Beyond the Darkness
Page 44
If I’ve forgotten anyone, please forgive me, but know that I’m indebted to you, also.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Asking an Irish person to write a ‘few’ words is, putting it mildly, almost impossible! But here goes. I was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. Having dabbled in other things over the years (I won’t bore you) I always had lots of words constantly floating around in my mind, but not getting around to putting them, along with my imagination, to literary use. That is, until 2011, when I finally picked up that pen and notebook, and began to string them into sentences, then paragraphs, then pages, eventually joining them together to make up a novel (The Sixth Amulet: Beyond the Darkness). However, my imagination had other plans; It didn’t want to stop. And so, one novel turned into three: The Sixth Amulet trilogy.
Everyone has a story to tell, a potential book tucked away inside them. And all that’s needed to create it, is a simple recipe: a pen and a notebook. So, open your mind and let your imagination roam through the endless possibilities it has to offer… then simply write!
Author Links:
Instagram | @m.a_maddock
Facebook | @MAMaddock
Twitter | @mamaddock1_a
BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS
What was your initial reaction to the book? Did it hook you immediately or did it take time to develop and bring you in?
Do you think the story was plot-based or character driven?
What was your favorite quote/passage?
What made the setting unique or important? Could the story have taken place anywhere?
Did you pick out any themes throughout the book?
How credible/believable did you find the narrator? Do you feel like you got the true story?
How did the characters change throughout the story? Did your opinion of them change?
How did the structure of the book effect the story?
Which character did you relate to the most, and what was it about them that you connected with?
How did you feel about the ending? What did you like, what did you not like, and what do you wish had been different?
Did the book change your opinion or perspective on anything? Do you feel different now than you did before you read it?
The book is being adapted into a Movie, who would you want to see play what parts?
What is your impression of the author?
Who is your favorite character and why?
If you could meet one of the characters right now, what would you say to them?
Balloch Castle
Photograph courtesy of Billy Aitken.
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Welcome to Balloch Castle.
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Yes, it really exists!
I’ve visited Balloch on several occasions over the years to stay with good friends, and after falling in love with the area, I was inspired to use it as the backdrop for Beyond the Darkness.
It is truly a beautiful location and well worth the visit (especially the castle) – should you ever decide to visit the stunning shores of Loch Lomond, when in Scotland.
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A wee bit of history:
Balloch was once a property of the Lennox family from the 11th century, and it was in the 13th century when the earls of Lennox built the old castle. However, the old castle was demolished by John Buchanan of Ardoch in the 19 th century, and replaced by the present structure—now a country house.
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Balloch was then purchased in 1915 by Glasgow City Corporation. Since 1980, the estate was designated as a country park, and since 2002 has been part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Balloch Castle is a category A listed building.
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You can learn more about this beautiful castle at https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/balloch-castle-country-park-p252431
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
We’re excited to jump into this interview, so let’s get to it!
Can you give us a few autobiographical words:
Asking an Irish person to write a ‘few’ words is, putting it mildly, almost impossible! But here goes. I was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. Having dabbled in other things over the years (I won’t bore you) I always had lots of words constantly floating around in my mind, but not getting around to putting them, along with my imagination, to literary use. That is, until 2011, when I finally picked up that pen and notebook, and began to string them into sentences, then paragraphs, then pages, eventually joining them together to make up a novel (The Sixth Amulet: Beyond the Darkness). However, my imagination had other plans; It didn’t want to stop. And so, one novel turned into three: The Sixth Amulet series.
Do you have any formal education, credentials or honors you’d like to share?
Compared to now, education in Ireland was VERY different back in the 80’s. Basically, you went to school and got a job, unless your parents were reasonably well-off, of course, and could afford to send you to college (3rd level education in Trinity). However, that wasn’t the case for me. But I did complete all my education: primary and secondary school (finishing just before my eighteenth birthday in 1984 – remember, though, I’m very young at heart). After secondary, I did a secretarial course (that’s what it was called back in ancient times!). Obviously, that was where I learned to type – so, some use came out of it. Any other credentials, in general: I have the advanced certificate in wine knowledge with the WSET, known and respected world-wide. Also, I am a fully-fledged 1st Dan black belt in karate. Thankfully, I’ve, so far, never had to use it
Why do you I write. Is there a philosophy behind the words?
Everyone has a story to tell, a potential book tucked away inside them. And all that’s needed to create it, is a simple recipe: a pen and a notebook. So, open your mind and let your imagination roam through the endless possibilities it has to offer… then simply write!
Can you share with our readers what your favorite books are and why they’re on your list?
While I’m partial to exploring different genres, my first love is Fiction (Fantasy and Historical). Why? Well, because it’s good to be able to escape from the realities and sometimes the turmoil of life! Also, by writing fiction, I can bend the rules; after all, what’s not real (especially in Fantasy) can’t be disputed. And by writing about what I know and love, I’ll put my heart and soul into it, while enjoying the fact that I can let my imagination run riot, if I want.
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I won’t write a genre I’ve no interest in; it would only reflect badly in the end result. Favourite books (well, some, anyway):
The Lord of the Rings
The Hobbit
Outlander series
Dan Brown novels
Dracula (Oh, here’s a little fact for you: Bram Stoker wrote the famous novel in Clontarf, Dublin – 5 minutes down the road from where I live. Now there’s something I could brag about!).
Other favourite works include the classics:
Jane Austin
a little Shakespeare
H.G Wells
Arthur Conan Doyle (I’m a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, which is why I named my dog, a Beagle, after him).
We’ve all heard the saying ‘Knowledge is Power’ – this is so true, which is why It’s so important to read, especially if you are a writer, or are thinking of delving into the world of writing. But it’s also important to read different genres, including some of the classics. By doing this, it broadens your mind, while giving you a literary lesson. ‘Look, observe, learn’. These are three vital things when writing. Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter.
Can you tell us a little about your writing style?
I tend to write to suit the genre. The Sixth Amulet Series is predominately set in 17th century Scotland, with a small element of historical fact. So, although it is Fantasy Fiction, I chose to write it in a style to suit the time in history (without being too ‘Olde Worlde’ of course) just to add some authenticity to it. However, if I’m writing a piece set in
modern times (I’ve written some short stories) I naturally change the ‘language’ to suit it i.e. the characters and the subject matter.
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What’s your writing process like?
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Like many writers of my generation, I’m ‘old school’ – reaching for a pen and notebook when making notes. The Sixth Amulet Trilogy was initially written in notebooks… a LOT of them! But they’re my pride and joy and, despite the cramped hand and over usage of pens, I shall keep them for posterity; they’ll be my constant reminder of where it all started. Having said that, the ‘notebook’ on my phone is also crammed with notes—handy when I’m out and about, especially on long walks, where I get most of my inspiration. Nature and fresh air, as well as a good feed and plenty of coffee, are all wonderful for those little grey cells. Then I’m ready to write - my preference being the evening.
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Do you have any Professional & Literary Affiliations:
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None as such. However, I completed two courses in writing with the Big Smoke Writing Factory, in Dublin, through a group of wonderful tutors whom I regularly keep in touch with.
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As an author, what are you working to accomplish?
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When I first picked up a pen to write (officially!) I never imagined I would come this far. The support and feedback I’ve received from people over the years has always been the driving force for me, to reach the point where I have, today. And now, having recently signed a contract with Hurn Publications (August 2020) to have my trilogy published, is something, a dream, I had always hoped to achieve. There are moments I still have to pinch myself. To have someone believe in your work, to be willing to take a chance on you, is one of the highest compliments in the literary world, in my opinion. And, because our projects are just that, ‘ours’, we want the best for them, and for those who have given us the opportunity to share it with the world. Therefore, I wish to accomplish success, not only for myself and my precious novels, but also for my publisher, to be proud of another of their authors.
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Do you have any works in-progress?
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I began writing The Sixth Amulet in 2011, not realising at the time it would evolve into a trilogy. Sometimes, in between, to take a break from it, I write short stories. But my main WIP is The Sixth Amulet trilogy, a Historical Fantasy Fiction story. Before signing to Hurn Publications (August 2020 – Covid year) I had already completed parts one and two, and am currently wading my way through part three. Listed below:
The Sixth Amulet: Beyond the Darkness (Part one) due for release September 2021
The Sixth amulet: The Moon Chasers (Part two) due for release 2022
The Sixth Amulet: The Shenn (Part three) due for release 2023
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Anything else you’d like to let our readers know about you?
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This is more of an after-thought: I never went to college. I don’t have a degree. So, my point here is… If you believe you can write, then you can do it. Don’t let the lack of higher education intimidate you or put you off. Remember this: there is no age limit to writing (the father of a well-known Irish author, here in Dublin, published his first book at the ripe age of 80!). You see, that’s the beauty of it. You don’t have to be a super model or a scientist to be able to write. No. You just simply need to be yourself, and have the belief. It’s thoroughly satisfying, too. And why? Because it’s ‘yours’. Oh, and here is something I thought you might like to know: as well as my dog, I love red wine (Ok, white, too!) and a wee dram of Scotch. I also met Benedict Cumberbatch… But that’s another story.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
A New Look On Books
Raven Eckman, Editor
Raven is a freelance editor by night and fangirl at every other available opportunity.
She always knew books were her passion, well after her grandmother’s challenge to read a book a day and obtained her B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Arcadia University.
Currently, she is drowning in her TBR list, revising her second WIP, and expanding her freelancing business-all while looking for more bookish things to get involved with.
She is active on Twitter, Instagram and sometimes Facebook when she remembers.
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Editor Links:
Website: https://anewlookonbooks.com/
Twitter: @rceckman
Instagram: @anewlookonbooks
ABOUT THE BOOK DESIGNER
Triumph Book Covers
Diana TC, Designer
Diana Toledo Calçado, better known as Diana TC, was born in 1996 and grew up in Azores, Portugal.
She has been heavily influenced by her artistic family and has studied multiple forms of art while growing up, from metal embossing to traditional ceramic tile painting.
She now freelances full-time creating book covers, specializing in the genres of Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, and Suspense. She also works on original illustrations, fine art, and writes her own novels during her free time.
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Designer Links:
Website: www.triumphbookcovers.com
Facebook: @triumphcovers
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Hurn Publications is the proud publisher of great writers and gifted storytellers, beloved books and eminent works. We believe that literature can fuel the imagination and guide the soul. There is a book on our shelves for every reader, and we relish the opportunity to publish across every category and interest with the utmost care, attention to diverse inclusion and enthusiasm.
Find your next great read: www.hurnpublications.com
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COPYRIGHTS PAGE
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
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Copyright 2020 by Miriam Maddock
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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To request permission, contact the publisher at Publish@HurnPublications.com
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Hardcover: 978-1-955547-08-6
Paperback: 978-1-955547-09-3
Audiobook: 978-1-955547-21-5
Ebook: 978-1-955547-10-9
Library of Congress Control Number: 9781736450963
First Edition: September 2021
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Edited by: Raven Eckman of A New Look On Books
Book Cover Designer: Diana Toledo Calçado of Triumph Book Covers
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Hurn Publications | Temple, TX www.hurnpublications.com