About the author

Dave McDaniel

<p>Dave McDaniel: A uniquely eclectic horror writer who crafts personal, character-driven tales interwoven with threads of mental health, set against the evocative backdrop of a fictional Ohio. Drawing inspiration from a lifetime of experiences, Dave's journey with writing began in the 6th grade, when he penned a book for the Young Authors program. In the ensuing years, three more books followed, including a fanfic sequel to Stephen King's "It". While publication was not on the horizon then, these early endeavors cemented his passion for the written word.</p><p>However, life, with its myriad challenges and responsibilities, including an intense battle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, took center stage. The guitar's strum replaced the pen's scribble, leading Dave to start a band, become its primary songwriter, and delve into the intricate world of audio engineering, producing demos and collaborating with artists worldwide.</p><p>A significant aspect of Dave's identity stems from his reading of the Satanic Bible at 18, finding resonance with its teachings and embracing Satanism. This, combined with his service in the US Air Force during the tumultuous aftermath of 9/11 and deployment in the Afghanistan war, has infused his writings with a raw, authentic edge.</p><p>Having witnessed the dawn of the internet era, with his father running a BBS and being among the first school kids in the U.S. to use the internet in 6th grade—holding conversations with peers in Iraq during the 1991 war—Dave has always been at the cusp of technological evolution. Today, he harnesses the power of AI tools to breathe life into his tales, a testament to his adaptability and drive to innovate.</p><p>A proud father to a spirited 16-year-old daughter and a doting cat parent, Dave now channels years of accumulated experiences, learnings, and beliefs into his writings, hoping to connect, inspire, and illuminate the dark corners of the mind. At 45, with renewed focus on his mental well-being and the aid of technology, Dave's "Satanic Mindscape" beckons readers to delve deep, to confront, to reflect, and to emerge enlightened.</p>