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...
Still Pecking Out Words
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hello Reader, How are you? Today has been a day of thunder and lightning and downpours, and I have never been so happy to see rain. The country as a whole needs many months of rain, but Stourbridge in particular needs it after the devastating fires of only a couple of weeks ago. Le Grande Mystérieux and the Case of the Spider People Chapter Two Speculation was rife about his possible identity. Some said he was a member of the Royal Family, others a respected surgeon, or...
Six Minutes
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hello Reader, Writing in the Shadows has moved onto a new hosting provider. I think it has a fresh, clean new look, and it is much easier to use than my last setup. You can take a look here. There is still a lot of content to move over from the old site, but I'd love to know what you think. Today's letter from the trenches of my creative world is a little different. But first... Le Grande Mystérieux and the Case of the Spider People Chapter One The summer of 1888 saw...
Bohemian Grove and the Cremation of Care
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Hello Reader, I'm currently moving my website onto a new provider for a cheaper, but also more efficient, hosting service. The website will have a fresh, new look too. I'm hoping there won't be any gremlins, but please let me know if there are. The Nazi Superweapon They found the town at dawn on their third day on the run, their hands and faces still smeared with dirt from the tunnel, their clothes damp and creased after two nights sleeping outside. Kolchak was in a bad...
The Dry Well
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS The Dry Well Hello Reader, Let's start this week with a story, shall we? The Blackwood Hills Horror October 15th 1963 A rare moment of quiet had fallen over the Blackwood Hills Asylum for the Mentally Deficient. Grady Hawk took that moment to light up a Winston. He inhaled deeply, relishing the taste and the nicotine hit. Reminded him of that summer down in Arkansas, his first girlfriend, his first kiss, and his first taste of a cigarette. There was that faint, dull...
The Shape of a Story
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS The Shape of a Story I'm back from holiday, having had a relaxing ten days or so in Newcastle and Windermere. Here a few photos. The Lake District is so very beautiful, and a precious place in our country. My Adventures in Hidden London's Underground Every Tuesday, paid supporters of Writing in the Shadows get an exclusive newsletter. This week I talked about exploring one of London Underground's disused tunnels at Holborn and its representation in music videos and...
How Many Books? 1,075 at the Last Count
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS How Many Books? 1,075 at the Last Count Let me tell you about Ryoki Inoue. Inoue is a Brazilian author who holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's most prolific writer. He has published 1,075 books. I came across him the other day while feeling quietly pleased with myself about my own latest publication, and I have to say, he took the wind out of my sails somewhat. My latest novel, The Standalones, is a Linford Romance title — and it brings my total to...
The Gothic Story Matrix
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS The Gothic Story Matrix I have a new book out this month. The Standalones is my eighth book to be published by Linford Romance in their large print library edition. Some of you may have read it when I serialised it on Writing in the Shadows. Chloe lands a spot in pop band The Standalones, and sparks fly between her and guitarist Matt. But when she accidentally picks up a gangster’s cash-stuffed bag, chaos erupts. No matter how hard they try to give it back, the money...
A Free Story for You
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS A Free Story for You On Monday night, me and Matthew and Faith went to the cinema to see Obsession and I'm writing about it here because it's the best horror movie I've seen in a long time. It starts off funny and warm as Bear tries to work up the courage to ask Nikki out on a date. But he is too scared, because he has this lovely, slightly flirty friendship with Nikki that he doesn't want to ruin. But then he comes across a One Wish Willow, and he wishes that Nikki...
What Watching 365 Movies in a Year Might be Doing to my Brain
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS What Watching 365 Movies in a Year Might be Doing to my Brain I bought myself a new camera recently. It's obviously a children's camera, although it wasn't marketed as such when I came across it. The thing I love about it is that you get an instant paper printout of your photograph. The quality is terrible, but that lo-fi aesthetic is part of what I love about it. Chapter Eight of Le Grande Mystérieux — Dot-and-Carry ‘Stay close to me at all times,’ Mystérieux said, and...
Word Wrangling and Tattoos
WRITING IN THE SHADOWS Word Wrangling and Tattoos Last week I got myself three new tattoos, taking my total up to five. Of course they are all movie related. I'll let you work out what the movies are. I'm going for a full patchwork sleeve eventually, building it up one (or three) tattoos at a time. Chapter Seven of Le Grande Mystérieux — Footprints in the Frost ‘Where is Mystérieux right now?’ Miss Fenwick glanced over her shoulder, as though he might appear at any second in a puff of smoke...