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On Death and Other Matters #IWSG

walks in Singapore

There’s so much I need to tell you all, but it’s been a rough road on the internet with my blog being scraped off, right, left, and center. I haven’t had the physical, emotional and financial bandwidth to protect this space from all kinds of human and non-human plagiarism, so this safe space has atrophied a little.

Suffice it to say I’ve been having a few difficult years (death in the family, career reversals, friendship losses) and am taking some much-needed time away from social media. I miss the human connection this blog once provided, but I’m not able to share of myself as I once did in this space, and it’s not fair of me to expect you to do the same.

I realized I almost missed today, the day for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post–and decided to come out and scribble a few words before hiding again. The world has been too much, lately.

During recent de-cluttering efforts, I’ve found a bunch of letters from over the years, and it’s been like finding time capsules–the person I used to be, the circumstances of those times for me and the other correspondent. I’m considering taking up letter-writing again–a sort of luddite, slow way to reconnect.

If you’d like to receive a handwritten letter from me, drop me an address (PO Boxes welcome) where I can write to you at damyanti at damyantiwrites dot com

This could be my last post for the year, so here’s wishing everyone a beautiful end of the year, and all the season’s joys. See you all again soon, by which time I’ll hopefully have put a stop to blog scraping and feel a lot chattier.


Dear writer, what about you? Have things been easy or hard? Do you find it difficult to share, given that most of our words become fodder for AI these days?


writing a thriller This post is part of an event held each first Wednesday of the month: Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Founded by the Ninja Cap’n Alex J. Cavanaugh, the purpose of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share their fears and insecurities without being judged.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 7 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, Liza, and Natalie Aguirre! Please go and visit them if you like.

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My Amazon-bestselling literary crime novels, The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon are on Kindle Unlimited. Add to Goodreads or snag a copy to make my day ! And if you’d like to read a book outside the series, you can check out You Beneath Your Skin.  Find all info about my books on my Amazon page or Linktree.
She's the author of You Beneath Your Skin, an Amazon-bestselling crime novel, which has been optioned for screens by Endemol Shine. Her next crime novel, The Blue Bar was published by Thomas & Mercer USA. It received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and Goodreads named it one of 2023's Most Anticipated Mysteries & Thrillers. The sequel, The Blue Monsoon, will be out in Oct 2023. Her popular blog Daily (w)rite, where she speaks about the writing life and interviews publishing professionals turned 15 this year.————————————————————————–
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Damyanti Biswas

Damyanti Biswas’s short fiction has been published at Smokelong, Ambit, Litro, Puerto del Sol, among others, and she's the co-editor of The Forge literary magazine. She's the author of YOU BENEATH YOUR SKIN, a bestselling crime novel, which has been optioned for screens by Endemol Shine. Her next #1 Amazon bestselling crime novel, THE BLUE BAR, was published by Thomas & Mercer. It received a starred review on Publishers Weekly, and was one of 2023's Most Anticipated Mysteries & Thrillers on Goodreads. Kirkus Reviews called its sequel, THE BLUE MONSOON, a compelling procedural awash in crosscurrents. Her work is represented by Lucienne Diver at The Knight Agency.

I appreciate comments, and I always visit back. If you're having trouble commenting, let me know via the contact form, or tweet me up @damyantig !

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24 Comments

  • I hope my writing isn’t used to train AI or anything like that. That is what you’re referring to, correct?

  • I’m sorry it’s been such a hard year, Damyanti. I think a lot of us are feeling some sort of strain, and some more than others. I wish you a happy holidays and a much improved 2026 – rested, peaceful, healthy, and creative. <3

  • DG Kaye says:

    It is sad what the world is becoming and all the evils of the digital world, leaving us exposed and feeling like Big Brother is always watching. I hope things get better for you and wishing you a bright new year. 🥰

  • Janet Alcorn says:

    I’m sorry you’ve been having such a rough time. Life has seasons, and some of those seasons are a struggle. I hope you’re able to sort out the blog issues, heal, and find joy. Also, I’d love a handwritten letter, and I’ll return the favor. Will drop you an email with my address.

  • hilarymb says:

    Hi Damyanti – yes … life can take us for a ride sometimes – so challenging to get through. And so frustrating that there are so many ‘cheaters’ out there … all taking their opinions from the great orange one, or other similar … I really do not like social media – thank goodness I kept to myself with my blog – and don’t worry about things in that direction. I sincerely hope you keep us in touch somehow … your books have been so very good – and I learnt a lot, sadly … but not about how to write etc. Take care and all the very best … with thoughts – Hilary

  • Ah, the road is never easy and just when it seems like you may have it all figured out, a turn, a fork in the road, a rock wall. Suffice it to say that you are stronger than you know and you will find the way through, Damyanti. Protect your self, your health, your vision, and all will be well. xox

  • Wishing you a restful vacation and a more fulfilling new year 2026

  • Life is becoming increasingly tough around the world and one has to focus to keep a positive mind frame. I think another holiday in the mountains would be of great benefit where we swap the sewer of the internet for the beauty of nature. Wishing you a happy new year 2026 and a restful vacation.

  • Hugs. When it gets too much, it’s hard to even know where to start dealing with it.

  • So sorry to hear you have had a rough time and hope this improves. I love your writing and blog so hopefully you can return when ready. I tend to do just one post a month now and catch up with others as much as I can. Yes, letters were amazing. I used to collect them from so many Indian towns post offices as I travelled around. Xx

  • Jemima Pett says:

    Hi Damyanti. I’m sorry you’re having a tough time. I’d love a letter form you, but I owuldnt write back, as I find it easier to type these days. Doing Christmas cards is hard, just writing a one liner to my longest known friends!
    Press on through the wind and rain, and you’ll never walk alone. Your friends are with you.

  • Susan Scott says:

    Hello Damyanti, it’s lovely to hear from you. I well recall you and your vital presence and kindness. I’m sorry its been a tough year, death and all. I wish for you an easier year, with love, light and laughter your companions. And good health and prosperity. Love, Susan

  • Sorry to hear about the hard times you’ve had. I wish you seasons joys and a beautiful end of the year as well.

  • I’m so sorry you’ve been going through such a hard time, Damyanti. I hope your time away from the blog will help you.

  • I’m sorry to know you are having a hard year, Damyanti. I hope next year is better.

  • mitchteemley says:

    Until a month ago, my blog had never been visited by anyone from China. Now, despite the fact their are no subscriptions, likes, or comments from anyone in China, WordPress is reported an average of 500 to 1,000 Chinese views per day. I can only assume this is Chinese AI absorbing my content.

  • setinthepast says:

    Oh dear, hope things improve soon.

  • I don’t share much of myself online either.
    This month will be a break for me and I am looking forward to it.

  • I’m sorry to hear it’s been so rough. I get it. I does suck away all one’s energy. Take CAre

  • Debbie D. says:

    Wishing you a peaceful December and a better new year! 💖

  • JT Twissel says:

    Sounds like quite a rough patch you’re going through. I hope everything gets better! Take care, Jan

  • I’m sorry you are having such a difficult time. Sending healing energy to you!

  • All will right itself, Damyanti. You’ll see. Things will work out. Have a great holiday break.

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