Writing in the Shadows
Writing in the Shadows is my space for sharing fiction, exploring the writing process, and offering guidance to fellow writers. Here, you’ll find flash fiction, serialized stories, writing insights, and book coaching resources. This is a space for readers who appreciate compelling stories and for writers seeking to hone their craft. Pull up a chair, grab a coffee, and join me in exploring the art of storytelling.
Creative Writing and Editing Services
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Support for writers who live in the shadows, tell strange stories, and want to do it well. Whether you’re writing your first novel, polishing a short story, or teaching the next generation of storytellers, I offer hands-on support for writers and educators who value voice, structure, and emotional punch. Here’s how we can work together: Book Coaching Write your novel with guidance, structure, and accountability. If you’re struggling to finish or stuck in the murky...
The N+7 Machine: When Random Words Carry Real Weight
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS The N+7 Machine: When Random Words Carry Real Weight I enjoy experimenting with words and language. I love warping words and meanings to see what falls out. The technique I keep coming back to is the Oulipo N+7 method: take a piece of text and replace every noun with the noun that appears seven places further on in the dictionary. The results can be weird and wonderful — but what surprises me, every time, is how often the transformed text echoes the original. Not just...
New Story - FallDeep
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hey everyone, It's been a busy week or two for me with school author visits, but I'm back at my writing desk now. I've had a great time, worked with some amazing young people in the creative writing workshops, and met some brilliant teachers. I love what I do for a living! I've got a story for paid members today. If you haven't got a paid subscription and you want to read the whole story you can sign up below to get access. This one starts off like it's going to be a...
Some personal news and an Online Masterclass
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hey there, How's it going? I hope everything in your world is well. Before I move on to the main part of this email, I just wanted to mention some personal news. We lost a dear friend to cancer recently. Bec was lovely, a bright light in our lives, and we miss her terribly. I am just so grateful that we got to see her before she passed away, and that we got to tell her how much we loved her. Should You Self-Publish, Go Traditional — or Both? If you've ever tried to...
Are you getting the most out of Writing in the Shadows?
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hello Reader, I've got lots of exciting news to talk about in the coming weeks, but right now I just wanted to check in with you and make sure you are getting the most out of Writing in the Shadows. The website is becoming a little unwieldy with so many stories on it, but Tom is working on whipping it into shape. In the meantime, over the next few weeks I am going to share some stories and serials you might have missed, or maybe you would like to read them again....
The Elliott Crane Books
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hello Reader, I took January off. It wasn't planned, but it happened, and honestly it was needed. Now I'm back with a clear focus for the year ahead. The main priorities are getting the YouTube channel ready for a Spring launch, and organizing all the stories on the Writing in the Shadows website so they're actually findable. If you've ever tried to navigate the back catalogue, you'll know why this needs doing. The big news: I've launched The Elliott Crane Books This is...
A quick update on my writing plans for 2026
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hey Reader, I wanted to give you a brief, straightforward update on a few projects I’ve mentioned recently. Some of you may have seen that Joe Coffin 7 and Ms Vengeance 4 were listed for preorder. I’ve decided to remove those release dates for now. The books themselves are not cancelled, but I don’t want to rush them or write them in a stop-start way just to hit a calendar deadline. When they return, it will be with firm dates and my full attention. I also know I’ve...
Wishing you a Happy New Year, plus a Sale
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Happy New Year, Reader We made it to 2026! Do you make New Year's resolutions in your house? This year my resolutions are simple: Spend more time with family and friends, read more books, watch more films, and spend less time scrolling on my phone. Easy, right? To celebrate a fresh new year I am running a sale in my store. Get 20% off everything until midnight on Sunday. So, if you've got yourself a new Kindle, Kobo or another ereader for Christmas and you want to start...
Thrilling ebooks, Le Grande Mystérieux Cover Winner, and the New YouTube Channel
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hey, How are you doing? There is a lot to tell you in today's newsletter, so why don't I just dive right in? My friend Kerrie Flanagan has a new book out, Hula Harry's Devilish Drinks: Sinful Sips from the Underworld. I'd say this book is perfect for Christmas! Reading this is a bad decision. Why not make it a double! Welcome to Hula Harry’s, the hottest bar in Hell—where the drinks burn twice and the hangovers are legendary. This laugh-out-loud cocktail book delivers...
Take a poll, More on Le Grande Mysterieux, and the Emoji Story Winner
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hey! Have you done all your Christmas shopping yet? I have a confession to make, we haven't even started ours yet! To be honest, I'm still not entirely sure how December has turned up so damn fast, yet again. It seems like only last week I was enjoying the summer. Anyway, there's lots to read in this week's email, so I will get right on with it. Le Grande Mysterieux You may have seen mention of Le Grande Mysterieux in my previous newsletters. This week I thought I would...
Emoji stories and a new serial coming soon...
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hey Reader, How are you doing? Back in April of 2024 I was playing around with writing super short flash pieces based on random strings of emojis. Here are a couple that I posted then: Mike’s decision to moon at the gorilla was unfortunate. We buried him at sea, as he wished, but a lightning bolt set his boat on fire, so he had a viking funeral instead. I love cowboy movies but my boyfriend prefers cop thrillers. He also likes eating red apples dressed as a witch....