Ask the Author: M. A. Maddock
Answered Questions (9)
M. A. Maddock
Oh, good question. Well, The 'mystery' may not necessarily be mine, however, there is one linked to my family. My grandmother - on my father's side - was adopted, and we know nothing about the circumstances behind her adoption, or where her parents came from. I guess I could go anywhere where this, by turning it into a thriller, which would be more up my street. Who knows? Maybe one day.
M. A. Maddock
There are too many places to name, however, I'll mention a couple.
I'd like to visit Scotland, during the 17th and 18th century. Another place would be ancient Egypt, during the 18th dynasty. And what would I do there? I'd observe.
I'd like to visit Scotland, during the 17th and 18th century. Another place would be ancient Egypt, during the 18th dynasty. And what would I do there? I'd observe.
M. A. Maddock
My list seems to be endless, but here are a few books I've ready and waiting:
Cold Dresses by David Pelletier
The Devil's Cohort by Stephen Mills
Bound by Julie Embleton
In the Company of Strangers by Awais Khan
Cold Dresses by David Pelletier
The Devil's Cohort by Stephen Mills
Bound by Julie Embleton
In the Company of Strangers by Awais Khan
M. A. Maddock
Every writer experiences this. It's natural, as the brain is working overtime, as you try to meet a deadline, or you're just trying to finish a story, which is constantly changing. When this happens, I step away for a few days, or go for walks, when I need to iron out some plot holes. It seems to work for me, however, many writers have their own way of dealing with writer's block. But I do think it's important to take time out, to give yourself a break from it, occasionally.
M. A. Maddock
The best thing about being a writer is... you can write about whatever you want. It's your project, your 'baby'. It's self-satisfying, knowing you've created a story from your own imagination. All you have to do is start writing, stringing those words into sentences, then putting them into paragraphs, pages, chapters, then... A potential best seller, perhaps? You just never know.
M. A. Maddock
Read. Write. Read. Write. It's so important! We can learn so much, alone, by reading books, taking note of other author's styles, though not copying. If possible, do some writing courses, too; it's worth the investment. Persevere. Join writing groups; there are plenty on social media platforms, where you can interact with so many great writers. Get yourself 'out there'. I was wary when I started out, but if you're willing to learn, find your way onto these sites. Since doing so, I've made some wonderful friends, and I find everyone is supportive and respectful of one other. So, go on, take the plunge!
M. A. Maddock
As Beyond the Darkness is part one of The Sixth Amulet series, I'm currently working on part three, hoping to finish it by the end of this year (2021). Then I can make a start on part four; I already have ideas for that one. Naturally, no spoilers.
M. A. Maddock
I read. a LOT! I've always done so, since I was a child. I especially love epic sagas, be they fiction, historical fiction, historical fantasy fiction, which is where I've most likely taken my inspiration from, it leading me to write my own series. But I do get most of my ideas while out walking, where I can 'think' without many distractions. However, ideas can pop into my head at any given moment, which is why I always have a notebook nearby. Most important!
M. A. Maddock
I was actually out walking my dog, on the beach, at the time ( in the summer of 2011) when an image popped into my head: I saw a girl running through a forest. As simple as that! And by the time my extremely long walk was over - I own a Beagle; I think that explains lengthy walks - I had an idea forming in my mind, and grabbed a notebook, as soon as I got home. What started out as one novel, soon turned into two, then three... and now it has become a series. The imagination is a wonderful thing, when you open your mind to it.
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