Pleasure to meet you—I’m Natalie Y., the writer behind Darling Dies First.
After years of working in the tech industry, I chose to leave that path behind and devote myself to my true passion: writing literary fiction.
My stories are not based on real people, but grow out of the places I’ve traveled and the history and architecture I’ve studied. Over the years I’ve spent time exploring religions and mythologies from around the world: European folklore, Kabbalah, Hindu, Egyptian, Japanese, Mediterranean, and more—all of which find their way into my work. What fascinates me most is how distant nations, without ever speaking to one another, share such strikingly similar fears, desires, and myths.
In my work, I hope to capture that universality of human imagination. My fiction explores sorrow and joy, desire and loss, all wrapped in rich settings with a touch of dark humor. Above all, I try to write the kind of stories I would want to read myself.
My writing is intended for mature readers (18+), and it does not shy away from difficult themes. Stories may contain depictions of violence, strong language, sexual content, and moments that some readers could find triggering.
When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me reading manga or fiction, playing on PS5, or experimenting in the kitchen. I live with my husband and our two rescued black cats in the countryside, having traded city life for bird singing and quiet mornings, although we still complain about how early those birds begin. Together, we love exploring the world and traveling to its hidden corners.
I hold an M.A. in Translation and a B.A. in Literature. In moments of questionable judgment, I sometimes consider pursuing a PhD. Insomnia has long been a companion of mine, and I do my finest work at night; if you ask me, the world wakes far too early.
Tools I use:
- Writing organization and editing — Notion AI, Grammarly
- Art and character design — RunDiffusion
All characters, designs, and plots are originally created by me, using privately trained LoRA models.