Category Archives: ghost house

Writing an Unreliable Narrator

If you’re a voracious reader, you probably recognise the structure of familiar plot formats as soon as you start reading a novel. It can sometimes get a bit boring when you can guess the twists of stories before they happen. The solution? Seek out books with unreliable narrators. You won’t guess the twists if theContinue reading “Writing an Unreliable Narrator”

A Definitive Ranking of the Deadliest Ghosts in Fiction

In my new novel The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker, my ghosts have magical powers, based on their personality and heritage. These powers can be anything from shape-shifting and hypnotism to clothing manipulation, so some are more useful than others. Harriet finds out exactly which powers are best when she struggles to defeat the otherContinue reading “A Definitive Ranking of the Deadliest Ghosts in Fiction”

My favourite female antiheroes

In my new novel The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker, I did something I’ve wanted to do for years – write about a girl who is unapologetically, completely evil. I’d never seen a villainous female character – like Loki – who I really sympathised with and rooted for. When Harriet dies in an abandoned building,Continue reading “My favourite female antiheroes”

In conversation with my editor

To celebrate the launch of The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker, I sat down with my editor at Walker Books, Emily McDonnell, to discuss writing, editing, and all things publishing. I’ve been working with Emily and Walker Books since 2014, on six novels, so our editing process is very streamlined. It was a pleasure toContinue reading “In conversation with my editor”

Cover reveal for The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker

The cover was designed by Chloé Tartinville (https://www.instagram.com/origineethique/) I am such a fan of the colours and style here – it’s so different from my other books, while keeping the same font and brand. It’s so creepy and ominous, which perfectly matches the book. I love the neon pink font especially! There is going toContinue reading “Cover reveal for The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker”

A belated writing progress update – eight months later

Hi gang, On this blog I used to do writing progress updates, and enough has been happening recently that I thought it was about time to dust off the old blog and give you an update. This series is specifically about a speculative, un-contracted manuscript I’m writing under the codename #ghosthouse. You can read partsContinue reading “A belated writing progress update – eight months later”

My …. writing process. Whatever that means.

So I was sent this ask on tumblr. I’m about due a blog post, so I thought I’d answer it here. (I owe you a June Favourites too – it’s coming, I promise.) I don’t think I’d do a vlog like Alice (she’s is a lot better at that stuff than me) but I do giveContinue reading “My …. writing process. Whatever that means.”