by Abigail Wild and William J. Connell
What sparked the idea for your current Wild Ink book?
My current book is “Masks of Death.” The idea for it came from people who read drafts of my upcoming book, “Race with the Black Death.” People liked “Race” but had questions about the protagonists and the events leading up to the story. I thought I had set up enough hints about the past, but when I discussed it with friends, they suggested it could be its own story. Thus, Masks of Death was started!
How do you approach writing on days when inspiration feels thin?
Different ways. Sometimes I put it aside and address my legal work, or exercise, or have fun with family. Basically, walk away from writing fiction. If I have stretches with “Writer’s Block,” then I might sit down and start writing a scene that is clear in my mind. Doing that often helps me work both forwards and backwards around the scene. At that point, the story will write itself.
What part of your book changed the most during revision, and why?
In both books, it was the characterization of the protagonist turned antagonist, Elizabeth Malatesta. She is a sentient flesh eater, what is called a “Zombie” in some circles. I envisioned her as a ruthless antagonist, and a bit crazed by her sickness. While writing the first book with backstory, I began to see her more as a person who was manipulated and conflicted. Even when she’s turned into the full-on villain, I found moments to show she retains a shred of humanity. I found what I think are interesting ways to show this. She is cold and calculating, but on occasion will show a sliver of mercy. Elizabeth has a sense of fairness, but it is fairness from her viewpoint.
What do you hope readers carry with them after finishing your work?
I hope readers find these books to be exciting reads, and that they become immersed in the world of western Europe during the Black Death plague. The story is fictional, but I sprinkle it with known characters from literature of the period (all in the public domain, of course). The superstitious elements are fantastical, but I tried to depict what everyday life was really like during the period, along with the very real and frightening effects of what they called “The Great Mortality” – minus the fleshers, of course.
Is there a scene or moment in the book that feels closest to your heart?
There is a scene where Elizabeth finds a young flesher, a girl, who is sentient, like Elizabeth, though not as strong. The child does not really accept she is “undead.” This is one of the scenes where Elizabeth shows traces of her humanity. The child was going to disappear after the scene, but in writing it, she became too strong a character. She remained a significant secondary character throughout the book (and if I am not giving too much away, she is there I the third and final book as well).
What book or writer shaped your voice in a way you still notice?
Really hard to pick one. I am fascinated by supernatural/horror themed stories set in the past, like “The Masque of the Red Death.” I think the books in the “Black Death Tales” series are influenced by Edgar Allan Poe and Giovanni Bocaccio, who wrote “The Decameron.” That book is a collection of stories written during the time of the plague and offers fascinating insights into life during that time.
What are you working on now, and how is it taking shape?
I am working on the final edits for “Race with the Black Death.” I really love the action and pace of the story. There are two races going on with two distinct groups, both of whom are just trying to survive as the plague spreads in a northwest direction. I hope readers like the world-building and get caught up with the characters! I also hope we get enough readers to bring the survivors back in Book 3, which concludes the “Black Death Tales” series!
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