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
Pinned
Will Elm
@willelm.bsky.social
· Aug 1
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
📚🪐💙🩷🧙⚔️
#FantasyIndiesDecember 8. Seasons in WIP
The seasons in the SOTE world aren't as neatly delineated as they are here. There are rainy seasons, dry seasons, harvest seasons, planting seasons, but they're not consistent or bound to any cycle. It's just a convenient way to explain what's going on.
The seasons in the SOTE world aren't as neatly delineated as they are here. There are rainy seasons, dry seasons, harvest seasons, planting seasons, but they're not consistent or bound to any cycle. It's just a convenient way to explain what's going on.
December 9, 2025 at 12:18 AM
#FantasyIndiesDecember 8. Seasons in WIP
The seasons in the SOTE world aren't as neatly delineated as they are here. There are rainy seasons, dry seasons, harvest seasons, planting seasons, but they're not consistent or bound to any cycle. It's just a convenient way to explain what's going on.
The seasons in the SOTE world aren't as neatly delineated as they are here. There are rainy seasons, dry seasons, harvest seasons, planting seasons, but they're not consistent or bound to any cycle. It's just a convenient way to explain what's going on.
#FantasyIndiesDecember 7 Naughty or nice list?
I think most of the characters would be on the naughty list for one reason or another. It depends what the standard is for the list. They're all out there deceiving someone though. Except maybe Savique. He's a pretty good guy.
I think most of the characters would be on the naughty list for one reason or another. It depends what the standard is for the list. They're all out there deceiving someone though. Except maybe Savique. He's a pretty good guy.
December 7, 2025 at 11:37 PM
#FantasyIndiesDecember 7 Naughty or nice list?
I think most of the characters would be on the naughty list for one reason or another. It depends what the standard is for the list. They're all out there deceiving someone though. Except maybe Savique. He's a pretty good guy.
I think most of the characters would be on the naughty list for one reason or another. It depends what the standard is for the list. They're all out there deceiving someone though. Except maybe Savique. He's a pretty good guy.
#FantasyIndiesDecember 5. Holiday/wintery movies or TV shows
I don't watch much myself but with the kids we do Frosty and Rudolph, the classic versions, and they might be old enough to try something fun like Home Alone. Also every kid's show has a strange Christmas special that we watch.
I don't watch much myself but with the kids we do Frosty and Rudolph, the classic versions, and they might be old enough to try something fun like Home Alone. Also every kid's show has a strange Christmas special that we watch.
December 5, 2025 at 11:20 PM
#FantasyIndiesDecember 5. Holiday/wintery movies or TV shows
I don't watch much myself but with the kids we do Frosty and Rudolph, the classic versions, and they might be old enough to try something fun like Home Alone. Also every kid's show has a strange Christmas special that we watch.
I don't watch much myself but with the kids we do Frosty and Rudolph, the classic versions, and they might be old enough to try something fun like Home Alone. Also every kid's show has a strange Christmas special that we watch.
#FantasyIndiesDecember 4 Holiday recipes
I don't have any special recipes but I do love some holiday hot cocoa. Maybe with some peppermint flavoring too
I don't have any special recipes but I do love some holiday hot cocoa. Maybe with some peppermint flavoring too
December 4, 2025 at 11:45 PM
#FantasyIndiesDecember 4 Holiday recipes
I don't have any special recipes but I do love some holiday hot cocoa. Maybe with some peppermint flavoring too
I don't have any special recipes but I do love some holiday hot cocoa. Maybe with some peppermint flavoring too
Reposted by Will Elm
Indie Readers, mark your calendars! December 8th, thousands of titles will be on sale at the Smashwords End of Year Sale!
Be ready to fill your ereader with new books to enjoy this holiday season! #eoysale25
Be ready to fill your ereader with new books to enjoy this holiday season! #eoysale25
December 3, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Indie Readers, mark your calendars! December 8th, thousands of titles will be on sale at the Smashwords End of Year Sale!
Be ready to fill your ereader with new books to enjoy this holiday season! #eoysale25
Be ready to fill your ereader with new books to enjoy this holiday season! #eoysale25
Reposted by Will Elm
CTHULHU ARMAGEDDON is on sale for 99c this month. Enjoy the adventures of a post-apocalypse wasteland, revenge, and giant squid monsters. www.amazon.com/Cthulhu-Arma...
#FantasyIndiesDecember #books #horror #booksky #booklift
#FantasyIndiesDecember #books #horror #booksky #booklift
December 3, 2025 at 6:27 AM
CTHULHU ARMAGEDDON is on sale for 99c this month. Enjoy the adventures of a post-apocalypse wasteland, revenge, and giant squid monsters. www.amazon.com/Cthulhu-Arma...
#FantasyIndiesDecember #books #horror #booksky #booklift
#FantasyIndiesDecember #books #horror #booksky #booklift
#FantasyIndiesDecember 3 Holiday book recs
I don't read holiday books or have any good recs for a wintery read but I'll recommend the book I'm currently reading, Taliesin, Chief of Bards by Alexander Corby. It's great, funny and suspenseful with some really good twists and turns. Check it out!
I don't read holiday books or have any good recs for a wintery read but I'll recommend the book I'm currently reading, Taliesin, Chief of Bards by Alexander Corby. It's great, funny and suspenseful with some really good twists and turns. Check it out!
December 4, 2025 at 12:33 AM
#FantasyIndiesDecember 3 Holiday book recs
I don't read holiday books or have any good recs for a wintery read but I'll recommend the book I'm currently reading, Taliesin, Chief of Bards by Alexander Corby. It's great, funny and suspenseful with some really good twists and turns. Check it out!
I don't read holiday books or have any good recs for a wintery read but I'll recommend the book I'm currently reading, Taliesin, Chief of Bards by Alexander Corby. It's great, funny and suspenseful with some really good twists and turns. Check it out!
#FantasyIndiesDecember 2. Holidays in WIP
Different cultures have different holidays, timed around natural occurrences, like an island nation who celebrate certain strong tides or a farming people who celebrate rains that bring rich soil to their crops. Though few are celebrating these days.
Different cultures have different holidays, timed around natural occurrences, like an island nation who celebrate certain strong tides or a farming people who celebrate rains that bring rich soil to their crops. Though few are celebrating these days.
December 3, 2025 at 12:22 AM
#FantasyIndiesDecember 2. Holidays in WIP
Different cultures have different holidays, timed around natural occurrences, like an island nation who celebrate certain strong tides or a farming people who celebrate rains that bring rich soil to their crops. Though few are celebrating these days.
Different cultures have different holidays, timed around natural occurrences, like an island nation who celebrate certain strong tides or a farming people who celebrate rains that bring rich soil to their crops. Though few are celebrating these days.
#FantasyIndiesDecember 1. Introductions and WIP
Hi, I'm Will. I'm writing a dark epic fantasy series (first book, Shadows of the Elders is out now). My current WIPs are book 2 in the series and a prequel spin-off standalone story, both of which I am revising.
Hi, I'm Will. I'm writing a dark epic fantasy series (first book, Shadows of the Elders is out now). My current WIPs are book 2 in the series and a prequel spin-off standalone story, both of which I am revising.
December 2, 2025 at 12:16 AM
#FantasyIndiesDecember 1. Introductions and WIP
Hi, I'm Will. I'm writing a dark epic fantasy series (first book, Shadows of the Elders is out now). My current WIPs are book 2 in the series and a prequel spin-off standalone story, both of which I am revising.
Hi, I'm Will. I'm writing a dark epic fantasy series (first book, Shadows of the Elders is out now). My current WIPs are book 2 in the series and a prequel spin-off standalone story, both of which I am revising.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 28. Collect anything?
Because my kids are really into Pokemon, we as a family collect the cards. We're not serious collectors or looking for really expensive rare cards. I really only care that the kids like them. The rarer the better but we're just having fun.
Because my kids are really into Pokemon, we as a family collect the cards. We're not serious collectors or looking for really expensive rare cards. I really only care that the kids like them. The rarer the better but we're just having fun.
November 28, 2025 at 11:43 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 28. Collect anything?
Because my kids are really into Pokemon, we as a family collect the cards. We're not serious collectors or looking for really expensive rare cards. I really only care that the kids like them. The rarer the better but we're just having fun.
Because my kids are really into Pokemon, we as a family collect the cards. We're not serious collectors or looking for really expensive rare cards. I really only care that the kids like them. The rarer the better but we're just having fun.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 27. What are you thankful for?
I'm thankful for my family, especially my wife who is a wonderful alpha reader for my work. Also, the writing community here that is so helpful and supportive and my readers. There's more, but that's a good start.
I'm thankful for my family, especially my wife who is a wonderful alpha reader for my work. Also, the writing community here that is so helpful and supportive and my readers. There's more, but that's a good start.
November 28, 2025 at 12:11 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 27. What are you thankful for?
I'm thankful for my family, especially my wife who is a wonderful alpha reader for my work. Also, the writing community here that is so helpful and supportive and my readers. There's more, but that's a good start.
I'm thankful for my family, especially my wife who is a wonderful alpha reader for my work. Also, the writing community here that is so helpful and supportive and my readers. There's more, but that's a good start.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 26. Book titles
I'm not good at it. For SOTE, I had some words that I thought would be appropriate and I kept shifting them based on common epic fantasy titles until I liked it. But my drafts sit untitled until they're done. Even then, I'm usually not sure until the cover.
I'm not good at it. For SOTE, I had some words that I thought would be appropriate and I kept shifting them based on common epic fantasy titles until I liked it. But my drafts sit untitled until they're done. Even then, I'm usually not sure until the cover.
November 27, 2025 at 1:23 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 26. Book titles
I'm not good at it. For SOTE, I had some words that I thought would be appropriate and I kept shifting them based on common epic fantasy titles until I liked it. But my drafts sit untitled until they're done. Even then, I'm usually not sure until the cover.
I'm not good at it. For SOTE, I had some words that I thought would be appropriate and I kept shifting them based on common epic fantasy titles until I liked it. But my drafts sit untitled until they're done. Even then, I'm usually not sure until the cover.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 25. Share artwork or artist
I don't have any artwork, I have no artist talent. So here is my cover made by Particular on 99 designs.
I don't have any artwork, I have no artist talent. So here is my cover made by Particular on 99 designs.
November 25, 2025 at 11:41 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 25. Share artwork or artist
I don't have any artwork, I have no artist talent. So here is my cover made by Particular on 99 designs.
I don't have any artwork, I have no artist talent. So here is my cover made by Particular on 99 designs.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 24. Do you listen to music while you write?
Nope, I cannot do it. I love listening to music and while doing mindless chores, I'll listen quite a bit. But I struggle to write when there is any noise going on around me, especially music. Even instrumental stuff is no good
Nope, I cannot do it. I love listening to music and while doing mindless chores, I'll listen quite a bit. But I struggle to write when there is any noise going on around me, especially music. Even instrumental stuff is no good
November 25, 2025 at 1:32 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 24. Do you listen to music while you write?
Nope, I cannot do it. I love listening to music and while doing mindless chores, I'll listen quite a bit. But I struggle to write when there is any noise going on around me, especially music. Even instrumental stuff is no good
Nope, I cannot do it. I love listening to music and while doing mindless chores, I'll listen quite a bit. But I struggle to write when there is any noise going on around me, especially music. Even instrumental stuff is no good
Reposted by Will Elm
Hey, folks, here's The Sanctuary for Fractured Souls, the game we built for the Game Writing SIG Arcjam!
A magical storm threatens the inn you built as a haven for mythical beings, and you must uncover who's behind it before it destroys it all!
caitlin-eger.itch.io/the-sanctuar...
#GameWriting
A magical storm threatens the inn you built as a haven for mythical beings, and you must uncover who's behind it before it destroys it all!
caitlin-eger.itch.io/the-sanctuar...
#GameWriting
The Sanctuary for Fractured Souls by Caitlin Eger, Chiara
Play in your browser
caitlin-eger.itch.io
November 24, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Hey, folks, here's The Sanctuary for Fractured Souls, the game we built for the Game Writing SIG Arcjam!
A magical storm threatens the inn you built as a haven for mythical beings, and you must uncover who's behind it before it destroys it all!
caitlin-eger.itch.io/the-sanctuar...
#GameWriting
A magical storm threatens the inn you built as a haven for mythical beings, and you must uncover who's behind it before it destroys it all!
caitlin-eger.itch.io/the-sanctuar...
#GameWriting
#FantasyIndiesNovember 23. Imposter syndrome
I don't think I have any specific words of wisdom on it. For me, I just try to accept it. Like I am kind of an imposter here but so what. I'll write and publish and whatever will be, will be. I don't hold myself in too high regard.
I don't think I have any specific words of wisdom on it. For me, I just try to accept it. Like I am kind of an imposter here but so what. I'll write and publish and whatever will be, will be. I don't hold myself in too high regard.
November 24, 2025 at 2:19 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 23. Imposter syndrome
I don't think I have any specific words of wisdom on it. For me, I just try to accept it. Like I am kind of an imposter here but so what. I'll write and publish and whatever will be, will be. I don't hold myself in too high regard.
I don't think I have any specific words of wisdom on it. For me, I just try to accept it. Like I am kind of an imposter here but so what. I'll write and publish and whatever will be, will be. I don't hold myself in too high regard.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 21 Comfort movies/TV shows
I could watch Back to the Future movies and the old Indiana Jones trilogy forever. They are absolutely comfort watches for me. I also like Parks and Rec and 30 Rock as comfort shows. I'm a sucker for a silly sitcom comedy.
I could watch Back to the Future movies and the old Indiana Jones trilogy forever. They are absolutely comfort watches for me. I also like Parks and Rec and 30 Rock as comfort shows. I'm a sucker for a silly sitcom comedy.
November 22, 2025 at 12:06 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 21 Comfort movies/TV shows
I could watch Back to the Future movies and the old Indiana Jones trilogy forever. They are absolutely comfort watches for me. I also like Parks and Rec and 30 Rock as comfort shows. I'm a sucker for a silly sitcom comedy.
I could watch Back to the Future movies and the old Indiana Jones trilogy forever. They are absolutely comfort watches for me. I also like Parks and Rec and 30 Rock as comfort shows. I'm a sucker for a silly sitcom comedy.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 21 Where do you find inspiration?
All around me. But a lot of what really interests me are nonfiction books and science articles. I'm always astonished at some of the amazing things I've learned in them. And then it's fun to imagine how to use that knowledge in novel ways.
All around me. But a lot of what really interests me are nonfiction books and science articles. I'm always astonished at some of the amazing things I've learned in them. And then it's fun to imagine how to use that knowledge in novel ways.
November 21, 2025 at 1:32 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 21 Where do you find inspiration?
All around me. But a lot of what really interests me are nonfiction books and science articles. I'm always astonished at some of the amazing things I've learned in them. And then it's fun to imagine how to use that knowledge in novel ways.
All around me. But a lot of what really interests me are nonfiction books and science articles. I'm always astonished at some of the amazing things I've learned in them. And then it's fun to imagine how to use that knowledge in novel ways.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 19. Parts of writing that challenge you
It might just be because I'm in the thick of it, but revising is very hard for me. I find it easy to get sidetracked and then lose the flow. Not to mention I miss a ton of mistakes because I lose focus even in the middle of doing it.
It might just be because I'm in the thick of it, but revising is very hard for me. I find it easy to get sidetracked and then lose the flow. Not to mention I miss a ton of mistakes because I lose focus even in the middle of doing it.
November 20, 2025 at 12:14 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 19. Parts of writing that challenge you
It might just be because I'm in the thick of it, but revising is very hard for me. I find it easy to get sidetracked and then lose the flow. Not to mention I miss a ton of mistakes because I lose focus even in the middle of doing it.
It might just be because I'm in the thick of it, but revising is very hard for me. I find it easy to get sidetracked and then lose the flow. Not to mention I miss a ton of mistakes because I lose focus even in the middle of doing it.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 18 Favorite characters you've created.
I love all my characters equally! 😆
That said, I took both Levi and Eyvo-Ille from SCs in Shadows of the Elders to being MCs in other books. So I hold a special place in my heart for them.
I love all my characters equally! 😆
That said, I took both Levi and Eyvo-Ille from SCs in Shadows of the Elders to being MCs in other books. So I hold a special place in my heart for them.
November 19, 2025 at 2:24 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 18 Favorite characters you've created.
I love all my characters equally! 😆
That said, I took both Levi and Eyvo-Ille from SCs in Shadows of the Elders to being MCs in other books. So I hold a special place in my heart for them.
I love all my characters equally! 😆
That said, I took both Levi and Eyvo-Ille from SCs in Shadows of the Elders to being MCs in other books. So I hold a special place in my heart for them.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 17. Hobbies
Writing! But in addition to that, I read and go hiking or ride my bike when I can. That's about all I have time for these days.
Writing! But in addition to that, I read and go hiking or ride my bike when I can. That's about all I have time for these days.
November 18, 2025 at 12:40 AM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 17. Hobbies
Writing! But in addition to that, I read and go hiking or ride my bike when I can. That's about all I have time for these days.
Writing! But in addition to that, I read and go hiking or ride my bike when I can. That's about all I have time for these days.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 16. Plotter, pantser, or plantser
I'm mostly a pantser. I'm making it all up as I go, except maybe a general idea of the ending. But there are times when I make notes for future scenes when I'm not able to write. That's as close as I get to plotting.
I'm mostly a pantser. I'm making it all up as I go, except maybe a general idea of the ending. But there are times when I make notes for future scenes when I'm not able to write. That's as close as I get to plotting.
November 16, 2025 at 3:30 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 16. Plotter, pantser, or plantser
I'm mostly a pantser. I'm making it all up as I go, except maybe a general idea of the ending. But there are times when I make notes for future scenes when I'm not able to write. That's as close as I get to plotting.
I'm mostly a pantser. I'm making it all up as I go, except maybe a general idea of the ending. But there are times when I make notes for future scenes when I'm not able to write. That's as close as I get to plotting.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 14. Free Friday or Pets
Since I have no pets, I have allergies instead, I'll just provide a quick update on WIP progress. Got another chapter done in revising book 2. At this place, draft 2/3 will be done by the end of January. Exciting but there's still work to be done.
Since I have no pets, I have allergies instead, I'll just provide a quick update on WIP progress. Got another chapter done in revising book 2. At this place, draft 2/3 will be done by the end of January. Exciting but there's still work to be done.
November 14, 2025 at 11:29 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 14. Free Friday or Pets
Since I have no pets, I have allergies instead, I'll just provide a quick update on WIP progress. Got another chapter done in revising book 2. At this place, draft 2/3 will be done by the end of January. Exciting but there's still work to be done.
Since I have no pets, I have allergies instead, I'll just provide a quick update on WIP progress. Got another chapter done in revising book 2. At this place, draft 2/3 will be done by the end of January. Exciting but there's still work to be done.
#FantasyIndiesNovember 13. Where do you write?
Most of my actual writing happens in my basement office, though it's less an office and more a closet 😆 . Sometimes I write on the go, mostly taking notes on my phone or short sections that I can expand on when I have more time.
Most of my actual writing happens in my basement office, though it's less an office and more a closet 😆 . Sometimes I write on the go, mostly taking notes on my phone or short sections that I can expand on when I have more time.
November 13, 2025 at 10:49 PM
#FantasyIndiesNovember 13. Where do you write?
Most of my actual writing happens in my basement office, though it's less an office and more a closet 😆 . Sometimes I write on the go, mostly taking notes on my phone or short sections that I can expand on when I have more time.
Most of my actual writing happens in my basement office, though it's less an office and more a closet 😆 . Sometimes I write on the go, mostly taking notes on my phone or short sections that I can expand on when I have more time.
#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.