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#45 – Elizabeth Spann Craig – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On September 16, 2018

In characters, crime, mystery, podcast, reading, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 45 with Elizabeth Spann Craig – cosy mystery writer & writing tip gatherer

“Don’t discount the elderly.”

Episode 45 – Elizabeth Spann Craig – Show Notes

Started off as a pantser
Understanding your genre’s patterns
Muscle memory after 26 books
Old fashioned puzzle mysteries – escape for the reader
Key theme – don’t discount the elderly
Set the bar the low
Twitterific Writing tips
Doubling down on production and reading more
Agatha Christie, MC Beaton, Anthony Horowitz
A reader’s suggestion inspired Cleaning is Murder
Traditional and independent publishing – getting rights back

“Set the bar low.”

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#44 – Charles Christian – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On September 9, 2018

In characters, fantasy, feedback, interview, journalism, non fiction, paranormal, podcast, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 44 with Charles Christian – award-winning journalist, podcaster & author

“People get carried with their gadgets… and forget about the human element.”

Episode 44 – Charles Christian – Show Notes

Novella length is favourite length. Better for ebooks and easier to consume.
Writing every day and learned discipline from career as a freelance journalist
‘All written out’ by freelance journalism
Green tea, dark chocolate, chips and baked beans
Exploring how one event can change the entire direction of life – JB Priestly
Stop doing courses and start writing your own stories
Stick to the brief, meet the deadline & work count – who, why, what, where, how
Asking the question – is this project fun to write?
Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, MR James, David Sedaris, Richard Brautigan
Genre fiction tips: less about the gadgets, more about the characters

“Get on with it and be business-like about it.”

“If I can’t be bothered reading it, I can’t expect the reader to.”

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#43 – Trevor Young – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On August 26, 2018

In business, editing, interview, journalism, marketing, melbourne, non fiction, podcast, reading, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 43 with Trevor Young – PR and marketing specialist

“If you’ve got a blog you’ve got a digital heartbeat. You’re not on rented land.”

Episode 43 – Trevor Young – Show Notes

Books are more permanent but blogging helps develop a writer’s conversational personal style
Writing in focussed short sharp bursts; doing less but doing more
Fiction at night with beer and non-fiction in the morning with coffee
Joining the dots, identifying a trend and developing a philosophy
Tips on writing 1300 characters micro-stories – start with one tight idea
Writing Melbourne Noir. Inspired by childhood reading of Ed McBain and Ian Fleming
With non-fiction you need to know your market but with fiction you can write what you want to read
Creating an alter-ego for fiction writing
Seth Godin, Dorie Clark
Micro Domination and the changing nature of blogs
New book coming in October 2018 – Content Marketing for PR

“Getting more done by doing a little bit every day.”

“Edit your way to greatness.”

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#42 – Valerie Stivers – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On August 18, 2018

In craft, food writing, interview, journalism, non fiction, podcast, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 42 with Valerie Stivers – writer, editor & journalist

“The spirit of the book comes alive when you’re cooking from it.”

Episode 42 – Valerie Stivers – Show Notes

Personal non-fiction is the favourite or novels if the words are flowing
The Muse has to know where to find you
Afternoon tea and scones
Connections between people – both non-fiction and fiction
Training in an old-school newsroom – learning to write concise & communicative copy
Time pressure of modern newsroom – erosion of standards in journalism
Cooking along with writing
“Outrun your inner critic” – from Pat Barker
Food styling – the skill of the photographer
Ivan Doig, George RR Martin
Eat Your Words – The Paris Review Daily

“I want to show other people what’s inside my head.”

“Those years I spent getting yelled at by old newspaper guys were priceless.”

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#41 – Nin Harris – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On August 12, 2018

In fantasy, interview, non fiction, podcast, scifi-fantasy, short story, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 41 with Nin Harris – author, poet & Gothic scholar

“I really love to dig into the guts of a novel to see how it works.”

Episode 41 – Nin Harris – Show Notes

Inspired to write short stories by Angela Carter
Both a plotter and a pantser
Water or rooibos tea
SFF and gothic but writing about the human experience
Identity, memory and difficult connections between people
Gothic in space
Reading carefully – go outside your fishbowl
Throwing books across the room – like a book poltergeist
Beat sheets: major beats and minor beats; cause and effect
Frances Hardinge, Graham Joyce
Different writing depending on mood. Academic v fiction writing

“The first draft does have a bit of vomit in it.”

“For me, space is very gothic.”

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#40 – Kira Leigh – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On August 4, 2018

In creative outlets, games, interview, non fiction, storytelling, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 40 with Kira Leigh– content marketer, artist, tech & games writer

“I’m a nerd so I just think of it as role-playing as another person.”

Episode 40 – Kira Leigh – Show Notes

Prefers long-form articles because ideas are so big
Playlists and peanut butter sandwiches
Anger
Nabokov
Trying YouTube
A disappointing career in tech turned into a successful writing career
Describes current career as ‘Tech creative’
The Russian Masters and random bloggers on Tumblr and reddit
Use of online comments to build characters
Writing reviews for anime
Reaching people is the intent of writing
Writing for LinkedIn

“If I feel like I’m stale, I go read Nabokov.”

“A typo is like a palette knife mark in someone’s story.”

“LinkedIn is the place to be for content writers and even artists.”

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#39 – Alexandra Sokoloff – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On July 28, 2018

In crime, horror, interview, movies, podcast, thrillers, women in fiction, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 39 with Alexandra Sokoloff – thriller author & screenwriter

“You are directing a movie onto the page.”

Episode 39 – Alexandra Sokoloff – Show Notes

Good and evil and what good people can do
Screenwriters have to be plotters. Journey from impro to screenwriting
Milk
Exploration of violence against women using a female serial killer
Using screenwriting techniques to become better authors
Multi-task while appearing to have a social life
Taking your favourite movies and working out what the classic movies are doing: Silence of the Lambs, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Casablanca, When Harry Met Sally, The Hunger Games, The Wizard of Oz
Editors want a movie in their head
Shirley Jackson, Daphne du Maurier, Denise Mina, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Mo Hayder, Tana French, Val McDermid
Huntress/FBI series – to be read in order – like a binge watch TV experience
Hunger Moon is an unhappy read for Trump supporters

“If you’re going to talk about good and evil, you need to talk about people and what people do.”

“I do this with a total agenda of changing rape culture.”

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#38 – Gail Carriger – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On July 22, 2018

In interview, paranormal, podcast, romance, steampunk, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 38 with Gail Carriger – comedy of manners paranormal romance author

“The strength of the romance genre lies in the Heroine’s Journey.”

Episode 38 – Gail Carriger – Show Notes

A militant plotter and a purger
2000 words per day and only re-read words written the day before
Novellas in the independent publishing world
Chronic tea drinker – import from England
Gentle, frivolous, strong female friendships and the help of others
The Heroine’s Journey
Give yourself permission to suck
Beta readers with different coloured pens and revision pass for funny
Scrivener
Moving back into YA high fantasy
Tamora Pierce, Mercedes Lackey
Queer characters and power of normalisation
Competence: with queer main character.
Shared world of characters but stories are stand-alone

“No one but you has to read your first draft.”

“My goal is at least three LOLs per page.”

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#37 – Emma Viskic – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On July 15, 2018

In crime, interview, podcast, reading, short story, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 37 with Emma Viskic – award-winning crime author

“I kept one word from the story. It was Commodore.”

Episode 37 – Emma Viskic – Show Notes

Plantser, vomit and polish
Writing at the extreme ends of the day
Belonging, communication and loss, deaf and indigenous characters. Exploration of themes throughout a series
Training wheels novels
Taking the first sentence from a novel chapter to build a short story
Short stories teach how to cut words, cut characters and have a clean line throughout
The difficulty of a crime short story
A 10 month unfinished vomit draft
Each book is written in a different way with different pressures; first book, second book and third book
Hilary Mantel, Peter Temple, JM Green
And Fire Came Down – scars and fire season

“Sending them to the farm to play with the other words.”

“There’s vomit and there’s polish. It’s a mess.”

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#36 – Michelle Worthington – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On July 8, 2018

In business, children's books, interview, podcast, storytelling, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 36 with Michelle Worthington – award-winning picture book author

“Kids are so bombarded with visuals these days, they love verbal storytelling.”

Episode 36 – Michelle Worthington – Show Notes

Picture books can be scribbled on the back of napkin or receipt
Learning the industry & the craft after getting the first book published
Coffee and Mum chocolate
Writing a story for one person in particular. Empowering kids who are not represented in other books.
Reading and ask your audience what they’re reading and why they like it.
Talking with teachers about child development and the stages.
Be a lifelong learner
Authors are small businesses. The best businesses are the best storytellers.
The story you create around yourself as an author. Creating your author brand.
Publishers are looking for people to work with, not stories
80s picture books with Australian voice; Mem Fox, Mulga Bill, Man From Snowy River, YA, Stephen King, Jackie French, Nevermore
Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas based on a real person with a real pug.
Worries about creativity after publishing fifteen books. Stop and listen to your creative voice.
Coming up – Beards and Middle Grade fiction

“Lovely words that not only look good but sound good too.”

“Authors are small businesses.”

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#35 – Shona Husk – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On July 1, 2018

In fantasy, interview, paranormal, podcast, romance, science, scifi-fantasy, world building, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 35 with Shona Husk – speculative fiction romance author

“I like a fast and dirty draft.”

Episode 35 – Shona Husk – Show Notes

Writes quickly but as a plotter, edits aren’t generally structural
Dark mint chocolate, not coffee
Dark angsty and tortured heroes
Every other genre plus romance
Write novellas to learn characterisation and three act structure
Learning – Stealing Hollywood by Alexandra Sokoloff, podcasts, the Story Grid and movies as a reference
Katharine Kerr, Marie Brennan, Jim Butcher
Different dynamics in heterosexual, gay and lesbian romance
Servant of The Forest: YA Cinderella re-telling
Hybrid publishing – write first and then look for the right market
Ballet classes as research for writing

“All the wonderful world building with a happily-ever-after.”

“I write faster with chocolate.”

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#34 – Fiona Ross – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On June 10, 2018

In interview, journalism, music, non fiction, podcast, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 34 with Fiona Ross – songwriter, singer & jazz journalist

“I get more creative and crazy as the day goes on.”

Episode 34 – Fiona Ross – Show Notes

Go with the flow – music and lyrics go together
A late night writer – daytime writing doesn’t feel right
Piano, pencil, notebook and cup of tea
Songwriting is always inspired by a personal experience.
Journalism and interviews – the purpose is to reveal the person being interviewed
Discovering journalism voice – it’s about the artist
Interviewing legends, jazz history and research. Women in jazz and bringing jazz up to date
To Kill a Mockingbird, F Scott Fitzgerald, Upton Sinclair, Ricki Lee Jones, Billy Joel
Family history of writers
Didn’t set out to write a concept album but ‘Black, White and a Little Bit of Grey’ has an intertwining story
Marketing and genre

“I won the reading cup when I was at primary school.”

“If I’m not jazz and I’m not pop, what am I?”

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#33 – Kim Newman – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On June 3, 2018

In historical fiction, horror, interview, movies, mystery, non fiction, paranormal, podcast, Uncategorized, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 33 with Kim Newman – novelist & film critic

“My novels are my purest me.”

Episode 33 – Kim Newman – Show Notes

Novels as favourite medium, loose outlines and historical research
Takeout coffee and working in the dressing gown
As a critic putting people into boxes but as a writer refusing to be put in a box
Reading, time and never having had a real job
The way writing as a career has changed since 1980s
Buying first computer with money from writing for porn magazines with Neil Gaiman
Editors used to have more time to deal with and develop new writers
Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Patrick Hamilton, Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stoker, Robert Louis Stevenson, Edgar Allen Poe, Ramsay Campbell, Peter Straub, David Thomson, Greil Marcus
Criticism and deadlines
The need for a continuity person during novel writing
Big file full of random film quotes

“Some people don’t realise I’m the same person.”

“My critical range is not good or bad but interesting or dull.”

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#32 – Margaret Skea – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On May 27, 2018

In historical fiction, interview, podcast, research, residency, Uncategorized, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 32 with Margaret Skea – historical fiction writer

“I like taking myself and my readers to a place we’ve never been.”

Episode 32 – Margaret Skea – Show Notes

Storyboard on cardboard with post-it notes
Silence, chocolate & freedom from distractions
Exploring conflict and tribalism after growing up in the Troubles.
Self-editing, being ruthless, editing as a puzzle
Details, getting research wrong and rabbits
Journey into historical fiction
Trying writing in 1st person and present tense
Katharine Luther as a shadowy character and inspired by 500th anniversary of the Reformation
Winston Graham, Daphne du Maurier, Rumer Godden

“The more words I lose in the editing process, the more successful I think the editing is.”

“A good editor challenges me.”

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#31 – Josh Larsen – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On May 20, 2018

In horror, interview, movies, non fiction, podcast, publishing, review, Uncategorized, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 31 with Josh Larsen – film critic, editor & broadcaster

“Sometimes it’s not fair to the film to dash something off the hour after you’ve seen it.”

Episode 31 – Josh Larsen – Show Notes

Editing every day
Writing outside with tea or an IPA
Daily newspaper movie criticism background
Pop culture and faith, akin to feminist film criticism
Working with good editors, the demise of newspaper industry
Still wrapping mind around faith based film criticism
Horror movies and faith
Print deadlines – stressful but the best training. A negative can be writing too quickly
Manohla Dargis, Richard Brody, Dana Stevens, Roger Ebert, Pauline Kael

“I miss having an editor to bounce ideas off.”

“There’s no time for writers block. It’s a luxury.”

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#30 – Angela Savage – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On May 13, 2018

In craft, historical fiction, interview, melbourne, music, mystery, podcast, reading, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 30 with Angela Savage – award winning writer & Director of Writers Victoria

“Good strong writing comes from using simple words in a compelling way”

Episode 30 – Angela Savage – Show Notes

Writing on the train and “the work of the couch”
Inspired by songwriters like Springsteen, Waits and Earl
Wine for writing like drinking when playing pool
South East Asia, reproductive health, kinship, culture and human nature
“Just get the story down”
Reading, study the craft, learning, playing with verbs, mentoring
Critical reading – underlining and making notes in books
Why crime fiction is so pleasurable for some readers
Overdoing the research in historical fiction
Inspired by Emma Viskic, Julie Koh, Barbara Kingsolver, Christos Tsiolkas
Deadlier – 100 of the best crime stories written by women
Daughter as sensitivity reader

“My writing was inspired by the fact no one wanted to hear my travel stories.”

“You need to know how it ends to know how it begins.”

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#29 – Lara Meone Savine – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On May 6, 2018

In creative outlets, inspiration, interview, podcast, poetry, psychology, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 29 with Lara Meone Savine – writer & editor of Musae Mosiac

“I have to be creatively engaged everyday or I’d go insane.”

Episode 29 – Lara Meone Savine – Show Notes

Getting into a mindset and committing to a project
Friday Phrases #FP flash fiction. A mini release of creativity
The rewards as a host of word game prompts
Safety jacket, tea and K-Pop
The journey of the mind and the soul. Symbology of dreams
Hypnotherapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) to focus energies
Tolkien, King, Chris Mahan, Keats, Coleridge
Developing “Neuro Creative Reinforcement” techniques
Musae Mosiac magazine, 200 Word Tuesday #200WT and community

“K-Pop is super important to my writing.”

“With a destructive mindset, I can’t be creative.”

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#28 – Andrew David Barker – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On April 29, 2018

In interview, movies, podcast, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 28 with Andrew David Barker – author and film-maker

“When you finish something, it gives you the fire to do more.”

Episode 28 – Andrew David Barker – Show Notes

Pantser for fiction, Plotter for screenplays
Fueled by independent US film makers; Duplass Brothers and Joe Swanberg
Writing about 80s kids and movies as backdrops. Harking back to period which personally inspired the creative life
Wayward journey into writing; leaving school with reading and writing difficulties, self education
Finish everything
Playing with Point of View
Stephen King, Spielberg, Scorsese, Paul Auster, Cormac McCarthy, Bret Easton Ellis
Screen adaption of own novel – screenplays are all story, everything has to drive the story forward
Screen writing teaches a minimal and clean approach to prose
Renaissance of the novella
Making short films

“I’m a creative cannibal.”

“I use movies like John Grisham uses lawyers.”

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#27 – Charles Chu – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On April 22, 2018

In interview, non fiction, psychology, reading, rejection, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 27 with Charles Chu – non-fiction writer & Medium top contributor

“You need to do a little guerrilla warfare as a new writer.”

Episode 27 – Charles Chu – Show Notes

Starting with an emotion or aesthetic in essays and non-fiction
Walking as a ritual and Japanese coffee
As a Chinese American growing up in a white culture
Psychology first – consistency, then building on improving writing practice
Writing for the internet; how digestible is the writing? Trial and error approach
John McPhee, On Writing Well by William Zinsser, copywriting
Moving into fiction; the Year of 100 Rejections
Gene Wolfe, Haruki Murakami, Ken Liu
Juggling lots of projects to balance out the failures
Ray Bradbury inspiring the year of 100 rejections
Tips on how to get stories featured on Medium

“I grew as a child questioning where my place was.”

“Visualising things from the reader’s perspective.”

“Reframing failure as something I should try to do.”

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#26 – Burhan Wazir – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On April 15, 2018

In editing, interview, non fiction, podcast, research, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 26 with Burhan Wazir – award winning journalist & editor

“Why is this happening? And why now?”

Episode 26 – Burhan Wazir – Show Notes

Career progression from reporter to editor and back to writing
Morning person and productivity
Proper Scottish writing fuel
Middle East, immigration, Brexit
The personal in journalism; adding yourself into the story
Constant refining: 20% writing and 80% rewriting
Reading other good writers: William Finnegan’s Cold New World
More historical context; the world has always been complex
History of British mosques and the Rotimatic
WikiTribune model: news stories as living documents
Madeleine’s tip – strange writing rituals

“20% writing and 80% rewriting.”

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#25 – Stephen Volk – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On April 8, 2018

In horror, interview, podcast, storytelling, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 25 with Stephen Volk – horror screenwriter & author

“If you can’t write a good scene, write a bad one.”

Episode 25 – Stephen Volk – Show Notes

Mixing up different lengths and mediums helps storytelling
Surrounding writing space with ‘friends’
Alcohol is a truth killer
Clash between belief and rationalism, fear of the unknown, how finding out about your past affects your future
Exploring horror, asking why are we attracted to the genre and exploring through story
Cool down, don’t rush and go back to it
Keeping your story secret or testing it?
Patrick McGrath, Stephen Gallagher, Taylor Sheridan, Liam Gavin, Yiorgos Lanthimos, Damon Lindelof, Tom Perrotta
Exploring repercussions of crime and criminals rather than solving a crime
The Dark Masters trilogy; Whitstable with Peter Cushing, Leytonstone with Alfred Hitchcock and a new story with secret true life character.
With a long project you can lose impetus if you take a break
Madeleine’s tip – battling the mushy middle

“After 30 years, it’s still hard to look at a blank page.”

“Don’t start the day with a problem hanging over you.”

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#24 – Sione Aeschliman – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On April 1, 2018

In characters, editing, feedback, interview, podcast, poetry, reading, storytelling, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 24 with Sione Aeschliman – editor, writer & writing coach

“Approaching both praise & constructive criticism with curiosity”

Episode 24 – Sione Aeschliman – Show Notes

Pantsing short stories but plotting novels
Defining Prose poetry
The Beverage Triangle
Key theme – being your true self without shame
Attitude towards feedback both positive and negative
Learning about reader’s expectations and ask questions
Giving editing clients at least a week to process their feelings
Editing improves ability to read critically. Making notes as you read and going back to analyse why you reacted this way.
Learning about structure and storytelling. Working on beginnings
Margaret Attwood, Ursula le Guin, Alexander Weinstein, James Tate, Russell Edson
#RevPit: annual Twitter contest focused on editing and learning. Starts April 21st 2018
Working on four or five projects at the same time, including historical pirate romance novel and an ebook on structure, plot points and pacing.
Madeleine’s tip – Grief and change

“It’s hard to know what you’re going to write until you’ve written it.”

“We all need an outlet for our angst.”

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#23 – Dean Mayes – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On March 25, 2018

In characters, interview, podcast, reading, romance, thrillers, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 23 with Dean Mayes – romance, family saga & thriller writer

“Cherrypick techniques but develop your own style and process.”

Episode 23 – Dean Mayes – Show Notes

Balance between structure and disappearing down rabbit holes
Writing story notes by his patient’s bedside
Writing romance in Star Wars pajamas
Spending a lot of constructing characters and people watching, women and men and their responses to challenges
Understanding the Aboriginal experience
Process of outlining with Scrivener
Using pencil to get away from plastic
Molly Ringle, Simon Winchester
A world exclusive!
Madeleine’s tip – Reading Critically

“Outlining has been a positive tool to improve my writing.”

“A love letter to the two towns I’ve lived in.”

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The origins of ten common superstitions

By Madeleine D'Este

On March 24, 2018

In folklore, non fiction, paranormal, superstition

I’ve been writing a series for Folklore Thursday on the origins of common superstitions and the series has come to an end. Boo. It’s been a fun and fascinating project to delve into why and where these superstitions came from.

Here are all ten articles for your reading pleasure

Enjoy

#22 – Kaaron Warren – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On March 18, 2018

In dark fantasy, horror, paranormal, publishing, query, scifi-fantasy, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 22 with Kaaron Warren – acclaimed horror, sci-fi & dark fantasy writer

“Trusting yourself. You don’t have to write like other people.”

Episode 22 – Kaaron Warren – Show Notes

The power of novellas
Snatching the moments to write: making the most of time and place
Fuelled by chai: cardamon is good for concentration
Inspired by darker elements of humanity, inspired by darker fairytales like Bluebeard as a child
Exploring the afterlife, fear of death and ghost photographs
Practice, reading others, believe in yourself
Experimenting with a diary form; each character with a distinctive voice and their public/private face. Part of a new ‘unnamed’ novel about prisoners in a time-ball tower
Important to have non-writers as beta readers
Inspired by Lisa Tuttle, Steve Rasnic Tem, William Golding, Alasdair Grey
Impact of Transcendental Meditation
Madeleine’s Tip: How To Publish Your Book by Jane Friedman

“I don’t think there are any definitive rules in writing.”

“In dark fantasy you can’t hold back.”

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#21 – Amanda Bridgeman – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On March 11, 2018

In characters, interview, mystery, podcast, research, romance, scifi-fantasy, thrillers, write through the roof, writers, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 21 with Amanda Bridgeman – space opera & sci-fi thriller writer

“Take all writing advice with a pinch of salt.”

Episode 21 – Amanda Bridgeman – Show Notes

Not necessarily writing every day, but working on the book business every day
Dead cold silence to write
Fueled by crumpets
Sci-fi thrillers but ongoing character driven sagas with a bit of romance
Writing military without a military background; research including Facebook groups and input from fans
Learning from other writers but with limits. Finding stories you like and analyse why
Ernest Cline, Andy Weir, Emily St.John Mandel, Stephen Moss, Lindsay Buroker
Time of The Stripes inspired by a walk to the shop to buy chocolate and current events
Setting stories in the US
Madeleine’s tip – Taking a Break

“Believe in yourself and your voice.”

“The key to a good book is mystery and intrigue.”

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#20 – Caroline Mitchell – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On March 3, 2018

In crime, interview, mystery, thrillers, write through the roof, writers, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 20 with Caroline Mitchell – best selling crime & thriller writer

“I say ‘how could you not have ideas?’ Look around you.”

Episode 20 – Caroline Mitchell – Show Notes

Writing a synopsis and the hook before starting to write
Coffee, music and social media before a day’s writing
Dark themes, exploring the darker side of human nature and the ripple effects from crime. Nothing is black and white in the police.
Silent Victim is a story of grooming and a body buried in the backyard
Keep learning all the time, always push yourself
Dictation; first draft without touching the keyboard
Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Mel Sherratt, Angela Marsons
Combination of her past experiences in the police along with fresh ideas
Pivoting to reach more readers
Madeleine’s tip – explorations in dictation

“If the gin comes out I’m not having a good day.”

“Dialogue is lot more natural when you dictate.”

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#19 – Karen Rose Smith – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On February 27, 2018

In characters, interview, mystery, publishing, reading, romance, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 19 with Karen Rose Smith – Romance & cosy mystery writer

“Writing, along with cats, is my therapy.”

Episode 19 – Karen Rose Smith – Show Notes

Writing after back surgery to deal with pain
Husband and cats
Dictation; more editing involved but writing goes faster
Relationships; family, romantic and in small towns
Writing every day hones your instincts
Writing 13 books before being published
Getting manuscripts in early and saying no
Daisy Tea Garden mysteries; tea shops, Amish country, family relationships
Emilie Loring, Glenna Finley, Kathleen E Woodiwiss, Harlan Corben, Jodi Piccoult, Dan Brown, Lisa Scottoline
Madeleine’s tip – dealing with comparisonitis

“When I’m alone in the dark with the tape recorder, I’m good”

“Reading a genre you don’t write sharpens your skills”

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#18 – David Moody – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On February 18, 2018

In characters, horror, interview, podcast, reading, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 18 with David Moody – Horror writer & indie-publishing pioneer

“I’m a torturer at heart.”

Episode 18 – David Moody – Show Notes

An extreme plotter
Best time for plot development is during running
Procrastinating as a full-time writer
Hybrid publishing and the dark ages of indie publishing
Writing in 45 minute chunks
Ordinary people in extreme apocalyptic situations
Setting rules and having discipline
The cloud – accessible from everywhere for when inspiration strikes
Richard Matheson, John Wyndham, and learning from James Herbert; the writing and the man
The ‘sidequel’: creating two trilogies to create one big story
Madeleine’s tip – the Four Tendencies

“Definitely, irritatingly, a plotter”
“The less time I’ve got, the better my writing is.”
“I always feel dirty when I say this but I’m just a people watcher.”

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#17 – Abbie Williams – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On February 11, 2018

In characters, historical fiction, interview, podcast, poetry, romance, write through the roof, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 17 with Abbie Williams – Historical family saga & romance writer

“There’s a different thought process when you write long hand”

Episode 17 – Abbie Williams – Show Notes

Plotting the story as a bridge
Exploring family dynamics and gritty historical detail
Giving a voice to women working as prostitutes in 19th century American history
Trusting your gut and the story
Building a writing community to commiserate
Poetry as inspiration
Larry McMurtry, Sherman Alexie, Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes
Ending a series
Balancing two series at the same time
Madeleine’s tip – Twenty Solutions

“Punching you in the guts with words”

“Writing the first draft is telling myself the story”

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#16 – George Mann – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On February 4, 2018

In dr who, folklore, interview, music, mystery, paranormal, podcast, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 16 with George Mann – Paranormal mystery & Dr Who comic writer

“You’re chasing ghosts if you’re chasing trends.”

Episode 16 – George Mann – Show Notes

Dreaded Chapter 7
Inspiration from music – songs associated with every book
Theme of Identity
Mystery and fantastical, the bizarre and the weird. More Peake than Tolkien.
Trying to be Peter F Hamilton, Alastair Reynolds and Stephen Baxter, and failing.
Wychwood was a switch into a modern day setting.
Getting police procedures right
Initial premise for Wychwood – a BBC Sunday night crime drama with dark spooky elements
M. John Harrison, Steven Eriksen, Susan Cooper, Peter Robinson
Madeleine’s tip – Artist’s Date

“Write something for yourself.”
“It’s part of the writer’s job to read widely.”

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#15 – Angela Ackerman – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On January 28, 2018

In characters, feedback, interview, non fiction, podcast, resistance, steven pressfield, write through the roof, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 15 with Angela Ackerman – best-selling writing reference book author

“Embrace the fact that there’s always more to learn.”

Episode 15 – Angela Ackerman – Show Notes

Chocolate Boyfriend of the Week
Helping writers with descriptions for emotions and setting
Wounds, flaws and negative character traits
Learner’s mindset
Critique partners who encourage you to grow and extend yourself
Building structural tools for writers helped Angela to become more structured
Ransom Riggs, Laini Taylor, Alli Sinclair
Madeleine’s tip – The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

“Understanding what your character’s wound is in the story, is a critical element in understanding their behaviour.”

“Emotional wounds are critical in a transformative arc.”

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#14 – Gareth L. Powell – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On January 21, 2018

In podcast, scifi-fantasy, world building, write through the roof, writers, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 14 with Gareth L. Powell – near-future thriller & space opera writer

“The more I read, the better I write”

Episode 14 – Gareth L. Powell – Show Notes

Losing the knack of the short story
Writing relics – Tiki, rune & painted pebble
Always character focused – the story is a learning experience for the characters
‘William Gibson’s short story collection kicked me in the head’; writing real people into scifi
You don’t know if you’re measuring yourself against the right people
Write 100 words every day
Balancing two different novels in different genres at the same time
Space opera inspired by technology available for the Titanic; the call for help
Madeleine’s tip – The Heroine’s Journey

“Ack Ack Macaque is the bastard child of Biggles and John Belushi in the film 1941”

“I wanted to get back to sarcastic self-aware spaceships.”

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#13 – J. Elizabeth Vincent – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On January 14, 2018

In fantasy, feedback, interview, nanowrimo, podcast, write through the roof

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 13 with J. Elizabeth Vincent – fantasy writer & freelance editor

“Writing is like any other job; some days you do it well, other days not so well.”

Episode 13 – J. Elizabeth Vincent – Show Notes

The Hero’s Journey
Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) turned into Raven Thrall
Making writing a priority in life
Editing other people’s work helps you learn
Writing short stories for prologues or back stories
Inspired by Stephen Donaldson, Jim Butcher, Seanen McGuire, Patricia Briggs
Raven Thrall is ‘Jessica Jones with wings’
Madeleine’s tip – The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler

“Fantasy is the highest form of escapism.”

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#12 – Oscar de Muriel – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On January 6, 2018

In gothic, historical fiction, interview, paranormal, research, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 12 with Oscar de Muriel – writer of Victorian murder mysteries

“It’s not sipping a glass of wine and staring out the window.”

Episode 12 – Oscar de Muriel – Show Notes

Fuelled by wine and cheese
Jurassic Park (the book) the first inspiration
Discipline
Spreadsheets
Being a chemist is very useful for murder mysteries
Isaac Asimov – The Black Widower’s Club and Lucky Starr series
Banshees, MacBeth and Bram Stoker
Not a whodunnit but a ‘who will do it’ – balancing reader’s expectations while trying something new
Madeleine’s tip – Text to Speech functions

“Thanks to Malbec for its contribution to this book”

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#11 – Steve Turnbull – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On December 31, 2017

In fantasy, interview, podcast, reading, scifi-fantasy, steampunk, storytelling, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 11 with Steve Turnbull – Fantasy, steampunk & erotica writer

“The thing that improves your writing is writing.”

Episode 11 – Steve Turnbull – Show Notes

Don’t feel guilty for not writing
Themes include ‘all your favourite prejudices’
Changing and developing as an artist. Inspired by Bowie
Not necessarily trying new things but rather telling a story the way it needs to be told
Kymiera from screenplay to novel and back to screenplay
Cider with Rosie
Don’t write too many series at once, your fans will be demanding sequels
Madeleine’s tip – Reading Widely

“Don’t you pity our protagonists and what we put them through.”

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#10 – Dee Dee Chainey – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On December 17, 2017

In folklore, non fiction, podcast, research, storytelling, superstition, write through the roof, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 10 with Dee Dee Chainey – Folklorist & freelance content marketer

“Bringing magic to the mundane”

Episode 10 – Dee Dee Chainey – Show Notes

Do your writing first
Instagram pictures of cake
Dark folklore; Krampus, hand of glory and the tooth fairy
Confidence
Don’t keep rewriting the same piece, move on
Squeezing a massive topic into an introductory book
A non-fiction writer mainly influenced by fiction
Aubrey Burl, Carrie Ann Noble, Jackie Morris, Phillip Pullman
Madeleine’s tip – 10 story ideas per day

“What do you want to say to the world and to yourself”

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Want a little Evangeline Christmas treat? – Sign up

By Madeleine D'Este

On December 14, 2017

In free books, paranormal, steampunk

Everyone on my mailing list will be receiving a little Evangeline Christmas treat in their inbox soon, ‘An Awfully Evangeline Christmas’ short story.

Up to her neck in Christmas preparations, Miss Plockton asks Evangeline to run an errand for her. A trip to the bakery for a few special treats for the Professor

The errand sounds simple enough, but of course, Evangeline and Mei find trouble in the most unlikely places.

So if you’d like a little bit of Christmassy silly fun, sign up here.

#09 – Garth Nix – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On December 10, 2017

In children's books, fantasy, feedback, interview, movies, podcast, reading, write through the roof, writers, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 09 with Garth Nix – uber best selling YA & children’s fantasy writer

“The foundation of my writing is reading, and broad reading.”

Episode 09 – Garth Nix – Show Notes

Having multiple stories on the go all at once
Momentum in writing – spending 80% of his time to write first half, 20% to complete the second half
Writing stories for yourself, which make you curious to find out what happens
Reading widely equips you with instincts for your writing and gives you the broadest set of tools to draw on
The role of a good editor to make you a better writer
Experimenting with form and points of view but the story dictates how it should be told
Madeleine’s tip – Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages

“As you add more energy into it, it (the story) takes on a life of its own”

“I don’t think ‘how am I going to challenge myself?’, I think what is the best way to tell this story.”

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#08 – Dave Hutchinson – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On December 2, 2017

In podcast, reading, scifi-fantasy, thrillers, write through the roof, writers, writing

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 08 with Dave Hutchinson – award winning sci-fi writer & prophet

“You know in your head what a good book is. Try and be that good book.”

Episode 8 – Dave Hutchinson – Show Notes

A natural short story writer and more comfortable in 1st person but currently writing novels in 3rd
Winging it
Europe books: prophetic by accident
Write something that satisfies you as a reader. Read widely – it’s all writing
Discovering ordinary people in sci-fi
Struggling with the fourth Europe book
Madeleine’s tip – no internet before writing

“I’m a better writer than I am a plumber.”

“John Le Carre is the guv’nor.”

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#07 Dominic Dulley – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On November 25, 2017

In feedback, interview, podcast, science, scifi-fantasy, Uncategorized, write through the roof, writers, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 07 with Dominic Dulley – writer of rollicking space adventures

Critiques Groups, Spreadsheets and Con Women in space

“When I didn’t get picked up, the next book I’d write I’d try something different, another tangent, to give myself the best chance to get a deal”

Episode 07 – Interview with Dominic Dulley – Show Notes

Great fan of spreadsheets
Plotting only a few chapters ahead
Hunting down chocolate hobnobs
Exploring friendship, loss, wealth and privilege in space
Critiquing others is equally important as receiving feedback in your improving writing
Debut novel ‘Shattermoon’ inspired by True Grit but in space
Madeleine’s tip (or is it a fail?)

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#06 – Harmony Williams – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On November 19, 2017

In historical fiction, podcast, romance, write through the roof, writers, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode o6 with Harmony Williams – Period romance, cosy mystery & ghost writer

Romance, Co-writing and Regency Research

“I want to lift you up from your daily problems for a few hours and drop you off feeling better”

Episode 06 – Interview with Harmony Williams – Show Notes

If you write 500 beginnings, you will only get good at beginnings but not middles or ends
The co-writing process
Inspiration for the Regency period; Austen, Clarke and Novik
Humour and romance
Madeleine’s tip: musings after GenreCon

“Everything’s better with dragons”

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#05 – Beverley Lee – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On November 13, 2017

In discipline, gothic, horror, paranormal, podcast, write through the roof

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode o5 with Beverley Lee – Writer 0f modern gothic

First drafts, Tea and Exploring the Shadowy Places

“The one thing a story hates is a nit-picky writer”

Episode 05 – Beverley Lee – Show Notes

Being a planster
Battling to find the right genre
Don’t compare your work effort to others
Lewis, King, Rice and Schwab
Always listen to your story even if you think it’s wrong
Madeleine’s tip: the Emotional Thesaurus

“With a global community, there’s always someone around to hold your hand or kick you in the pants.”

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#04 – Kristy Acevedo – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On November 2, 2017

In interview, podcast, reading, scifi-fantasy, write through the roof, writers, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode o4 with Kristy Acevedo – YA Sci-fi author & writing community leader

In and Out, Diverse Voices and Dried Mango

“It’s getting harder to be in survival mode and also produce art.”

Episode 04 – Kristy Acevedo – Show Notes

The 100 page discovery draft
Dried mango as a writing aid
Getting in and out of a scene as soon as possible
JK Rowling and Stephen King as inspirations but not for the reasons you might think
Championing working class and disadvantaged voices
Madeleine’s segment: The Monthly Twitter Writing Challenge

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Links

Episode 04 – Interview transcript coming soon…

#03 – Angela Slatter – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On October 28, 2017

In fantasy, folklore, horror, interview, paranormal, podcast, write through the roof, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 03 with Angela Slatter: award winning dark fantasy writer

“I’m a hybrid mess.”

Episode 03 – Angela Slatter – Show Notes.

Whiskey and the morning writer
Reverse engineering for writers
Reading like a fat kid at the dessert table
Frankenstein-ing her debut novel ‘Vigil’ together
Madeleine’s segment – The Foolscap Method

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#02 – Molly Ringle – Write Through the Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On October 21, 2017

In folklore, interview, paranormal, podcast, Uncategorized, write through the roof, writing

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 02 with Molly Ringle: writer of romance with a magical twist

“My writing tends to be on the weird side.”

Episode 02 – Molly Ringle – Show Notes

Molly explains what cheese puffs are
Mashing up love, honest emotion, humour and cool plot ideas
The power of marinating
Beginner’s mind
Bringing to life Puget Sound in The Goblins of Bellweather
Madeleine’s segment – Tick. Tick. Tick. The Pomodoro Technique:

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#01 – Scott McAteer – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On October 21, 2017

In characters, horror, interview, podcast, storytelling, write through the roof, writing

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 01 with Scott McAteer; comedian, improv performer and playwright.

“The fear of monsters is a very particular fear, a safe and curious fear.”

Episode 01 – Scott McAteer – Show notes

Scott’s Monsterpedia
Similarity between horror and comedy
Improvisation and writing
In defence of Arthur Conan Doyle
Madeleine’s segment: #sixwordstory

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#00 Prologue Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On October 20, 2017

In podcast, Uncategorized, writing

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

I’m Madeleine D’Este and in this show, I’m interviewing writers of all different types and asking “what’s the one thing that took your writing to the next level?”

So, come and join me and learn all the proven tips, tricks and techniques to take your writing right through the roof.

Episode 0 – the Prologue – Show notes

Why I am doing this?
Who am I?
What are the three things that have elevated my writing
- No#1 – Writing challenges
- No#2 – The Story Grid
- No#3 – the decision to take my writing seriously
My experiment for the week
- 5am writer’s club

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Albanian eggs, open umbrellas and mysterious lights

By Madeleine D'Este

On October 14, 2017

In folklore, melbourne, non fiction, paranormal, podcast, publishing, steampunk, superstition, Uncategorized

Sometimes all my writing efforts land at once and it’s been one of those weeks.

Not only did the new adventure Evangeline and the Mysterious Lights (and the new collection The Antics of Evangeline) go live, but I had articles published on Roads and Kingdoms, and FolkloreThursday.com.

For Roads and Kingdoms, I wrote about my own private Albanian breakfast and reliving holidays through food.

My Own Private Albanian Breakfast

For FolkloreThursday.com, I continued my series on superstitions with ‘opening an umbrella inside’.

Sky Goddesses, Spring Mechanisms, or Sprites: Why Is it Bad Luck to Open an Umbrella Inside?

And coming later in October, I’m launching my writing craft podcast ‘Write Through the Roof’. The process of learning how to produce a podcast has been surprisingly fun and I’m reminded of how I used to play ‘radio stations’ with my cassette recorder in the 1980s. It’s reinforced the theory that your passions lie in the things you liked to do as a child.

And don’t forget if you like the Evangeline stories, please vote in the Christmas story poll. At the moment, it’s neck and neck between three side kicks!

Happy reading and writing!

Evangeline and the Mysterious Lights – available now

By Madeleine D'Este

On October 11, 2017

In Uncategorized

Evangeline and the Mysterious Lights, a brand new Evangeline adventure, is available on Amazon now!

Join Evangeline as she investigates strange phenomenon in the Melbourne night skies with her usual supply of inventions, mayhem and sweet goodies. Here’s a sneak peek of page one to whet your appetite.

And if you’re new to Evangeline and her adventures, all four novellas are now available in a single collection The Antics of Evangeline (in both ebook and paperback).

I hope you enjoy.

And if you do, please leave a review and share the word on Evangeline.