Welcome to Issue #3!
I’m excited to present the highlights of Issue 3 to our readers, and grateful you’ve stopped by. In this edition, I’m sharing my thoughts on word count goals, a (slightly belated) celebration of Star Wars Day, highlights from Polar Press Presents, and an author spotlight featuring Penbrook’s own, Daniel Munro.
So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join me for a few minutes of reading and reflection.
Writing With Snoopy
The Dreaded Word Count
If you’re a writer—or follow writers—you’ve probably seen word count updates or participated in writing challenges. Most of us have set word count goals at some point in our writing journey.
The point of this section isn’t to say that word count goals are bad. Having a goal can be motivating. But for me, it’s the pressure that comes with those goals that I struggle with.
Snoopy nails it when he describes writing—it’s hard work. And make no mistake, it is work. You might sit down ready to crank out a hundred words a minute, only to write a dozen. One may end up pacing the room, switching locations, or endlessly scrolling the internet in search of inspiration. It’s also possible that nothing is written.
But here’s the thing: not hitting your goal doesn’t mean you failed. Not winning a writing challenge—no matter how casual—doesn’t mean you failed either. That might sound obvious, but the truth is, missing a goal can still feel frustrating and disheartening. Just remember to be proud of what you did write, even if it wasn’t as much as you hoped.
You’re doing something that many people only talk about—you’re actually writing. The journey of an author is challenging, and you’ll face obstacles, often from things beyond your control. Don’t let word count become just another source of pressure. Set goals, join competitions, but remember to celebrate every word you write—even if it’s just one.
Saur Reacts to Everything
Saur Reacts to Everything is off to a strong start!
Meanwhile, A Wildheart’s Tale is picking up a bit more slowly—possibly because the band isn’t as widely known just yet.
But that’s something we can change.
If you’re into pirates, Vikings, folk music, or just love discovering great new sounds, check out my reaction to “Blood Rum.” I have a feeling you’ll enjoy their music as much as I do.
Author Spotlight: Daniel Munro
Meet Daniel Munro—the author behind the gripping post-apocalyptic survival series that begins with The Taste Beneath. But Daniel isn’t just a writer; he’s also a YouTuber (@Penbrooksown), offering a wide range of content. His gaming series Warzone Wamblings dives into all sorts of topics, while Beyond Fiction delivers a true-crime-style podcast experience that’s both chilling and compelling.
When I started reading The Taste Beneath, Daniel was gearing up to release Insidious Valour, the third installment in his series. I’ll be honest—I don’t usually gravitate toward post-apocalyptic fiction. Too often, authors drop readers into a post-apocalyptic world without offering a clear or believable explanation of how it came to be. But Daniel completely won me over. Not only did he craft a plausible path from normalcy to doomsday, he did it brilliantly and tapped into my love of conspiracy theories.
The world-building in The Taste Beneath is exceptional. Daniel dives deep into life after the fall, hitting all the right notes: a solid origin story, vivid day-to-day survival, intense action, and some jaw-dropping surprises along the way. He’s mentioned that Insidious Valour is the book where he finally felt like a true author—and if that’s the case, we’re in for something incredible. His debut absolutely nailed it, and I highly recommend checking out The Taste Beneath. You won’t be disappointed.
The Taste Beneath synopsis: Five years had passed since the Fast War, and Ryan no longer knew if there was anyone left worth saving in the lawless, ungoverned ruins of southern England. When a nearby settlement is attacked, a heavy cloud of dread descends over the lives of those he holds dear. And when word comes that their own home—Penbrook Vineyard—is next in the crosshairs, the desperate hunt for a peaceful solution becomes more urgent than ever. But peace has a price.
As the true depths of human depravity begin to surface, Ryan is forced to confront a grim reality: to protect his family, he may have to become the very thing he fears. Morality begins to slip, and survival demands a different kind of strength—one as ruthless and unforgiving as the enemy at their gates.
Happy Belated May the 4th
Star Wars played a huge role in my childhood. Every time I went to the library, I checked out at least one of the movies, and I’d watch it daily until it was time to return it.
It’s been a few years since I visited Galaxy’s Edge, but the experience was unforgettable. I built a droid and lightsaber and rode Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler’s Run.
I put together a 3-part short series sharing my experience at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge for Star Wars Days. You can check out the link above for a quick look at Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler’s Run. While Smuggler’s Run didn’t quite live up to the hype, Rise of the Resistance was hands down one of the best rides I’ve ever been on.
Oops! Missed the Last One?
A proper archive page is coming soon, but until then, here’s what you missed: Issue 1, Issue 2, Site Merger.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you check out The Taste Beneath, follow Daniel, and if you’re an aspiring author, I hope Writing With Snoopy provided valuable insights. I’ll keep featuring spotlights and writing tips on the blog, so be sure to subscribe to discover incredible voices and follow my writing journey.
Looking for an easy, free way to support me? Subscribe to Polar Press Presents on YouTube! Your subscription helps grow the channel and brings more exciting content to life. Click the links below to follow D.W. Saur and be part of the journey!
Volume 1, Issue 3: May 2025
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