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Starting a new series

by Unknown's avatar

Hello and welcome to the celebration of a new series!

As I mentioned in a previous blog, it can be a little bittersweet to end a series – but you have to end one to begin another. I’m super excited to be launching a multi-generational series of love stories all within one (rather rambunctious) family.

Now, I’m not going to pretend that starting to write a new series is easy. In fact, it is incredibly difficult! I knew my characters in my Dukes in Danger series really well, and that made writing each installment a little easier. Now that I’m meeting a whole new family, there’s a lot of characterisation to create.

I have to think about the different family dynamics; about how birth order can affect sibling interactions; how becoming adults in the Regency era is very different from the Victorian.

I need to think about how one sibling finding love could draw them closer, or further away, from their other siblings. Who the favourite daughter (!) and son would be. And just how far a family would go to interfere in the love lives of their members (hint: very far).

Honestly, it took me a little time to get into the vibe of this series because I really wanted to make sure that they were believable as a family. There’s nothing worse than reading a story about a family who get on all the time – but I didn’t want there to be too much drama!

I really hope that you enjoy it. Keep an eye out for the launch of the first book!

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+ regency

Make sure you read these romances!

by Unknown's avatar

THE COST OF LOVE BOXED SET: by G. S. Carr

Carr’s attention to emotional detail, be it the caustic dialogue of the antagonists or the tender interactions between the lovers, is certain to resonate with readers. ~BookLife Prize Judge

This well-told historical romance is intense and powerful. ~Publishers Weekly Reviewer

This is an outstanding historical novel. Don’t miss out. Ms Carr, thank you for sharing your story with us. This is a must read to the end. ~ 5 star Amazon review, The Cost of Hope

I read the 3 books in the series and they were fantastic. ~ 5 star Amazon review

This boxed set contains the first 3 books in the Cost of Love series!

BEAUTY AND THE HIGHLANDER: by Hildie McQueen

Laird’s son Carrick Gordon is scarred for life and expects his betroth’s rejection, so he prepares for it by putting up a solid wall. When Analise Macgregor sees her husband to be, she is enthralled by the quiet man who wants nothing to do with her. How will they ever come together and find happiness?

Will Carrick and Analise get past preconceived perceptions to finally admit their mutual attraction?

Carrick Gordon gave his word and now he will marry a lass he’s never met. After lying with her long enough to procure an heir, he will release her from the marriage bed. She won’t fight it. Carrick is certain one look at his marred face and she’ll recoil in horror.

It had to be a cruel joke. Analise Macgregor cannot believe the handsome man is to be her husband. That he rejects her after a wonderful night is hurtful, but not surprising once she sees how Carrick keeps everyone at a distance.

AN EXTRAORDINARY UNION: by Alyssa Cole

Elle Burns is a former slave with a passion for justice and an eidetic memory. Trading in her life of freedom in Massachusetts, she returns to the indignity of slavery in the South—to spy for the Union Army.

Malcolm McCall is a detective for Pinkerton’s Secret Service. Subterfuge is his calling, but he’s facing his deadliest mission yet—risking his life to infiltrate a Rebel enclave in Virginia.

Two undercover agents who share a common cause—and an undeniable attraction—Malcolm and Elle join forces when they discover a plot that could turn the tide of the war in the Confederacy’s favor. Caught in a tightening web of wartime intrigue, and fighting a fiery and forbidden love, Malcolm and Elle must make their boldest move to preserve the Union at any cost—even if it means losing each other . . .

THE BITTERSWEET BRIDE: by Vanessa Riley

Widow Theodosia Cecil needs a husband to help protect her son. The former flower seller turned estate owner posts an ad in the newspaper, and no one is more surprised than she when her first love, the man she thought dead, reappears.

Ewan Fitzwilliam has been at war for six years. Now, the second son of a powerful earl is back but his beloved Theo needs a husband and will not consider him. She believes Ewan left her—in desperate straits—so she denies the feelings she still harbors for the handsome, scarred soldier. Theo and playwright Ewan must overcome bitter lies and vengeful actions that ruined their youthful affair. Theo must reveal her deepest secret in order to reclaim the love that has long been denied.

WHAT A COURTESAN WANTS: by Victoria Vale

Lady Lucinda Bowery has decided to cast off mourning attire and begin moving on from the loss of her husband. Hiring the gentleman courtesan known as an experienced dominant seems like just the thing to propel her out of bereavement and back to life. She intends for him to give her pleasure, and perhaps help her find a bit of the woman she was before being widowed.

Aubrey Drake became a courtesan to help bolster his expanding business, as well as provide a trousseau and dowry for his ward. Over time he has grown bored catering to women who only see him as an exotic offering to be enjoyed temporarily and then discarded. Thus, the thrill of mastering a submissive bedmate has lost its luster, leaving him cold. When Lady Bowery is suggested as his new keeper, he expects to be as apathetic toward her as all the others. But, when sparks fly at their first meeting, Aubrey becomes determined to master Lucinda in every way possible—even though she seems intent on keeping him at arm’s length.

REBEL: by Beverly Jenkins

Valinda Lacy’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.

As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal


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+ Writing

3 things I do when writing dialogue

by Unknown's avatar

You know what’s hard to write?

Well, every author has their own answer to that question. For many people, it’s dialogue, especially in historical fiction: it’s a challenge to balance making the dialogue sound natural to the modern ear, and include enough historical lingo to make it feel accurate to the time when your book is set.

Ironically, I find dialogue one of the easiest things to write!

I think it’s because I love people watching; I listen in to many conversations when I’m out and about, and so picking up the natural cadence and rhythm is easier for me.

In fact, my first drafts are almost all dialogue and action, a bit like a script. It’s in the second (or third) draft that I add in the description and some more of the emotions.

So here are three things that I consider when writing dialogue:

  1. What do I want to achieve with this dialogue? What information do my characters need to share/reveal? Where do they need to be at the end of the conversation?
  2. How can I reveal character through dialogue? This could be through accents, word choices, how often they interrupt other characters or speak over them.
  3. How natural does it sound when I read it out loud? This is particularly important for books that I know will be made into an audiobook, but it really helps make sure the dialogue flows.

So there you have it! Do you think I’ve missed something important? Let me know in the comments!

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Saying goodbye to a series

by Unknown's avatar

Well, this is a bittersweet post to write.

With the publication of book twelve in my Dukes in Danger series, All Good Dukes Come to an End, I am saying goodbye to this joyful, fluffy, fun Regency series with a hint of danger.

I have absolutely adored writing it. With each new book, I’ve discovered a new hero to fall in love with, a new heroine to aspire to and cheer on, and a cast of secondary characters who I honestly, cannot believe I created.

The first book came out in January 2023, so it’s been quite a journey. I’ve become so accustomed to looking forward to the next Dukes in Danger book coming out, that it’s going to be difficult to shift gear to my new The Chances series!

Leaving a series behind is bittersweet. There’s so much joy in starting something new, of course, but to start something new you have to let something else go.

Will I ever return to the Dukes in Danger series?

Maybe. Never say never!

But I don’t have plans to right now, and that means saying goodbye to the gorgeous and frankly chaotic heroes from that series 😅

If you have a favourite moment, character, or book in that series, please let me know in the comments!

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Did you know I teach?

by Unknown's avatar

One of the things I really miss about my old day jobs was the amount of teaching that they included.

Now, don’t get me wrong: I have the utmost respect for the people I would call ‘real’ teachers. The people who teach our children, young people, and adults through educational institutions. You are incredible!

But on a much smaller scale, I adore teaching. I love breaking down something complicated, teaching it to someone else, and seeing them get it – and then apply it themselves!

I used to teach a lot of workshops, speak at events, and mentor, and I’ve spent some time working out how I can bring those elements into my writing career.

First off, I’ve created two writing courses specifically for authors, based on my skills. You can find them here.

Secondly, I teach courses through the RWF throughout the year, based on my historical and craft specialties. You can always seen what courses are coming up here.

And thirdly, I offer developmental and line editing (separately and together!) for authors who want to up their game. Get in touch to talk with me about this, if this sounds interesting.

Thank you for reading!

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+ Writing

What is your favourite fairytale?

by Unknown's avatar

There’s something about a fairytale, isn’t there? They creep into our social and cultural consciousness. There’s so much imagery shorthand that can add something to a piece of art: a red hood, a tower with golden hair, glass shoes.

I have always wanted to write a series of fairytale retellings, but I just haven’t had time yet! I don’t think I’m alone, I think most authors would love to bring their own spin to the fairytales that we love so much.

So my question is: if I WAS going to write a series of fairytales…which would you like me to include?

Let me know in the comments below!

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+ Writing

My writing habits

by Unknown's avatar

When I was growing up, I didn’t know any authors. I had to completely imagine what their daily routine would be, what their writing habits were – and when I used to read about classical authors, their routines seemed to involve a lot more money (and alcohol!) than I wanted.

So I wanted to share my own writing habits: not only for my readers, so that you can get a snapshot view into my life, but for all those future writers out there of all ages.

Caveat – this isn’t the only way to be an author! There are so many ways to be an author, and I don’t want you to think that if this approach doesn’t appeal to you, you therefore can’t be a writer. Definitely not!

Let’s dive in.

I am definitely a morning person, which is when my brain is most active and most creative. Because of that, I try to get my words down before 11am or midday, because then I know they are going to be the best I can create.

When I say I’m a morning person, I mean I naturally wake up just before 5am and crack on pretty much straight away. That gives me around 5 hours of writing time a day.

Some people might be surprised by that, especially as I am a full time author – but remember, there is so much more to being a writer than actually writing!

After I have finished getting my words down, I clear my head by clearing my emails and social notifications. Then I have lunch and go for a walk. I try to always make sure that I get outside at least once a day, preferably into sunshine, though being a Brit that’s not always possible.

When I get back to my desk in the afternoon, I spend some time working on my strategy and business decisions. What books do I want to be writing over the next 6 months, 12 months, 18 months? What are my five year goals, and how am I working toward achieving them?

By this point it’s about 2pm, and this is when I have any calls – when I’m still fresh, but I can be confident that I have my words down. When all calls are done, I do my admin: any invoicing, paperwork, chasing up the last few emails, writing my newsletter, that sort of thing.

And then I’m done for the day! This is usually around 3pm.

I am so fortunate to do a job I love, and I hope you can see why!

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+ Writing

What’s on my desk?

by Unknown's avatar

If you’re anything like me, you love to know what creatives have on their desk! So I thought I would write a short post to give you some insight on what is on my desk right now…

(No photos because…okay, it’s messy. Like, real messy).

SO:

First off, my computer. I have a MacBook Pro which allows me to be a full time author, it offers the speed and cleverness and battery life that I need (can you tell that I’m not a technical person?). That means I also have a few adapters, chargers, and my headphones. I can’t work without music, and I have playlists for every stage of the creative process: from plotting, writing, and editing to strategy, promo, and admin.

Next I have my black and gold lamp, a gorgeous one from IKEA that I just adore. I once read that every room should have something black in it to ground it, and I’ve tried to take that to heart.

Alongside that I have my HP printer! It scans as well as prints which is so important for when I need to sign and scan contracts (hint hint 🥰)

Depending on the book I’m writing, I will always have a few research books on the desk. When I was writing my historical non-fiction book, REGINA, you could barely see my desk, it was so covered in books!

Alongside that I have notebooks and pens, absolutely crucial to jot down any brilliant ideas that might derail my current writing session, but I don’t want to forget.

And last but by no means least, I have all the essentials to (try to!) keep me healthy: a large bottle of water, and some (not so) healthy snacks to help motivate me. Yes, I am basically a toddler, I am very food motivated 😅

So there you go! That’s what is on my desk.

If you’re a creative, let me know what you have on your desk in the comments! If you’re not, let me know what you think of my desk – does anything surprise you? Anything you thought would be there and isn’t?

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+ new book, regency

Read today! A Duke a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

by Unknown's avatar

It’s here! Aaaah, this is such a wonderful forced proximity/bluestocking trope mashup. I really hope you love it!

When Luke Beauchamp, Duke of Ashcott, was thrown from his beloved’s home by her brother, there was only one thing to do: become a spy and run away to France.

Perhaps not his finest moment—but he’s learnt from his mistake, and is determined to win Lady Margaret Everleigh, his one true love, back.

The trouble is, she has absolutely no desire to see him, and plenty of witty remarks at his expense.

But when Luke knows what he wants, he gets it. He’s the most scandalous rake in the ton, and he’ll do anything, even orchestrating a “surprise” meeting at a fortnight-long house party, to win her back.

Lady Margaret, or Peggy to those she loves, isn’t buying it. All this remorse is too little, too late. Where’s Luke even been since he abandoned her to the scandal of a broken engagement?

Try as she might, Peggy can’t entirely escape either Luke, or her feelings for him—but unfortunately a few other house guests at this party have plans for her that she may not like…

Will Luke ever humble himself to reveal his true feelings to Peggy—and will Peggy finally admit to herself, let alone the man she once loved and lost, that the best things in life are dukes?

This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.

Free in Kindle Unlimited!

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Follow me on the socials!

by Unknown's avatar

Hello, lovely readers!

I know that many of you love interacting with authors on social media, and I suddenly realised that I haven’t shared my social links in a little while – so here you go!

Twitter: @emilyekmurdoch

Facebook: @emilyekmurdoch

Instagram: @emilyekmurdoch

My newsletter (with free book!): click here

If you love seeing photos of my real life, hearing how the writing process is going, and the random thoughts from the mind of a historical author, social media is the place to find me.

See you there!

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+ Writing

Writing the senses

by Unknown's avatar

Now, if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s admitting to the things that I’m NOT good at.

See what I did there?

I’ll be the first to admit that writing the senses or description is not something that comes naturally to me. My first drafts often look far more like a script, focused on dialogue and movement across the ‘stage’ of my scene.

Obviously that’s not a great reading experience for people, and so I would never allow the manuscript to be published like that! I have to be really intentional in the ways I write the senses precisely because they do not come naturally to me. So how do I do this?

  • What senses make the most sense (!) in the scene?

In a cooking scene, I’m going to draw more on taste and smell. In a dancing scene at a ball, I’ll instead focus more on sight and touch. In a love scene…well, taste and touch, of course!

  • What senses do my characters rely on?

For example, I’m writing a character at the moment who is very artistic, so she is very visual in the way that she navigates the world. I have also written a blind heroine, so of course hearing and touch are far more important to her.

  • What sense have I not mentioned in a while?

I don’t want to bore my readers by writing three scenes in a row that have more of a focus on smell! By mixing it up a bit, I can give my readers a (hopefully) really fun experience.

I hope you found this interesting! What else do you want to know about the way that I write? Tell me in the comments, and I’ll be happy to share!

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Have you checked out my Patreon?

by Unknown's avatar

If you have never heard of Patreon, you are not alone. Not everyone has! I hope this short blog will give you an idea of how you can support me in a new and exciting way.

So first off, what is Patreon?

Patreon is a website where anyone can sign up to support a creative person for just a few dollars a month, in exchange for rewards. It is a modern re-imagining of the medieval and renaissance idea of a ‘patron’, a wealthy person who pays the salary of an artist, creative, or engineer, so that they can get the prestige of being their supporter.

But thanks to Patreon, you don’t need to be rich to be a Patreon supporter, and you’ll still get a whole ton of rewards!

On my Patreon page, which you can find here, there are three different levels of support. Each level costs a different amount a month, and as you would expect, the higher the financial support, the more rewards.

I’d really encourage you, if you want exclusive insights, behind the scenes, early access to chapters, and free books, my Patreon is the place to be.

Please check out my Patreon and consider whether you’d like to take your support of me to the next level!

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