Scott Oden
@orcwriter.bsky.social
Author of whimsical tales disguised as found manuscripts. Specializing in mouse-run libraries, and gardens where magic blooms between dewdrops. The mushrooms insist they're 'philosophically inclined.'
https://claudemoreaugarden.wordpress.com/
https://claudemoreaugarden.wordpress.com/
Pinned
Scott Oden
@orcwriter.bsky.social
· Jul 22
Books by Scott Oden
Since 2005, I’ve been writing a myriad of historical adventure, fantasy, and sword-and-sorcery . . . as well as a side-trip into cozy fantasy in the style of Grahame and Milne. This page is m…
scottoden.wordpress.com
In a strange crashing together of worlds, I created a page where you can find ALL of my author-direct work -- from straight historical fiction to historical fantasy to the gentlest of cozy fantasy:
scottoden.wordpress.com/books-by-sco...
scottoden.wordpress.com/books-by-sco...
⚔️ Looting history isn't lazy world-building, it's the cornerstone of good Sword-and-Sorcery.
#Sword&Sorcery #Conan #BookSky #S&S
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
#Sword&Sorcery #Conan #BookSky #S&S
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
History As Shorthand
If you’re writing Conan pastiche and have any hope of recreating even the smallest measure of Robert E.
open.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:41 PM
⚔️ Looting history isn't lazy world-building, it's the cornerstone of good Sword-and-Sorcery.
#Sword&Sorcery #Conan #BookSky #S&S
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
#Sword&Sorcery #Conan #BookSky #S&S
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
Under the Influence of Sorcery
(Actually, Cold Medicine . . .)
open.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
What drives a man to topple a throne and take it for himself? Motivation is the question of the day . . .
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
The Man Who Would Be King
The Psychology of "Why"
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:55 PM
What drives a man to topple a throne and take it for himself? Motivation is the question of the day . . .
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
For me, writing pastiche and writing historical fiction both begin in the same place: a comfortable spot with a ton of books in front of me 🪶📜
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
The First Steps
An occasional newsletter about sword-and-sorcery, historical fantasy, writing, and publishing.
open.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:12 PM
For me, writing pastiche and writing historical fiction both begin in the same place: a comfortable spot with a ton of books in front of me 🪶📜
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
I've written shorter length pastiche . . . time to see if I have the grit to write a full-length Conan novel (ENTIRELY unasked for by the Powers-That-Be):
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
Put Up or Shut Up
Or, Fortune Favors the Bold (and sometimes the Foolish)
open.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I've written shorter length pastiche . . . time to see if I have the grit to write a full-length Conan novel (ENTIRELY unasked for by the Powers-That-Be):
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
A topic to give some thought to while you're recovering from the food hangover . . .
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
A Question, If You Will
For your Thanksgiving consideration . . .
open.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:24 AM
A topic to give some thought to while you're recovering from the food hangover . . .
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
Apropos of yesterday's post: a taste of Conan Unconquered open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
Conan Unconquered
A Taste . . .
open.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Apropos of yesterday's post: a taste of Conan Unconquered open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
I feel like this gets asked enough in certain circles that it deserves an answer, insofar as I know it . . .
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
"Why Aren't You Writing Conan?"
And Other Questions, Answered.
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I feel like this gets asked enough in certain circles that it deserves an answer, insofar as I know it . . .
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/soden/p/...
I write things, sometimes, that I have no idea what to do with. If you read my post about what I've done since November 2024, you probably saw the line about having drafted the rules and mechanics for a TTRPG about creating art in the Italian Renaissance.
It's not a bad idea, IMHO.
It's not a bad idea, IMHO.
November 21, 2025 at 6:42 PM
I write things, sometimes, that I have no idea what to do with. If you read my post about what I've done since November 2024, you probably saw the line about having drafted the rules and mechanics for a TTRPG about creating art in the Italian Renaissance.
It's not a bad idea, IMHO.
It's not a bad idea, IMHO.
Since 2023 and the release of THE DOOM OF ODIN, I've felt useless and adrift. A rudderless boat riding the whims of fate. I've felt like I haven't accomplished anything. Like my career is spiraling down the toilet of obscurity.
This morning, a memory on FB prompted me to tally up my recent work.
This morning, a memory on FB prompted me to tally up my recent work.
November 19, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Since 2023 and the release of THE DOOM OF ODIN, I've felt useless and adrift. A rudderless boat riding the whims of fate. I've felt like I haven't accomplished anything. Like my career is spiraling down the toilet of obscurity.
This morning, a memory on FB prompted me to tally up my recent work.
This morning, a memory on FB prompted me to tally up my recent work.
🌿✨🍄 Mr. Thistledown takes us to school for proper leaf-fall watching . . .
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
#BookSky #whimsical #CozyFantasy #cottagecore
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
#BookSky #whimsical #CozyFantasy #cottagecore
November 19, 2025 at 3:32 PM
🌿✨🍄 Mr. Thistledown takes us to school for proper leaf-fall watching . . .
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
#BookSky #whimsical #CozyFantasy #cottagecore
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
#BookSky #whimsical #CozyFantasy #cottagecore
Information management is the name of the game . . .
Fiction versus History scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/18/f...
Fiction versus History scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/18/f...
Fiction versus History
If there is one thing fiction is far better at than history, it’s the freedom to reduce complex political situations down to what really matters. Let me explain: I’m working on a scene …
scottoden.wordpress.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Information management is the name of the game . . .
Fiction versus History scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/18/f...
Fiction versus History scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/18/f...
Fell Off the Idea Wagon
Sounds wild, but a goodly chunk of my executive decision dysfunction comes from a place of fear: what if I choose a book, commit to it, realize I chose wrong, and die before I can fix my mistake.
scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/13/f...
Sounds wild, but a goodly chunk of my executive decision dysfunction comes from a place of fear: what if I choose a book, commit to it, realize I chose wrong, and die before I can fix my mistake.
scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/13/f...
Fell Off the Idea Wagon
Yeah, it happened again. What can I say? I got side-tracked, got a bit melancholy, and before I know it I’m writing another mouse story. Then another. And a third just for the funsies of it a…
scottoden.wordpress.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Fell Off the Idea Wagon
Sounds wild, but a goodly chunk of my executive decision dysfunction comes from a place of fear: what if I choose a book, commit to it, realize I chose wrong, and die before I can fix my mistake.
scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/13/f...
Sounds wild, but a goodly chunk of my executive decision dysfunction comes from a place of fear: what if I choose a book, commit to it, realize I chose wrong, and die before I can fix my mistake.
scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/13/f...
How DO you choose what to write next? I've got six ideas, each alike in dignity; each "close to my heart". Each one has the potential to be my next favorite thing . . .
If only I could pick ONE.
I've got two Historical novels (both Crusader-era), a Contemporary/Magical Realism novel . . .
If only I could pick ONE.
I've got two Historical novels (both Crusader-era), a Contemporary/Magical Realism novel . . .
November 13, 2025 at 7:04 AM
How DO you choose what to write next? I've got six ideas, each alike in dignity; each "close to my heart". Each one has the potential to be my next favorite thing . . .
If only I could pick ONE.
I've got two Historical novels (both Crusader-era), a Contemporary/Magical Realism novel . . .
If only I could pick ONE.
I've got two Historical novels (both Crusader-era), a Contemporary/Magical Realism novel . . .
I'm getting more than a little discouraged, here, and wondering if I'll ever connect with another idea long enough to craft it into a book.
The Flit is the hardest thing, ATM, about dealing with my ADHD. My brain flits from idea to idea, but nothing sticks. It will love it for a few days . . .
The Flit is the hardest thing, ATM, about dealing with my ADHD. My brain flits from idea to idea, but nothing sticks. It will love it for a few days . . .
November 12, 2025 at 5:37 AM
I'm getting more than a little discouraged, here, and wondering if I'll ever connect with another idea long enough to craft it into a book.
The Flit is the hardest thing, ATM, about dealing with my ADHD. My brain flits from idea to idea, but nothing sticks. It will love it for a few days . . .
The Flit is the hardest thing, ATM, about dealing with my ADHD. My brain flits from idea to idea, but nothing sticks. It will love it for a few days . . .
From THE DOOM OF ODIN (2023)
Convincing you to read my novel from the first sentence (and a bit extra). Share yours if you want!
Convincing you to read my novel from the first sentence (and a bit extra). Share yours if you want!
November 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM
From THE DOOM OF ODIN (2023)
Convincing you to read my novel from the first sentence (and a bit extra). Share yours if you want!
Convincing you to read my novel from the first sentence (and a bit extra). Share yours if you want!
It's been nearly a year since I started writing about the Garden. To celebrate, read the very first tale of the mice and their enchanted garden in Provence.
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
The Book That Sang To The Stars
The Very First Garden Tale
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:56 PM
It's been nearly a year since I started writing about the Garden. To celebrate, read the very first tale of the mice and their enchanted garden in Provence.
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
🌿🍄✨ After a summer away, Claude Moreau returns to his grandmother's garden. What changes have happened since the events of this past Spring? Read on to find out . . .
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
#CozyFantasy #Whimsical #cottagecore #BookSky
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
#CozyFantasy #Whimsical #cottagecore #BookSky
A Return to the Garden in Autumn
From the notebook of Claude Moreau, 9 November 1899
open.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
🌿🍄✨ After a summer away, Claude Moreau returns to his grandmother's garden. What changes have happened since the events of this past Spring? Read on to find out . . .
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
#CozyFantasy #Whimsical #cottagecore #BookSky
open.substack.com/pub/claudemo...
#CozyFantasy #Whimsical #cottagecore #BookSky
Hwæt, #BookSky! Free stories! A tip jar! Potential Christmas gifts! It's a cornucopia of links!
A Little Business scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/a...
A Little Business scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/a...
A Little Business
Hwæt! My collection of historical and S&S short stories, OLD GODS AND OTHER TALES, is FREE on Kindle until Saturday night, 11:59 PM PT. Grab a copy whilst you still can! It’s understandab…
scottoden.wordpress.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Hwæt, #BookSky! Free stories! A tip jar! Potential Christmas gifts! It's a cornucopia of links!
A Little Business scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/a...
A Little Business scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/a...
For a limited time, you can snag a FREE Kindle copy of OLD GODS AND OTHER TALES! Take it for a spin; kick the tires, for NARY A DUCAT!
a.co/d/5eqC5OA
#BookSky #SwordandSorcery #S&S #HeroicHistorical
a.co/d/5eqC5OA
#BookSky #SwordandSorcery #S&S #HeroicHistorical
Amazon.com
a.co
November 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
For a limited time, you can snag a FREE Kindle copy of OLD GODS AND OTHER TALES! Take it for a spin; kick the tires, for NARY A DUCAT!
a.co/d/5eqC5OA
#BookSky #SwordandSorcery #S&S #HeroicHistorical
a.co/d/5eqC5OA
#BookSky #SwordandSorcery #S&S #HeroicHistorical
Advice needed! I'm considering unpublishing the Garden tales, then collect all of them together (including the ones I'm still sitting on, the material from the blog, and the reader's guide I made) and publishing it as a single hardcover/trade paperback. And then be done with it.
1/2
1/2
November 3, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Advice needed! I'm considering unpublishing the Garden tales, then collect all of them together (including the ones I'm still sitting on, the material from the blog, and the reader's guide I made) and publishing it as a single hardcover/trade paperback. And then be done with it.
1/2
1/2
Where the Devil Is scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/w...
Where the Devil Is
I’ve been struggling this week with the details of Baibars’s early life. His date of birth could be anywhere from 1221 AD to 1229 AD; the date of his enslavement anywhere from 1236 to 1…
scottoden.wordpress.com
November 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Where the Devil Is scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/w...
In the wheeling constellation of ideas I've had, why THIS Idea? scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/10/25/w...
Why THIS Idea?
This is a good question. A relevant question. In the wheeling solar system of ideas I’ve put forth into the void since finishing The Doom of Odin in early 2023, why did I choose THIS particul…
scottoden.wordpress.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:40 PM
In the wheeling constellation of ideas I've had, why THIS Idea? scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/10/25/w...
Knowing Really IS Half the Battle scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/10/23/k...
Knowing Really IS Half the Battle
GI Joe told us, many years ago, that “knowing is half the battle!” Turns out, old GI Joe was right. Knowing I have adult ADHD (rather than just being lazy) has already changed how I app…
scottoden.wordpress.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Knowing Really IS Half the Battle scottoden.wordpress.com/2025/10/23/k...