Victorian England. A world of rural fairgrounds and glamorous London theatres. A world of dark secrets and deadly obsessions…
"A sumptuous, Gothic treat that will reel you in and not let you go until the final page. Bravo!" Caroline Green, author of The Whisper House.
My Latest Book
My latest book, The Fascination, is a Victorian gothic novel set in the gritty rural fairgrounds, the glamour of the London theatres, and an anatomy museum in a shop in Oxford Street. Infused with country folklore, fortune-telling, the supernatural, and dark themes of fairy tales, it is the story of Theo, an orphan raised by his grandfather until the old man remarries and a new heir is produced. Having once hoped to study medicine, the newly homeless Theo finds employment in a museum full of freakish displays and medical curiosities.
From there, his life becomes enmeshed with two beautiful young women, Keziah and Tilly Lovell. Born identical twins, Keziah has grown up to be a natural adult height, whereas Tilly is a midget, but her ethereal beauty draws the eyes of all who see her. Exploited as young children by their snake-oil salesman father size so as to sell his quack elixir, at fifteen the girls are sold to a mysterious Italian known only as Captain.
In Captain's house of social outcasts, the girls discover true affection and a loving 'family' - until Tilly's attracts the interest of some people with more sinister intentions. Meanwhile, Captain, Theo, Keziah and other friends must attempt to try and save her, facing great peril in the process.
My Writing Routine
I wrote most of this novel during the first lockdown when I had lots of time to concentrate on nothing else. But my writing routine wasn't really that different to the one I've always followed – which is to get up every morning, make myself a cup coffee, and then go back to bed where I'll work on my laptop until around 1pm. I find the mornings are the times when my brain is most focussed, and if I don't get dressed there's far less chance of distraction and doing something else.
My Advice for New Writers
My advice for any writer is to read very widely, but concentrate on the genre of the book you hope to write. When you're confident you know the themes and tropes that publishers and readers will expect, by all means use them in your work. But, here a word of caution. Try not to be cliched. Shake your story up with some originality – while also bearing in mind that the publishing world can be quite 'conventional', rather than taking a risk with anything too different. It is something of a dilemma, which leads me to this one conclusion - write what you love. Enjoy you the process of your work.
The Best Way to Raise Awareness for Books
Raising awareness of books is not an easy thing. Social media is changing, but I would still suggest a writer creates an online presence on Twitter, Instagram, FB, Bluesky etc – connecting with other like-minded writers and readers. It also helps to follow publishers and literary agents, keeping up to date with what they might be looking for. I haven't gathered up the courage to post videos on TikTok, mainly because I fear it would take up too much time. But, never say never.
As well as social media, I would suggest attending real-life publishing events, or literary festivals. Making contact with other writers is a great way to meet new friends who offer valuable support.
Finally, I'd suggest joining associations related to your genre. For Romantic novelists there is the RNA. For historical authors, the HWA. And there are many more. Also, the Society of Authors often puts on events, promoting smaller groups in their local areas.
Something Unexpected Discovered During My Research
I do a lot of research for my historical novels and I'm always discovering new things that amaze me. Fact really can be stranger than fiction.
While working on The Fascination I discovered a Victorian Anatomy Museum in a shop in Oxford Street, which really did exist, filled with wax models of freaks and other curiosities, and also offering advice on venereal disease ... until the business was closed on grounds of 'obscenity'. To read more about it, and other 'facts, fancies, and fabrications' about the Victorian era, take a look at my blog www.virtualvictorian.blogspot.com.
The Hardest Scene I Have Written
For me, the hardest scene is always chapter one. It takes time for me to write myself into a story, and I'm also aware of the need to set a tone and atmosphere for everything that will follow in the book.
In The Fascination, I have a child brought face to face with some macabre stuffed exhibits in his grandfather's study. Hopefully, the descriptions are not too lurid or offensive. They are disturbing to a point, but - I hope - not without engaging sympathy for his vulnerability.
What am I Planning To Write Next?
This is difficult to answer because I never like to talk about a book until it's finished. I feel as if it might be jinxed. But what I can admit is that it will be another historical. There will be folklore, and ghosts, and a tragic love affair.
Essie Fox
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About the Author
Congratulations to you both on a brilliant blog post. I loved The Fascination, and will read it again, especially after hearing that little excert from chapter one.
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