Featured Interview With Gillian Bridé Duce Madell
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I, Gillian Bridé Madell (aka Gillian Duce), was born in Taree, New South Wales, Australia to newspaper owners Mr David Thomas Mills Madell and Jeanette MacDonald on the 27th of November 1973. When I was four my family moved to the town of Mareeba, Queensland; a rural area of the north, where I grew up.
As the third child of seven, I learned to amuse with words from a very young age. Raised with the newspaper industry around me, I found myself drawn to the word; writing my own brief stories and thoughts down and sharing them with my young friends.
I ran a successful business with my partner, Barry Johns, for several years, however, eventually I decided to go back to my true passion of writing. I have had several articles published and her first book, “Magic and Mayhem: Tree of Knowledge” was published in 2006.
I married Barry in September 2008. We now live in South-East Queensland with our six children and granddaughter. The gradual lose of my eye sight brought me much change and forced contemplation that gave me new understanding of priorities and living a good life. This change in understanding brought me to a place where the peace of my country-side acreage gives me not only solace but also inspiration for my writing.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I had books around all of the time, which, of course, always had me in some imaged land. As far back as I can remember I have written down things and ideas that please me. These ideas were anything from the thoughts of my perfect homes to vacations abroad and fantastic experiences that one might have in alternative universes and lands.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors to read have never changed over my many years; I have simply added to them. I adore J. R. R. Tolkien and Charles Dickens. I love books that make one think; books that teach one ideas that cultivate a better person within oneself and, therein, a better world.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My newest book, to be released soon, is actually very different to others that I have written. I am known to write Young Adult Fiction/Fantasy (such as the “Magic and Mayhem” series), however, I also am blessed to know much about other areas of myths and legend, which include the more obscurely known characters that were once the basis of other legends and, at times, cultures. My soon to be released book, “Nuada”, falls into this category. “Nuada”, however, is not a Young Adult’s book. It is a new series for the more mature range. I will be continuing to write in the Young Adult genre, but will also have a second line for the adult readers. Both series are, of course, focused on myths and legends, among other things.
The “Magic and Mayhem” series focuses on the truth of witches being the protectors of all races, clans and beings. The underworld which humanity is keep naive of; with exception of a few. He learn the skills of a warrior and the magic of a master.
“Nuada” is a demi god and champion and great of his home islands, Nuada leads his people, the Tuatha Dé Danann, from their lands after they are destroyed violently in natural events. He lands his people on the island that will eventually become the great Ireland. Made mortal he must negotiate the path of leadership in a new land where enemies wish them dead and allies lose their minds.
While I always research my work carefully, writing a historical fiction/fantasy series has a lot more intense research involved. I loved the process of writing these books. It fascinates me and it makes it so easy to write. I wrote the first draft of “Nuada” in just under five weeks.
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Gillian Bridé Duce Madell’s Website