Dark psychological fiction explores the spaces people avoid—the thoughts beneath restraint, the instincts beneath civility. These posts examine characters shaped by tension, secrecy, and moral ambiguity, where the line between control and collapse is thin, and what unfolds is driven less by events than by what lives inside.
I’d like to welcome you to my pit of evil happenstance. This is where innocent people are lured away from the light and taken into the dark recesses of a dark dungeon. May your stay be disturbing as possible. Of course, no one is totally innocent. Even the most honest, hard-working of souls has something
Calling Lovers of Dark Fiction Read More »
When it comes to lovable evil characters, Hannibal Lecter is one I’d like to give one big ‘ol squeeze. Isn’t he just the best? You can’t help but fall in love with the good Doctor’s wit, intellect and sense of propriety. If it weren’t for the odd liver and fava-bean request, you’d be happy to
Redeeming Evil Characters Read More »
Independent publishing is a long process – challenging from conception to print. It’s a miracle any book makes it out there at all! It’s far more than just dreaming and writing. There’s the plot mapping, character development, editing, structure, text formatting, the cover graphic and title, and then promotion and marketing to include. Once a
Squee! It’s Finally Out! Read More »
We all have our demons. Some of us are prepared to chase them to hell and back just to answer the questions only we can ask when writing. When I’m chasing mine, I never know if I’ll find evil or glory at the other end. I take a giant leap of faith and let myself
Let’s Find The Bottom Of Our Rabbit Holes Read More »
Empathy is often treated as something you either have or don’t. A natural gift. A moral compass that’s worth some value in what appears to be a gradually shallow world. But empathy can also be performed. Most people learn early what empathy is supposed to look like: the appropriate facial expression, the appropriate words, the
Can Empathy Be Faked? Read More »
It’s a question usually searched late at night, after reading or seeing something unsettling in the news. Usually it’s done without telling anyone else. The short answer is: sometimes — but not in the way people imagine. Psychopathy isn’t defined by violence or chaos. It’s a personality structure characterised by shallow emotional responses, reduced empathy,
Do Psychopaths Know They Are Psychopaths? Read More »
Most dangerous people don’t look dangerous. Unlike the above photo (and our perceptions), highly dangerous people don’t raise their voices. They don’t pace. They don’t threaten. They often don’t even stand out. If anything, they blend in. They’re familiar. Predictable. Often likable. That’s why danger is so often missed—not because people are stupid, but because
Signs Someone Is More Dangerous Than They Appear Read More »
Writing fictional murder is dangerous not for the act, but for the shortcuts it can invite. “Low-hanging fruit” victims are a no-go zone. For many, it’s too much to bear. People often ask why writing about murder in fiction is dangerous. Not because of violence itself, but because of who the violence lands on. If
Permission to Harm Low Hanging Fruit in Fiction Read More »
Not every reader is meant to finish every book they start, often due to mismatched expectations about genre, tone, and theme. Abandoning a book isn’t judging its quality but reflects personal boundaries. Reviews based on limited experience can misrepresent a book, highlighting the importance of clear signals to attract the right audience.
Sometimes a Book Just Isn’t Yours to Read Read More »
People build kingdoms from beliefs, identities, and certainties—and defend them ruthlessly. When dissent threatens the walls, civility collapses, violence is permitted, destruction feels justified, as fear replaces thought and conformity becomes survival. Every noble person builds a kingdom. Some are small and domestic. Others sprawl invisibly across rooms, conversations, reputations, and assumptions. Most don’t look
Kingdom Building and Protecting What’s Ours Read More »