Author Archives: darleyblog

On Writing: Supporting Characters with Phaedra Patrick

Posted on September 20, 2017

While some books can hold their own with a solid, unshakeable protagonist (ahem, Jack Reacher), most books need to have an array of interesting, fully-realised supporting characters. Where would Bridget Jones be without her chain-smoking, straight-talking friends and family? Or … Continue reading →

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Debut author interview: Phoebe Morgan

Posted on September 14, 2017

She didn’t realise it at the time, but Phoebe Morgan’s journey to becoming a published author started when she was only 6, when her dad made her an impressive doll house. This became the inspiration for her chilling debut, The Doll … Continue reading →

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On Writing: Characters in Love with Jo Platt

Posted on August 14, 2017

Love stories in literature continue to be some of the most enduring. They’re not limited to one particular genre or set up. While some, like a meet-cute, can make you feel warm and fuzzy, others make you weep and ugly-cry with grief and some love stories make … Continue reading →

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On Writing: The Power of Setting with Erik Storey

Posted on August 9, 2017

A sense of place is pivotal when writing a novel. It’s important to hook your reader but also to keep them, and immerse them in the world you created. From the haunting moors of Wuthering Heights to the expansive Middle Earth … Continue reading →

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Agency Newsletter: July

Posted on August 1, 2017

Martina Cole’s unstoppable success It has been 25 years since Martina Cole’s debut novel Dangerous Lady was published and in a career which has seen her break almost every publishing record there is – she holds more No.1 original bestsellers … Continue reading →

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On Writing: Villains with Chris Carter

Posted on July 28, 2017

We all need someone to hate. It’s good for the soul, we reckon. And while it’s not that useful to hate a real person, literature gives us a plethora of scumbags to choose from: Hannibal Lecter, Cruella de Vil, Voldemort, … Continue reading →

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On Writing: Plotting Advice from Tim Weaver

Posted on July 25, 2017

For a reader, there’s nothing better than a book that twists, turns and surprises you – all tied up nicely with a satisfying end. It’s fair to say that while books like that are easy to read, they’re certainly not easy … Continue reading →

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