Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m currently a student at Chelsea High School in Alabama. I’m an honors student and a member of the Hornet Pride Marching Band’s color guard. In my spare time, I like to read, write, draw, paint, and embroider. Currently, I have only written one book, End of Shattered Eminence, but I have had two short stories featured in Behind the Vision’s The CRWP Collection: The Story Behind the Stories, Vol 1 and three poems set to be included in The CRWP Collection: The Story Behind the Poems, Vol 2.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is End of Shattered Eminence. It’s my debut novel, and I’ve been working for the past 7 years to perfect it! I can no longer remember what initially inspired it, but throughout writing it, I’ve worked to incorporate themes of grey morality on both sides of the story, so that you can’t really tell who’s the hero or the villain at a glance (much like how it is in real life). I’m consistently inspired throughout the day by little moments I share with my friends and family that I like to incorporate bits and pieces of into my writing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t really have any unusual writing habits. If anything, when I’m writing, I enjoy listening to music (primarily death metal), especially when I’m typing intense or dramatic scenes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m mostly influenced by Victoria Aveyard and her Red Queen series. I first read and fell in love with it during my freshman year of high school. I love her writing style and the way she develops both her heroes and villains over the course of the series. I also find Leigh Barbugo’s Six of Crows series very inspiring. I enjoy how she’s able to blend a serious plot line with elements of comedy.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a sequel to my first novel. It will be the second of five books to be included in the Reigns End series. This series primarily follows Xenia and her friends as they work to conquer all four Dimensions of the known world. It also includes the perspectives of the enemies she faces along the way.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not currently sure what the best method or website to promoting my books would be. I’m incredibly new to this, having only published my first book 2 months ago. I have found it beneficial to have a social media account dedicated to posting content, and I will hopefully find other excellent methods in the near future!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to not give up when you don’t sell as well as you hoped you would. Selling few copies doesn’t necessarily mean you have a bad book, you might just need time to build a steady base and get the word out.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard is to just keep writing, no matter what you do. Even if you don’t sell as well as you’d hoped, the more you publish and promote, the more likely it is that your book will sell. Every overnight success has years of practice and setbacks to back it up.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I believe I will continue to work on the next installment of my series, the Reigns End series. I may possibly draw up a few new ideas for short stories as well as dabble in a few illustration projects.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Water Filtration for Beginners, How to Build a Boat for Dummies, and the Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
Author Websites and Profiles
Madeleine S. Cargile Amazon Profile
Madeleine S. Cargile’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account