Alex Darkfell - Monthly Newsletter - January 2025
- Alex Darkfell
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Hi!
Ok, it's 2025 now (really, when did that happen?!?) and I thought it's about time I sent out another newsletter. Also, a big "hello" to all my new subscribers! As ever, I love to keep things conversational. Any news or feedback you'd like to share, or if you just want to say 'hi', my inbox is always open! Hit reply or feel free to message me on Instagram!
To all the fellow writers out there, I'm always open to discussing ideas or beta reading any passages. You'll always receive kind and constructive feedback on anything you choose to share.
And to the readers, I'd love to hear what you're currently reading. I always love a good book recommendation!
Personal News
It was such a lovely Christmas in our household. As ever, we had the annual "will the kids bring any lurgies home from school" panic in the final week before Christmas, and inevitably, our youngest brought home a rather unpleasant virus which had us all coughing and spluttering in the lead up to the big day. Thankfully, we were all able to fight it off in time meaning we got to spend Christmas Day without the need for frequent applications of Calpol. We had presents, we ate (a lot), drank (in moderation) and had a thoroughly good time. I hope you all did too!
Now the kids are both back at school and we're both back at work (boo!) but genuinely feel positive about 2025. I don't do resolutions but I do like to think back on the past year and identify new habits I can incorporate into my life, however small, that will make a positive difference to myself, my family and the world. I recently read the book "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy (I highly recommend it!) which really shows how small but consistent positive habits can make a huge difference over time. So what are mine for 2025? If you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
Drink one less cup of coffee a day.
Read for 30mins (at least) every day.
Read something positive in the morning before reading any news.
Keep a better TODO list (trello board) and cross off every completed task, no matter how small.
Cover the BACE's (Body Care, Achievement, Connect with Others, Enjoyment) each day, however small.
Projects
Midnight and Other Short Stories
The biggest new so far this year is that my short story anthology "Midnight and Other Short Stories" is out! (cue party music!). Thank you to all who have read and reviewed the book so far. As a writer, it's such a joyous feeling when people read and enjoy your work and I'm so so grateful to those of you that have taken the time to read it so far.
I still have a couple of review copies left that I can send out so if you'd like one, let me know and I can get one sent out!
Paperback and eBook are currently available on Amazon!
The Descent of Epiphany Lawrence
I have one main goal with my writing during Q1 of this year and that is to complete the first draft of my supernatural thriller (working title) The Descent of Epiphany Lawrence. I'm currently at around 30,000 words of the first draft and the plot is developing nicely! I recently put out a call on my Instagram for beta readers and I'd like to say a big thank you to those that responded! I'll be reaching out to you in due course and I'm developing a nice set of freebies as a thank you to those that are able to help!
Short Stories
I've also developed a couple of short stories which will be included in my next anthology (title TBD) which I hope to put out later in the year.
One of them is a super, super short flash fiction story called The Perfect Smile. Click the button below to have a read. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Monthly Mantra
“Be brave, my heart. Plant your feet and square your shoulders to the enemy. Meet him among the man-killing spears. Hold your ground. In victory, do not brag; in defeat, do not weep.”
Archilochus
Everything new to us is hard. It takes courage to take the first step and then to persevere through the good and the bad. If you're being brave with whatever you're doing, no matter how big or small. I'm with you.
Until next month! Happy reading!
-Alex
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