Author: Dan Howarth

It’s been a crazy few weeks since Dark Missives came out. Has to be said. All that build up. All the stress and worry and tension. All the hard work.

Firstly, thanks to everyone who has taken the time to buy and read the book. Every reader is greatly appreciated. Honestly, more than you could possibly know.

So how has the debut book experience been? Honestly? It’s been brilliant. Around the time of release, I was pretty frazzled. Discovering some typos in the book late in the day added to this anxiety but beyond the technicalities of publishing, you never truly know how the book is going to go down.

This is the great adventure of being a writer. What seems like a good idea in your head might not end up as a good story. What reads like a good story to you might not translate to your readers.

All in all, the proof of whether you have a good book or not lies in the opinions of readers and reviewers. Thankfully… that opinion seems to be pretty unanimously positive.

I’ve been really lucky to receive incredibly positive reviews from some wonderful websites. Namely: – Kendall Reviews, Ginger Nuts of Horror, IndieMuse and the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviewer. The latter being a really in-depth and perceptive review.

I’ve also appeared on the latest episode of The Joined Up Writing podcast where I talk about indie publishing, building a writing routine and steal some writing advice from Chuck Palahniuk. Click the picture below to listen!

Ultimately, this post is a reflection on whether or not all of this is worth it. The hours spent writing, the hours spent editing. All the time spent marketing and publishing and preparing. Did it live up to expectations? Now I’m officially, properly published, is this whole writing thing worth the hassle?

The simple answer is hell yes. All day, every day. There’s never been more clarity in my mind that this is what I want to do with my time and with my life. Writing is 100%, officially, definitely for me. I’m in this. Full tilt. All the way.

I mean, I knew this all along. But there’s no going back now. Onto the next one!

Dan

Fancy getting yourself a copy of Dark Missives? You can grab it in ebook or paperback from Amazon or pick up a signed paperback from the Northern Republic shop.

I’m delighted to announce that my collection Dark Missives will be released on Friday 23 April.

The collection brings together eleven of my stories, both original pieces and reprints, into my first full-length book.

I’ve had a blast putting this book together and can’t wait for people to get their hands on it. The book will be released from my own Northern Republic label in both eBook and paperback versions.

You can pre-order your Kindle copy from Amazon, with the paperback version available on release day – Friday 23 April.

If signed versions are your thing, signed paperbacks are available at the Northern Republic shop.

The synopsis reads as follows: –

DARK MISSIVES is the debut collection from author Dan Howarth, bringing together 11 stories that encompass the full range of horror.

A holiday camp employee finds himself in the middle of a murder spree. A band’s biggest fan discovers just how far he will go for new music. A detective investigating a series of murders gets pulled into the seedy underbelly of the city. A delivery driver gives in to temptation and opens a suspicious package. The owner of a gallery is determined to leave his own legacy on the art world.

Let DARK MISSIVES take you on a tour of the roads less travelled in Northern England to explore what truly lies in the shadows.

But don’t just take my word for it that this is a book worth reading: –

“Dan Howarth has developed a unique voice which proudly confirms that it is, indeed, grim up North.” – Kev Harrison, author of The Balance and Below

“A collection of rare brilliance, displaying a deft mastery of dark and disturbing tales” – Andrew David Barker, author of Dead Leaves and Society Place

“Dan Howarth is one of the few horror authors who genuinely make me feel like I’m dirtying my soul a bit when I read their work.” – Luke Kondor, author and creator of The Other Stories Podcast

I can’t wait for you to read these stories.

Dan