A dark stroke of fortune

‘I am very proud to announce the publication of my debut horror novel, Deep Level, and it’s all thanks to Writing Magazine,’ writes subscriber Rhydderch Wilson.

‘In April 2019 I wrote to WM asking if there was still a market for novellas. You published my letter and assured me that the format was alive and kicking.

‘Fast forward to April 2020 and I am furloughed from my job as a commercial scriptwriter in the radio biz, which I love. I was at first disappointed, but I dusted myself off and set about finding a publisher for my now completed tale.

‘To my astonishment, it was picked up by only the third publisher I submitted to, DarkStroke Books.

The idea for Deep Level came to me in a nightmare. It’s the story of a group of amateur urban explorers who discover a secret Victorian underground train network. They soon discover, however, that some things are secret for a reason as they are pursued through the darkness by a mysterious silent engine.

‘I decided to publish under an immortal name (or pen name, as they are often called) as my given name is pretty much unspellable, and hence un-Google-able. Richard E Rock sounds like a horror author. Rhydderch just sounds like someone clearing their throat.

‘I need to mention also the tremendous support I’ve received from Laurence and Stephanie at DarkStroke, as well as from my new “labelmates”. Their enthusiasm for dark fiction has been inspiring.

‘So thank you, Writing Magazine. Deep Level would never have emerged from the darkness without you.’

Website: www.richarderock.com