Oleander Craw
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oleandercraw.bsky.social
Oleander Craw
@oleandercraw.bsky.social
100 followers 280 following 540 posts
Author of THE WARDS WILL FALL (2025), DEVOURING FORTUNE (coming 2026) || Writer of queer dark SFF novels for readers who want to chew on something weird and evocative. Keep it monstrous, y'all || 🚫NO AI || they/he 🏳️‍⚧️

https://www.oleandercraw.com/
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oleandercraw.bsky.social
Chapter 5 of THE WARDS WILL FALL is now live!!

The situation with the Third Company is only continuing to worsen, and it's looking more dubious that they'll make it through the night...

Updates Monday. Free to read or listen.
www.oleandercraw.com/the-wards-wi...
Flare wards sailed up into the air, their drifting motes of light creating a massive theurgical ward in the night sky above the garrison. In the courtyard on the other side of the bridgeway theurgists would be joining together for a massive theurgical working, their hands linked as they spoke the words of power. The pass was alive with hyssil, shadowy masses swarming like stinging ants after a heavy rain. A theurgical ward went dark in a shower of golden sparks and smoke and another section of the pass was swallowed in oily darkness.
November 24, 2025 at 12:18 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Chapter 4 of THE WARDS WILL FALL is live!

Maxwell gets a look at the RITD's secret project that Ivan has been working on and the enormity of the responsibility he's been tasked with.

Read (or listen) for free. New chapters release every Monday.

www.oleandercraw.com/chapter-list/
The elevator came to a shuddering halt. Ivan rattled the elevator door open. The workshop was a large circular room, ringed with arching doorways that led out to a circular balcony on all sides like a lighthouse. Tall workbenches slabbed with soapstone were reminiscent of the school chemistry labs from Maxwell’s childhood. But in the middle of the room, space had been cleared for an enormous device constructed of concentric circles of laminated paper and an inner spindle of brass. “This the RITD project?” Maxwell asked. Ivan nodded. He took a seat at one of the lab stools. “It’s a field generator. In theory it should produce a warding field that hyssil can’t enter. We haven’t tried using it yet though—it’s only a prototype. And it requires a seer to operate it.” “A seer can’t use theurgy though,” Maxwell said. “What would you need me for?”
November 17, 2025 at 12:03 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
The beginning of an amused smile crooked Not-Ivan’s lips. “Anger suits you better than apathetic resignation. It’s more useful.”

I commissioned @polinagipp.bsky.social for some character art of Maxwell and Not-Ivan (not yet introduced!) for TWWF and oohhhh my god, LOVE

(Ward design by Soren Häxan)
Portrait of Not-Ivan. A man with light sallow skin and dark unreflective eyes smirks confidently. His hair is brown and short. He is wearing a white and gold uniform. His hands are steepled in front of him and he has a golden circular sigil tattooed on the back of his hand. A portrait of Maxwell. His skin is light. His eyes dark. His hands are raised defensively. His hair is dark and curly, with a shaved section that displays a golden sigil tattooed on the side of his head. His eyes are narrowed.
November 14, 2025 at 11:43 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
I used to use Notion before it enshittified, but now I use Obsidian to keep revisions and book information organized. It's a lot of work, but a detailed revision plan helps keep me from getting overwhelmed with edits.
Blurred out revision plan table that shows chapter title, status, word count, characters, synopsis and changes needed
November 12, 2025 at 12:27 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Important notes from this morning's revision outlining.
Screenshot of revision notes that says Make the orgy WEIRDER.
November 11, 2025 at 12:04 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Working on Stormforks revisions some more this morning. Zenjil mentions one of my favorite characters in this book - a sentient astral diner named Burger Burger who is in desperate need of a union.

This book is a love letter to X-Files and Going Postal, can't wait to share more one day!

#WIPSnips
They weren’t sure why they were keeping it a secret except they knew there was an unspeakable line, a thin border of acceptable behavior from Zenjil they knew they couldn’t openly cross. It had been that way for as long as they could remember, which—their memory was admittedly not the best—but it was one of those things so ingrained in their being it had become an unspoken truth. But it was also true that Anzler had more experience with astral anomalies than most. If anyone would understand, it would be her. They had shared a near death by burger joint after all. She’d fully accepted that Zenjil had somehow teleported into a dumpster through the gate without question.
November 11, 2025 at 10:58 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Aaand Chapter 3 of THE WARDS WILL FALL is now up!

I think a lot of us have had a Theurgical Officer Davis in our lives at some point. Can Maxwell trust Davis? Hmm, remains to be seen.

A new chapter every Monday. Read (or listen) for free.

Link to the chapter list -
www.oleandercraw.com/toc/
“I was sure you’d make it back,” Davis said with an air of confidence. He snapped a leather-bound notebook closed. “Couldn’t leave you to be swept away by flood waters. Glad the lieutenant was able to find you in time.” “The mountain is crawling,” Westbrooke interrupted, pushing past Maxwell to slam her hands down on the table. Papers ruffled at the fury of her motion. “You’re lucky I managed to get there and back. Didn’t think to notify me the mountains were positively crawling with spirits, did you? What are you playing at, Davis?” Davis’s smile curled into something more unpleasant. “It all turned out fine didn’t it, Helene? It was important Theurgist Halli return. I have a plan for tonight.”
November 10, 2025 at 11:42 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
I got the ink one lol.
November 7, 2025 at 11:45 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Putting together a detailed revision plan for Stormforks this morning so here's a snippet from this project. Zenjil the disaster went and slept with their golden retriever boss Henn in the middle of their life blowing up, and it's going about as awkwardly as you'd expect.

#WIPSnips
“Yeah, I got it. Stay away from storms bureau.” “I just—I had to make sure. HR is DOA so they do their own thing, but—“ “I—No, yeah. Thanks, Henn.” Zenjil paced the length of their tiny living room, but movement wasn’t cutting the restlessness stacking up in their chest. “I really appreciate everything.” “Of course. If you ever need anything, just ask.” Henn’s voice lowered. “About last night…” Zenjil grimaced and paced faster. “I, uh—“ “I won’t let that get in the way of supporting you at work,” Henn said hastily. “I just wanted to let you know that, whatever happens. You’ve got a enough going on and I feel like—I think maybe I took advantage of a low moment.” That was not at all what Zenjil expected to hear. It was so unexpected they laughed. “Shit, Henn. You didn’t take advantage.”
November 7, 2025 at 11:31 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Noodling around and recording more audio chapters tonight, having a blast
A tablet with writing propped on a music stand behind a microphone
November 5, 2025 at 11:06 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
This pothos I got is super cool and the photo really doesn't do its leaf pattern justice. It's like silver glitter sharpie bright in full light. Just gorgeous
A small pothos plant with medium green leaves that have a velvety look and a silver mottled pattern. It's sitting on a wooden table.
November 5, 2025 at 7:33 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Maxwell has some thoughts on the Sanctorium he's being brought to. He'll take any excuse to nerd out about ancient architecture he can get.

#WIPSnips
The Sanctorium of Bochir turned out to be the Balebian-looking building built into the side of the hill Maxwell had spied on his first day in the city. For being the seat of the vanguards’ power and a place of worship for the First Aurialis and the First Family ancestors, it was remarkably ugly and plain. The Sanctorium spilled out from within the partially dug out hill like carelessly thrown children’s blocks, dull little windows placed high on walls of the same pink-mottled granite that lined Bochir Way. Wards—no, Decrees, were inlaid into the stone. Their brass lines caught the morning light, giving a golden sheen to the otherwise smooth walls. The whole complex looked more like a South Peak garrison, or one of the countryside bunkers the smaller towns south of Eteln favored—designed for function, the original builders driven by necessity versus luxury. Though they’d clearly tried to soften the harshness of the Sanctorium with pristinely manicured parks that covered the hill, and he had to admit it helped. Maxwell’s carriage took him through an evergreen copse, their boughs still glistening with moisture from a light rain in the night and the smell achingly familiar to the juniper forests that nestled close to South Point.
November 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Accountability posttt
A photo taken at the gym. My purple high tops are just visible in the left corner. A pile of cable equipment is in the middle with a greenish water bottle
October 31, 2025 at 9:00 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Good night
A small cream colored cat peeking out of a pink and white striped laundry basket
October 31, 2025 at 12:38 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
I love that this is the kind of junk mail I get
Ad in a junk mailer for a bleeding knife and lung removal tool
October 30, 2025 at 12:39 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
I stole her brains
Me petting my cat and she's making a silly face
October 28, 2025 at 1:32 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Accountability postttt
Purple high tops and a 40lb dumbbell at the gym
October 27, 2025 at 9:31 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
THE WARDS WILL FALL release day! (M/M dark fantasy)
Come read the first chapter. New chapters release for free on Mondays.

www.oleandercraw.com/chapter-one/

👁️ Expedition to a rotting magic city
👁️ Possessed and becoming Something Else
👁️ Ancient magic is returning

Cover by @sorenhaxan.bsky.social
Book cover for the wards will fall. It features a man with dark curly hair and olive times skin on the front. He is looking concerned with a hand raised. Golden wards are tattooed on the side of his head and back of his hands. He is wearing an elaborate coat covered in silver rocs. A shadow is behind him with many horns and a golden eye. The title says the wards will fall. Underneath it says oleander craw.
October 27, 2025 at 10:45 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
CabaRestle was some of the most fun I've had in a long time and desperately needed this year. Drag? Burlesque? Pro wrestling?? All together???
A screenshot of Junji Ito's The Enigma of Amigara Fault with a man climbing into a person shaped hole while yelling it was made for me! This is my hole!
October 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
The way I've been waiting for these lemons to ripen ALL SUMMER. My first citrus harvest will be soon
Ripening lemons on a small lemon bush in the greenhouse. They're almost fully yellow
October 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Writing retreat a huge success. Met some extremely cool people, wrote and read some cool words and got to see some neat ruined canal aqueducts
Stone ruins of aqueducts Stone ruins of aqueducts
October 20, 2025 at 1:52 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
I do not have a photo from tonight but how am I supposed to stay focused when I have the most needy elderly dog
A large malamute dog with her head on a blanket in my lap
October 17, 2025 at 12:01 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Their tails kinda form a heart :]
Two cats snuggling on a floral duvet. One is toasty cream and the other is a tuxedo.
October 15, 2025 at 1:57 AM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Slowly adding to my unusual plant situation and waiting impatiently for the black bat flower I ordered to ship (photo not mine).

I love that it blooms around Halloween. A perfect plant.
a black bat flower in full bloom. It has big black petals with white tentacles. The leave are shiny and green.
October 13, 2025 at 10:39 PM
oleandercraw.bsky.social
Book cover release day!! I'm thrilled to share this absolutely fantastic cover illustrated by @sorenhaxan.bsky.social. I feel so incredibly lucky!

THE WARDS WILL FALL is a fantasy novel with a mm relationship releasing October 27, 2025. Read for free on my newsletter.

www.oleandercraw.com
Book cover for the wards will fall. It features a man with dark curly hair and olive times skin on the front. He is looking concerned with a hand raised. Golden wards are tattooed on the side of his head and back of his hands. He is wearing an elaborate coat covered in silver rocs. A shadow is behind him with many horns and a golden eye. The title says the wards will fall. Underneath it says oleander craw.
October 8, 2025 at 2:03 PM