring a village pub. Mobile phones affecting crime stories & the inclusion of drones Practice – millions & millions of words Writing groups didn’t help Mentoring others helps own writing – seeing the good & bad in aspiring writers Brutal feedback Long appren...

Women of Wasps and War – cover reveal

I’m delighted to reveal the cover for my next novel – Women of Wasps and War – the Sting of Injustice.

Women of Wasps and War is a grim feminist historical fantasy inspired by a true story.

Women of Wasps and War will be released by mid-June 2019. If you’d like to keep up with the latest news, including pre-order links and a chance for a free Advance Reading Copy (ARC), make sure you join my mailing list.

[image error] Women of Wasps and War

Agata, the Duchess of Ambrovna, was never meant to take the thr...