Not Dead Yet 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!

Until June 5th,
Daniel Roy Greenfeld