Alex Darkfell - Newsletter - February 2025

Hi!

Welcome to February! Anyone else pleased to get January out of the way?

There's been lots happening this month. I have a giveaway prize to announce, a couple short stories for which I'm looking for beta readers as well as a limited time discount code for my shop for you all!

Read on for all the news and details!

As always, I love these things to be two-way and always enjoy hearing from you, whether that be for book recommendations, or to discuss writing ideas and progress, I'm always here!

Personal News

Some interesting things happening at home this month. Firstly, and probably most importantly for me, my day job is likely changing. For those that don't know, I'm a data scientist working in London during the week. The company I work for was acquired last year by a giant US investment firm. A couple of days ago, we finally had the sign-off by the UK regulator that the deal was approved so in a few weeks, I'll have a new employer. What that will mean for my job, I don't know but I have my fingers crossed for a smooth transition.

In more exciting news, I'm planning to attend the Alternative Book Fair at Islington Libraries on Saturday March 8th. If any of you are planning to attend too, let me know, it would be wonderful to say Hi!

I may also be planning a trip to the Author Nation conference in November but that will very much depend if I can make the trip affordable!

I always love in person events so if you have any other recommendations, please let me know!  

Giveaway Result

 

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway I ran over on my Instagram account this month. I was genuinely so grateful to all of you who entered. I was worried I wouldn't get anyone but in the end, I had over 100 entries!

Congratulations again to @boo_kishbeans who won the signed book and bookmark bundle.

Projects

The Descent of Epiphany Lawrence - First Draft

I'm still very much in first draft writing mode for this one. For those that don't know, it's my new supernatural thriller novel. It'll have witches, revenge and darkness (and maybe a little redemption!). I estimate I've got a couple more weeks of work until the first draft is complete. I really enjoy this stage. About now, I'm really starting to see the story and themes come together. March will be the month I really hit the self-editing hard so I'm still hoping I can get it ready for my professional editor later in the spring. Watch this space for beta reader opportunities!

Short Stories - Beta Readers Needed!

Speaking of beta readers, I have a couple of short stories for which I'm looking for 3 beta readers. They are both about 1,200 words each and I'd love to get some early opinions. If you'd like to be involved, please reply to this email. I have some free bookmarks as a thank you to all who provide some feedback!

Succubi

I mentioned on my Instagram last month that I was researching the history of succubi in mythology for a story idea. It turns out there's quite a lot of history there! I've started turning this idea into the bare bones of a story. I haven't decided whether it will be a novella or a full-blown novel yet but I have the first 4000 words written. It's going to be a thriller, and maybe a little spicy... more news in the coming months.

Monthly Mantra

 

“Many are harmed by fear itself, and many may have come to their fate while dreading fate.”

Seneca

We are all afraid of new and difficult things. Failure can be real and consequential and sometimes there's nothing we can do about it. Just make sure your fear of failure isn't the cause. Be brave.

Until next month! Happy reading!

-Alex