Iwan Ross's Blog: Whispers & Shadows: Unraveling the Worlds of Iwan Ross

A Day of Words, Courage, and Quiet Victories

Today was one of those days where writing felt like both a refuge and a triumph.

I woke up with the weight of tomorrow on my shoulders — returning to work after a much-needed break for my mental health. The dread tried to follow me into the morning… but the words followed me too. Nearly 1933 of them, in fact.

I continued my follow-up story to Elm Brook Manor, and for a few precious hours, I was completely lost in the world of the McTavish family again — their secrets, their shadows, their stubborn refusal to let go of me. Writing them feels like stepping into a home I’m still discovering room by room.

I also shared something very personal on my website today — a post about my “Corporate Survival Kit,” and the truth so many of us carry silently. The response has already shown me one thing: these conversations matter.

So here I am, ending the day with a small but meaningful victory.
Words written.
Truth shared.
A little courage found.

To everyone reading this — thank you for being here.
Your quiet presence makes the journey lighter.

A Secret Grave — A Haunting Read That Pulled Me In

Today I turned the final page of A Secret Grave by Nicole Jeffords, and I’m still sitting with that quiet ache you get when a book doesn’t just entertain you—it lingers.

From the very first chapters, Jeffords builds an atmosphere that wraps around you like morning fog. The secrets in this story don’t just hide beneath the surface; they breathe, they wait, and they follow the characters—and the reader—into the next chapter.

What impressed me most was her gift for character. Each one feels layered and unmistakably human, carrying their wounds, their motives, and their truths with a kind of subtle gravity. The protagonist’s emotional journey felt grounded and real—every discovery earned, every moment of doubt relatable.

The pacing? Perfect.
That delicate balance of reveal and restraint kept me turning pages long after I should’ve gone to sleep. And the setting itself almost becomes a character—a place thick with memory, shadow, and the kind of tension you can taste.

If you enjoy stories where mystery and emotion work hand-in-hand, where the plot grips you but the writing makes you slow down and absorb every detail… then The Secret Grave belongs on your list.

A thoughtful, atmospheric read. One I’m glad to have picked up.

A Secret Grave

A Magical Moment in the Hospital Kitchen

Some moments stay with you forever — the kind you don’t plan, don’t expect, and couldn’t script even if you tried.

While I was in the hospital recently, sleep was a stranger. One early morning, long before the ward fully stirred, I wandered to the little kitchen for a quiet cup of coffee. A rare treat. A small escape.

And then it happened.

One of the nurses — one of the “night angels,” as we called them — greeted me warmly. I turned… and nearly fainted.

She was reading my book.
A physical copy of Elm Brook Manor, right there in her hands.

She blinked at my face, concerned.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.

I managed, “I… I’m the author.”

Then she nearly fainted.

I don’t know the math, and I won’t pretend I can calculate those odds — but what are the chances that in a hospital full of rooms, full of staff, full of books in the world… I would stumble upon someone quietly reading mine?

I sprinted back to my room, grabbed my camera, and captured the moment. A reminder that stories truly do travel on their own legs — and sometimes, they walk right back to you when you least expect it.

Thank you to every reader who makes moments like this possible.
Your support means more than you know.

A Review That Made My Day (and My Week!)

I woke up today to something every author dreams about — a heartfelt, unforgettable five-star review for The Sandman’s Mark. It floored me in the best way possible.

Part of it reads:

“I’m still reeling… The atmosphere is palpable. The slow burn of dread, the way the lines between dream and reality warp, is masterfully executed.”

“This isn’t your typical monster-in-the-closet tale. It’s a psychological descent… Five stars, absolutely.”

To whoever wrote this: thank you. Truly.
Your words are the kind that stay with an author and keep the creative fire burning.

If you’re curious about Chloe’s journey, you can find the book here:

👉 https://books2read.com/The-Sandman...

Wishing you all a wonderful reading week — and thank you for supporting authors, one review at a time.

The Sandman, Vol. 8: Worlds' End

New Words & A New Read — The Journey Continues

Hello dear readers,

I hope this post finds you well and comfortable with a good book (or a warm drink) in hand. I wanted to share a quick update from behind my writing desk — and a small recommendation for those hunting stories to get lost in.

Today I added more than 800 new words to the sequel to Elm Brook Manor. The McTavish family is stirring again — secrets whisper, corridors shift, memories linger. Every sentence feels like a quiet step deeper into their world, and I’m loving watching it come alive.

Writing can be a solitary journey, but it’s moments like this — progress made, story unfolding — that remind me why I keep at it. I’m grateful to you all for sticking around, for reading, for believing in the shadows and the stories that live there.

In between writing sessions, I began reading Zero Enchantment (The Enchantment Series, Book 1) by Stefanie DiDominzio. For anyone in need of a fresh, magical escape — I’m enjoying it so far. It’s one of those stories that wraps you slowly in its world, and I’m curious to see where it takes me. If you’d like to check it out, here’s the Goodreads link:
Zero Enchantment: The Enchantment Series Book 1

That’s all for now, friends. The quill is still moving, the McTavish echoes still calling — and I hope to bring you more soon. Until then, may your days be quiet, your nights full of imagination, and your reading always satisfying.

With gratitude and a bit of shadow dust,
Iwan Ross

A Holiday Hello From My Writing Desk

As the holiday season begins to sparkle around us, I wanted to send a warm hello to everyone who’s been following my writing journey. Whether you celebrate with lights, family, a quiet moment, or a well-earned rest, I hope this time brings you peace and a chance to reconnect with the things you love.

I’ve been working steadily on the follow-up to Elm Brook Manor, and the story is shaping up beautifully. Twists, secrets, and the McTavish family’s unforgettable shadows are all returning — with a few surprises waiting under the proverbial tree.

Thank you for reading, for supporting my books, and for sharing this journey with me. May your holiday season be bright, restful, and filled with good stories.

More updates soon — and happy reading!Elm Brook Manor: Gripping ghost suspense

A Good Writing Day (And a Few Lovely Books)

Hello friends!
Today was one of those rare and rewarding writing days — I added 1,348 new words to the follow-up to Elm Brook Manor, and the story is moving along beautifully. I’m tying up loose ends from the first book, exploring new twists, and having a surprising amount of fun with the McTavish family again.

I also squeezed in two book reviews today:
📚 The Baron’s Inheritance by Rosie Chapel
📚 A Family Affair by Joy Wood
Both wonderful reads — and both authors deserving of a little boost and kindness.

Behind the scenes, I’m also working on something special for readers (those who’ve been following my updates know exactly what I mean). There’s a lot happening, and I’m excited to share more soon.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your encouragement always keeps my pen moving.

Dive into Hemlock Manor FREE on Kindle!

🗝️ Teenagers vanish, secrets lurk, and pirates haunt in this thrilling YA adventure! 📚 Get your copy NOW and uncover the truth with Chloe, Sebastian, and Alexander! #FreeKindle #YA #Mystery #Adventure #MustRead

Tempest Island's Whispers: Unraveling the Secrets of Hotel Luminara

Journey to Tempest Island, where Coby, Gracie, and their newborn are drawn into a vortex of ancestral secrets. Explore the enigmatic Hotel Luminara, its chilling ties to a vanished lighthouse crew, and a diamond's dark allure. Can Coby outwit ruthless enemies and uncover the island's truth before it claims everything?

Keepers of the Lighthouse