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When You Leave I Disappear: A Novella
“A tale that will haunt you long after you’ve finished reading.”
—Ray Garton, author of Live Girls
USA Today bestselling author David Niall Wilson's When You Leave I Disappear is a literary horror novella in which a bestselling author's imposter syndrome draws her into a darker and darker world from which she may never escape.
—Ray Garton, author of Live Girls
USA Today bestselling author David Niall Wilson's When You Leave I Disappear is a literary horror novella in which a bestselling author's imposter syndrome draws her into a darker and darker world from which she may never escape.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
7 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
David Niall Wilson
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David Niall Wilson has been writing and publishing horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction since the mid-eighties. An ordained minister, once President of the Horror Writer 's Association and multiple recipient of the Bram Stoker Award. He lives outside Hertford, NC with the love of his life, Patricia Lee Macomber, His children Zane and Katie, occasionally their older siblings, Stephanie, who is in college, and Bill and Zach who are in the Navy, and an ever-changing assortment of pets.
David is CEO and founder of Crossroad Press, a cutting edge digital publishing company specializing in electronic novels, collections, and nonfiction, as well as unabridged audiobooks and print titles.
Join my street team on Facebook to win prizes, discuss my work with others, and get exclusive content and offers
David Niall Wilson has been writing and publishing horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction since the mid-eighties. An ordained minister, once President of the Horror Writer 's Association and multiple recipient of the Bram Stoker Award. He lives outside Hertford, NC with the love of his life, Patricia Lee Macomber, His children Zane and Katie, occasionally their older siblings, Stephanie, who is in college, and Bill and Zach who are in the Navy, and an ever-changing assortment of pets.
David is CEO and founder of Crossroad Press, a cutting edge digital publishing company specializing in electronic novels, collections, and nonfiction, as well as unabridged audiobooks and print titles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 6, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
When You Leave I Disappear is a really interesting literary horror novella written by David Niall Wilson, and published by Shortwave Media. A tour-de-force in the genre, an exercise that plays with metafiction and such a constant theme for writers as impostor syndrome, while creating a quite unique reading experience.
A novella that blends together mystery, thriller and spine chilling moments, all woven together about the experience of being a creative, and what is attached to it; a main character that is struggling with imposter syndrome, Andrea, while having to deal with the pressure attached to her career and future. It hits close, especially when our focus shift towards the recognition and the fear of not be noticed.
At the beginning of our story, we might feel a bit confused as a consequence of how Wilson decided to execute this kind of metafiction, the smart reader will start tying together the hints left by the author. Slowly, you will get engulfed by the intensity of the novella, and soon, you won't be able to put it down until you reach the conclusion, blowing your mind in the process.
When You Leave I Disappear is, simply, excellent. An exploration of impostor syndrome from the perspective of the creative itself, thrilling and deep touching. A total recommendation, especially for creatives, as they might see themselves in the character of Andrea (each one in their own measure), and to anybody who loves experimental fiction.
When You Leave I Disappear is a really interesting literary horror novella written by David Niall Wilson, and published by Shortwave Media. A tour-de-force in the genre, an exercise that plays with metafiction and such a constant theme for writers as impostor syndrome, while creating a quite unique reading experience.
A novella that blends together mystery, thriller and spine chilling moments, all woven together about the experience of being a creative, and what is attached to it; a main character that is struggling with imposter syndrome, Andrea, while having to deal with the pressure attached to her career and future. It hits close, especially when our focus shift towards the recognition and the fear of not be noticed.
At the beginning of our story, we might feel a bit confused as a consequence of how Wilson decided to execute this kind of metafiction, the smart reader will start tying together the hints left by the author. Slowly, you will get engulfed by the intensity of the novella, and soon, you won't be able to put it down until you reach the conclusion, blowing your mind in the process.
When You Leave I Disappear is, simply, excellent. An exploration of impostor syndrome from the perspective of the creative itself, thrilling and deep touching. A total recommendation, especially for creatives, as they might see themselves in the character of Andrea (each one in their own measure), and to anybody who loves experimental fiction.
August 12, 2024
Stories about authors are amongst my favourite sub genre, as they offer a somewhat voyeuristic glimpse into the inner workings of the literary mind, did the author go through similar feelings? Does every author? Come here give me a hug goddamm.The theme of imposter syndrome is universal making this an evocative and relatable read, although I would imagine this nifty novella would strike a hard chord(is that a saying, I added the word hard, the more I repeat it the weirder it sounds, y'know what I mean) with fellow creatives especially as it documents our protagonists struggle with the pressures of her writing career. A short but many layered, mind bending and haunting novella that delves into existential themes, the complexities of authorship, the dread of being forgotten, and the pursuit of leaving a lasting legacy.
August 15, 2024
The biggest thanks to Shortwave for the eARC!
When You Leave I Disappear is a twisty, complex, seemingly dark but truthfully poetic novella about imposter syndrome. It’s best you go in blind, but the simple premise is that a writer struggles with her creation and turns to a writing exercise to sort her own feelings. The result of this exercise is a confounding maze of thought, feeling, and story.
Books like The Dark Half by Stephen King (and most of King’s work if we’re being honest here) and Philip Fracassi’s Gothic have held a mirror to the writing process and the relationship between writer and word. Wilson does sort of the same thing but in a more lyrical, mysterious way. This novella takes on a story within a story format at times that is incredibly hard to put down. It feels a bit of an enigma until certain revelations are made, yielding an emotional truth regarding vulnerability and humanity. In fact, above all else, I would argue this is a story that is utterly human and displays the darkness found in isolation.
When You Leave I Disappear is a beautifully haunting novella that gets into the nitty gritty minutiae of creative influence, character, and art. I wax lyrical about this novella in my full review (link in story and bio), but it’s safe to say it’s one of the most metaphorical, moving pieces of metafiction I’ve come across. I highly recommend this one if you’re okay with having more questions than answers, but ultimately coming away from the novella feeling something strong.
When You Leave I Disappear is a twisty, complex, seemingly dark but truthfully poetic novella about imposter syndrome. It’s best you go in blind, but the simple premise is that a writer struggles with her creation and turns to a writing exercise to sort her own feelings. The result of this exercise is a confounding maze of thought, feeling, and story.
Books like The Dark Half by Stephen King (and most of King’s work if we’re being honest here) and Philip Fracassi’s Gothic have held a mirror to the writing process and the relationship between writer and word. Wilson does sort of the same thing but in a more lyrical, mysterious way. This novella takes on a story within a story format at times that is incredibly hard to put down. It feels a bit of an enigma until certain revelations are made, yielding an emotional truth regarding vulnerability and humanity. In fact, above all else, I would argue this is a story that is utterly human and displays the darkness found in isolation.
When You Leave I Disappear is a beautifully haunting novella that gets into the nitty gritty minutiae of creative influence, character, and art. I wax lyrical about this novella in my full review (link in story and bio), but it’s safe to say it’s one of the most metaphorical, moving pieces of metafiction I’ve come across. I highly recommend this one if you’re okay with having more questions than answers, but ultimately coming away from the novella feeling something strong.
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August 20, 2024WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISAPPEAR is a story about inspiration, Imposter's Syndrome, and all the things we only see pieces of. The varied horrors here may hit everyone differently, but this nesting doll of a book from David Niall Wilson will keep you gripped, and then pondering afterwards.
August 26, 2024
Metafictional horror at its best: wonderful prose, complex plotline, intelligent premise, impeccable execution. No other genre can grasp what Wilson achieves here via subtle and cunning manipulation of standard horror tropes. SO proud to be a horror fan at this time!
Read
March 2, 2024A big thank you to the author for an ARC of the book! Below is my blurb:
WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISAPPEAR is part mystery, part thriller, centered around the stresses and pressures of an author including the direction of their career, branding, name recognition, art for art's sake, for the self, or for the audience, the legacy we leave behind, and of course, imposter syndrome. But this is also a novella focusing on discovering the love for and magic of writing, the meaning behind our words, the power of fiction and how there is a piece of the writer in every word, character, story. Wilson shows us what it truly means when fiction becomes reality and reality become stranger than fiction, when dead darlings—both real and fictitious—resurface.
WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISAPPEAR is part mystery, part thriller, centered around the stresses and pressures of an author including the direction of their career, branding, name recognition, art for art's sake, for the self, or for the audience, the legacy we leave behind, and of course, imposter syndrome. But this is also a novella focusing on discovering the love for and magic of writing, the meaning behind our words, the power of fiction and how there is a piece of the writer in every word, character, story. Wilson shows us what it truly means when fiction becomes reality and reality become stranger than fiction, when dead darlings—both real and fictitious—resurface.
September 11, 2024
Let’s not mince words, you and me. Not here. Not in this venerable place where the artistry of words and books are sacrosanct. We gather here as readers, that endangered species akin with those who roam the forests of Ray Bradbury’s FAHRENHEIT 451. We know that words, especially the written word, has value beyond measure.
The act of reading for pleasure is fast becoming a Lost Art; indeed, the skill of reading itself has all but disappeared. How often I’ve cringed during a Game Night, playing trivia games with extended family, watching as a teenage cousin and her friends struggle to read ten words on a game card, words including impolite and marvelous, and other such incomprehensible offerings, such as steadfast and cinematic.
So, it is no surprise to me when I open emails from booksellers and publishers alike, promoting to the high heavens the same plot written by three-hundred creative typists claiming to be the “authors” they are not and will never become. My niece claims to be a reader of this pap, as she tells me how great the MOVIE was while never getting through the first ten pages of these so-called formulaic and simplistic books with derivative storylines cribbed from past works from actual Authors.
David Niall Wilson, whose body of work is both award-winning and bestselling over a career spanning four decades, is an actual Author, a writer with a capital “W”, who stands out from the word slurry of internet egos with dubious writing skill. He is an Author in the best sense, nay, in the only sense of the label.
WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISPPAER (Shortwave Publishing) is that rare antidote to the literary botulism of rancid tripe currently growing like The Andromeda Strain, proliferated by booksellers and publishers alike where the antithesis of creativity is to milk every passing fad without regard to talent, originality or vision in the detriment of all readers. Stories of Satanic possession, ghosts, vampires and werewolves and zombies – especially zombies! – attracted readers twenty years ago, but failed to hold them after talentless fools glutted the market with the same book rewritten fifty times over. Even the works of Anne Rice have lost their luster over time thanks to the likes of these self-important blowhards history will not remember. Beyond directors Romero, Fulci, and writer Robert Kirkman, ‘nuff said about anything related to zombies, despite the self-promoting self-important plagiarists riding like ticks on the coattails of the originality of others. And on and on it goes.
I will not reveal a hint of spoilers here, as none are needed. Whether a fan of horror, either psychological or slasher, mystery, thriller, experimental and yes, even romance, WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISPPEAR is meant for you. You won’t so much as read this novella as experience it. It will speak to you at the deepest levels of your core in the most visceral sense, no matter who you are or what walk of life you are stepping through. Tread carefully, pay attention and listen to yourself as you read. Because YOU are part of this story. Words matter everywhere, but they matter most in this unsettling masterpiece by the legendary David Niall Wilson.
The act of reading for pleasure is fast becoming a Lost Art; indeed, the skill of reading itself has all but disappeared. How often I’ve cringed during a Game Night, playing trivia games with extended family, watching as a teenage cousin and her friends struggle to read ten words on a game card, words including impolite and marvelous, and other such incomprehensible offerings, such as steadfast and cinematic.
So, it is no surprise to me when I open emails from booksellers and publishers alike, promoting to the high heavens the same plot written by three-hundred creative typists claiming to be the “authors” they are not and will never become. My niece claims to be a reader of this pap, as she tells me how great the MOVIE was while never getting through the first ten pages of these so-called formulaic and simplistic books with derivative storylines cribbed from past works from actual Authors.
David Niall Wilson, whose body of work is both award-winning and bestselling over a career spanning four decades, is an actual Author, a writer with a capital “W”, who stands out from the word slurry of internet egos with dubious writing skill. He is an Author in the best sense, nay, in the only sense of the label.
WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISPPAER (Shortwave Publishing) is that rare antidote to the literary botulism of rancid tripe currently growing like The Andromeda Strain, proliferated by booksellers and publishers alike where the antithesis of creativity is to milk every passing fad without regard to talent, originality or vision in the detriment of all readers. Stories of Satanic possession, ghosts, vampires and werewolves and zombies – especially zombies! – attracted readers twenty years ago, but failed to hold them after talentless fools glutted the market with the same book rewritten fifty times over. Even the works of Anne Rice have lost their luster over time thanks to the likes of these self-important blowhards history will not remember. Beyond directors Romero, Fulci, and writer Robert Kirkman, ‘nuff said about anything related to zombies, despite the self-promoting self-important plagiarists riding like ticks on the coattails of the originality of others. And on and on it goes.
I will not reveal a hint of spoilers here, as none are needed. Whether a fan of horror, either psychological or slasher, mystery, thriller, experimental and yes, even romance, WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISPPEAR is meant for you. You won’t so much as read this novella as experience it. It will speak to you at the deepest levels of your core in the most visceral sense, no matter who you are or what walk of life you are stepping through. Tread carefully, pay attention and listen to yourself as you read. Because YOU are part of this story. Words matter everywhere, but they matter most in this unsettling masterpiece by the legendary David Niall Wilson.
July 25, 2024
This novella was definitely one I needed to digest once I finished.
At times, it was a bit confusing. It jumped around which was hard to follow but as soon as I oriented myself to where the story was, it was fascinating. This is definitely the most unique plot I’ve read for any story.
The last half flew by because I had to piece this puzzle together and find out what is going on. The ending is a bit ambiguous, in my opinion, which I don’t mind.
At times, it was a bit confusing. It jumped around which was hard to follow but as soon as I oriented myself to where the story was, it was fascinating. This is definitely the most unique plot I’ve read for any story.
The last half flew by because I had to piece this puzzle together and find out what is going on. The ending is a bit ambiguous, in my opinion, which I don’t mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2024
This book is an absolute mind F**k! I’ve honestly never read anything like it. I’m still trying to process the ending because wow. Thank you so much to Short Wave Books for sending me a review copy. I didn’t know what to expect going into this novella. But wow it really didn’t disappoint. I could read an entire novel about the HOA. If you want something different and unique in its horror you should definitely pick up When You Leave I Disappear.
4/5 Stars
4/5 Stars
August 15, 2024
An author struggling with burnout and imposter syndrome decides to venture outside the norm and ends up going down a rabbit hole of mind-bending proportions. This was a unique story, brilliantly executed. I have a lot more David Niall Wilson reading in my future.
August 7, 2024
Thank you so much to Shortwave Books for sending me an ARC. This book took me on a little trip for sure. The written word can yield so much power … Check this out when it publishes August 20, 2024!
October 13, 2025
Clever meta fiction, but I got pretty lost, in part because of editing issues (I think?), like one case of a terminating quotation mark without an initiating one, making me stop and go, "Wait, how much of what I've been reading was a quote? All of it?" This wouldn't have been such an issue if not for the premise that everything happening in the book may or may not in fact be a quote from an in-world story. I quickly lost track of how many stories deep we were, and found myself too busy trying to parse the basic sequence of events to get much enjoyment. But I'm also impatient and dimwitted, so don't let me turn you off, fellow Goodreads person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
When You Leave I Disappear by USA Today bestselling author David Niall Wilson is a horror novella that delves into the depths of imposter syndrome, authorship, and the haunting legacy we leave behind.
From the moment I cracked open When You Leave I Disappear, I was immediately drawn into a world filled with intrigue and suspense. The protagonist's struggles with imposter syndrome hit close to home for many creatives, making her journey all the more relatable and engaging. As Andrea navigates through the pressures of her career and future, I was taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and feelings that kept me on edge.
Wilson takes a unique approach on telling this tale with plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, keeping me guessing until the very end. With a lot packed into a this novella, some may find that narrative confusing at first, but once you settle into the rhythm of the story it becomes a mesmerizing puzzle that begs to be solved. The intricacies of each character's motivations add layers to an already complex storyline, making every revelation feel like a hard-earned victory.
As I read deeper into When You Leave I Disappear, I found myself racing through the pages in anticipation of uncovering the truth behind the mystery. Wilson crafts a narrative that is both chilling and thought-provoking, leaving me questioning my own perceptions of reality. The ambiguous ending only adds to the intrigue of this novella, sparking discussions long after you've finished reading.
When You Leave I Disappear is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of imposter syndrome and identity that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. David Niall Wilson has crafted a novella that challenges our notions of truth and fiction while keeping us enthralled with its dark and mysterious world. At only 176 pages, When You Leave I Disappear could be busted out in only a day or two and it's well worth it.
Read at capesandtights.com
From the moment I cracked open When You Leave I Disappear, I was immediately drawn into a world filled with intrigue and suspense. The protagonist's struggles with imposter syndrome hit close to home for many creatives, making her journey all the more relatable and engaging. As Andrea navigates through the pressures of her career and future, I was taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and feelings that kept me on edge.
Wilson takes a unique approach on telling this tale with plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, keeping me guessing until the very end. With a lot packed into a this novella, some may find that narrative confusing at first, but once you settle into the rhythm of the story it becomes a mesmerizing puzzle that begs to be solved. The intricacies of each character's motivations add layers to an already complex storyline, making every revelation feel like a hard-earned victory.
As I read deeper into When You Leave I Disappear, I found myself racing through the pages in anticipation of uncovering the truth behind the mystery. Wilson crafts a narrative that is both chilling and thought-provoking, leaving me questioning my own perceptions of reality. The ambiguous ending only adds to the intrigue of this novella, sparking discussions long after you've finished reading.
When You Leave I Disappear is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of imposter syndrome and identity that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. David Niall Wilson has crafted a novella that challenges our notions of truth and fiction while keeping us enthralled with its dark and mysterious world. At only 176 pages, When You Leave I Disappear could be busted out in only a day or two and it's well worth it.
Read at capesandtights.com
September 1, 2024
The thing I love about horror stories is how they can creep me out and get my mind racing in a million different directions trying to figure out what’s happening. When I close the book, I can return to my relatively calm, peaceful life. But I can’t with this new novella, When You Leave I Disappear, by David Niall Wilson, because this horror story won’t leave my head!
Bestselling author Andrea Simmons is tired of writing her popular series about an investigative journalist in the genre of romantic suspense. Her partner, Jen, encourages her to explore alternatives to ignite her creativity. Andrea performs a Google Search for ‘writing prompts,’ and what she finds is life-altering.
This novella is outstanding in the realm of creativity. I knew very little when I started reading, and I quickly learned that I had no idea what was going to happen next as I turned each page. I’ve never read a story structured like this one. The overall novella has a story, and within it are short stories. I had to give up trying to figure out what was happening and just enjoy the ride. I’m impressed with how well everything in the story worked. A lot of people assume that the horror genre is gory. This novella is scary, freaky, and suspenseful, but it’s not gory. It’s a perfect read as we enter the spooky reading season.
I am grateful to David Niall Wilson, who gave me the opportunity to read and review this new novella. I hope others enjoy it as much as I have.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
Bestselling author Andrea Simmons is tired of writing her popular series about an investigative journalist in the genre of romantic suspense. Her partner, Jen, encourages her to explore alternatives to ignite her creativity. Andrea performs a Google Search for ‘writing prompts,’ and what she finds is life-altering.
This novella is outstanding in the realm of creativity. I knew very little when I started reading, and I quickly learned that I had no idea what was going to happen next as I turned each page. I’ve never read a story structured like this one. The overall novella has a story, and within it are short stories. I had to give up trying to figure out what was happening and just enjoy the ride. I’m impressed with how well everything in the story worked. A lot of people assume that the horror genre is gory. This novella is scary, freaky, and suspenseful, but it’s not gory. It’s a perfect read as we enter the spooky reading season.
I am grateful to David Niall Wilson, who gave me the opportunity to read and review this new novella. I hope others enjoy it as much as I have.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
August 20, 2024
That’s the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Twilight Zone!
That’s how I felt from start to finish in this horror novella, that I was dropped off in an episode of the Twilight Zone, and I was absolutely enthralled.
This was a twisty, dark, intricate, mysterious story that was somehow accomplished in just 155 pages. Truthfully, this could have been a 400+ page novel, and I still would have devoured it in one day! I would recommend going into this book blind, as I had. The core of this story, though, is the relationship between a writer and their words, a poetic exploration of imposter syndrome and identity, and a glimpse into the unease that isolation causes. This mysteriously thrilling horror novella was brilliantly written and haunting in all of the right ways.
I would definitely recommend this read to anyone who is a fan of mysteries, horror, thrillers, or sci-fi. I definitely think a ton of different types of readers will thoroughly enjoy this novella. Definitely, definitely add this to your tbr ASAP.
Huge thank you to @shortwavebooks and David Niall Wilson for the advanced reader copy for this incredible story. When You Leave I Disappear is out NOW!
That’s how I felt from start to finish in this horror novella, that I was dropped off in an episode of the Twilight Zone, and I was absolutely enthralled.
This was a twisty, dark, intricate, mysterious story that was somehow accomplished in just 155 pages. Truthfully, this could have been a 400+ page novel, and I still would have devoured it in one day! I would recommend going into this book blind, as I had. The core of this story, though, is the relationship between a writer and their words, a poetic exploration of imposter syndrome and identity, and a glimpse into the unease that isolation causes. This mysteriously thrilling horror novella was brilliantly written and haunting in all of the right ways.
I would definitely recommend this read to anyone who is a fan of mysteries, horror, thrillers, or sci-fi. I definitely think a ton of different types of readers will thoroughly enjoy this novella. Definitely, definitely add this to your tbr ASAP.
Huge thank you to @shortwavebooks and David Niall Wilson for the advanced reader copy for this incredible story. When You Leave I Disappear is out NOW!
August 14, 2024
When a bestselling author gets hit with some impostor syndrome, she gets drawn into a world she might never be able to escape.
WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISAPPEAR by David Niall Wilson is a novella made up of several stories (that’s as much as I’ll reveal 👀), which I found to be extremely fascinating and done in a way best suited to the shorter format, as it’s much easier to piece together when read over a short period of time.
What we have here is a complex bit of storytelling that really dissects what it means to be a storyteller, while also showcasing the talent and scope that Wilson has as a writer himself.
This is definitely a horror story you must read for yourself!
Thanks to Shortwave Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Publication Date: August 20
WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISAPPEAR by David Niall Wilson is a novella made up of several stories (that’s as much as I’ll reveal 👀), which I found to be extremely fascinating and done in a way best suited to the shorter format, as it’s much easier to piece together when read over a short period of time.
What we have here is a complex bit of storytelling that really dissects what it means to be a storyteller, while also showcasing the talent and scope that Wilson has as a writer himself.
This is definitely a horror story you must read for yourself!
Thanks to Shortwave Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Publication Date: August 20
November 12, 2024
“The mask I wear is killing me. I have to break it. I have to destroy it, but I am afraid. It’s a face the world loves. What if, after it’s broken, what’s left isn’t enough? What if I’m not enough?”
At times, I was a bit confused but once everything started to fall into place, I was quickly on track of what was going on..this was a novella that I needed to sit with my thoughts after reading to just put everything together in my head😅 this story was a form of met-fiction, (which I didn’t even know was a thing til this book) which is probably why I was confused for a bit! As far as horror goes, this was a very unique horror plot that I’ve never read before and I’m still thinking about it.
At times, I was a bit confused but once everything started to fall into place, I was quickly on track of what was going on..this was a novella that I needed to sit with my thoughts after reading to just put everything together in my head😅 this story was a form of met-fiction, (which I didn’t even know was a thing til this book) which is probably why I was confused for a bit! As far as horror goes, this was a very unique horror plot that I’ve never read before and I’m still thinking about it.
February 23, 2025
This is an extraordinary story - more a story within a story within a story within... It starts off relatively quiet with an author in a loving and supportive relationship who feels trapped within the guise she has created. She is an international multi-bestselling writer but is tired of her signature character, and of writing the kind of books her public her agent and everyone else is clamouring for. She wants to write stories that mean something to her, and then, one day, it seems she has that chance. That's when everything changes. What is reality? What is in her mind?
I have often thought that the novella length is perfect for psychological horror and this addictive story by accomplished author, David Niall Wilson, shows why.
I have often thought that the novella length is perfect for psychological horror and this addictive story by accomplished author, David Niall Wilson, shows why.
August 28, 2024
I read this book in one day, then had to sit with it a while to absorb the story. The novella unfolds as seemingly disjointed stories, but the author skillfully weaves them together at the end. While centered around imposter syndrome, the book also raises question about reality, and if one's view of reality must be validated by others in order to exist. The prose flows smoothly and was a pleasure to read. Each story kept my interest, but as the book moved to its conclusion, I found myself circling back to pick up the clues that were subtly dropped in. An entertaining, well-written book that makes the reader think.
September 29, 2024
When You Leave I Disappear is a highly readable novella by acclaimed author David Niall Wilson. It tells the story of a writer overly consumed with imposter syndrome, despite her worldly successes. Determined to convince herself of her talent, she writes and submits her work under a pseudonym, which ultimately sends her down a rabbit hole filled with surrealism and mystery. It's a fast read, and in my opinion, required reading for all writers with both self-doubt, or utter confidence. Well done, and highly recommended for those in search of a well-written, fast-paced read.
November 9, 2024
Come for the HOA story and stay for a bizarre twist that I still cannot seem to wrap my head around though I do give the author credit for daring to be unique and not having a straight forward story. I will admit that I had to push myself to read past the twist reveal and suspend my skepticism, but glad that I did. While not the most satisfying endings, it still left me happy that I had read such a peculiar little novella. Recommend adding this one to your TBR if you are looking for a bit creepy and weird.
August 13, 2024
This was….an interesting read. Not something I would typically gravitate towards and I did find myself a little bored at times but the story was written well. It’s a little confusing here and there and probably not for your casual reader as they may not be able to fit some of the pieces together the way a seasoned thriller/mystery reader can.
But, like I said, the story itself is written well and it has some interesting moments. Definitely worth checking out.
But, like I said, the story itself is written well and it has some interesting moments. Definitely worth checking out.
September 18, 2024
David Niall Wilson unleashes a fascinating, layered swirl of metafiction that effectively combines his smooth, fluid prose with tricky narrative jumps that dovetail neatly in unexpected ways. This book has a richness and compact length that rewards more than one reading to unlock its secrets. It sustains a unique, challenging vibe that in certain ways reminded me of David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive.
December 6, 2024
Twisty, strange and hard to put down
A bestselling author decides her work is actually garbage and, in a desperate attempt to prove she's truly talented, goes into a deep rabbit hole of stream-of-consciousness writing. The resulting stories within the story are dark and strange (you'll never see HOAs the same again), and the unraveling in the end is a surreal exploration of an author's mind. Recommended!
A bestselling author decides her work is actually garbage and, in a desperate attempt to prove she's truly talented, goes into a deep rabbit hole of stream-of-consciousness writing. The resulting stories within the story are dark and strange (you'll never see HOAs the same again), and the unraveling in the end is a surreal exploration of an author's mind. Recommended!
September 22, 2024
When You Leave I Disappear examines the solipsism inherent in writing as well as the masks we all wear via a writer who struggles with imposter syndrome despite commercial success. It’s a fun, brilliant Russian doll of nested narratives that reminds me of the films Adaptation and Stranger Than Fiction. Wilson is another writer who was new to me and now I’m hungry for more. Highly recommended!
October 29, 2025
4/5 — freakyyyyy!!
this novella is honestly super confusing but i’m not mad at it. the eerie atmosphere of “something’s just not right” is only enhanced by everything i don’t know.
the ending wasn’t as satisfying as i’d hoped, and there were a few editing issues and grammatical errors, but i don’t think they should dissuade anyone from reading it!
also slay for lesbians
this novella is honestly super confusing but i’m not mad at it. the eerie atmosphere of “something’s just not right” is only enhanced by everything i don’t know.
the ending wasn’t as satisfying as i’d hoped, and there were a few editing issues and grammatical errors, but i don’t think they should dissuade anyone from reading it!
also slay for lesbians
August 31, 2024
When You Leave I Disappear by David Niall Wilson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am so confused and I want more.
This novella had be turning the pages like my life depended on it!
I have questions, I need answers!
It was so good and I'm mad it's over.
Go read it!
@ShortwaveBooks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am so confused and I want more.
This novella had be turning the pages like my life depended on it!
I have questions, I need answers!
It was so good and I'm mad it's over.
Go read it!
@ShortwaveBooks
November 11, 2024
I can’t quite explain the slow dread that crept over me while reading this story. It’s quite a story, and not even a super scary one, but something about it really unsettled me. I’ve never read anything like this before and I doubt I’ll read anything like it again.
Read
August 11, 2024Trippy
November 12, 2024
I just finished WHEN YOU LEAVE I DISAPPEAR by David Niall Wilson and it’s stupendous. A tight story that bends reality. I LOVE stories like this and Wilson’s novella kept me turning pages. Loved it!
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