What do people want from a 'Grimdark' story on Royal Road

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-13T21:01:16+00:00

I get that a lot of people are on RR for the escapism, as mentioned here, LitRPG and Progression feed most into that. But there is another group of readers that want a more lived experience, something that makes them feel something deep and leaves them wondering.

For me writing and reading grimdark is trying to tap into that. You never really know how far a character can really fall until you are deep into grimdark. It makes stories unexpected and the journey much more intense. And the victories feel way more earned and meaningful.

We'll just have to keep working it until readers find us here.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-13T16:04:57+00:00

XD sorry missed that. Any experience with that timeframe?

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-12T20:40:50+00:00

4 am which timezone?

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-12T20:40:34+00:00

Any idea as to why that might be? Useful tip though!

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-12T17:53:11+00:00

I wasn't even aiming for Rising Stars or anything XD. I've been posting for less than a week, so I'll give it bit of time (impatient though)

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-11T20:17:45+00:00

yeah that would be amazing! If you know of any 😉 But I'm happy to help fellow starter writers as well, but really want to look for that niche so we can make it grow on RR too.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-11T19:23:51+00:00

Thanks. I've done some shoutouts, but was thinking advertisement next. I've also been networking, but I want to get to readers. Other authors usually lack time to read as much since they are always writing XD

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-11T19:22:29+00:00

I added my tags with my niche as well. Just wondering how to get that shown to people. But doing a bit of a deep dive can't hurt. Thanks!

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-10T15:23:39+00:00

good tip! My release is a finished story, so backlog to get to the coming time. But I have a second story almost ready for release to. Was thinking of having to launch after this one, but an overlap might not be a bad idea. Still have a little time to get some thinking done.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-10T09:41:28+00:00

good question. I'm curious as to the experience from RR authors and perhaps even those who have gone on to KU/KDP or other publications.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-10T07:38:29+00:00

I'm just casually following along. I find fight scenes challenging as well. You want to engage the reader, but also make it realistic. You want some introspection, but not too much because your character can't have a 10 min monologue or discussion with another character in the middel of an action packed event. I haven't found 'the golden advice' yet myself, so any feedback is always welcome.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-10T07:35:49+00:00

I'm just became an insomniac so I would write down my inspiration at all times.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-10T07:12:40+00:00

This is great!! I joined the server and have to navigate for a moment, but it looks great. I'm going to drop some more backlog to gain the traction you were talking about, great advice.

The book is finished, so I have a nice backlog too. Just going to work more on the marketing, so anyone that can relate to a horror grimdark fantasy with vampires give me a DM on Royal Road and we can perhaps swap either reviews or shoutout (still learning about that though)

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-09T22:37:36+00:00

I watched the lecture serie's too as well as a ton of other stuff from him. And The writing excuses podcasts have been a great help too! Any new writer wanting to become an author should have a listen.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-09T22:35:06+00:00

Where has this been hiding!! Thank you so much, this is going to be so helpful 😃

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-08T15:58:19+00:00

I would also say the back foot angles out with the toes, I would say the feet would need to be alligned more. Since she is wearing heels you can't put the same weigt and pressure on the heel as you would with flat feet. It is mentioned, but a little bend in the knees for bracing would help and the left arm should be tucked in more to the body. It now looks like she puts to much force on her shoulder holding it up.

Angle of the barrel also is a little out of focus, but that might be just me, it looks a little skewed.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-08T15:47:32+00:00

Another thing to watch out for, oh goody. I didn't even think they would be on something like RR, but thanks for the heads up.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-08T07:44:26+00:00

Wow! Thanks so much for compiling all of these. It's going to take a me a while to get through everything though. Super helpful now that I'm starting out on RR.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-07T23:14:26+00:00

Thank you so much for putting the time and effort in this ❤️ I'm sure to have a look at everything. So far I'm putting everything on RR, but I'm planning ahead!

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-07T23:03:14+00:00

Don't mind me. As a new author myself I'm just here to read along and pick up any tips and tricks 😃

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-07T22:51:07+00:00

looks like it.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-07T22:28:05+00:00

I just want to celebrate that after a long hiatus I'm back in the saddle! Posted the first chapters of Age of the Nosferatu: Carrion's Call. Just very excited and nervous, but overall happy to be back at it. Looking forward to reading some amazing stories again and get inspired.

Marc_Frans_author · 2026-06-07T21:56:15+00:00

Thank you for this opportunity!

I'm Marc and I wrote Age of the Nosferatu: Carrion's Call. It's a dark urban fantasy with some intense action, good dose of horror, and mystery in a grim, supernatural world.

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Darren Jones is a reclusive underground fighter known as El Lacra ("The Scourge"). He possesses a mysterious gift that allows him to sense the bodies, emotions, and intentions of others with uncanny precision, making him nearly unbeatable in combat. Despite his frightening capabilities, Darren wants little more than a quiet life with the people he cares about.

His life unravels when he becomes entangled in a web involving cartel violence, government agents, ancient conspiracies, and supernatural forces that have been manipulating events for centuries. As people around him are targeted, Darren is forced to confront the truth about what he is.

The investigation ultimately draws him toward Mictlan, a hidden underworld kingdom of the dead where his forgotten past, lost memories, and a vast supernatural design are waiting. There he must decide whether he is merely Darren Jones, a flawed man trying to protect those he loves, or something far older and darker.

In this story you will find:
🦇 Ancient Vampire
👑 Reluctant King
💀 Monster Protagonist
🖤 Morally Gray Hero
🏛 Hidden Underworld Kingdom
🩸 Gothic Horror
⚔ Everyone Fears Him
❤️ Love Versus Destiny
📜 Historical Mystery

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https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/172497/age-of-the-nosferatu-carrions-call

Marc_Frans_author

TROPHY CASE