#writing-update — Public Fediverse posts

#HappyCaturday #Saturday #WritingUpdate #LifeUpdate #Life #Writing #Update #Cats #WordCount #goals

#HappyCaturday #Saturday #WritingUpdate #LifeUpdate #Life #Writing #Update #Cats #WordCount #goals

When the inspiration strikes

I was trying to write new poem

When I was writing the beginning of this new poem I got new idea for something else. An idea how to have another crossover with my characters from my old still unfinished 6-part murder mystery book series and my WIP Falling Stars Universe. And since I’m going to rewrite the entire plot of all the series and parts. Because there has been so much new added into storyline. But that will be bigger writing update later.

So I did not finish writing the poem. Because the new writing idea was just too exciting. Because I had wanted to have a plot line like that in the story. But have no idea where or how it could work. Other than one small scene once. Which kinda isn’t enough and most readers might not fully notice the moment. So I had no idea how make it work better way and more bigger and obvious way. Until now.

I love making crossovers with my characters from different stories

I started to do that before there was ever Falling Stars Universe. So all of my stories are kinda connected to each other with one or multiple ways. Usually with crossover characters and them interact with each other. Sometimes crossover happens characters being same place at same time and not interact each other. Other times being same place but not same time. So there is familiar places that readers will recognize. I love doing that too.

And now because of my new idea I can bring one of my absolutely favorite character into this story. She is so fierce, but also wonderful, absolutely loyal and such a strong woman already in her twenties. I love Quinn so much. And have missed writing her so much. And now the way I can bring her into this story. I’ so happy and excited about it. And I can bring two other characters as well.

The thing I just did realized while writing this post. Is that the year which this new idea is gonna happen and bringing in one of the two other characters. It will give actually glimpse of the backstory events of this character the way B.L.A.L. does not. I’m so excited about having this glimpse into that time of this character’s story.

The real and true authors supports authors

So almost as soon as I got this new idea I told about to my author friend. She has her own rock star book universe. Yes we both are writing our own rock star book universes at the same time. With having a lot same original inspiration what made us start writing without knowing about each other stories or knowing each other. So when we did come across each others paths. It was our stories that we bonded over. And how we have used similar things and giving total different spin to them on our unique ways. Especially having the ability talk about in depth all of the background stuff goes creating the stories and turning idea spark into actual parts of the plot.

There was none of that you copied my story idea or that typical fake online support that so much happens in author spaces online. Unfortunately. Instead we celebrate each other’s stories and how differently we spin things that inspire us. There will never be any of that fake bullshit between us. Because that is neither of us.

So when I told her hey I have this new idea for my story. She was excited and got it immediately. Which she followed up hey I have this one thing that doesn’t fit in my story it could fit with your new idea. I’m not gonna tell what she did suggested that is secret. And while I was thinking about that and would it be good fit into mine story. She had another suggestion that doesn’t work on her story. It did not take me long time to think about. Because both of these end up being perfect fit with my new idea. And now are part of my story.

Yes we do suggest and swap ideas that doesn’t work on our own stories. Because we are writing stories setting not only in different years but decades and in different book genres as well. So those good ideas that would be wasted because they won’t fit into our own stories for whatever reason. Will find new homes on each other’s stories sometimes.

And I know some authors and writers this will sound really strange and weird. Even crazy and something that can’t be done. How can two write stories with similar inspiration and not be sworn blood enemies? And they won’t try to destroy others career as well? How come not have follower wars and trying to cancel each other? Get each others accounts taken down by all the platforms? And all of these other awful things that so many of us can see happening between authors this point almost every single week and every online platform. Which is sad especially among indie authors. Which is the path both me and my friend has choose to take also.

Instead all of that nastiness what we have is the true and real support. Being truly excited and happy for each other. Cheering on and celebrate others achievements and progress. And even giving suggestions and swap ideas that was created our own stories when they fit better for other one. Because this is what true and real authors support authors is. Not some likes online and fake happiness. Being actually friends and there is no competition between us. Because we both know and believe that there is unlimited amount of success in world. That we both can have with our stories. We love each others stories and want to see them become successful. And have so much fun creating our own stories side by side now. Especially enjoy seeing how we spin similar inspiration with our own unique twists. One of our inside jokes because our stories are set in different eras is history repeating itself. Mine being set multiple decades and before hers that is set present-day era. How some of these things keeps happening no matter what year it is? Which is true with real life too. So that is why we love adding those moments in our stories. That when readers who will read both our stories can spot them and enjoy the unique spin we have given them. Just as we have enjoyed it while creating these unique twits.

And here is link what my friend Marion Pandora’s first book is about.

Whispers of Darkness

Book1 is out now and what spoilers I know from book 2 and book 3 that are written right now the story gets just better and better. I absolutely recommend diving into this rock star filled psychological thriller. And those who are brave enough all I have to say is welcome to the game. You will understand that when you read the book. It’s just how the story beginnings…

But now I need to go write down all of these new ideas better in my notes so I can add them later on right places when rewriting the plots.

With love C.F. Grönroos

Creator of the Mysteries by Rose

When the inspiration strikes

I was trying to write new poem

When I was writing the beginning of this new poem I got new idea for something else. An idea how to have another crossover with my characters from my old still unfinished 6-part murder mystery book series and my WIP Falling Stars Universe. And since I’m going to rewrite the entire plot of all the series and parts. Because there has been so much new added into storyline. But that will be bigger writing update later.

So I did not finish writing the poem. Because the new writing idea was just too exciting. Because I had wanted to have a plot line like that in the story. But have no idea where or how it could work. Other than one small scene once. Which kinda isn’t enough and most readers might not fully notice the moment. So I had no idea how make it work better way and more bigger and obvious way. Until now.

I love making crossovers with my characters from different stories

I started to do that before there was ever Falling Stars Universe. So all of my stories are kinda connected to each other with one or multiple ways. Usually with crossover characters and them interact with each other. Sometimes crossover happens characters being same place at same time and not interact each other. Other times being same place but not same time. So there is familiar places that readers will recognize. I love doing that too.

And now because of my new idea I can bring one of my absolutely favorite character into this story. She is so fierce, but also wonderful, absolutely loyal and such a strong woman already in her twenties. I love Quinn so much. And have missed writing her so much. And now the way I can bring her into this story. I’ so happy and excited about it. And I can bring two other characters as well.

The thing I just did realized while writing this post. Is that the year which this new idea is gonna happen and bringing in one of the two other characters. It will give actually glimpse of the backstory events of this character the way B.L.A.L. does not. I’m so excited about having this glimpse into that time of this character’s story.

The real and true authors supports authors

So almost as soon as I got this new idea I told about to my author friend. She has her own rock star book universe. Yes we both are writing our own rock star book universes at the same time. With having a lot same original inspiration what made us start writing without knowing about each other stories or knowing each other. So when we did come across each others paths. It was our stories that we bonded over. And how we have used similar things and giving total different spin to them on our unique ways. Especially having the ability talk about in depth all of the background stuff goes creating the stories and turning idea spark into actual parts of the plot.

There was none of that you copied my story idea or that typical fake online support that so much happens in author spaces online. Unfortunately. Instead we celebrate each other’s stories and how differently we spin things that inspire us. There will never be any of that fake bullshit between us. Because that is neither of us.

So when I told her hey I have this new idea for my story. She was excited and got it immediately. Which she followed up hey I have this one thing that doesn’t fit in my story it could fit with your new idea. I’m not gonna tell what she did suggested that is secret. And while I was thinking about that and would it be good fit into mine story. She had another suggestion that doesn’t work on her story. It did not take me long time to think about. Because both of these end up being perfect fit with my new idea. And now are part of my story.

Yes we do suggest and swap ideas that doesn’t work on our own stories. Because we are writing stories setting not only in different years but decades and in different book genres as well. So those good ideas that would be wasted because they won’t fit into our own stories for whatever reason. Will find new homes on each other’s stories sometimes.

And I know some authors and writers this will sound really strange and weird. Even crazy and something that can’t be done. How can two write stories with similar inspiration and not be sworn blood enemies? And they won’t try to destroy others career as well? How come not have follower wars and trying to cancel each other? Get each others accounts taken down by all the platforms? And all of these other awful things that so many of us can see happening between authors this point almost every single week and every online platform. Which is sad especially among indie authors. Which is the path both me and my friend has choose to take also.

Instead all of that nastiness what we have is the true and real support. Being truly excited and happy for each other. Cheering on and celebrate others achievements and progress. And even giving suggestions and swap ideas that was created our own stories when they fit better for other one. Because this is what true and real authors support authors is. Not some likes online and fake happiness. Being actually friends and there is no competition between us. Because we both know and believe that there is unlimited amount of success in world. That we both can have with our stories. We love each others stories and want to see them become successful. And have so much fun creating our own stories side by side now. Especially enjoy seeing how we spin similar inspiration with our own unique twists. One of our inside jokes because our stories are set in different eras is history repeating itself. Mine being set multiple decades and before hers that is set present-day era. How some of these things keeps happening no matter what year it is? Which is true with real life too. So that is why we love adding those moments in our stories. That when readers who will read both our stories can spot them and enjoy the unique spin we have given them. Just as we have enjoyed it while creating these unique twits.

And here is link what my friend Marion Pandora’s first book is about.

Whispers of Darkness

Book1 is out now and what spoilers I know from book 2 and book 3 that are written right now the story gets just better and better. I absolutely recommend diving into this rock star filled psychological thriller. And those who are brave enough all I have to say is welcome to the game. You will understand that when you read the book. It’s just how the story beginnings…

But now I need to go write down all of these new ideas better in my notes so I can add them later on right places when rewriting the plots.

With love C.F. Grönroos

Creator of the Mysteries by Rose

Just little writing update

I figure out the ending for one of my character’s story

It is really good and unexpected. With total plot twist that will surprise the readers. But will shake up a lot of in the story and rest of the characters. So figuring out one character’s ending now left several other characters ends new open. The butterfly effect hitting into my writing again.

But same time I love this new story ending for this specific character. Now I needed to deal with the aftermath of this new plot twist did for my story. Because there is now aftermath for rest of the characters to deal with. So many new potential ways the story can go. Which is exciting yes. Especially with potential how much worse I could make the aftermath for certain characters. But I know I might end up getting couple headaches to solve what will happen rest of the characters.

Luckily I already have some new ideas what will happen in this aftermath.

With love C.F. Grönroos

Creator of the Mysteries by Rose

Just little writing update

I figure out the ending for one of my character’s story

It is really good and unexpected. With total plot twist that will surprise the readers. But will shake up a lot of in the story and rest of the characters. So figuring out one character’s ending now left several other characters ends new open. The butterfly effect hitting into my writing again.

But same time I love this new story ending for this specific character. Now I needed to deal with the aftermath of this new plot twist did for my story. Because there is now aftermath for rest of the characters to deal with. So many new potential ways the story can go. Which is exciting yes. Especially with potential how much worse I could make the aftermath for certain characters. But I know I might end up getting couple headaches to solve what will happen rest of the characters.

Luckily I already have some new ideas what will happen in this aftermath.

With love C.F. Grönroos

Creator of the Mysteries by Rose

Update: New lit magazines I'm published in, SpringCon recap, CONvergence coming up, future projects, and all that stuffs. Details in the link below. Thanks for reading!

#writing #reading #horror #blogging #amwriting #literaryhorror #blog #books #writingupdate

https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com/2026/06/17/writing-update-6-17-26/

Update: New lit magazines I'm published in, SpringCon recap, CONvergence coming up, future projects, and all that stuffs. Details in the link below. Thanks for reading!

#writing #reading #horror #blogging #amwriting #literaryhorror #blog #books #writingupdate

https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com/2026/06/17/writing-update-6-17-26/

Mid-Year Writing Round-Up: Progress and Projects

It’s June, the sixth month of the year, and 2026 is half over already. Now we’re halfway, I thought I’d do a post that looks at my writing journey for the last six months! I’ll be doing a June Writing Round-up as well just for this month, as well as my usual Media Round-up.

Post Contents

Writing-Adjacent Mid-Year Achievements

These are the things I count as achievements, which aren’t publishing or writing related, but are definitely adjacent! I often find that I just don’t put my work out there, or I don’t put myself out there. I’m quite pleased with myself for doing some things this year so far.

1. Entered Yelen & Yelena into the Rubery Book Awards 2026.
2. Accepted for the WriteHive Conference – running the Writing Queernormative Worlds Workshop.
3. Sent Thirteenth to the British Fantasy Society for a review (no guarantees).

Publishing Round-Up

• Best Friends Bury Bodies (Jan 2026) – wide release.
• Birds of a Feather (Jan 2026) – wider release. Originally a Ko-Fi exclusive.
• Overexposure (Mar 2026) – sold to The Weird Library, produced for Women In Horror Month.
• “There’s Something Wrong With Sylvia’s Mother” (written in Jan 2026) – short story sold (English-language print rights only) to Dead Fox Publishing (royalties only) in June 2026, for their untitled undead-themed anthology coming 2027.

Writing Round-Up: The Big Fiction

To get previews of these, and to get other monthly fiction, join my Ko-Fi.

• FEED started the year at 57K words. I wanted this to be my main WIP this month, but then I got really into the Contemporary stuff, and sucked back into the characters for the AU. This is a tricky one to get right, and I’m not happy with the shape of this draft yet.
  • Genre: Horror-Fantasy
  • Series: Pagham-on-Sea Book 4
  • Current status: ~active~
  • Current word count: 63K words

• THE BUTTERFLY BRIDE is a Dark Fantasy novella I started and completed this year, as I want to submit it to Neon Hemlock’s open call for novellas in October. It is complete at 34.7K words. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it, so if it’s rejected, I might use it to query agents or something instead. In case I wanted to do that, I have already written:
  • 1 query letter – aimed at agents
  • 1 cover letter – aimed at small presses
  • 1 page synopsis – written for querying
  • 4 page full synopsis – written for querying

• THREE FOR A GIRL started the year at 14.2K of experimental writing but 0 words of a draft. I started writing this not long after Birds of a Feather (2022), but the experimental sections I have are all patchy and scrappy. I decided to use a couple of scenes from the experiments, but mostly started from scratch. This is the book where I introduce AU Katy.
  • Genre: Contemporary Suspense
  • Series: AU Carrie & Ricky Book 2
  • Current status: ~active~
  • Current word count: 25K words

• THE RELUCTANT HUSBAND (Audio Drama) – The original ~18K word prose text is currently an 11K word script with 7 characters, but can be played by 2 actors (a male voice for 4 characters, and a female voice for 3 characters). I’m enjoying the process. It has 13 scenes so far, and is nearly complete.

• UNTITLED VICTORIAN WIP was a new thing I played about with after re-reading/re-listening to Arthur Machen’s novel, The Three Imposters, and Algernon Blackwood’s The Willows and John Silence stories. It’s not something I think I’ll complete this year (or at all, maybe) but it’s a fun idea and I might cannibalise it for something else.
  • Genre: Historical Paranormal
  • Series: Standalone
  • Current status: ~experimental~
  • Current word count: 2.1K

Writing Round-Up: The Ko-Fi Fiction

• January 2026 Letter – Yule update from Carrie & local folklore

January Giveaway Draw – Eldritch Family only
BIRDS OF A FEATHER signed paperback winner announced.

• January 2026 Reward – Members of the Eldritch Seeker and Eldritch Family tiers can download the new release, BEST FRIENDS BURY BODIES, for free with their memberships. RRP £4.99.

• February 2026 Letter – Carrie updates on family arguments, and a little history project on The Mermaid pub.

February Giveaway Draw – Eldritch Family only
BEST FRIENDS BURY BODIES signed paperback winner announced.

• March 2026 Reward – Draft of Chapter 1 of FEED (Pagham-on-Sea Book 4).

March Giveaway Draw – Eldritch Family only
THE SUSSEX FRETSAW MASSACRE & OTHER STORIES signed paperback winner announced.

• April 2026 Reward – Draft of Chapter 2 of FEED (Pagham-on-Sea Book 4).

• May 2026 Reward – 5K of experimental writing of Carrie & Ricky in the non-supernatural AU of Birds of a Feather. Ricky buys a ring.

• June 2026 Reward – 950 word short Urban Gothic piece entitled, “On The Street Where You Live”. Not Pagham-on-Sea set, but it feels like the same universe…

Divination Hollow Reviews & Listicles Published

• LISTICLE: Holiday Horror: Dec 2025
• LISTICLE: 10 International Gothic Films Part 1: Jan 2026
• LISTICLE: 10 International Gothic Films Part 2: Jan 2026
• LISTICLE: Welsh Horror to Watch Out For in 2026: Mar 2026
• REVIEW: What the Fog Conceals by R.A. Marno: Dec 2025
• REVIEW: Linghun by Ai Jiang: Jan 2026
• REVIEW: The Lodgers (2017): Jan 2026
• REVIEW: Once Upon A Song by Nadine Bells: Mar 2026
• REVIEW: The Dreaming of Man by Nikoline Kaiser: Apr 2026
• SPECIAL FEATURE: Women In Horror Month (a list of WiH features on this website, not including ones added as the month went on!): Mar 2026
• SPECIAL FEATURE: Classic Short Horror Stories by Women (a cross-post with Part 1 of my classic short horror stories found here, in March): Apr 2026

Website Articles

Here are the articles I’ve written in the last six months (excluding updates, ads for bundles and published works, interviews, round-ups, and Author Spotlights).

https://cmrosens.com/2026/01/01/2026-looking-forwards/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/01/04/happy-birthday-to-me-the-crows-1st-edn/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/01/12/5-books-i-will-think-about-until-i-die/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/02/09/west-country-tales/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/02/13/crime-doesnt-pay-when-the-hideout-mark-goes-bad-horror/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/02/17/happy-lunar-new-year/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/02/23/essay-darklands-1996-and-the-question-of-welsh-national-identity/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/03/16/classic-short-horror-stories-by-women/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/03/30/classic-short-horror-stories-by-women-part-2/

Website Stats

Views To Date: 20K
Visitors To Date: 15.6K
Word Count: 102.1K

https://cmrosens.com/2024/03/21/rapunzel-in-cinema-1897-2024/

https://cmrosens.com/2024/02/20/red-riding-hood-in-films-1901-2024/

https://cmrosens.com/2020/03/23/werewolf-films-1910-1950/

https://cmrosens.com/2022/05/07/dragons-dragon-folklore-in-wales-the-welsh-borders-monstrousmay-day-7/

https://cmrosens.com/2022/05/08/bad-omen-birds-in-british-folklore-monstrousmay-day-8-monstrous-birds/

https://cmrosens.com/2024/02/08/sleeping-beauty-in-cinema-1903-2023/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/12/12/letterboxd-wrapped-2025/

https://cmrosens.com/2019/12/19/welsh-gothic-tropes-iv-the-cwn-annwn/

https://cmrosens.com/2019/12/23/welsh-gothic-tropes-v-the-sin-eater/

https://cmrosens.com/2024/01/19/bluebeard-in-cinema-1901-2023/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/06/20/author-spotlight-a-j-barlowe/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/04/11/author-spotlight-arden-powell/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/06/06/author-spotlight-miranda-kate-mk-boers/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/09/17/author-spotlight-morgan-dante/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/09/03/author-spotlight-ian-haramaki/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/08/06/author-spotlight-ruby-dare/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/02/11/author-spotlight-pd-alleva/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/01/21/author-spotlight-eskay/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/07/18/author-spotlight-sandra-bond/

https://cmrosens.com/2026/02/18/author-spotlight-tasha-he/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/03/31/caitlin-starling/

https://cmrosens.com/2021/10/11/author-interview-transcript-s-t-saint-gibson/

https://cmrosens.com/2023/08/21/author-interview-arden-powell-wintry-gothic-fantasy-vs-steamy-southern-gothic-in-faerie-hounds-of-york-and-the-bayou/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/04/07/author-jelena-dunato-on-croatian-history-folklore-and-writing-fantasy/

https://cmrosens.com/2023/04/24/interview-with-lucy-rose-gothic-filmmaking/

https://cmrosens.com/2022/02/07/author-interview-with-ally-wilkes/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/05/05/author-jamison-shea-on-monsters-monster-lovers-and-monstrous-media/

https://cmrosens.com/2025/04/21/dark-fantasy-romance-meet-s-r-severn-author-of-pirates-vow-on-the-eldritch-girl-podcast/

https://cmrosens.com/2023/05/08/interview-with-suzan-palumbo-skin-thief-coming-oct-2023/

https://cmrosens.com/2023/07/24/interview-with-helen-nde-mythological-africans-deviance-and-the-dark-side-of-family-in-african-folklore/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/sandra-bond/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/abby-vail/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/madeleine-swann/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/c-m-rosens/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/victoria-dalpe/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/emily-ruth-verona/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/leanna-renee-hieber/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/tabitha-potts/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/paula-cappa/

https://cmrosens.com/women-in-horror-month/lcw-allingham/

But it did lead into something way more. What started just tiny idea while watching a documentary that would be environment which might be fitting for this one character of mine. When the character is a child and a teenager.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/05/25/creating-a-characters-backstory/

Creating a character’s backstory

But it did lead into something way more

What started just tiny idea while watching a documentary that would be environment which might be fitting for this one character of mine. When the character is a child and a teenager. And it would kinda explain why the character will end up becoming the way he is later in his life and in the story. I had not thought about this characters childhood and upbring that much yet. Had been focused on the version of the character is at the stories and what he is doing.

But when I got this idea it made so much sense. And felt like missing piece of this character was ready to lock into a right place. Immediately after that piece followed characters parents possible siblings and grandparents. So much about this character has set in place. And I have the entire backstory for this character now.

Another character’s backstory is figured out but…

It really did lead into something more. Something new and definitely something that I didn’t expected to have in this story universe of mine. But it is now. How can I describe it without giving away it yet? Because not only is it part of one character’s backstory. There is more than one story…

The inspiration just keeps going and flowing even more. It also keeps surprising me. This story universe is something else and creating it is a truly journey full of surprises. And not only for future readers but myself as well.

With love C.F. Grönroos

Creator of the Mysteries by Rose

Creating a character’s backstory

But it did lead into something way more

What started just tiny idea while watching a documentary that would be environment which might be fitting for this one character of mine. When the character is a child and a teenager. And it would kinda explain why the character will end up becoming the way he is later in his life and in the story. I had not thought about this characters childhood and upbring that much yet. Had been focused on the version of the character is at the stories and what he is doing.

But when I got this idea it made so much sense. And felt like missing piece of this character was ready to lock into a right place. Immediately after that piece followed characters parents possible siblings and grandparents. So much about this character has set in place. And I have the entire backstory for this character now.

Another character’s backstory is figured out but…

It really did lead into something more. Something new and definitely something that I didn’t expected to have in this story universe of mine. But it is now. How can I describe it without giving away it yet? Because not only is it part of one character’s backstory. There is more than one story…

The inspiration just keeps going and flowing even more. It also keeps surprising me. This story universe is something else and creating it is a truly journey full of surprises. And not only for future readers but myself as well.

With love C.F. Grönroos

Creator of the Mysteries by Rose

#lifeupdate #writingupdate #quoteoftheweek #maytbr

I'm super excited of this. 4 characters from my another unfinished murder mystery book series B.L.A.L. will be making several appearances in Falling Stars Universe. And I can't wait to add them into this story world as well.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/05/11/another-crossover-of-my-stories/

Inspiration just keeps bringing new ideas. I have been so busy trying to keep up with the new ideas. It seems like I can't even finish writing down one idea when I already have several new ones to write down also. I have so much new things to add for so many different parts.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/05/07/more-new-characters-and-new-plot-twists/

To Sum it up
#writingupdate #HappyCaterday #LifeUpdate #500Posts #Tumblr

Big update about my recent publications, new book out in the summer, and other various ramblings. Thank you for continuing to support my voice and work. Details in the post:

#amwriting #amwritingliteraryhorror #literaryhorror #horror #writing #poetry #blogging #writingupdate #reading #amreading

https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com/2026/04/29/writing-update-4-29-26/

Big update about my recent publications, new book out in the summer, and other various ramblings. Thank you for continuing to support my voice and work. Details in the post:

#amwriting #amwritingliteraryhorror #literaryhorror #horror #writing #poetry #blogging #writingupdate #reading #amreading

https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com/2026/04/29/writing-update-4-29-26/

This new rock star I started to create didn't only bring in his bandmates. He has already bring so many new characters into the story universe. Including a new villain. I'm not sure how many villains there is in the story universe right now. Maybe I should create a list of villains.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/04/28/more-new-characters-plus-new-villain/

#lifeupdate #Writers #Readers #writingupdate #HappyCaterday

#lifeupdate #Writers #Readers #writingupdate #HappyCaterday

Today I have been busy with two things. Slowly starting to working on with the replotting the 4 books of the first series. But I was also inspired to create another new rock star into the story universe. Since, I still need several new rock stars on different stories.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/04/22/there-is-new-rock-star-in-my-story-universe/

I'm so happy that I can bring back this plot. Around a year ago I was forced to cut this plot out from my first rock star murder mystery romance book series. And it was hard to cut out. Since, it was something that had been part of the original story idea.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/04/18/bringing-back-plot-i-was-forced-to-cut/

Apparently 1980's rock stars are great source for inspiration rock star book series. A lot of people say that scrolling in social media is always a waste of time. But this time I did hit jackpot. Seeing cool picture from the 80's did give my new inspiration for a new scene.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/04/10/more-inspiration-and-a-new-idea-to-add/

Sometimes finding the right name for a character ain't easy. And this one was really hard and difficult. So far naming characters in this story universe this has been one of the hardest characters to name. I have no idea how many names I have tried. And even more I have written down.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/04/02/finally-named-that-rock-star-character/

The amount of characters this story world needs. Seems to be never ending. I knew I will need to create this character in some point. But I didn't think I needed to create it now. It was somewhere down the line kinda thing. But I got this new plot twist idea yesterday.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/03/21/need-to-create-another-rock-star/

#WritingUpdate #Life #author #Writer

#WritingUpdate #Life #author #Writer

It just keeps happening. Couple days ago I wrote new poem. And after finished it. I felt like it would be good fit for song lyrics in my rock star book universe. But this time there is two different musician characters it could be fitting song lyrics. So I need to decide how use it.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/03/05/losing-another-poem-to-my-characters/

What do I actually write? I get this question a lot in my personal life, at conventions, and even when I ship out books at the post office. I have always struggled to answer it. Read why in the blog post below.

#WritingUpdate #AmWriting #CurrentlyWriting #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife

https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com/2026/03/04/literary-horror/

Literary Horror

What do I actually write?

I get this question a lot in my personal life, at conventions, and even when I ship out books at the post office. I have always struggled to answer it because I carried a certain amount of shame around it. That shame came from multiple places. Some of it came from people in my life degrading the things I write about, dismissing them in favor of other genres that better matched their own interests, like nonfiction.

Another source of that negativity is the stigma attached to writing horror. Occasionally, people assume you are dark, weird, disturbed, or antisocial because you write horror. Again, another subverted stereotype for people to be comfortable with their own insecurities. I am relatively simplistic as a man. I like football, working out, hunting, fishing, and gaming. I have a wife, kids, a dog, a minivan, and a favorite brand of paper towel. If you sat down to have a beer with me, you would have no clue about what I write, unless I mentioned it specifically.

I have found it difficult to start conversations saying that I write about faceless monsters reanimating corpses to metaphorically portray a generational abandonment wound.

With my monsters, I have attempted to abandon them countless times in my writing career. I have wanted to be someone else because of the reasons I listed above, and also because many people I respect and admire have nudged me toward giving them up. They have never directly said those words to me, but their actions and opinions often pointed in that direction. I understand they were trying to share what worked for them or how they defined success, but I cannot do it.

I write literary horror.

I did not know that was a genre until I researched it, and I was surprised to find such a clear distinction. However, it is exactly what I write. It is not pulpy, slasher, or even traditionally scary. It is horror, but my voice relies more on literary technique than specific plot mechanics or motifs. Much of my work lives in magical realism, slipstream, and poetic spaces. Monsters are the foundation of my stories.

I use them in multiple ways. They are mirrors for human behavior. Metaphors for sociological issues. Conduits for processing my own personal traumas. Some of the reasons I write this way are clear to me, and others I am still discovering. That is part of the beauty of taking this adventure as a writer. I am learning new things about myself and my style as I continue. I feel very lucky and privileged to be doing it. Literary horror is a specific genre, but using monsters not for shock or spectacle, but to communicate human emotions and lived experiences, is the only way I know how to write.

So the purpose of this random blog post about what I write is simple. I have never really said this out loud or clearly named it before. Maybe that means I am a little more confident in who I am and what I am doing. I have finally accepted this role for myself. Whatever the case, I just wanted to talk about it, so that is what I did on my blog.

Literary Horror

What do I actually write?

I get this question a lot in my personal life, at conventions, and even when I ship out books at the post office. I have always struggled to answer it because I carried a certain amount of shame around it. That shame came from multiple places. Some of it came from people in my life degrading the things I write about, dismissing them in favor of other genres that better matched their own interests, like nonfiction.

Another source of that negativity is the stigma attached to writing horror. Occasionally, people assume you are dark, weird, disturbed, or antisocial because you write horror. Again, another subverted stereotype for people to be comfortable with their own insecurities. I am relatively simplistic as a man. I like football, working out, hunting, fishing, and gaming. I have a wife, kids, a dog, a minivan, and a favorite brand of paper towel. If you sat down to have a beer with me, you would have no clue about what I write, unless I mentioned it specifically.

I have found it difficult to start conversations saying that I write about faceless monsters reanimating corpses to metaphorically portray a generational abandonment wound.

With my monsters, I have attempted to abandon them countless times in my writing career. I have wanted to be someone else because of the reasons I listed above, and also because many people I respect and admire have nudged me toward giving them up. They have never directly said those words to me, but their actions and opinions often pointed in that direction. I understand they were trying to share what worked for them or how they defined success, but I cannot do it.

I write literary horror.

I did not know that was a genre until I researched it, and I was surprised to find such a clear distinction. However, it is exactly what I write. It is not pulpy, slasher, or even traditionally scary. It is horror, but my voice relies more on literary technique than specific plot mechanics or motifs. Much of my work lives in magical realism, slipstream, and poetic spaces. Monsters are the foundation of my stories.

I use them in multiple ways. They are mirrors for human behavior. Metaphors for sociological issues. Conduits for processing my own personal traumas. Some of the reasons I write this way are clear to me, and others I am still discovering. That is part of the beauty of taking this adventure as a writer. I am learning new things about myself and my style as I continue. I feel very lucky and privileged to be doing it. Literary horror is a specific genre, but using monsters not for shock or spectacle, but to communicate human emotions and lived experiences, is the only way I know how to write.

So the purpose of this random blog post about what I write is simple. I have never really said this out loud or clearly named it before. Maybe that means I am a little more confident in who I am and what I am doing. I have finally accepted this role for myself. Whatever the case, I just wanted to talk about it, so that is what I did on my blog.

I thought it was something did happen just once. January this year I wrote a poem. After I finished writing it and read it through. I had to read it again. Because I could not help to feel like it sounding something that I could imagine one of my character to write.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/02/19/new-issue-to-deal-with-writing/

Big ole' update about life and writing projects. Hit the link below to read all about it.

#WritingUpdate #AmWriting #CurrentlyWriting #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #WritingJourney #WIP #WIPUpdate #writing #reading #horrorwriters

https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com/2026/02/18/monthly-update-2-18-26/

Big ole' update about life and writing projects. Hit the link below to read all about it.

#WritingUpdate #AmWriting #CurrentlyWriting #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #WritingJourney #WIP #WIPUpdate #writing #reading #horrorwriters

https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com/2026/02/18/monthly-update-2-18-26/

First time actually writing several child characters in a story. This is something new and will be fun to have few side characters that are kids. Especially since this part is set so much before the first book series that these kids are all grown up by then.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/02/12/new-writing-challenge-for-me/

Writing|Editing|Life Update
#writingupdate #lifeupdate #editing #writer #drama

Writing|Editing|Life Update
#writingupdate #lifeupdate #editing #writer #drama

#writers #writingupdate #update

#writers #writingupdate #update

Sometimes it means that need to start drawing floor plans. If I'm going to tell the story of this legendary Rock Club from the start. And have it on the story world throughout the years of all the stories. I need to draw the floor plans for the building.
#writingupdate

https://mysteriesbyrose.wordpress.com/2026/01/21/creating-a-story-world-aint-always-writing/

Before the winter break I wrote about 8 chapters for my next book, a sequel to Shadowed Memories. Getting back to it, I've decided to rewrite what I've already got, while trying to get a bit of a different style and tone down. Pray to Meraki (god of creativity/creation) it works out well. If it doesn't... I won't cry about scrapping the new words and leaning more into what I've already written while pressing forward. Either way, I'm writing, and making progress in becoming a better writer while trying to further refine my writing style. Don't forget to keep dreaming, and working towards your goals. ~E.L.F.

#WritersBlog #Author #IndieWriter #OnWriting #WritingUpdate #Writer #AmWriting #UrbanFantasy

Self-editing of book four is complete! 🥳

10,246 words cut, bringing the WC to just under 176k. Given this is the last book in a series (where the previous books were 156k-163k), I'm okay with this.

Now to see if my editor will accept it prior to our February 2 start date. She might, unless she has another project right. now.

Stay tuned for the title review early next week! 😍

#WritingCommunity #WritingUpdate #Writer #Writing #FantasyBooks

Self-editing of book four is complete! 🥳

10,246 words cut, bringing the WC to just under 176k. Given this is the last book in a series (where the previous books were 156k-163k), I'm okay with this.

Now to see if my editor will accept it prior to our February 2 start date. She might, unless she has another project right. now.

Stay tuned for the title review early next week! 😍

#WritingCommunity #WritingUpdate #Writer #Writing #FantasyBooks

Update on all my projects, including some publication news, self-pub projects, my obsession with Expedition 33, and more.

#WritingUpdate #AmWriting #CurrentlyWriting #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #WritingJourney #WIP #WIPUpdate #writing #reading #horrorwriters

https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com/2026/01/14/january-update-1-14-2026/

January Update 1/14/2026

• First update of 2026! Wow, hard to believe we’re already in this year. I can’t believe it. The last year went by so quickly with everything. Happy to be approaching some big events coming up. More details forthcoming.
• Had a good last week with two literary magazines accepting some of my work. Both acceptances in a 24 hour period. Really made me feel good. It feels weird to talk about these successes. I wasn’t really raised in an environment where you celebrated these things without some sort of guilt or takedown being on the backside of it. Hard to market success when you have this emotional baggage. I’m working on it.
• For every acceptance it seems like there are about 10 or 15 rejections. If you could see my submission tracker the amount of red is like an 80’s slasher flick. I constantly get rejections in my email. I suffer about them all the time, so celebrating the positivity feels like sort of a must.
• For years I have mainly used WordPress for my sharing of information and content, despite other places being more keen and prevalent. This is partially my innate shyness, but also what I write. Literary horror isn’t something you just talk about in a post or picture, but something you pull people into. Curiosity is your marketing, and the flash and giggle of social media doesn’t necessarily match up with it always. I sort of lure you in with less, so marketing has been a struggle for me. As I shift into traditional publishing more, I know I’ll have to continue to enhance my content and message. I’ll be sharing things more across all platforms.
• Beware the Ills and the Greenland Diaries continue to get shared on here in pieces every Monday and Friday. They have posts built for the next eight months so plenty of time to invest in the story and read it leisurely.
• I’m not sure what I’ll be doing for events this year. 13 Gears doesn’t sound like it is going to happen, and some of these other events are simply too expensive to justify. Twin Cities Con is a yes. The rest is sort of up in the air. Don’t know the details quite yet. Might be just smaller events like breweries, and potentially a new con.
• I’m thoroughly addicted to Cliar Obscur: Expedition 33. We’ve been playing it like crazy. What an incredible game. Reminds me so much of Legend of Dragoon. I’ve loved everything about it. I highly recommend it.
• Almost done with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Our anime list is out of control. The backlog is huge. I’m not sure when we’ll get through it, but Mob Psycho is next.
• Self-published projects coming up include a Greenland Diaries Omnibus of short fiction, with new material. For sure that one will be produced at some point this year, probably in Fall 2026 for Halloween.
• Alrighty, well, that is my sort of January Update. I have a lot going on this month. I’ll share those links to my new publications when they’re out and live. Thank you everyone for the continued support. Stay healthy! Stay safe!

#author #authorUpdate #behindTheScenes #blogging #books #creativeProcess #fantasy #fiction #horror #monsters #patrickWMarsh #reading #theGreenlandDiaries #workInProgress #writerSLife #writing #writingGoals #writingJourney #writingLife #writingProgress #writingUpdate

Christmas Eve Writing Update 12/24/25

• Hey everyone, just wanted to get on here and share a little update about what I’ve been doing with my writing. I hope everyone has had a good holiday season. Thank you all for your continued support. These are all the things I’m working on in some capacity or another. Ugh. This is an exhausting journey.
• My next self-publish project will be something new and different for me. It will be a collection of nonfiction poetry called: The Owl Wraith. It will include 25 poems detailing my battles with depression, historical trauma, and how that translates to my relationship with my sons. The Owl Wraith will walk that line between nonfiction and literary horror. I’m excited to see what people’s reactions will be to it. This book will include many difficult pieces of subject manner, but we’ll take the journey together. I’ll be releasing the book March 20th, 2026.
• I did an interview on a podcast called Total Conundrum. It was really fun and they have an awesome program. You can find it right here.
• I wrote a nonfiction poem called “You Are the King, and I am Your Star” on here. It is a poem about an inscription I found in the basement of the house my father grew up in. He had to sell it when I went through a bad batch of depression with an ex. I carried some guilt with me about it. You can read the poem here. I will eventually take it down since it will be part of the Owl Wraith. This poem is an example of what you can expect in the poetry collection.
• In terms of literary horror releases, I will be pivoting to release more flash fiction from the world of the Greenland Diaries on here at least a few times a month. I’ve written a whole collection of stories that takes place after the Drum is destroyed. Eventually, I’ll publish this as a collection as well. I will always be writing this series and building it up. Much more is planned outside the original narrative. You’re investment in my series will pay off for years.
• Gears are still fully turning on submitting to literary magazines and looking for traditional publishes for other projects. Stay tuned. I might share some breadcrumbs from each of those endeavors. Really cool stories are lurking in the background.
• I wrote another nonfiction poem called “I Can’t Change the Sunlight” that you can read. It will be part of my Owl Wraith collection. It is about me accepting my traumatic past, and my depression, and acknowledging the existence of triggers. You can read it here.
• I will say writing about these nonfiction subjects takes a lot out of me. I try to pretend that it isn’t difficult, but I can only do so much of it. This collection I’m release is a bit of a last hurrah with it. We’ll see what happens.
• Some of the media I’ve been digesting recently is pretty varied. Been watching a ton of anime. Dr. Stone, Tokyo Ghoul, Dandadan, the Summer Hikaru Died to name a few. All were really good. Tokyo Ghoul gave me some problems with pacing because its characters outpaced the narrative, but it was still decent. Dr. Stone is probably my favorite of all of them. The Summer Hikaru Died resonates most with my style as a storyteller. Truly creepy and wonderful.
• Okay everyone, I just want to say stay safe this holiday season. I hope for the best for you and your loved ones. I appreciate you all. Take care of yourselves!

#author #authorUpdate #behindTheScenes #blogging #books #creativeProcess #fantasy #fiction #horror #monsters #patrickWMarsh #reading #theGreenlandDiaries #workInProgress #writerSLife #writing #writingGoals #writingJourney #writingLife #writingProgress #writingUpdate

Second year wrote 100k words on this blog

It seems that I really can’t write short

I started this blog 2023 October. And that year end with 21200 words in 42 post. Last year 157437 words in 339 post. This year before this post 101496 words in 301 post. So another full year I have break 100k words written for this blog. So far 280133 words in little over 2 years time. It looks like that before this year ends I will break 300k word count for this blog.

I’m not at all surprised that I have written that much again. Because I love writing this blog. And writing generally. So I did it again. lol I have struggled years to write short. In any other form but poetry. It’s only short form writing I can do. Other than that it is always long. Like it is with this blog. I really love the freedom of write anything I want on this blog. Let the words flow and try new topics to write about. This blog is my happy place.

Apparently it doesn’t matter what I’m writing lol

So it is not only when I’m writing my fictional stories that I can’t write short. Because even with those I can easily write over 100k. And yes I’m little bit worried what will happen with my two rock star book series. That gets just bigger and bigger each month that passes by. Still working on that secret new part.

And trying to keep it short is a struggle I’m facing right now. Because it would be so easy to make it full length or more. But I don’t want that. Not for that part of the story world. So I’m trying to learn writing something shorter for once. And actually end up with something shorter. Not like few times before and I have ended up with a book series instead something short. This time it will be different. I know the famous last words.

I’m really challenging myself to keep the writing in shorter side this time. And it is a hard challenge. Because I have failed at it every time I have tried. So this time I really want keep it shorter from and not fail. I always try to challenge myself and better myself from past versions. Learning new skills. And this is now one of those times. Learning to write shorter form stories. I can’t wait to tell the wold what I’m working with.

With love C.F. Grönroos

Creator of the Mysteries by Rose

#Blog #Blogging #CFGrönroos #MysteriesByRose #WritersLife #writing #WritingUpdate

Writing Update 10/29/25

• Happy Halloween season! Great time of year where the boundary between the ordinary and supernatural feels a bit skewed. Also pumpkin spice season, changing leaves, and Over the Garden Wall just puts it over the top. October never makes me feel out of place as a horror writer. It is a great month.
• Free book weekends are back and moving. Every Saturday and Sunday I’ll have a Kindle book up for free both of these days. I know most of you already have them and whatnot, and that is completely fine. I have the giveaways as part of being an author who utilizes KDP Select, so I use them. Why let them go to waste?
• I have lowered ALL my prices on my books on both Amazon (for paperback and Kindle) and in my bookstore. Everything is cheaper. Thanks to my new formatting choices, the books themselves are smaller to print. I’m not that much of an evil capitalist. There are combos. Books be cheap. Free shipping from my store as well. All work has been revised, edited, then revised again. Yup. It is endless. Visit my bookstore now.
• Recently published a poem I wrote about being a horror writer called “The Dark” on here. I published it last year, but it still very much applies. I like to share it every Halloween season. Truthfully being a monster writer isn’t the product of happy things that have happened to me. I make the most of it, but yes, it is a double-edge sword. Read it here.
• I’m thoroughly addicted to Jujutsu Kaisen. My god, what a great anime. Can’t wait for the new season to be fully released and dubbed. I’m going to watch the movie. I have a Gojo air freshener in my car. I’ve bought in hard.
• Had to buy Returnal again. I love that freaking game. So good. I like to turn off the lights and blast the sound bar. If Metroid were on repeat. I’m excited for the developers new game in March. I also just preordered Metroid Prime 4.
• Another poem I published recently on here called “Kindness” is available to read. This one is a bit obvious, but it is about trusting kind people after so much pain. Granted, I’ve also produced pain in other people’s lives as well. For that, I’m sorry. The poem covers that as well. Read it here.
• The Greenland Diaries and Beware the Ills continue to be shared on here one segment at a time. You can just keep reading it there at your own pace, or you can wait till a book drops on a free book weekend. Both those titles are in the rotation. Spoiler alert.
• Next event I’ll be at is Twin Cities Con. That’ll have its own post of course, but it is coming up soon. You can find out more about this awesome event right here.
• Okay, well, that is it for me. I’m sure there is more to say, but I’ve never been too comfortable talking about myself. Thank you everyone for the continued support. If you want to support me please review my work on Goodreads and Amazon, or visit my bookstore. Take care and be safe!

#author #authorUpdate #behindTheScenes #blogging #books #creativeProcess #fantasy #fiction #horror #monsters #patrickWMarsh #reading #workInProgress #writerSLife #writing #writingGoals #writingJourney #writingLife #writingProgress #writingUpdate

Found a magazine open for submission and sent this one there on the last day of the window. So the tally for the month is: Sent out - 12, Rejections received - 6 (some from stories sent in prev months), Waiting on response - 14 (Sept & Oct) #WritingUpdate #WritingCommunity #BookSky

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:36h6ttx2g23zqr4accilbvo7/post/3m3w2trohms2w

#DailyDigest for 2025-03-26

Another day comes to an end! So, what happened today?

• I finished two scenes for the #murderMystery project. Unfortunately, I still haven't got to the murder! (+2404 words) #amWriting #writingUpdate
• Made a list of possible clients I'll approach in the coming days. #business

Writing update: completed a first draft of my 2010-set murder mystery / dark second chance romance, Best Friends Bury Bodies. #AmWriting #WritingUpdate #IndieAuthor

https://cmrosens.com/2025/03/11/best-friends-bury-bodies-complete-draft/

It's been a busy week, with the paperback & hardcover release of "8" and a brand-new episode of http://postmortemreport.com
😅

Time to relax for a bit before diving back into writing mode to finish my next novel.
✍️🙂👍

Haven't ordered your copy of "8" yet? https://amazon.com/author/michaelshotter

#author #writer #writing #publishing #authorsofmastodon #readersofmastodon #authorupdate #writingupdate #bookstodon #booktodon

🚀 Writing update: Space Trash is now at 52.5K words! A gain of 7K, despite some rewriting detours. There's now an abundance of shark action in space 🦈✨ and even a dinosaur cameo 🦖.

How did I get sharks into space? Fancy thinking. 😂 This story is wild, and I can’t wait to share it when it’s done!

#WritingUpdate #AmWriting #SciFiHumor #SharksInSpace #IndieAuthor #WIPWednesday

🚀 45.6K words down in Space Trash (Squad 51, Book 2)! The latest scene has Hook Raeder dancing for his life in front of two aliens in their space mansion full of… trash! 🕺👽
Just another day in the weird and wonderful universe of Squad 51. 😂💫

#WritingUpdate #AmWriting #SciFi #SpaceTrash #IndieAuthor #SciFiHumor #Squad51 #writingcommunity #amWriting

Writing the witching novel can give me panic attacks, but I hope it's worth it!

#writingcommunity #amwriting #blogger #bloggingcommunity #witch #magic #history #historicalfiction #novelwriting #writingupdate

https://mistresswitchwrites.wordpress.com/2023/05/01/facing-the-witching-novel-a-writing-update/