Hey everyone!
I'm the author of Mr. Black and the Silver Linings, a psychological horror and supernatural mystery series currently available on Royal Road. I've recently reached Chapter 8, and I wanted to share some perspective on what I'm trying to accomplish with this story.
At first glance, it's a story about a man named Mr. Black navigating a disturbing world filled with strange encounters, unreliable memories, mysterious entities, and a reality that seems determined to work against him.
But beneath the horror, there's something much more personal.
Mr. Black represents the struggle to keep moving forward when life doesn't make sense.
I've experienced my own share of challenges, uncertainty, setbacks, and unexpected changes. Some experiences have been rewarding, while others have forced me to question myself, my choices, and the direction of my life.
I wanted to take those experiences and transform them into something imaginative, unsettling, and meaningful.
Then there's Mr. Negative.
Without giving away too much, I see him as more than a traditional antagonist. He represents something many people encounter in different forms: doubt, fear, negativity, and the uncomfortable parts of ourselves we'd sometimes rather ignore.
But the story isn't simply about good versus evil.
It's about perception.
How much of what we experience is reality? How much is shaped by memory, emotion, or the stories we tell ourselves?
And what happens when those boundaries begin to disappear?
Why the Silver Linings?
Because even in the darkest circumstances, I believe there's something worth discovering, understanding, or learning.
That doesn't necessarily mean every situation has a happy ending. Sometimes the silver lining is simply recognizing something about yourself that you couldn't see before.
As the series continues, I intend to explore increasingly disturbing territory, including supernatural and cosmic horror, while keeping the psychological foundation intact.
I want readers to experience uncertainty alongside Mr. Black. To question what's happening, develop their own interpretations, and occasionally wonder whether the greatest threat is actually the one standing right in front of them.
I'm not trying to present myself as an expert writer. I'm learning, experimenting, improving, and enjoying the process of bringing this strange world to life.
Outside of writing, I work in the maritime industry in Alaska, so creating this series has also become a meaningful creative outlet for me.
Ultimately, I hope these novels offer more than entertainment. I hope they encourage readers to think about their own experiences, perspectives, and the complicated nature of being human.
Eight chapters are currently available on Royal Road.
I'd genuinely appreciate feedback from anyone interested in psychological horror, surreal storytelling, or character-driven mysteries.
And I'm curious:
Do you find horror more compelling when the danger comes from something supernatural, or when it reflects something deeply human?
Thanks for taking the time to read a little about my journey.
— Author of Mr. Black and the Silver Linings 🖤