Newsletter #8

Writing for myself, again

When I started on Everyone Dies, I decided to write for myself. I would focus on the story I wanted to tell, rather than the expectations of my family, friends, and potential readers. The result was that Everyone Dies just flowed out. It was a joy to write and edit.

Then, when I commenced work on the sequel, I wrote to address feedback from my editors and readers. I wrote tens of thousands of words, but each time it was a struggle. I pushed through because I'm stubborn, but it was hard. The pride of accomplishment was there, but the joy wasn't. I restarted several times, tossing out most of my work each time, but I just couldn't find that flow again.

Recently, I decided to just write for myself again. I appreciate all the feedback, but I've decided to consciously ignore it and focus on writing for myself once again.

Result: My writing mojo is back!

The words just come out, the feeling of a story telling itself, descriptions that just seem to appear, and the driving energy are there once more. Writing is a joy once more.

As for feedback given... Interestingly enough, while I am consciously ignoring feedback, it is subconsciously being factored into my writing. Meaningful observations by astute readers are affecting my output, which is a delightful surprise.

Books to explore

Here are a few books by fellow authors in dark genres.

He touched something in a collapsed tunnel. It touched back.

Now Kael has two heartbeats. One is his.

A Dark Dungeon Core Progression Fantasy.

There’s no time left. The Trial of Mettle is finally here.

For one day, the cadets are given a chance to prove their valor in combat.

The Law of Might novella trilogy concludes with the final installment, Trial of Mettle.

A terrifying short horror story inspired by true haunted house stories.

Perfect for readers of atmospheric, psychological horror and supernatural dread, this one-scene nightmare will claw under your skin—and stay there.

Kindle Unlimited Grimdark Reads

This is a small cross-promotion I'm organizing for Kindle Unlimited books. Jon Cronshaw, a notable British author of dark fantasy, asked for his works to be listed! Click on the image below (or here) to be taken to the list of books I've assembled.

Until June 5th,

Daniel Roy Greenfeld