#WritersCoffeeClub June 3 Have you ever done a writing challenge? How did it go?
Last year, for the first time ever, I participated in #WritingMonth here on Mastodon.
I always thought this wasn't for me. I don't do well under extra pressure. But I needed a push to start writing my historical novel, being somewhat scared that I'd embark on another 12-year project - so, I did it.
And I wrote the entire book in 6 weeks.
#WordWeavers 20 May Other than injuries, do your characters ever have health issues?
Not in #JulesNVera unless you count Angel’s glasses.
But the count of #TheCountsServant is missing his lower leg and suffers from pain in the stump. Oh - would that count as an injury?
I realize I have very few non-injury related health issues. The twins in my fun project have muscle dystrophy, but that's all that comes to mind. They hate to be regarded as victims btw
#WritersCoffeeClub 28. Apr International Workers’ Memorial Day! How important is class or caste in your writing?
It doesn't play a role in #JulesNVera.
It does play a huge role in #TheCountsServant.
In general, this stuff is more important in my historical books and not my fantasy ones. Maybe because I have such a big dislike for sorting people into categories that only rely on their birth.
#TimeTravelAuthors 27.4. Time periods you enjoy writing about?
For efficiency reasons, I chose the periods I had already researched for other books for #JulesNVera to travel to, so naturally, I enjoyed all of them: Medieval Levant, Renaissance Florence, Regency London and Biedermeier Hamburg.
If I'd written #TheCountsServant first, I would have also included Baroque Paris 😅
I do not like to write about war, but although there was some in most of these periods, I chose the more peaceful parts.
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar 21: Happy World Poetry Day! Share your most poetic lines.
This may not be what the prompt asked for, but it's the only poem of mine that exists in English. So, I felt I needed to share this 😂
From #TheCountsServant aka #GabrielZurmuehlen
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar 17: Does alcohol intake influence your writing?
When I drink, I don't write. That's mostly because I'm not alone when I drink, but I'm mostly alone when I write. Also, I need to be focused to write, and alcohol isn't good for that (as we all know, right?)
I might brainstorm with friends, though. The title of #DerDienerDesGrafen (#TheCountsServant) was developed with the help of quite a bit of Glühwein.
#PennedPossibilities 605 — SC POV: If you had a “do-over” button, what one event in your life would you like to have a second chance at?
Marie: I'd lock my father and Gabriel into a room and make them talk. Make my father explain things like he explained them to me years later. Maybe then Gabriel wouldn't run away.
#WordWeavers Mar 5. What social classes do your antagonist and MC belong to?
Graf Winsterburg is an impoverished middle-ranking noble.
Gabriel's class is not defined. He should be a commoner, a servant. But the Graf often uses his unclear origins for his plans. He might be anything, after all.
#WordWeavers Mar 4. How much does money matter for your antagonist?
In his world, there's no power without at least some money.
Or, better put, A LOT.
#PennedPossibilities 604 — Is your MC one to be confident under pressure, or do they struggle with it?
Gabriel is good under pressure - quick thinking, few regrets - unless it reaches a certain level.
Then, he snaps.
#WordWeavers Mar 3. MC POV: You get to spend a fun night out with anyone. Who do you choose and where do you go?
Gabriel?
*Gabriel thinks for a long time, clearly torn. Then:*
"Can I have a romantic night out with Marie?"
#PennedPossibilities 603 — How would you describe your MC’s handwriting?
Legible. Gabriel owes it to Mutter Bense and the Berlin local school that he learned to read and write, not that common for a child in the 17th. century.
But other than being legible, there's nothing positive about it. And let's not get started on spelling, ok?
Grab your free copy!
#GabrielZurmuehlen
#TheCountsServant
#freebooks #kindle
#writingcommunity
#PennedPossibilities 602 — Think back on the SC you discussed last night. How do they dress?
Anton dresses plain and according to his position as a body servant of an ambitious but impoverished German count.
Please grab your free copy! (I'll shut up soon, I promise)
#WordWeavers Mar 2. Is your MC a picky eater? What are their preferences?
Gabriel can't afford to be picky. He eats all.
But if given the choice, he'd prefer either Mutter Bense's stew or the hot chocolate at Ninon's.
Oh, and waffles 😋
Please grab your free copy!
(In 3 months, this will go wide, but right now, it's on Kindle Unlimited)
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar 2. How accurately does the first line represent your style and voice?
"Gabriel Zurmühlen enjoyed his life, but only when he wasn't on the run from a cuckolded husband."
It is my style and my voice. 🤷♀️
#GabrielZurmuehlen
#TheCountsServant
Out now!
#WordWeavers Mar 1. Introduce your MC to your best friend. Where would you do it? Would they get along?
This would happen either in a bar or at a flea market in Berlin.
And I'd say something like - hey, this is Gabriel! Beware, he's charming as hell, in for a lot of fun, a little reckless, but not malicious at heart.
And in a low voice, I'd add - watch your valuables. He's also a skilled pickpocket.
#GabrielZurmuehlen
#TheCountsServant
Out now!
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar 1: How did your WIP’s premise take shape?
I needed a setting for a character who is a bit of a rogue. I also needed the historical figures to round up his story.
I finally settled on Paris and Berlin in 1670/80s because research showed that ticking the most boxes.
#GabrielZurmuehlen
#TheCountsServant
Now live!
#PennedPossibilities 601 — Choose one of your SCs you’ve never spoken about. How would you describe their facial features?
I don't think I've ever spoken about Anton. He's Graf Winsterburg's body servant and knows more about Gabriel's life than most.
He's got palish skin, hazel eyes, a broad nose, narrow lips, and limp hair of a non-descript color.
If I had to give his looks a name, it would be resigned.
#GabrielZurmuehlen
#TheCountsServant
Out now!
