Emma Dhesi
Emma Dhesi
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What Is Elevated Horror?
Join me as I interview the wonderful Michele Tracy Berger about her new short story collection, Doll Seed.
In this interview, we discuss:
- The inspiration behind Doll Seed, including the famous Brown v. Board of Education case that used dolls to study segregation.
- Michele's journey into short fiction and how it has honed her craft as a writer.
- Her love of horror, especially "elevated" and "social" horror that goes beyond gore to explore deeper themes.
- Her experience working with the feminist publisher Aunt Lute Books as a small press.
Michele's collection covers many compelling themes through short stories, flash fiction and more. It includes her award-winning title story as well as tales of girlhood, trauma, racism, and finding the extraordinary in everyday life.
I'm so excited to chat with this talented author about her writing process, favorite genres, and journey to publication. Michele is such an insightful voice in speculative fiction - you won't want to miss our conversation!
About Michele:
Michele Tracy Berger is a professor, an award-winning writer, a creativity coach and a pug-lover.
Her main love is writing speculative fiction, though she also is known to write poetry and creative nonfiction, too.
A few places her work has appeared include: 100 Word Story, Glint Literary Journal, The Wild Word, Apex Magazine, Blood and Bourbon, FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction, Ms. Magazine, various anthologies.
Much of her work explores psychological horror, especially through issues of race and gender.
“Doll Seed” her debut collection of speculative stories will be published by Aunt Lute Books in Oct 2024 in America, and November 2024 in the UK.
Michele's links:
Doll Seed, Michele Tracy Berger (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3MSzrLe
Website: creativetickle.com/
UA-cam: www.youtube.com/@thecreativetickle9957
Email: mtb@creativetickle.com
Instagram: bergermichele2005
The Witch, dir. Robert Eggers: www.imdb.com/title/tt4263482/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Emma's links:
Website: www.emmadhesi.com
Get my free top ten expert tips for novelists: www.emmadhesi.com/TopTen
Instagram: emmadhesibookcoach
About Emma Dhesi:
Emma Dhesi, bestselling author and esteemed mindset coach, leads authors past self-doubt and writer's block with her program, Unlock Your Creative Block.
Her approach leverages science-backed techniques and psychological insights to cultivate a space where authors can harness their tenacity and navigate the challenges of the literary industry with confidence.
Emma lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with her husband, 3 children and 3 cats.
#emmadhesi #micheletracyberger #authorinterviews #elevatedhorror #horrorwriter #shortstories
Переглядів: 14

Відео

Writing Characters with Disabilities, with Sherry Gomes
Переглядів 8516 годин тому
Join me, Emma Dhesi, in conversation with novelist Sherry Gomes about her writing journey and debut romance novel Haven. Sherry talks about how she's been writing since childhood and always dreamed of being a published author. As an avid reader, she knew she wanted to write stories with positive portrayals of blind characters, where blindness is just one aspect of their identity. She shares tip...
Writing After Retirement: How Katherine Rupley Started Her Fiction Career Later in Life
Переглядів 18821 день тому
Join me in conversation with novelist Katherine Rupley, author of the novels Calculated Risk and Antarctica. We discuss Katherine's journey from engineer to fiction writer later in life, her discovery writing process, and the themes and points of view in her suspense thriller Antarctica. Katherine shares excellent insight on overcoming the challenges of writing your first book, making time for ...
Top tips on world building
Переглядів 53Місяць тому
In this video, I share my top three tips for effective worldbuilding. While we often think of intricate fantasy or sci-fi worlds, every story requires building a setting, even if based in reality. First, only introduce world elements as needed, rather than overwhelming with excessive detail upfront. Feed readers important details piecemeal through the prose. Second, maintain a "story bible" lis...
Going on an artist's date
Переглядів 11Місяць тому
In this video, I urge writers to get out of their normal routine and go on an "artist's date." As creatives, we easily get stuck inside our heads. A change of scenery sparks inspiration. Even when self-employed, I feel guilty taking a day off. But periodically you need to disconnect. Force yourself out into the world. Visit an art gallery, people watch at a café, whatever nourishes you. Being a...
It takes two things to write a book
Переглядів 15Місяць тому
In this video, I explain the two essential ingredients for finishing your book - self-belief and habit. Many have great ideas and writing knowledge but still don't complete manuscripts. What's missing? First, you must believe you're capable of writing a book, even if imperfect. Without trusting in your skills on some level, you won't commit to regular writing sessions. Self-doubt blocks routine...
How to create realistic characters
Переглядів 20Місяць тому
In this video, I share three tips for crafting realistic, complex characters that come to life. First, give them a flaw or misbelief formed in childhood that shapes how they see themselves or the world. By the story's end, this belief will be transformed. Second, identify their driving goals and deepest desires - whether tangible objects or inner fulfillment. Do they achieve these aims and are ...
Make Time to Write
Переглядів 5Місяць тому
In this video, I explain why you need to start actively claiming writing time instead of trying to find it amongst other obligations. To write a book, you must set firm boundaries around your creative work. Treat writing time like other commitments - give it dedicated, protected space so it doesn't get squeezed out. Don't wait until everything else is done - schedule it in advance based on your...
Do you hate letting others down?
Місяць тому
In this video, I discuss getting an accountability partner to help you stop breaking promises to yourself as a writer. Many put others' needs first and struggle to prioritize writing. An accountability buddy provides external motivation to finally do what you say you'll do. Choose someone you trust, and set a schedule to share pages by specific dates. Simply knowing someone is waiting for your ...
Decide to Write
Переглядів 5Місяць тому
In this video, I discuss how making a firm decision to write your book is key to getting it done. For those who accomplish goals once committed, you may wonder why your book remains undone despite saying you want to write it. The issue is you haven't truly decided this is your path. There's still hesitation holding you back from fully committing. But once you definitively decide it's time to wr...
Why is Writing Overwhelming?
Переглядів 9Місяць тому
In this video, I discuss how building a regular writing routine helps overcome feeling overwhelmed by your book project. It's easy to get paralyzed when you only focus on the end goal. The finished book feels so far away. By taking extended breaks, you can even forget details, wasting time recapping each session. This makes writing feel like a monumental effort whenever you do make it to your d...
Why done is better than perfect
Переглядів 12Місяць тому
In this video, I explain why taking imperfect action with your writing is better than striving for perfection. I know it can be tempting to plan every detail before starting, but you've got to begin somewhere, even if it's messy. I remind you that your favorite authors were all beginners once too. They took those imperfect first steps and kept building. If you want to accomplish your writing go...
The Writing Process
Переглядів 3Місяць тому
In this video, I remind writers that every book has its own unique pace and personality. Even if you have an established process, each new project unfolds differently. I share my experience revising a very messy first draft, which is going slowly and frustrating me. But I emphasize having patience and remembering each book reveals itself on its own timeline. Don't compare across projects or get...
Fun Fact About Writing
Переглядів 10Місяць тому
In this video, I share an interesting fact about how resisting discomfort can actually boost your brain health and longevity. I discuss a podcast by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman explaining how pushing yourself out of your comfort zone stimulates neurological growth. Doing challenging things you actively avoid, like cold showers, forces your brain to make new connections and function better ov...
How teaching children to read can teach us to write
Переглядів 4Місяць тому
In this video, I share insights from teaching my reluctant son to read and how it mirrors learning to write. Just like reading, writing improves with consistent practice, even when it feels challenging. My son resists reading and procrastinates with excuses and tantrums. Yet gentle persistence pays off. His skills grow rapidly as we read daily. The same applies to writing. Even through resistan...
What writers can learn from George Michael
Переглядів 243Місяць тому
What writers can learn from George Michael
Disappointed with your writing progress?
Переглядів 19Місяць тому
Disappointed with your writing progress?
How to start a new project
Переглядів 6Місяць тому
How to start a new project
Writing isn't meant to be easy
Переглядів 34Місяць тому
Writing isn't meant to be easy
How to overcome writing anxiety
Переглядів 10Місяць тому
How to overcome writing anxiety
How to deal with the negative self-talk
Переглядів 19Місяць тому
How to deal with the negative self-talk
Dictation for Writers, with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
Переглядів 1862 місяці тому
Dictation for Writers, with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
Are you addicted to writing courses?
Переглядів 563 місяці тому
Are you addicted to writing courses?
Your book is not your baby
Переглядів 273 місяці тому
Your book is not your baby
Need some motivation?
Переглядів 313 місяці тому
Need some motivation?
Do you keep putting off your writing?
Переглядів 603 місяці тому
Do you keep putting off your writing?
We all have a unique perspective
Переглядів 403 місяці тому
We all have a unique perspective
There is trial and error in writing
Переглядів 483 місяці тому
There is trial and error in writing
Becoming a writer is like being an adolescent
Переглядів 243 місяці тому
Becoming a writer is like being an adolescent
Writing a book is work, but good work
Переглядів 283 місяці тому
Writing a book is work, but good work

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @juliamonroe4128
    @juliamonroe4128 11 годин тому

    Bravo sister you look fabulous so calm & positive with what you Love most writing sharing with the world ..your a blessing to the beautiful people have disabilities.. keep up the love for others & writing .. you look wonderful on camera. Love you

  • @wortnewsaid8580
    @wortnewsaid8580 8 днів тому

    "(Somebody) and I" should be "... and me"!!! "I" is a subject, not an object.

  • @wortnewsaid8580
    @wortnewsaid8580 8 днів тому

    What are "T" reviews?

  • @KarenMcgregor-rm4cz
    @KarenMcgregor-rm4cz 16 днів тому

    I havent felt this way since my mother passed away in 2021!😭

  • @KarenMcgregor-rm4cz
    @KarenMcgregor-rm4cz 16 днів тому

    No wonder i couldnt come up with new material in months i was stressed out because i lostvmy job in june!😓

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 13 днів тому

      Hi Karen - 100% I hope you're giving yourself grace to get back to a good place. If it helps, write about how these difficult times are impacting you. Writing is our way of making sense of the world. Sending lots of love xx

  • @aliciagael4409
    @aliciagael4409 18 днів тому

    Great interview, great book!

  • @vehmasterswriterofhistoric5111
    @vehmasterswriterofhistoric5111 20 днів тому

    Very interesting _ looking forward to reading Antartica.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 19 днів тому

      Katherine is so encouraging and it's wonderful to see how she's grabbed this new career with both hands! 😃

  • @malosprime4910
    @malosprime4910 25 днів тому

    Love your two books, Write Your Hero and Mastering Character Arcs. I'm currently halfway done with Write My Hero; it's helping me to create my cosmic superhero story.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 20 днів тому

      Lewis is amazing, and such a good teacher. Look out for a workshop he's hosting with me later this month!

  • @cracklingsoda
    @cracklingsoda 29 днів тому

    Love your videos!

  • @cracklingsoda
    @cracklingsoda Місяць тому

    Thank you for this advice! I have 20 pages of notes that I must convert into a script but I'm filled with overwhelm.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 29 днів тому

      Break things down into small steps. Something that feels easy. Remember, work on one scene at a time, not the whole book! 😃

    • @cracklingsoda
      @cracklingsoda 29 днів тому

      @@emmadhesi thank you so much. It really works.

  • @kellycarey2070
    @kellycarey2070 Місяць тому

    That moment of true TRUST is when I find VOICE~

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 29 днів тому

      I love this sentiment ❤

  • @LaraMahmmoud
    @LaraMahmmoud Місяць тому

    ❤❤❤

  • @heidimeyermath8087
    @heidimeyermath8087 Місяць тому

    Truth! 🙂

  • @dianaglawson5262
    @dianaglawson5262 Місяць тому

    Love this. This helped so much. I found that I had just added incident after incident after incident when I started rewriting my series. I was using these moments to keep the 'action' going.

  • @kellycarey2070
    @kellycarey2070 2 місяці тому

    I've never even thought about dictating my work! Great interview with Sarah! Love the term Fictation! So fun!

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 2 місяці тому

      As Sarah says, it can be a bit of an adjustment - but what a difference it can make! 😃

  • @carriehollister8970
    @carriehollister8970 2 місяці тому

    I have been shamed for the audacity of using AI such as prowriting aid or autocrit or ChatGPT. For me, it’s been a wonderful tool to help me break through blocks and get my manuscript ready for beta readers or professional editors. It’s becoming a stigma in the art and writing community to even mention AI. I appreciate you being so candid and forthcoming with your feelings on the subject.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 2 місяці тому

      It is such a contencious topic right now, but am certain that it's the future. Once the traditional space gets on board with it, I am sure perspectives will change! 👍

  • @natalieg8457
    @natalieg8457 3 місяці тому

    Go back and make your story better! It's hard but worth it!

  • @litabrooker7872
    @litabrooker7872 3 місяці тому

    Great episode. Thanks, as always, Emma :)

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 3 місяці тому

      You're so welcome 😃

  • @deborahcrable7699
    @deborahcrable7699 3 місяці тому

    What a great interview with Heather! It's interesting to see how the school system has changed. I wasn't encouraged to write, but I was told I couldn't.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 3 місяці тому

      I loved Heather's approach. She's super inspiring. I'm glad you enjoyed it 😃

  • @lisapearson3946
    @lisapearson3946 6 місяців тому

    Hello! I am so encouraged by the structure that Lisa Cron's book brings to the writing process! Worldview-change scene written! WOW!

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 5 місяців тому

      I so love her approach to starting a book. I love the thought she encourages us to put into our characters before we even put pen to paper! xx

  • @samanthajones2006
    @samanthajones2006 9 місяців тому

    Saying affirmations is a great idea! Thank you!

  • @anne-mareegray8762
    @anne-mareegray8762 9 місяців тому

    Mine is Marlin the clown fish; he loves me, but he wants me to stay in the hole in the reef where he thinks I am safe, to keep his promise ' nothing will ever happen to you'...

  • @DLPotterAuthor
    @DLPotterAuthor 9 місяців тому

    I'm a Plantster... I like havin a plan but know that along the way, it's going to change as the writing unfolds. I like to use the W Plot to plot out my book so that I know I have the key points that help a story to flow throughout the whole book. As long as I still hit all those points as I write, changing the story as I write will be ok.

  • @DLPotterAuthor
    @DLPotterAuthor 9 місяців тому

    Is it easier for some genere's to figure out what the point is in your opinion? I write paranormal romance... That's not exactly easy to say what my point is about... Best I can come up with is... Knowing there really is a fated mate out there. Escaping the reality of how disappointing and frustrating it can be to date for real by escaping to a paranormal world where fated mates exist and yes, it can still be challenging to find that mate but that your mate/s are out there and once you find them, you know you're meant to be together by the paranormal aspect of a mate bond or something like that.

  • @MariB-o8m
    @MariB-o8m 10 місяців тому

    I sent my common early. That heaviness of body and/or soul that you talk about is an important indicator of what works for us and what doesn't. Thank you for helping to focus awareness on that as we make decisions about decluttering.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 9 місяців тому

      Hi Mari, I'm so glad it was helpful :) xx

  • @MariB-o8m
    @MariB-o8m 10 місяців тому

    Thank you for this, Emma!

  • @MariB-o8m
    @MariB-o8m 10 місяців тому

    Congratulations on this series, Emma! Interested in seeing how dictation works out as an alternative to writing/typing.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 9 місяців тому

      dictation is different, I'll give it that! But it's really saving me a lot of time and neck ache because I'm not sitting at my desk as I write! :) xx

  • @isammy6176
    @isammy6176 11 місяців тому

    Absolutely inspirational!

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi 11 місяців тому

      KD really is great, isn't she? A wonderful example of going for your dreams 💯

    • @isammy6176
      @isammy6176 11 місяців тому

      @@emmadhesi Most definitely! Thank you for recommending the video.

  • @woodlandlady7011
    @woodlandlady7011 Рік тому

    Thank you for this podcast Emma, it was very informative

  • @reaperc
    @reaperc Рік тому

    The audio quality is tinny and horrible. I can't even listen to it, it's so annoying.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi Рік тому

      I'm sorry to hear you've had problems with it.

  • @dottielee7000
    @dottielee7000 Рік тому

    Excellent content! Thank you.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi Рік тому

      I’m so glad you found it helpful. I love D2D! 😍

  • @RachelleAyalaWriter
    @RachelleAyalaWriter Рік тому

    Looking forward to exploring more with Marlowe. Thanks for the information. Alessandra, you're amazing. I remember you from the early days of self-publishing.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi Рік тому

      Alessandra is wonderful, isn’t she! She’s helping so many writers - as well as writing amazing books herself 😍

  • @anjonsarker2374
    @anjonsarker2374 Рік тому

    "Wow, your content just keeps getting better and better!"

  • @anjonsarker2374
    @anjonsarker2374 Рік тому

    This video is pure gold! Thanks for sharing

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi Рік тому

      Lewis really knows his stuff!

  • @woodlandlady7011
    @woodlandlady7011 Рік тому

    This was so helpful and inspiring because I too am dyslexic. Even though it takes me double the time to write and analyse for gramma and spelling being dyslexic, story telling is a great love of mine.

    • @emmadhesi
      @emmadhesi Місяць тому

      I'm so glad Martha resonated with you and let you know it's fine if grammer is tricky. You still get to tell great stories 😃