I do not give out my personal email address for obvious reasons.

To reach out to my management team directly, please shoot an email at management@agnesmaelstrom.com and they'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Please note this email is for booking, collaboration or business inquiries ONLY.
All other requests (order, info, comment,...) will be automatically forwarded to support@agnesmaelstrom.com

June 6, 1989

Yup! You can befriend me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, and Pinterest!

OUI!

My husband and I have been married since October 31, 2020 and we'll be welcoming a baby girl in September 2024.

My husband's name is Morgan Maelström and he's lead guitarist in the black metal band Obsidyen. His stage name is Drakeîn, in homage to our daughter, who will be born in the Year of the Dragon.

On March 3, 2018, Morgan and I adopted our miniature schnauzer fur baby and named him Nox. He is very excited about becoming a big bro!

I'm passionate about all things esoteric: Witchcraft plays an integral part in my life as a woman and as an author. That's why my next novel will be partly centered on a Salem witch!

What if it was the darkness that was drawn to me? ;)

Seriously though, I've always been drawn to anything dark and sinister.

Even as a child, I longed for the right to read Baudelaire, Poe, Lovecraft, King,... I discovered horror in literature thanks to R.L. Stine and his "Goosebumps" series, and also "Hygiene and the Assassin" ["Hygiène de l'assassin" in its original French version] by Belgian author Amélie Nothomb, for whom I've had unwavering admiration ever since.

In terms of cinema, I guess my first love will always be 90s Tim Burton movies, such as "Edward Scissorhands" and "Batman", but I also grew up surrounded by the images and atmosphere of the 90s Addams Family films.
I've dreamed of having a family like theirs ever since, and I couldn't be happier that it's now a reality!

I discovered horror movies during my pre-teens: I'm still absolutely in awe of "The Silence of the Lambs", which both traumatized and fascinated me!

I don't "dress goth" in the sense that I don't play dress-up or purposely dress in a particular style: I love black, faux leather, lace and beautiful fabrics, and it's true that gothic aesthetics and music have always been very close to my heart.

In other words, I don't do it on purpose. I just am goth.

Now, that's a question you'll have to ask your parents first: although I'll always encourage someone to be perfectly themselves, it's impossible for me to give a precise date or age. There are so many factors involved...

Perhaps the smoothest way to make the transition to gothic fashion would be to do one change at a time: first, buy a few band t-shirts; then, an accessory here and there. After that, just a touch of dark gray on the eyelids...

It's all a question of balance!

As weird as it sounds, yes, I really am that pale.

I don't do anything to try and get a tan, though: I've learned over the years to appreciate having very fair skin, and it's something I'm proud of today. I even use make-up products that reinforce this impression of diaphanous skin.

I think there's nothing more brave and pure than perfect, absolute self-acceptance. It's not easy, and I'm still a long way from it, but accepting my white skin, in a society that often glorifies tanning, is definitely a challenge I'm happy to take up.

And if you're wondering, yes, people do stop and invective me in the street on a regular basis. I still get insults, as if I were a freak.

My response? A smile and nothing else, because I forget them as quickly as they disappear from my field of vision.
Remember: the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.

Book signings, speaking appearances (lectures, interviews, podcasts,...), and live singing sessions are announced on my website in the dedicated area and social media, unless the local venue has asked that I do not.

I'd love to!

Please contact my management team at management@agnesmaelstrom.com and detail the reasons of your inquiry.

Rest assured they'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Please note this email is for booking, collaboration or business inquiries ONLY.
All other requests (order, info, comment,...) will be automatically forwarded to support@agnesmaelstrom.com

Short version: the darker the better!

Long version: I've been interviewed several times on the subject of horror in literature and film; it's obviously one of my favorite topics of discussion!
But I'm just as interested in questions that deal with the future of the fiction novel, being a fiction author, and self-publishing.

I'm also more than happy to take part in questions about the place of women in art and literature: I consider myself to be deeply passionate about feminism, and I intend to defend the cause of women whenever I get the chance.

Given the themes of my debut novel, but also my personal commitment to the fight against child abuse, I'd be more than happy to answer questions about child abuse, domestic violence and bullying at school and/or online.

Finally, due to the themes of my forthcoming novel, I can answer questions about modern witchcraft, which for me is the most advanced form of self-celebration, as criminology, psychology and psychiatry, and serial killers, which I'm passionate about.

KEYWORDS:
1. Horror literature and film
2. Fiction novel
3. Fiction author
4. Self-publishing vs traditional publishing
5. Women in art and literature
6. Feminism
7. Modern Witchcraft
8. Fight against child abuse and domestic violence
9. Bullying (school and online)
10. Criminology
11. Psychology
12. Psychiatry
13. Serial killers

Choose?
Oh, I didn't choose anything!

I mean, I didn't get up one fine spring morning, open my shutters to the surrounding countryside, and decide that I would dedicate my life to writing.
It just happened, very naturally.

It's almost like a compulsion, though.
Strange as it may seem, I can channel my urge to write into something else, but very quickly it becomes unbearable. It's not a question of choice, but rather one of need. I need to write, like I need to eat. Or breathe.

Mostly in my nightmares.
And for those of you who find some of my murders gruesome, I'd like to stress that it's nothing compared to what I endure in my nightmares; when I write murders, I choreograph them. I make them "pretty".
In my nightmares, the violence is unbearable. And it's impossible to wake up; I'm just trapped. Awful.

But it makes good material when you're a horror writer!

Thank you for believing in me enough to think that I'm worthy of taking your ideas to a new plane of existence--that of writing--but no: I'm already having trouble sorting out my own ideas and fantasies, so there's no need to go digging into your tormented minds! ;)

As much as I'd love to explore your literary world, I simply can't devote that kind of time to anyone at the moment.

When it comes to proofreading, I urge you to turn to a professional who can answer all your questions and take your work to new horizons.

I'm self-published and don't have a literary or artistic agent, or a publisher. It would therefore be outrageous of me to dare give you the name of an agent or publisher!

I'm sure that Google and specialized author forums and Facebook groups will have all the answers you need.

Okay, that's gonna be a big one.

1. Read voraciously

One of the most fundamental pieces of advice I can offer is to read extensively within and beyond your preferred genre. By immersing yourself in a wide range of literature, you'll not only expand your knowledge and understanding of storytelling techniques but also discover unique voices and narrative styles that can inspire your own work.

2. Write consistently

The key to improving as a writer is to write regularly. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to work on your craft, whether it's drafting new chapters, revising previous work, or brainstorming story ideas. Consistency breeds progress, and every word you write brings you closer to realizing your goals as an author.

3. Embrace failure

Rejection and setbacks are an inevitable part of the writing journey, but they're also opportunities for growth. Don't be discouraged by rejection letters or negative feedback; instead, view them as valuable learning experiences that can help you refine your skills and strengthen your resolve. Remember, every successful author has faced rejection at some point in their career.

4. Find your voice

Developing your unique authorial voice is essential for standing out in a crowded literary landscape. Experiment with different writing styles, tones, and perspectives until you discover what feels most authentic and compelling to you. Your voice is what sets your work apart and resonates with readers, so don't be afraid to let it shine.

5. Revise ruthlessly

Writing is rewriting, and the process of revision is where your manuscript truly begins to take shape. Be prepared to revise your work multiple times, seeking feedback from trusted peers or mentors along the way. Look for ways to tighten prose, deepen characterization, and enhance plot dynamics, always striving to make your story the best it can be.

6. Build a supportive community

Surround yourself with fellow writers who understand the challenges and joys of the creative process. Join writing groups, attend workshops or conferences, and engage with online writing communities to connect with like-minded individuals who can offer encouragement, feedback, and solidarity on your journey.

7. Pursue publication wisely

When it comes time to share your work with the world, be strategic in your approach to publication. Research literary agents, publishers, or self-publishing platforms that align with your genre and target audience, and tailor your submissions accordingly. Be patient and persistent, knowing that success in the publishing industry often requires perseverance and resilience.

8. Never stop learning

The craft of writing is a lifelong pursuit, and there's always something new to learn and explore. Whether it's attending writing workshops, studying craft books, or seeking mentorship from established authors, prioritize your growth and development as a writer.

And wherever you are on your writing journey, stay curious, stay humble, and never stop honing your skills. You can do this!

Mainly French and Francophone Literature, Linguistics, English Literature, Translation, Comparative Literature, and Musicology.

There really is no "right" answer to this question; it's all up to you! What you like to do, what you like to study, what literary genre you'd like to win your spurs in...

A "better" answer, or at least a more appropriate one, would be: the important thing is to do what you want to do!
There's no point in going back to university at 45 to study family law or the history of Merovingian art if you don't want to be there! You won't learn anything, you'll have a bad time, and chances are your teachers will too...

Save everyone the pain and study what you like!

In my case, it was literature.
I like to read, I like to analyze, I like to write about my reading and analysis... The path was all mapped out for me (and despite this, I didn't start studying literature until I was 22!), but I had other things to worry about before I had the chance to study literature.

The best advice I can give you is to remain curious about everything, and always seek to broaden your intelectual horizons.

Gee, no!

The only thing you have to look forward to is the assurance that the literary work you offer to the world will live up to your expectations (in other words, proofread, corrected, edited...).

Remember: Arthur Rimbaud gave the world one of the most extraordinary collections of self-published poetry, "A Season in Hell", at the age of just 19.

Believe me, there's no such thing as being too young... but there is such a thing as being too cocky! ;) So stay humble about your work and ask yourself whether or not it's really ready for the public eye.
And if not, it's not a problem, just an opportunity for you to make it even better!

The eternal question... which I think is the wrong one.
These two methods of publishing books should not be pitted against each other as if they were enemy clans: this isn't "Romeo and Juliet"!

On the contrary, I think it's important to try and understand each one, its benefits but also its shortcomings, and perhaps play each one to your own advantages.

Before going any further, remember that I'm a French author, so it's my experience on French soil with French publishers that I'm talking about, and it may not be relevant to an audience from another country. Let's take a concrete example: in France, you don't go through an agent to submit your text to a publishing house; it's the publishing house itself that has a reading committee that sorts out the manuscript before it reaches the publisher's desk. So, you know, do your research based on your country!

For my part, when I decided to present "Porcelain" to the world, I did as most people do and sent my manuscript to various French publishing houses in which I have every confidence: I selected precisely those publishers whose authors, above all, I read.
As it happens, I received some negative responses, like everyone else, but also some positive ones; unfortunately, we didn't manage to agree on points that seemed essential to me... like publishing my own novels, and not becoming someone else's ghostwriter! Of course, this anecdote is extremely rare and shouldn't make you shy away from traditional publishing.

To be honest, I've never understood this demonization of the publisher. Their job is to help you offer the best possible text to the widest possible audience. Sure, their job is about making money. But isn't that also your goal?
Not living-in-a-big-mansion kind of money, I mean, that's extremely rare and shouldn't be your objective as a writer; Rather food-on-your-table-and-a roof-over-your-kids-head kind of money, and only thanks to your book, does sound exhilirating, right?
So rather than seeing it as a constant tug-of-war, it's better to think of your relationship with your publisher as an intellectual and commercial partnership!

On the other hand, being a self-published author brings its share of challenges, but also many personal rewards.
One of the biggies is that all the benefits of your hard work come back to you in full: so it's (supposedly...) easier to make a living from your writing as a self-published author than when you go through a publishing house.
Also, you retain complete creative control over your work, and because you own it, you can make decisions about the rights, licensing, and adaptations of your book. You also have the ability to turn your book into a series or franchise without having to negotiate with a publisher.

Maybe the best of both worlds would be to be a self-published author with a good literary agent... But that's not my case yet, so I can't comment on it.

I wanted (and needed, too, after his passing) to link my maternal grandfather, who raised me, to my writing, forever. So it's his surname, with which I've blended one of my origins on my father's side, the Netherlands*, and my most terrible fear, that of water.
A maelström is a strong whirlpool that forms when opposing currents meet to form swirling water. Its name comes from the Dutch words malen (to whirl or grind) and strom (stream).

* Did you notice that the Netherlands are the country of origin of Porcelain's family? ;)

Ah, how you'd like to know... ;)

Honestly, what could be creepier than a little girl?!

Joking aside, I wanted to deal with two subjects that are painfully close to my heart: bullying and domestic violence against children.

When I was a child myself, I suffered psychological violence at the hands of one of my parents; similarly, I was bullied from primary school right through to the end of my final year of high school.
My situation at my high school was such that my own mother was forced to accompany me to class throughout the whole senior year, for fear that I would be brutalized and rendered physically unable to obtain my high school diploma.

Determined to fight these two scourges, I initially wanted to become a teacher; I spent 5 years trying to pass on the information that our high school students shared with me: their daily lives, their suffering, their worries.

Unfortunately, these two subjects that are bullying and domestic violence against children were still very taboo in France at the time. Our high school board of directors turned a deaf ear to the suffering of abused and/or bullied children, and after months and months of pure agony, I finally gave in.

I resigned and decided to plunge headlong into writing my novel, in which I wanted to highlight these dark yet sadly current themes.

When I started working on the narration for "Porcelain", I quickly realized an essential point: only a child can truly bear witness to a child's suffering. So I had to create a child protagonist who was immersed in a pattern of violence and silence.

Sarah was born.

Au contraire!

Of course, the theme of the cursed or haunted doll is a recurrent one in cinema; everyone has seen at least one film featuring a doll. I collect dolls myself, and I can assure you that entering my house requires a certain amount of courage on the part of our friends!

But it's precisely because I'm passionate about dolls, and have a deep love of horror and its themes, that I'm aware of the dynasty my own little Porcelain must face; that's the main reason why, in my novel, it's not the doll the evil creature to be wary of: it's the little girl herself!

YESSS! I am so grateful that you took the time to embrace the darkness and discover the (mis)adventures of Sarah and Porcelain that I had to give you something special, straight from my heart: and what better than an exclusive secret chapter focusing on the character of Porcelain?

Instructions for obtaining this chapter

Nothing's simpler; All you have to do is write a positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads, take a screenshot of it, and send it to me by email at the following address:

PorcelainSecretChapter@gmail.com

You’ll then receive the secret chapter directly in your mailbox!

ATTENTION : pour mes chers lecteurs francophones, l'adresse email est:

ChapitreSecretPorcelaine@gmail.com

A fanart of the novel? Wow, what an honor... I confess I'm always overwhelmed when I admire a fanart of my book: the very idea that you've devoted your precious time to enchant my world with your art fills me with a joy I can hardly express...

Of course, I'd be more than happy to have it featured on the site so that everyone can enjoy your artwork!

Please note that I'm very committed to the protection of artists and their rights, so there is a digital Fanart Display Agreement for you to complete and sign.
This ensures that you and I agree on the terms of the display and protect your interests as an artist.

Here's the drill:

1. First and foremost, please complete and sign the Fanart Display Agreement by clicking right HERE and pay attention to the information you wish to share on the site (either your social media, your website,etc.)

2. Then, send an email to fanart@agnesmaelstrom.com and share your creations as attachments.

⚠️ If there are several of them, and the order of publication is meaningful to you, be sure to indicate their classification number in the title (e.g.: Melissa Riley Artwork #4.)

3. When this is done, you can contact me via social media @agnesmaelstrom

We'll then discuss directly about your piece! 🖤

First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for embracing the darkness of "Porcelain" to the point you wish to spread the word about it! I'm overwhelmed to receive so much love from my readers...

It really means the underworld to me! 🖤

The very best way for you to do so, is to write a positive review of Porcelain on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

You can also click on the media kit whose button is located below my bio on this page, and share its link with your friends and family, or with journalists and influencers.

You can start by explaining why you contacted them, and how highlighting the novel would benefit their media, the novel, and its future readers. Remember how you felt while reading and put words to it.

Finally, you can simply share a photo of your copy of "Porcelain" on social media and write a short review that inspires others to discover the novel.
If you've read the digital version, you'll find plenty of promotional photos of the novel on the media kit. Take your pick!

Once again, MERCI.

Oh là là...

I don't want to say too much for fear of not being able to stop and reveal the whole plot!

This will not be a novel centered on a single protagonist, but three...
Not only that, but if you've read "Porcelain", secret chapter included, chances are you've already crossed paths with them, even if only briefly!

Every novel to date (a good dozen) is a one-shot. A beginning, a middle, an end... and a twist, because that's what the legendary R.L. Stine taught me in his books.

Having said that, each of my novels is actually interconnected: if you pay attention, you'll notice that specific places and dates mark out certain chapters... And that's no accident! ;)

I'm currently in the middle of creating a new literary work... and a whole human being at that!

To be honest, my first pregnancy (and maybe the only one I'll ever have) is a milestone in my life as a woman, and I don't want to miss a single moment. What's more, I'm constantly exhausted! That's why I'm not writing as fast as usual... Patience, patience... I promise, it's coming!

That said, if you'd like to be amongst the very first to hear from me, it's easy: all you have to do is subscribe to my newsletter!

* Advanced Reading Copy

I've been thinking for a while about creating a list of readers and book professionals (journalists, influencers, bloggers, podcast hosts, etc.) who would be up for a partnership based on a simple, but effective concept; readers have full access to the work in advance for free, in ebook format. Their only obligation if they liked it: leave a positive comment on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

During the promotional week for the novel (all dates will be provided to you in the special ARC file.), they also have the possibility to:

• recommend it on social media
• write a review, an article or a blog about it
• comment about it on a podcast
• interview me in the media of their choice (newspaper, podcast, blog, channel, etc.)

At the end of the promo week, one reader from the list will be selected for their commitment and will receive a special signed and inscribed copy of the book.

Surprisingly, even though I made my name through writing, I actually come from a family of classical musicians. My mother, a piano teacher, detected in me a certain gift for this instrument and very quickly passed on to me a love of music and sound.
Then I turned to singing: I began by taking classical singing lessons, then joined various choirs.

I'm absolutely passionate about the vocal organ and experimenting with my voice; in fact, my ambition is to take advantage of my maternity leave to join a professional training course in which I have the utmost confidence: the highly acclaimed Complete Vocal Technique, taught at the Complete Vocal Institute founded by Cathrine Sadolin.

Now, writing and music go hand in hand in my life, and it would be impossible for me to choose between these two passions!

I'm particularly attached to classical music, because it is the music I'm most intimate with.
My favorite composers include Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinski, Johann Sebastian Bach, Francis Poulenc, Camille Saint-Saëns, Erik Satie, Claude Debussy, Arvo Pärt, Maurice Ravel, Gabriel Fauré, Sergueï Rachmaninov, Antonín Dvořák, Edward Elgar,...
And the list is definitely NOT exhaustive!

But as you may already know, I'm also a big Metal girl!
My favorite Metal genres are Symphonic Metal and Melodic Death Metal.

Besides, my artistic aspirations as a singer include working on the vocal techniques of:
* Amy Lee (Evanescence), whose characteristic sob technique is admirable;
* Aurora, and her control of the passaggio while keeping this magical ethereal sound;
* Tatiana Shmayluk (Jinjer), for the power of her growl: the same goes for Alissa White-Gluz, vocalist of the group Arch Enemy, and Marion Bascoul, vocalist and rythmic guitarist of French band Aephanemer;
* Maria Brink (In This Moment), whose vocal fry and fry scream are bewitching;
* Anneke Van Giersbergen (ex-The Gathering), especially for her beautiful legato phrasing and harmonies;
* both Simone Simons (Epica), and Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation) for their crystalline yet so powerful and moving tone;
* and Floor Jansen (Nightwish, ex-Revamp) who, a former lyrical singer, has a vocal technique that is beyond perfection, and for whom I have the utmost admiration.

In fact, I'm very attached to it! For any musical or artistic collaboration, please contact my management team: management@agnesmaelstrom.com

Rest assured they'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Please note this email is for booking, collaboration or business inquiries ONLY.
All other requests (order, info, comment,...) will be automatically forwarded to support@agnesmaelstrom.com

“Ghouls Nights” was born of an irrepressible need to talk about my absolute, almost delusional love of horror films with my audience and readership. It was after chatting to a number of horror enthusiasts at my first conventions as a writer that I realized the public's interest in this film genre, which is sometimes looked down upon by critics.
For me, horror in cinema is perhaps the purest genre, because it doesn't follow any rules of decorum or decency.

I grew up in a family where the performing arts were an integral part of our daily lives: if I do the math, chances are I spent more time backstage than I did in school!
Of course, when you see artists getting ready to go on stage every week, the desire to do the same thing becomes almost obsessive.

For me, makeup is just another form of self-expression, just like writing, music, dance, or acting.

I sure am!

Please contact my management team at management@agnesmaelstrom.com and detail the reasons of your inquiry.

Rest assured they'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Please note this email is for booking, collaboration or business inquiries ONLY.
All other requests (order, info, comment,...) will be automatically forwarded to support@agnesmaelstrom.com

I will soon!

My app, "The Occultum", will welcome all those who wish to learn Witchcraft practices and knowledge in a safe and effective way from a seasoned Modern Witch, and discuss them in the best possible conditions.

The app, which is still in the development stage, will see the light of day in the coming months, and will be offered online and via the iOS and
Android stores.

Unlock the secrets of Modern Witchcraft and be among the first to harness its transformative power by entering your email to stay updated on the development of "The Occultum" app!