The Gilded Archives
Essays on writing, worldbuilding, and the craft, plus book recommendations and notes from the author journey, from romantasy author Eve Matsdotter.
- If you loved Fourth Wing, read these next — A short stack of romantasy reads I had to talk about. 4 books, 4 verdicts, no spoilers beyond vibes.
- On the Architecture of Ruin: Writing a Villain You Cannot Fully Condemn — There is a particular discomfort in writing a villain and finding yourself nodding along. Eve Matsdotter opens the Gilded Archives on the craft of the antagonist, and examines what it costs to build a character whose logic is terrible, coherent, and uncomfortably human all at once.
- Books with morally grey MMC's I keep defending (Spoiler: all stalkers) — A short stack of romantasy reads I had to talk about. 3 books, 3 verdicts, no spoilers beyond vibes.
- Dystopian Romantasy Guide — Welcome to your comprehensive guide for structuring a dystopian romantasy novel using Blake Snyder's renowned Save The Cat beat sheet. This guide has been specifically adapted to help you weave together two critical narrative threads: your high-stakes dystopian plot and your compelling romance subplot.
- What Grief Needs That Reality Can't Give — When my father died, the world didn't pause. It just kept buying coffee and complaining about the weather. It felt far too small for what I was carrying; it didn't have the right rooms. So I built some. This is how the world I'm writing came out of loss, and why some stories can only begin in ash.
- How to Master Romance as a Subplot in Fantasy Novels — Let's talk about adding romance to your fantasy story as a subplot. I've been experimenting with it in my current work, and it's added a lot of depth without taking away from the main quest. If you're a fantasy writer looking to add an emotional layer to your story through romantic tension, these tips can help. It's all about balance, making sure the romance enhances the adventure.
- Crafting Fantasy: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 Writers — Let's explore the world of fantasy craft, where magic, adventure, and memorable characters combine to take readers on thrilling journeys. As I work on my WIP, I've discovered that breaking it down into smaller steps helps me stay focused and enthusiastic about my work. If you're an aspiring author wanting to create epic quests or magical worlds, this guide will help you turn your ideas into reality.
- How to Plot a Dystopian Romantasy Novel for Writers Who Hate Plotting — Let's dive into plotting a dystopian romantasy story, a mix of high-stakes worlds and heart-pounding romance. Lately, I've been struggling with my own work-in-progress, feeling overwhelmed by the structure. But breaking it down into simple steps has made it enjoyable again. If you're like me and dread traditional outlining, this method can help you too.
- First draft of my Prologue (It's a mess) — I’ve just completed the first draft of my prologue! Motivated by fellow authors sharing their progress, I felt inspired to share my own journey. This prologue lays the foundation for my magical system, and I’m eager to add more depth.
- Collide Telenovela Romance By Alannah Roberts — Let's talk about Collide by Alannah Roberts, a captivating indie contemporary romance filled with steamy tension and heartfelt drama. It's a great time to discuss it, especially since January is all about supporting indie authors. I've been reading it for inspiration for my dystopian romantasy work-in-progress, and the emotional depth of its love triangle has really caught my attention. The story shows how strong chemistry and personal growth can elevate any plot. For authors looking to combine romance with high stakes, Collide is a great source of inspiration.