I am a New York Times bestselling author, writer of The Witch's Daughter and a dozen more books. I write historical fantasies, comic-historical crime novels, and literary fiction. I live in Wales. Would you like to find out how to write characters? How to plan your stories? How to find a publisher? What does an agent do, and do you need one? You'll find lots of tips for writers here, as well as insights into a writer's life, and how I write my own books.
Not every author does a good book of reading their own books aloud, but I’m really enjoying you. I’m new to your stories and I’m addicted already, lol.
You hit on something right away, the never-ending research. You(me) are always thinking there's one more missing piece that is going to be your breakthrough., the last piece to the puzzle. You really have to say "fuck it," let's start. And you DO research while writing. I was...."ladies and gentlemen of the jury...." Wait a minute, were women allowed to serve on juries in the 1890s.....nope! delete delete delete
It’s both the joy and the agony of the thing! I got so bogged down trying to choose the right carriage for a couple of my characters I gave up and had them walk😁
Is it still historical "fiction" if the characters are real, the events and setting are real, but the events and characters are unknown. I am building 65% of the story and twisting characters and plot, but doing a lot of "filler." The main true part is the main character's story, but a lot is fictionalized. Still historical fiction?
I a binge-watch your videos and couldn't be more thankful. Not only they are incredibly valuable and helpful, it's also pleasant and soothing to listen to you! The majority of people out there talk way too fast for me and instead of appreciating their input I get a sensory overload. Thank you once again, heading out to grab my copy of The Witche's Daughter now.
I'm writing about the late 70s on a remote island... so far not super easy finding info, but I'm enjoying the research and the writing as well. Progress not perfection. 🤩 Great video, thank you.
It is often the case that there is less material to draw upon from recent history. At least there are people living who can give you first hand accounts! Perfection is for the fifth draft, lol. Enjoy!
I recently read a book set in the mid 19th century and one of the Male characters (an earls son) was called DARREN!!!!!! Dear Lord. I won’t be reading anything by that author again. She obviously doesn’t do any research.
Will there be a fifth book in the "Found Things" series? I love those books and feel like there is so much more story telling out there given Xanthe has a team now.
There isn't a fifth book planned at the moment, but I like to think I have left the team ready and waiting in case the schedule allows for more stories.
I just saw the picture that accompanies your video and I just wanted to tell you how stunning you are. I was struck by your beauty. Have a wonderful day.
Writers need to stop dragging their personal opinions of how that world "should have been" back into the past. Cultures of the time had their own standards.
Would you suggest mind mapping for screenplays as well? Perhaps in addition to “snowplowing” line by line, index cards for dialogue conflict / resolution, etc. And perhaps I can mind map a novel I’m adapting before snowplowing scenes?
Paula, you are my favorite author and I love every book you have written!!! They are like trusted friends that I can always count on to bring me joy!!! Just downloaded this book and I can't wait to dive into this beautiful story!!! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!!! Love you!!! ❤️🥰🙏
Hello, I'm looking forward to it. At the same time, I'm reading Return of the Witch. The book is very exciting. (I'm Czech so I write via translator 😅)
