FANTASY AUTHOR
Madén J. Bester
Currently writing about a rebel librarian who runs from one danger into the jaws of another. A prophecy promises the death of all, her decision will determine who survives—something the world and magic disagree on.
The Author
At the writing desk
A short bio
Madén Jeanne de Lay is the debut author of Embers of Valtherion, the first book in a two part series. Young education includes specialisation in copywriting and creative writing, and she hopes to make a mark in the traditional publishing space from the continent of Africa where writers find it difficult to break into the international market.
Post divorce, she added Jeanne de Lay to her name as reminder of her father—de Lay derived from French roots and meaning, “from the clearing in the woods”.
Why this genre
I'm more concerned about what's happening in our inner worlds than what's happening in the world around us.
As women, we are asked to carry all of it, to care, while staying grounded and sane. To keep a positive outlook and to stay soft in a world that values strength, power, brutality.
I love romantic fantasy for this reason; these stories tear us open, they ask of us to feel deeply, to laugh and kick our feet. To gasp with disbelief and to cry. And then they rebuild with us. It shows us that we can be both fierce and soft, scared and brave. And I can't think of anything more beautiful than that.
“Love will burn.
Blood will remain.”
Step into the candlelight
Whispers from the writing desk: chapter previews, cover reveals, and the rare unpublished excerpt. No noise — only embers.