I'm writing a dark fantasy novel, painting bold colours within charity-shop frames, and making music from a cottage in the hills.
The kingdom is still there. The secrets are patient.
Two and a half years ago I had a dream so vivid, so cinematic, that I woke up and couldn't stop writing. I've always had lucid dreams — the kind you can step back into, rewind, edit. This one was different.
I wrote intermittently for two years alongside working full time — stolen early mornings, late nights, weekends on the hills. Now I'm at the final stages of my debut fantasy novel, The Avalan. It's time to make it real.
When I'm not writing you'll find me with oil pastels and a charity-shop frame, making music as ORIEL, or walking the Malvern Hills until something worth writing about occurs to me.
"Started with a dream I couldn't shake. Two and a half years later, it's nearly a book."
Eighteen years ago, an entire kingdom was erased from every map and every memory. Someone made sure of that. Now the secrets are surfacing — and nothing is what it seems.
"The kingdom at the heart of this tale has been lost for eighteen years, erased from maps and memory alike. But kingdoms, like secrets, have a way of surfacing when you least expect them."
✦ Meet the characters ✦
Follow the story behind the story and be the first to know when The Avalan is ready
Most novel updates & behind-the-scenes live here pre-publication
I’m actively seeking literary representation for The Avalan. If you’re a book agent or publisher and would like to know more, please get in touch — info@millicentorielaps.com
"I woke up from a dream so vivid I couldn't stop writing. I've always had lucid dreams — the kind you can rewind like a film. This one wouldn't stop playing on repeat."
I find frames in charity shops and paint each piece to fit — every original is completely one of a kind.
Art prints & digital Excel organisational products — something for everyone.
Shop Now ✨
Original oil pastels, each one painted to fit a charity-shop frame — every piece completely unique. Browse Instagram for the full portfolio and email to enquire about availability.
Under the name ORIEL, I drop a brand new single every month — indie, dreamy, and made from scratch in a cottage in the Malvern Hills. Come find your new favourite song.
The Avalan, art in progress, ORIEL music, and life in the hills.
Updates on The Avalan, new art, ORIEL music, and dispatches from life in the Malvern Hills.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.