newsletter · October 16, 2026

Not Dead Yet #18

Still not dead

There wasn't a newsletter on October 2nd because I was very sick with the flu. Given the name of this newsletter, I thought I should explain.

I'm mostly recovered, although fatigue is a battle I'm still fighting. It's frustrating to want to write and make things, then discover I've run out of energy. I'm getting back to it, just more slowly than I'd like.

Grimdark romance?

There's definitely chemistry between the three main characters in Iron Meridian. I didn't plan it. I put these people into a difficult situation together, and apparently they have feelings about more than the conflict around them.

Michael R. Fletcher does something interesting with love in his Obsidian Path books. It's a huge driver of what happens, including some terrible decisions. I wrote about the series in my review, and I've found myself thinking about that aspect again while working on my own story.

Which raises a question: in grimdark, does love triumph over hate, or does hate win?

Does love make someone a better person? Or is it a justification for doing horrific things?. Those possibilities make love interesting to write about, especially in a world where people already have plenty of reasons to hurt each other.

I don't know where all the chemistry in Iron Meridian will lead. Finding out is part of the pleasure of writing it.

What do you think? Do you want love to triumph in your grimdark, or do you prefer it when everything goes horribly wrong? Reply and let me know.

Darkest Autumn 3rd Edition

Audrey shared my illness, which means work on the third edition of Darkest Autumn has been delayed too. It's hard to get a book ready when both of us are sick.

It's still on the road to completion. If you missed the previous newsletter, Darkest Autumn is the first book in the series we co-wrote a few years back, and Audrey has been working on the new edition, including creating its new cover.

If you'd like an advance reader copy, visit the Ambria series website and sign up for the mailing list. We'll contact you when the ARC is ready.

Back on YouTube

I've reactivated my YouTube channel. Previously, the focus was software development. This time, I'm focusing on writing fiction and other creative efforts including making computer games. Here's the link to where I'm posting: youtube.com/@DanielFeldroy

Between the books, the games, and the channel, I have plenty I want to work on. Now I just need my energy to catch up.

Stories by other authors

It's Halloween season! Here's a set of spooky (or grimdark) stories featuring other authors.

Ellayne becomes increasingly aware of one thing: she has no memories—no identity—no name.
Dark figures not only haunt her nightmares, but also stalk her in reality.
Ellayne finds herself on the run, chased by a hooded archer with deadly aim.