This is just a fun list of songs that sound great to me for the vibes I'm seeking for my dark academia fantasy novels (3 now!) or the titles of the songs sound like would be perfect for dark academia. There are MANY dark academia playlists already made on Spotify by better musical folks than… Continue reading Dark academia / dark fantasy song vibes – Novel November
Tag: novel writing
Impact of Creative Work
Why do funny things rarely win Oscar’s? Family friendly films, too, are discounted and dismissed. It’s all about something serious, more often than not. But the films I watch again and again are the funny ones, the family friendly ones, the animations. The ones that remind me that life isn’t so bad. Things that add… Continue reading Impact of Creative Work
A shy writer’s guide to talking to other writers!
I wanted to write this post purely for myself! I had an encounter at work where a coworker told me someone had told them that I was a writer. This was nice and I didn’t get embarrassed (for once) but when it came time to actually talk writing and books, I panicked. Luckily, he had… Continue reading A shy writer’s guide to talking to other writers!
The power of going slow when writing (and in life)
This week, I started a new novel. I’m very excited about this one as it’s slightly different from the ones I’ve done before, but it is inspired by the last three high fantasy novels I’ve written over the last two years. However, there’s something I need to fight at the moment: the urge to rush.… Continue reading The power of going slow when writing (and in life)
Are you scared to write your novel?
Damn it, I think I'm scared to write my novel! I have a solid story idea that excites me. It makes me think of a Pixar film, which is a good sign immediately! But for some reason, there's a lot of resistance in me to write the thing. I'm off from work on Easter break,… Continue reading Are you scared to write your novel?
How to improve your critical thinking to improve your creative writing
I think part of our jobs as writers is to have a critical eye. We can't just read a book and move on to the next. I need to get into the habit of engaging with them a little more. Questioning it and myself after having read it. Even if it's one I read "for… Continue reading How to improve your critical thinking to improve your creative writing
Why I love writing stories
I think writing is dreaming. It’s the reason I write fantasy novels. I dream of other worlds and possibilities I can’t live in real life. And writing from another character means we get to live other lives. Make different choices without suffering the consequences or the fear in reality. It’s the reason I really want… Continue reading Why I love writing stories
How to Make Writing Fun Again
When I was younger, writing was more fun. Pure creative expression with no limits. Yes, in adulthood I've become more serious and I've learned more about the craft, but that doesn't mean the fun should be lost from the process. There are a lot of benefits to making your writing feel fun again, most importantly,… Continue reading How to Make Writing Fun Again
Writing Goals for 2024 – that aren’t basic
Next year, I want to look at my writing differently. I don’t want to do what I’ve tried to do years before which hasn’t quite worked. I don’t want to set the same boring goals: Write 100,000 words Write two completed first drafts of novels Look for an agent Publish a book Query a book… Continue reading Writing Goals for 2024 – that aren’t basic
How to ask for feedback as a writer
Writers need feedback to get better. Whether this is from friends, critique partners, beta readers, an agent, or editors. There’s no avoiding it. But how do we get the right feedback from people who perhaps aren’t in the professional field? What kind of questions do we actually need answered? Here’s some of my thoughts on… Continue reading How to ask for feedback as a writer
S. R. Crawford 