Guest Post: Unexpected, Exciting Developments By M. J. Mallon

I am thrilled to say that I have outlined the major events in Book Two in the series – The Curse of Time. So, if you haven’t read The Curse of Time Book One Bloodstone now’s the time to do so!

During this process, I stumbled upon a plot development idea that shocked me. I’d started writing the bare bones of the ending of book two and then POW it hit me. I can’t divulge what my idea is for fear of spoiling it for you, but I can say that it will take the story on an unexpected pathway into a potential book three.

This Kapow aspect of writing excites, empowers and intrigues me.

During the creative process of writing The Curse of Time Book One Bloodstone, I didn’t plot much at all. I wrote from a reservoir of my imagination. I had to restructure a lot, but this meant that TCOT is a highly imaginative concept.

My reviewers have been saying lots of wonderful things about TCOT.

Here are just a couple of review quote snippets:

‘This is a brilliant book for young adults interested in magic, supernatural, paranormal, fantasy and myth. I found it highly readable and the author’s imagination is phenomenal, as is the fluency of her language and the dazzling way she describes the curious events and characters in her story. I loved the idea of Esme, the girl trapped in the mirror.’

S C Skillman, author

‘The curse of time is a beautifully written book. I really enjoyed M.J. Mallon’s style of writing and the beautiful characters she created. Even though aimed at the YA audience I enjoyed it and found myself totally engrossed.

The story is almost dreamlike, very addictive and quirky. I loved all the references to crystals and the magical element. I was keen to find out the mystery linked to Amelina’s Dad’s disappearance and eventual reappearance. This is such a mixing pot of delights, you have gorgeous poetry scattered throughout, a girl stuck in a mirror and a magically enchanted paint set and this is the tip of the iceberg!’ Lisa, Book Addiction UK.

One of my subsidiary characters became far more important. In fact, she became one of my favourite characters.

Let me introduce you to Esme.

Portrait of Esme – Copyright artist Carolina Russo – https://yesterdayafter.com/

Imaginative Developments: Mental Health and Entrapment

• I had an idea to write about a girl trapped in a mirror and Esme became that girl. I realized she needed to be more interesting and defined. I struggled with this for some time. Then, during the writing process, I had a Eureka moment – I decided to link the mirror girl Esme’s imprisonment to mental health.

Mental Health is a form of entrapment. A person who is suffering from mental health problems isn’t free. They are unable to live life to the full as fear anxiety, depression and mental health issues hold them back. Esme is that person. She is a prisoner in the mirrors of Amelina’s house and she is also imprisoned by her mental health issues. Esme is a victim of a curse but prior to her imprisonment, she had also been stuck in a vicious circle of self-harm.

Esme became the character I longed for – a character with huge potential for truth, hope, and discussion. I now have so many ways to portray her and…

The reader will be able to see her journey throughout the series.

Will Esme recover from her self-harm?

Will she escape the imprisonment of the curse?

Will I be able to help Esme feel good about herself?

Esme’s character will allow an open and frank discussion on the crucially important topic of mental health/self-harm/depression/anxiety which matters so much to me.

Esme also features in book two, with an emphasis on recovery and hope along with all the original cast of book one.

Imaginative Developments: Crystals

• Wow, I just love them. I have a lovely collection at home. So it’s no surprise that there’s a magical crystal cottage in The Curse of Time. But, this haven of beauty, light, and magic isn’t open to everyone. No way! It’s strictly by invitation only. My main protagonist, fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott is allowed to visit but will Ryder creep in? Wait and see… There will be some amazing developments with regard to the cottage in Book Two. Expect twin doors…

Imaginative Developments: Tattoos and Art

• Tattoos. This is hysterical. What can you do with tattoos in a fantasy novel? Perhaps you can cover your villain with them. Hey, maybe you can bring those tattoos alive, and link those black tattoos to shadows. Perhaps you can take this further and make them smoking hot! Interesting… Now, how cool is that?

Just imagine what fun I can have with tattoos in future books… Oh my!

(I have a thing about bringing art alive and this is also portrayed in the Creature of The Cottage.)

Portrait of The Creature – copyright artist Carolina Russo – https://yesterdayafter.com/

Imaginative Developments: Clocks and Rollercoasters

There are three wonderful Chronopage clock creations invented by Dr. John C Taylor, OBE http://www.johnctaylor.com/who I had the pleasure of meeting in September 2017.

The magnificent grasshopper lives in King’s Parade in Cambridge, and features in Book One. The midsummer Chronopage showcases a mythological fly and the dragon Chronopage is, of course, a dragon. Look at that pearl on the dragon’s tongue! I can’t wait to write about the mythological fly and the dragon in the next two books in the series.

In the meantime, I have plans for the grasshopper to come alive and get up to a bunch of mischief in Book Two.

Aren’t they stunning?

http://johnctaylor.com

And … there will be an epic rollercoaster in Book Two and some riddles…

If you like fantasy, adore Dr. Who (like I do,) I hope you will give The Curse of Time a try.

Don’t forget to check out Marjorie’s Interview and Book review 😀

As always, thank you so much for reading ❤

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