The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and the Release of Blood Red Steel by Damien Larkin

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Thanks to those who hosted my tour or followed along for In Darkness: The Werewolf! I appreciated the support and hope everyone enjoys my sweet werewolf story.

Today’s question: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?

I think it will assist them at first, but as it improves, eventually it will replace them. Publishers won’t need authors anymore. They will just generate their own books and keep all the profits. Of course, authors can use AI to produce and self-publish and keep all the profits since the books will all be the same level of quality.

It’s an exciting but very scary time right now as AI is developing faster than we ever imagined.


And I am posting a day early as Dancing Lemur Press has another release!

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Available now!

Blood Red Steel by Damien Larkin

Blood alone decides the fate of Mars

For two years, the Mars Expeditionary Force has held the line against the last remnants of the Third Reich. McCabe, Jenkins, and the Second Battalion long for home. Reinforcements have arrived, but the veterans of the MEF have one final mission. Defend Forward Base Zulu at all costs.

While Generalfeldmarschall Brandt plans a decisive showdown at Forward Base Zulu, Reichsführer Wagner celebrates the activation of the first generation of the Hollow Programme. Surrounded and cut off, McCabe and Jenkins once again find themselves in league with the MAJESTIC-12 operatives known as the Black Visors. Now the future hinges on the sacrifices of a few determined soldiers.

Print ISBN 9781939844958 $18.95
eBook ISBN 9781939844965 $4.99
Science Fiction – Military/Alternative History/War & Military

“He takes numerous storylines and threads them together to create a story which never lets up. There is not just action a-plenty. There is non-stop, relentless action. It is breath-taking in its remorselessness. – Phil Parker, author

“The stakes are so high in this one. Larkin is a master storyteller and every plot twist is a punch to the gut.” – Jessa Forest, author

“Exciting, fast paced and as good as, if not better than the previous two books in the series.” – Sue Tingey, author

Links: iTunes / B&N / Kobo / Amazon / Amazon UK / Scribed / Goodreads

Damien Larkin is an Irish science fiction author and co-founder of the British and Irish Writing Community. His debut novel Big Red was longlisted for the BSFA award for Best Novel. He currently lives in Dublin, Ireland. Website

What are your thoughts on AI? And if you enjoy military science fiction, you need to pick up Damien’s latest.

The Werewolf Tour Continues!

This week’s tour dates for In Darkness: The Werewolf:

Sept 18 - Alex J. Cavanaugh and Top 10 Werewolf Movies

Sept 20 - J.Q. Rose and a recipe and feature

I’m also at the IWSG Anthologies site with Why Write a Series

Hope you caught last week’s interesting tidbits:

Susan Gourley - How the Werewolf Legend Began

Nick Wilford - Interview

Tyrean Martinson - Fictional Werewolves

Podcast with Toi Thomas - the most unique author interview you will ever hear!

Thanks to those who have followed along and purchased a copy of The Werewolf. As I have discovered, the most difficult thing in the world is to promote one’s own work, especially in a new genre. Paranormal romance is hot, but it’s been tough reaching that audience.

In Darkness: The Werewolf Tour Continues with Legends, Fictional Werewolves, and Interviews

Thanks again for following the tour and supporting me and my latest release, In Darkness: The Werewolf.

This week’s stops:

Sept. 11 - Susan Gourley - How the Werewolf Legend Began

Sept. 12 - Nick Wilford - Interview

Sept. 13 - Tyrean Martinson - Fictional Werewolves

Sept 15 - podcast @6:30 pm with Toi Thomas - the most unique author interview you will ever hear!

Hope you caught last week’s interesting tidbits:
C. Lee McKenzie - Not All Werewolves are Vicious Alphas
J. Lenni Dorner - Writing a Werewolf Story
Sandra Cox - feature and review
Reading Nook - feature and excerpt

And next week:
Sept. 18 - Alex J. Cavanaugh - Top 10 Werewolf Movies

Sept. 20 - J.Q. Rose - feature and recipe


Thank you!

In Darkness: The Werewolf’s Release and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Celebrates 12 Years

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

I believe I joined when Alex first opened up the sign-up list. (And I’m one of the few remaining IWSG administrators – just me, Alex, and Michelle.) I follow and help with the Facebook group, and through Dancing Lemur Press, I follow the Instagram and Twitter/X groups.

How has it helped? How has it not? It’s a great way to connect with other writers, some who need help with this publishing stuff. I always recommend the website when teaching my seminars and I still have business cards that I hand out. #IWSGPit has led me to FIVE authors that signed with Dancing Lemur Press.

I’ve enjoyed these 12 years, even during times when I was frantically busy with DLP stuff and barely to keep up with my duties. Connecting with others who are supportive is so important.

Especially today, as I am posting a day early for a reason!

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Available now!


In Darkness: The Werewolf

Souls shrouded in darkness…

On her own in England, Vicki trains at a prestigious fencing school. Face marred by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals his genuine interest and they begin to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she wonders why he’s so shy and reclusive. 

 Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every werewolf legend is shattered by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie accepts his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they trust love enough to overcome their physical challenges?

“The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind!” 5 stars – Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

“This beautiful short story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.” – Charlotte Butler, Archaeolibrarian

“Out of the many werewolf books there are to choose from, this is perhaps the sweetest, gentlest story in that genre that you’re likely to find. I’d even venture to say it’s a werewolf story for readers who don’t usually read paranormal books.” - Lori Alden Holuta, SciFi Radio

“I want more. I think that there is so much to discover. This author took time to develop this book and it was worth every second.” – On Review by Sara

“Another cozy romantic fantasy by Diane Wolfe…If you're interested in low stress, genuinely nice characters, a caring sweet romance, this book is perfect for you.” - Nat Kennedy, author

Romance/Paranormal/Shifters, Romance/Paranormal, Fantasy/Paranormal
eBook ISBN 9781939844927 $3.99
Links: Amazon / iTunes / B&N / Kobo / Scribed / Goodreads

I’m excited to share my sweet werewolf story with the world!

And I have a fantastic tour lined up:
Sept. 5 - Reading Nook - release blitz
Sept. 6 - C. Lee McKenzie - Not All Werewolves are Vicious Alphas
Sept. 7 - J. Lenni Dorner - Writing a Werewolf Story
Sept. 8 - Sandra Cox - review
Sept. 11 - Susan Gourley - How the Werewolf Legend Began
Sept. 12 - Nick Wilford - interview
Sept. 13 - Tyrean Martinson - Fictional Werewolves
Sept. 15 - Toi Thomas - podcast @ 6:30 pm EST
Sept. 18 - Alex J. Cavanaugh - Top 10 Werewolf Movies
Sept. 20 - J.Q. Rose - feature and recipe

How has the IWSG helped you?
Like to read a sweet and gentle werewolf story?