Not Dead Yet Newsletter #14

In this edition of the Not Dead Yet newsletter, I talk about my birthday, summer, and the two stories I'm working on.

It's my birthday!

I've completed another orbit around the sun. Hooray! I'm going to use this happy occasion to ask those who have not done so to consider writing a review for my latest book, "Everyone Dies".

Seven companions walk a path no one survives.
My grimdark fantasy story, rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon!
Available on Kindle Unlimited

Summer Daze

My daughter is out of school for the summer and finished camp a few weeks ago. Turns out that's a recipe for a life with many distractions. Nevertheless, I'm proud to say I have maintained a writing pace averaging over 500 per day. That's slower than normal, but understandable since I'm apprehensive about writing my dark fiction when my daughter is hanging over my shoulder.

Once her school starts up again, my writing should return to its normal pace.

Soldier of the Death God

Set in the same universe as "Everyone Dies", technically it's not a sequel. That's because everyone died in "Everyone Dies"! Nevertheless, the Lich Queen makes an appearance, and it occurs mostly after the events of its predecessor, so I'm calling it "Book 2" of an as-yet-named series.

In any case, I'm making progress on telling a story that mixes first and third person point of view. The premise is that the protagonist serves the Lich Queen as a Dark Captain, and wields a weapon capable of stealing souls from its victims. When a occurs, he receives some of their memories. Yes, this has shades of Michael Moorcock's Elric.

It has been interesting to write changing point-of-view styles. I tend to write third-person POV, often switching characters between chapters. Writing 1st person for fantasy is new to me, and I can see why some authors like to use it. Expressing thoughts and emotion without falling into the "show not tell" trap feels easier.

New story: Afterlife

Years ago I read a short story whose name and plot I can't remember, but it was set in a fantasy afterlife that existed for atheists. Having not been able ever to find the story again, I decided to write my own version. I'm about eight chapters in, when I've hit the halfway mark, I'll write out the book blurb and put it here.

Dark fantasy by other authors

In a kingdom that forgets its monsters, one man remembers.

In 1771 Constantinople, a Young Scientist’s Discovery Draws Him into a World that Defies Logic.
A Tale of Ancient Gods, Dangerous Knowledge, and a Scientist Caught Between Reason and Ruin.

Outcast after making friends with the wrong person, a disgraced soldier must decide whether forgiveness is enough to put his past behind him.
Book 1 of the Epic Fantasy Celestial Throne Series

Amazing summer fantasy promotions

See you next month,
Daniel Roy Greenfeld