Will Elm
@willelm.bsky.social
Fantasy writer. Reader of everything. Exhausted parent. Searching for a perfect cup of tea.
Debut novel SHADOW OF THE ELDERS out now (available widely)
books2read.com/shadowoftheelders
https://www.ko-fi.com/willelmauthor
he/him
willelmauthor.com
Debut novel SHADOW OF THE ELDERS out now (available widely)
books2read.com/shadowoftheelders
https://www.ko-fi.com/willelmauthor
he/him
willelmauthor.com
#FantasyIndiesNovember 12 Good/Bad writing advice
Good advice: Do what works for you. There are so many styles/genres/techniques...to writing. If you try something and it doesn't work, try something else. Find out what works for you and do that.
Bad advice: Worry about word counts. Just write.
Good advice: Do what works for you. There are so many styles/genres/techniques...to writing. If you try something and it doesn't work, try something else. Find out what works for you and do that.
Bad advice: Worry about word counts. Just write.
November 12, 2025 at 11:56 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 12 Good/Bad writing advice
Good advice: Do what works for you. There are so many styles/genres/techniques...to writing. If you try something and it doesn't work, try something else. Find out what works for you and do that.
Bad advice: Worry about word counts. Just write.
Good advice: Do what works for you. There are so many styles/genres/techniques...to writing. If you try something and it doesn't work, try something else. Find out what works for you and do that.
Bad advice: Worry about word counts. Just write.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 11 What genres do you write and read?
So far I've written pretty exclusively fantasy.
I will read anything if it strikes my interest, though SFF is my favorite genre. I still read plenty of horror, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, and humor among others.
So far I've written pretty exclusively fantasy.
I will read anything if it strikes my interest, though SFF is my favorite genre. I still read plenty of horror, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, and humor among others.
November 12, 2025 at 12:04 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 11 What genres do you write and read?
So far I've written pretty exclusively fantasy.
I will read anything if it strikes my interest, though SFF is my favorite genre. I still read plenty of horror, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, and humor among others.
So far I've written pretty exclusively fantasy.
I will read anything if it strikes my interest, though SFF is my favorite genre. I still read plenty of horror, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, and humor among others.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 10.
Favorite line you've written.
"Ajeau did so."
My favorite line is not my best writing or the wittiest or anything like that. It's my favorite because it's the last line in the first book I wrote (Shadow of the Elders). It meant I had done it.
Favorite line you've written.
"Ajeau did so."
My favorite line is not my best writing or the wittiest or anything like that. It's my favorite because it's the last line in the first book I wrote (Shadow of the Elders). It meant I had done it.
November 11, 2025 at 12:10 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 10.
Favorite line you've written.
"Ajeau did so."
My favorite line is not my best writing or the wittiest or anything like that. It's my favorite because it's the last line in the first book I wrote (Shadow of the Elders). It meant I had done it.
Favorite line you've written.
"Ajeau did so."
My favorite line is not my best writing or the wittiest or anything like that. It's my favorite because it's the last line in the first book I wrote (Shadow of the Elders). It meant I had done it.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 9 Show off your bookshelf
I'm away from home today, but here's an older picture of our bookshelf. We've rearranged things and have more plants and less of the magazines but this is pretty much it. I'm not particular fancy.
I'm away from home today, but here's an older picture of our bookshelf. We've rearranged things and have more plants and less of the magazines but this is pretty much it. I'm not particular fancy.
November 9, 2025 at 6:28 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 9 Show off your bookshelf
I'm away from home today, but here's an older picture of our bookshelf. We've rearranged things and have more plants and less of the magazines but this is pretty much it. I'm not particular fancy.
I'm away from home today, but here's an older picture of our bookshelf. We've rearranged things and have more plants and less of the magazines but this is pretty much it. I'm not particular fancy.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 7. What helps you relax?
Exercise, especially hiking or riding my bike, helps a lot. I try to do some every day even if just for a little bit, otherwise I can be a wreck. Other than that, reading helps a lot, but if I'm just too spent, I'll watch some TV.
Exercise, especially hiking or riding my bike, helps a lot. I try to do some every day even if just for a little bit, otherwise I can be a wreck. Other than that, reading helps a lot, but if I'm just too spent, I'll watch some TV.
November 8, 2025 at 12:07 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 7. What helps you relax?
Exercise, especially hiking or riding my bike, helps a lot. I try to do some every day even if just for a little bit, otherwise I can be a wreck. Other than that, reading helps a lot, but if I'm just too spent, I'll watch some TV.
Exercise, especially hiking or riding my bike, helps a lot. I try to do some every day even if just for a little bit, otherwise I can be a wreck. Other than that, reading helps a lot, but if I'm just too spent, I'll watch some TV.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 6 helpful tools
A lot of people have already talked about some great tools. But one tool I'll add is a voice recorder on my phone. I take notes on the go a lot and using a voice recorder for keeping track of my thoughts until I can actually get them on paper is very helpful.
A lot of people have already talked about some great tools. But one tool I'll add is a voice recorder on my phone. I take notes on the go a lot and using a voice recorder for keeping track of my thoughts until I can actually get them on paper is very helpful.
November 6, 2025 at 11:58 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 6 helpful tools
A lot of people have already talked about some great tools. But one tool I'll add is a voice recorder on my phone. I take notes on the go a lot and using a voice recorder for keeping track of my thoughts until I can actually get them on paper is very helpful.
A lot of people have already talked about some great tools. But one tool I'll add is a voice recorder on my phone. I take notes on the go a lot and using a voice recorder for keeping track of my thoughts until I can actually get them on paper is very helpful.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 5. Last, current, and next reads
I just finished A Parcel of Rogues by Joyce Lionarous. A wonderful medieval mystery.
Next up is Nestlings by Nat Cassidy. I've liked his other stuff so I'm excited for this one.
After that, I'm not sure. There's a long TBR list
I just finished A Parcel of Rogues by Joyce Lionarous. A wonderful medieval mystery.
Next up is Nestlings by Nat Cassidy. I've liked his other stuff so I'm excited for this one.
After that, I'm not sure. There's a long TBR list
November 5, 2025 at 9:11 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 5. Last, current, and next reads
I just finished A Parcel of Rogues by Joyce Lionarous. A wonderful medieval mystery.
Next up is Nestlings by Nat Cassidy. I've liked his other stuff so I'm excited for this one.
After that, I'm not sure. There's a long TBR list
I just finished A Parcel of Rogues by Joyce Lionarous. A wonderful medieval mystery.
Next up is Nestlings by Nat Cassidy. I've liked his other stuff so I'm excited for this one.
After that, I'm not sure. There's a long TBR list
#FantasyIndiesNovember 4. Inspiring authors
There's a lot but two who I think are inspiring both with their writing and with their outside life are Terry Pratchett and Ursula K Le Guin. They are fantastic and imaginative and productive authors. But they were also pretty good people too.
There's a lot but two who I think are inspiring both with their writing and with their outside life are Terry Pratchett and Ursula K Le Guin. They are fantastic and imaginative and productive authors. But they were also pretty good people too.
November 5, 2025 at 12:30 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 4. Inspiring authors
There's a lot but two who I think are inspiring both with their writing and with their outside life are Terry Pratchett and Ursula K Le Guin. They are fantastic and imaginative and productive authors. But they were also pretty good people too.
There's a lot but two who I think are inspiring both with their writing and with their outside life are Terry Pratchett and Ursula K Le Guin. They are fantastic and imaginative and productive authors. But they were also pretty good people too.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 3.
I don't listen to music while I write, I get too distracted by it. And I don't really make playlists that go along with or represent my books but if I did, it would be full of big, epic movie soundtrack songs, like Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell
youtu.be/oc3Cq89P97Y?...
I don't listen to music while I write, I get too distracted by it. And I don't really make playlists that go along with or represent my books but if I did, it would be full of big, epic movie soundtrack songs, like Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell
youtu.be/oc3Cq89P97Y?...
November 3, 2025 at 11:47 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 3.
I don't listen to music while I write, I get too distracted by it. And I don't really make playlists that go along with or represent my books but if I did, it would be full of big, epic movie soundtrack songs, like Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell
youtu.be/oc3Cq89P97Y?...
I don't listen to music while I write, I get too distracted by it. And I don't really make playlists that go along with or represent my books but if I did, it would be full of big, epic movie soundtrack songs, like Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell
youtu.be/oc3Cq89P97Y?...
#FantasyIndiesNovember 2
I started writing at 14 or 15 but I don't think I was very good. I remember them as angsty little stories. After a horrible experience with a creative writing class in college, I stopped writing until 2021 when I dedicated myself to actually learning how to do it well.
I started writing at 14 or 15 but I don't think I was very good. I remember them as angsty little stories. After a horrible experience with a creative writing class in college, I stopped writing until 2021 when I dedicated myself to actually learning how to do it well.
November 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 2
I started writing at 14 or 15 but I don't think I was very good. I remember them as angsty little stories. After a horrible experience with a creative writing class in college, I stopped writing until 2021 when I dedicated myself to actually learning how to do it well.
I started writing at 14 or 15 but I don't think I was very good. I remember them as angsty little stories. After a horrible experience with a creative writing class in college, I stopped writing until 2021 when I dedicated myself to actually learning how to do it well.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 1. Introduce yourself & WIP
Hi I'm Will and I'm going to, once again, try to keep up with these prompts this month! My debut novel, Shadow of the Elders, is out wide now and this month I'll be spending time revising book 2 in that series.
Hi I'm Will and I'm going to, once again, try to keep up with these prompts this month! My debut novel, Shadow of the Elders, is out wide now and this month I'll be spending time revising book 2 in that series.
November 1, 2025 at 10:39 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 1. Introduce yourself & WIP
Hi I'm Will and I'm going to, once again, try to keep up with these prompts this month! My debut novel, Shadow of the Elders, is out wide now and this month I'll be spending time revising book 2 in that series.
Hi I'm Will and I'm going to, once again, try to keep up with these prompts this month! My debut novel, Shadow of the Elders, is out wide now and this month I'll be spending time revising book 2 in that series.
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 17. TBR list
I've got to finish Mary by Nat Cassidy and then I'll continue with the indies The Night Plummer and the Mockemortician by Walter Thinman and Convergence of Connection by Sarah J Hoodlet. Then... I don't know, there's a lot to read!
I've got to finish Mary by Nat Cassidy and then I'll continue with the indies The Night Plummer and the Mockemortician by Walter Thinman and Convergence of Connection by Sarah J Hoodlet. Then... I don't know, there's a lot to read!
September 17, 2025 at 11:27 PM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 17. TBR list
I've got to finish Mary by Nat Cassidy and then I'll continue with the indies The Night Plummer and the Mockemortician by Walter Thinman and Convergence of Connection by Sarah J Hoodlet. Then... I don't know, there's a lot to read!
I've got to finish Mary by Nat Cassidy and then I'll continue with the indies The Night Plummer and the Mockemortician by Walter Thinman and Convergence of Connection by Sarah J Hoodlet. Then... I don't know, there's a lot to read!
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 14 Favorite books
It's so hard to pick my favorite books, even out of those from the last few years. But I have a special place in my heart for Le Guin's Earthsea books. They are a comfort read I can go back to any number of times and still love them.
It's so hard to pick my favorite books, even out of those from the last few years. But I have a special place in my heart for Le Guin's Earthsea books. They are a comfort read I can go back to any number of times and still love them.
September 15, 2025 at 12:05 AM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 14 Favorite books
It's so hard to pick my favorite books, even out of those from the last few years. But I have a special place in my heart for Le Guin's Earthsea books. They are a comfort read I can go back to any number of times and still love them.
It's so hard to pick my favorite books, even out of those from the last few years. But I have a special place in my heart for Le Guin's Earthsea books. They are a comfort read I can go back to any number of times and still love them.
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 11. Do you know what your next WIP will be?
After I finish the first draft of my current WIP, I'm returning to the sequel to Shadows of the Elders, book 2 in that series. I have a first draft done, so it's back to editing but I suspect there's a good deal of work to be done.
After I finish the first draft of my current WIP, I'm returning to the sequel to Shadows of the Elders, book 2 in that series. I have a first draft done, so it's back to editing but I suspect there's a good deal of work to be done.
September 12, 2025 at 12:02 AM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 11. Do you know what your next WIP will be?
After I finish the first draft of my current WIP, I'm returning to the sequel to Shadows of the Elders, book 2 in that series. I have a first draft done, so it's back to editing but I suspect there's a good deal of work to be done.
After I finish the first draft of my current WIP, I'm returning to the sequel to Shadows of the Elders, book 2 in that series. I have a first draft done, so it's back to editing but I suspect there's a good deal of work to be done.
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 10. Does your MC covet knowledge or power.
Knowledge is power for her. But she doesn't covet power, certainly not for power's sake. She wants to help her people survive and power would help that but it's really the knowledge of how to lead that she seeks.
Knowledge is power for her. But she doesn't covet power, certainly not for power's sake. She wants to help her people survive and power would help that but it's really the knowledge of how to lead that she seeks.
September 10, 2025 at 10:58 PM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 10. Does your MC covet knowledge or power.
Knowledge is power for her. But she doesn't covet power, certainly not for power's sake. She wants to help her people survive and power would help that but it's really the knowledge of how to lead that she seeks.
Knowledge is power for her. But she doesn't covet power, certainly not for power's sake. She wants to help her people survive and power would help that but it's really the knowledge of how to lead that she seeks.
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 8 Would/does your MC like school?
It would depend a lot on what the school focused on. She would love learning trades, things she could make and do with her hands, or anything active. But she wouldn't like a traditional sit down at a desk and learn experience
It would depend a lot on what the school focused on. She would love learning trades, things she could make and do with her hands, or anything active. But she wouldn't like a traditional sit down at a desk and learn experience
September 8, 2025 at 1:05 PM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 8 Would/does your MC like school?
It would depend a lot on what the school focused on. She would love learning trades, things she could make and do with her hands, or anything active. But she wouldn't like a traditional sit down at a desk and learn experience
It would depend a lot on what the school focused on. She would love learning trades, things she could make and do with her hands, or anything active. But she wouldn't like a traditional sit down at a desk and learn experience
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 7 Surprises in WIP
That I might actually finish the thing 😆 But really, though it's a prequel, I didn't intend to have it directly set up the events of Shadows of the Elders but it seems to be doing that. I am pleasantly surprised by the subtle connections between books.
That I might actually finish the thing 😆 But really, though it's a prequel, I didn't intend to have it directly set up the events of Shadows of the Elders but it seems to be doing that. I am pleasantly surprised by the subtle connections between books.
September 7, 2025 at 11:20 AM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 7 Surprises in WIP
That I might actually finish the thing 😆 But really, though it's a prequel, I didn't intend to have it directly set up the events of Shadows of the Elders but it seems to be doing that. I am pleasantly surprised by the subtle connections between books.
That I might actually finish the thing 😆 But really, though it's a prequel, I didn't intend to have it directly set up the events of Shadows of the Elders but it seems to be doing that. I am pleasantly surprised by the subtle connections between books.
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 4 Character hobbies
The main characters don't have a lot of time for hobbies, especially during the events of the book, but they play games, ride horses and practice tricks with them. They also tell tales and dramas and sing and dance around fires every night.
The main characters don't have a lot of time for hobbies, especially during the events of the book, but they play games, ride horses and practice tricks with them. They also tell tales and dramas and sing and dance around fires every night.
September 4, 2025 at 11:08 AM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 4 Character hobbies
The main characters don't have a lot of time for hobbies, especially during the events of the book, but they play games, ride horses and practice tricks with them. They also tell tales and dramas and sing and dance around fires every night.
The main characters don't have a lot of time for hobbies, especially during the events of the book, but they play games, ride horses and practice tricks with them. They also tell tales and dramas and sing and dance around fires every night.
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 3 Education
There's not really formal education in my world, certainly not for my MCs. Most "education" happens through experience, like an apprentice model. So job skills, for trades like mason or farmer, are passed down to youth while actually doing those jobs.
There's not really formal education in my world, certainly not for my MCs. Most "education" happens through experience, like an apprentice model. So job skills, for trades like mason or farmer, are passed down to youth while actually doing those jobs.
September 3, 2025 at 11:50 AM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 3 Education
There's not really formal education in my world, certainly not for my MCs. Most "education" happens through experience, like an apprentice model. So job skills, for trades like mason or farmer, are passed down to youth while actually doing those jobs.
There's not really formal education in my world, certainly not for my MCs. Most "education" happens through experience, like an apprentice model. So job skills, for trades like mason or farmer, are passed down to youth while actually doing those jobs.
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 2.
I tend to read whatever I feel like in the moment. I read a lot of the indies I hear about here and just jump into the next one when I'm done. Sometimes there's a specific release I'm waiting for or a library book that I've reserved that I read when I get them
I tend to read whatever I feel like in the moment. I read a lot of the indies I hear about here and just jump into the next one when I'm done. Sometimes there's a specific release I'm waiting for or a library book that I've reserved that I read when I get them
September 2, 2025 at 11:35 AM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 2.
I tend to read whatever I feel like in the moment. I read a lot of the indies I hear about here and just jump into the next one when I'm done. Sometimes there's a specific release I'm waiting for or a library book that I've reserved that I read when I get them
I tend to read whatever I feel like in the moment. I read a lot of the indies I hear about here and just jump into the next one when I'm done. Sometimes there's a specific release I'm waiting for or a library book that I've reserved that I read when I get them
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 1
Hey, I'm Will and I write low, dark fantasy (and I'm also going to try to keep up with these prompts this month!). My WIP is a spin-off, prequel focusing on one of the characters from Shadow of the Elders. It's a standalone book but helps set up the events of SOTE.
Hey, I'm Will and I write low, dark fantasy (and I'm also going to try to keep up with these prompts this month!). My WIP is a spin-off, prequel focusing on one of the characters from Shadow of the Elders. It's a standalone book but helps set up the events of SOTE.
September 1, 2025 at 1:57 PM
#FantasyIndiesSeptember 1
Hey, I'm Will and I write low, dark fantasy (and I'm also going to try to keep up with these prompts this month!). My WIP is a spin-off, prequel focusing on one of the characters from Shadow of the Elders. It's a standalone book but helps set up the events of SOTE.
Hey, I'm Will and I write low, dark fantasy (and I'm also going to try to keep up with these prompts this month!). My WIP is a spin-off, prequel focusing on one of the characters from Shadow of the Elders. It's a standalone book but helps set up the events of SOTE.
Today's the day. SHADOW OF THE ELDERS, a dark epic fantasy, is available wide both ebook and paperback! If you've been waiting until it left Amazon to check it out, now's the time!
books2read.com/shadowoftheelders
#booksky #writingcommunity #fantasy
📚🪐💙🩷🧙⚔️
books2read.com/shadowoftheelders
#booksky #writingcommunity #fantasy
📚🪐💙🩷🧙⚔️
August 1, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Today's the day. SHADOW OF THE ELDERS, a dark epic fantasy, is available wide both ebook and paperback! If you've been waiting until it left Amazon to check it out, now's the time!
books2read.com/shadowoftheelders
#booksky #writingcommunity #fantasy
📚🪐💙🩷🧙⚔️
books2read.com/shadowoftheelders
#booksky #writingcommunity #fantasy
📚🪐💙🩷🧙⚔️
#FantasyIndiesJuly 29 WIP fun fact
Since it's a spin-off, we get to revisit a favored character from Shadow of the Elders. But even though it's a prequel it actually ties together the first book with the, currently unfinished, second book.
Since it's a spin-off, we get to revisit a favored character from Shadow of the Elders. But even though it's a prequel it actually ties together the first book with the, currently unfinished, second book.
July 29, 2025 at 9:40 PM
#FantasyIndiesJuly 29 WIP fun fact
Since it's a spin-off, we get to revisit a favored character from Shadow of the Elders. But even though it's a prequel it actually ties together the first book with the, currently unfinished, second book.
Since it's a spin-off, we get to revisit a favored character from Shadow of the Elders. But even though it's a prequel it actually ties together the first book with the, currently unfinished, second book.
#FantasyIndiesJuly 27 / 28
I overwrite and it is one of my biggest difficulties, especially around editing time. But even when writing, it shows me down and makes scenes take a lot longer than I'd like. At least I'm getting better recognizing what to cut.
I overwrite and it is one of my biggest difficulties, especially around editing time. But even when writing, it shows me down and makes scenes take a lot longer than I'd like. At least I'm getting better recognizing what to cut.
July 28, 2025 at 11:30 PM
#FantasyIndiesJuly 27 / 28
I overwrite and it is one of my biggest difficulties, especially around editing time. But even when writing, it shows me down and makes scenes take a lot longer than I'd like. At least I'm getting better recognizing what to cut.
I overwrite and it is one of my biggest difficulties, especially around editing time. But even when writing, it shows me down and makes scenes take a lot longer than I'd like. At least I'm getting better recognizing what to cut.
#WIPSnips 24 - inside
I feel like I often post the darker moments of my story here, so today, I'm posting some joy. Just a family and their chickens.
#amwriting #fantasy #writesky #writingcommunity
I feel like I often post the darker moments of my story here, so today, I'm posting some joy. Just a family and their chickens.
#amwriting #fantasy #writesky #writingcommunity
July 24, 2025 at 2:11 PM
#WIPSnips 24 - inside
I feel like I often post the darker moments of my story here, so today, I'm posting some joy. Just a family and their chickens.
#amwriting #fantasy #writesky #writingcommunity
I feel like I often post the darker moments of my story here, so today, I'm posting some joy. Just a family and their chickens.
#amwriting #fantasy #writesky #writingcommunity