E. L. Hark
@elhark.bsky.social
Founder and lead writer of superforest, a double act designing games and books in Scotland.
Currently working on publishing my first book, Little Bird.
Currently working on publishing my first book, Little Bird.
A glimpse into the joy and madness of trying to do everything myself. #writtingcommunity #writesky #indie #indiewriter
Ever wanted to know about the process of designing a book? @elhark.bsky.social has you covered, as we at superforest prepare to publish Little Bird!
#booksky #indie #indiepublishing #publishing #superforest #elhark #littlebird #sibylwylt #books #design #writesky #writecommunity
#booksky #indie #indiepublishing #publishing #superforest #elhark #littlebird #sibylwylt #books #design #writesky #writecommunity
Journey to Publication: Designing the book
There are two things that you, dear reader, must understand to make sense of my journey to publication. The first is that I am not publishing my book, but instead setting up superforest to publish …
superforest.org
February 19, 2026 at 2:08 PM
A glimpse into the joy and madness of trying to do everything myself. #writtingcommunity #writesky #indie #indiewriter
For the Arcane Families magic has shaped their whole understanding of familial relationships. It determines who remains, who is adopted in, and who is married off or simply cast out. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
#Febchantment Day 19
Discuss some *major* ways magic has shaped the culture.
I'm not talking little everyday things (that's for tomorrow). I mean BIG PICTURE.
This could be anything from technology, prejudices, government structure, the landscape itself... anything!
#writingcommunity #writesky
Discuss some *major* ways magic has shaped the culture.
I'm not talking little everyday things (that's for tomorrow). I mean BIG PICTURE.
This could be anything from technology, prejudices, government structure, the landscape itself... anything!
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 19, 2026 at 1:12 PM
For the Arcane Families magic has shaped their whole understanding of familial relationships. It determines who remains, who is adopted in, and who is married off or simply cast out. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
Excellent question and one I can't say I've thought a lot about. In general magic is used to enhance things. For example witchcraft is see as a more effective version of medicine. The biggest benefit, however, is that magic is the best weapon and defence against magic. #writingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment Day 18
Why do people want to do magic in the first place? What benefits do they get from it?
What makes magic worth the trouble or risk for people, especially if it's extremely difficult and/or dangerous?
Do they even have a choice at all?
#writingcommunity #writesky
Why do people want to do magic in the first place? What benefits do they get from it?
What makes magic worth the trouble or risk for people, especially if it's extremely difficult and/or dangerous?
Do they even have a choice at all?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 18, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Excellent question and one I can't say I've thought a lot about. In general magic is used to enhance things. For example witchcraft is see as a more effective version of medicine. The biggest benefit, however, is that magic is the best weapon and defence against magic. #writingcommunity #writesky
Magic is legal, but regulated. The Senate of Mages is charged with making and upholding Arcane Law. There isn't just forbidden magic, but there are rules about when and how magic can be used and who is allowed to use it. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
#Febchantment Day 17
What's the relationship between magic and the law in your world?
Is magic illegal? If so, how is the law enforced?
If it's legal, are there any specific techniques that ARE illegal or forbidden? Why?
Is magic perhaps used to *enforce* the law?
#writingcommunity #writesky
What's the relationship between magic and the law in your world?
Is magic illegal? If so, how is the law enforced?
If it's legal, are there any specific techniques that ARE illegal or forbidden? Why?
Is magic perhaps used to *enforce* the law?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 17, 2026 at 9:06 AM
Magic is legal, but regulated. The Senate of Mages is charged with making and upholding Arcane Law. There isn't just forbidden magic, but there are rules about when and how magic can be used and who is allowed to use it. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
I'm still sorting out the exact upper limits of what mortal magic is capable of. The gods, however, are the source of mortal magic and there isn't a limit on what they can do. If they want they can literally tear a person apart and put them back together again. #writtingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment Day 16
This might be a tricky question, but in your opinion, what is the ✨️most powerful✨️ use of magic in your system?
Of course, this all depends on how you define "powerful"! It may not necessarily have anything to do with how much damage is dealt...
#writingcommunity #writesky
This might be a tricky question, but in your opinion, what is the ✨️most powerful✨️ use of magic in your system?
Of course, this all depends on how you define "powerful"! It may not necessarily have anything to do with how much damage is dealt...
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 16, 2026 at 12:06 PM
I'm still sorting out the exact upper limits of what mortal magic is capable of. The gods, however, are the source of mortal magic and there isn't a limit on what they can do. If they want they can literally tear a person apart and put them back together again. #writtingcommunity #writesky
My book is set at a University so I have literal colleges for studying different types of magic. Broadly magic is divided into either Anima or arcana, which is what is taught at the University. Arcana is then divided into sorcery, enchanting, witchcraft, and arcanology. #writingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment Day 15
This week we're discussing magic's role in the culture. So let's start with different approaches to magic.
Are there multiple different types of magic, or different philosophies? Are there multiple schools or disciplines? How do they differ?
#writingcommunity #writesky
This week we're discussing magic's role in the culture. So let's start with different approaches to magic.
Are there multiple different types of magic, or different philosophies? Are there multiple schools or disciplines? How do they differ?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 15, 2026 at 3:38 PM
My book is set at a University so I have literal colleges for studying different types of magic. Broadly magic is divided into either Anima or arcana, which is what is taught at the University. Arcana is then divided into sorcery, enchanting, witchcraft, and arcanology. #writingcommunity #writesky
Consequences of magic is something I'm exploring in the sequel to Little Bird. Using too much magic too often takes a heavy toll on the body causing it to deteriorate and can be fatal in extreme cases. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
#Febchantment Day 13
It's Friday the 13th! So let's talk about ~misfortune~ 😈
I love a magic system with some dreadful consequences. Tell me what happens when your magic goes wrong? What happens if someone doesn't know what they're doing, or they abuse it on purpose?
#writingcommunity #writesky
It's Friday the 13th! So let's talk about ~misfortune~ 😈
I love a magic system with some dreadful consequences. Tell me what happens when your magic goes wrong? What happens if someone doesn't know what they're doing, or they abuse it on purpose?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 13, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Consequences of magic is something I'm exploring in the sequel to Little Bird. Using too much magic too often takes a heavy toll on the body causing it to deteriorate and can be fatal in extreme cases. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
Getting to actually hold my book was an incredible experience. Can't wait to actually get it out into the world. #writtingcommunity #writesky
Writing it just wasn’t enough for @elhark.bsky.social. Little Bird is now very real and in our hands. Hopefully it will be in your hands someday soon too.
#littlebird #sibylwylt #elhark #indiewriter #indiepublisher #indie #booksky #diy #superforest
#littlebird #sibylwylt #elhark #indiewriter #indiepublisher #indie #booksky #diy #superforest
My First book
I made a book. I don’t mean that I wrote a book. I made a book. Wrote the story and edited with the help from others. Did the illustrations and design work myself. Then, finally, printed it a…
superforest.org
February 12, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Getting to actually hold my book was an incredible experience. Can't wait to actually get it out into the world. #writtingcommunity #writesky
I have a University of Arcane Studies with degrees that similar to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorates. The Mage degree is my magical PhD and requires an understanding of all the Arcane arts and demonstration of mastery of one of them. The demonstration very much depends on what you're studying
#Febchantment Day 12
What does it take to be considered a "master" of your magic system?
Is it about the range of your techniques? The difficulty level? The amount of knowledge in your head? Your ability not to set yourself on fire?
Or perhaps there IS no "mastery"?
#writingcommunity #writesky
What does it take to be considered a "master" of your magic system?
Is it about the range of your techniques? The difficulty level? The amount of knowledge in your head? Your ability not to set yourself on fire?
Or perhaps there IS no "mastery"?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 12, 2026 at 1:17 PM
I have a University of Arcane Studies with degrees that similar to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorates. The Mage degree is my magical PhD and requires an understanding of all the Arcane arts and demonstration of mastery of one of them. The demonstration very much depends on what you're studying
Magic has both physical and mental limitations. Individuals only have so much magic and once it's spent they have to wait for it recover. Burn through your magic too often and your body suffers. Beyond that it's mostly a question of skill and practise. #writtingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment Day 11
What limitations did you put on your magic system to keep it from becoming too OP? Is power in short supply? Do spells take a physical toll on the body?
Note that this is about magic done RIGHT. Day 13 will be about when magic goes horribly wrong!
#writingcommunity #writesky
What limitations did you put on your magic system to keep it from becoming too OP? Is power in short supply? Do spells take a physical toll on the body?
Note that this is about magic done RIGHT. Day 13 will be about when magic goes horribly wrong!
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 11, 2026 at 11:19 AM
Magic has both physical and mental limitations. Individuals only have so much magic and once it's spent they have to wait for it recover. Burn through your magic too often and your body suffers. Beyond that it's mostly a question of skill and practise. #writtingcommunity #writesky
Strictly speaking, speech and movement are not require. However, I'm operating behind the scenes on the idea that the more a character is into using their magic the better they are at it. So knowing the name of the spell and little movement can help. #writtingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
#Febchantment Day 10
How is magic actually performed? What kinds of speech or actions are needed to execute a successful spell? An ancient incantation? A hand sign? Martial arts movements?
Or is it enough simply for the caster to THINK their spell into existence?
#writingcommunity #writesky
How is magic actually performed? What kinds of speech or actions are needed to execute a successful spell? An ancient incantation? A hand sign? Martial arts movements?
Or is it enough simply for the caster to THINK their spell into existence?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 10, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Strictly speaking, speech and movement are not require. However, I'm operating behind the scenes on the idea that the more a character is into using their magic the better they are at it. So knowing the name of the spell and little movement can help. #writtingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
Not everyone who practises magic uses tools, but those practising arcana do. Arcana utilises runes to enchant objects as well as staves and wands to weave spells. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
#Febchantment Day 9
Let's talk magical tools! What does someone need to do magic in your system? An arcane focus (e.g. wand, staff, orb)? A book of spells? A musical instrument? A bunch of obscure ingredients?
If you have magical companions, they would count here 😁
#writingcommunity #writesky
Let's talk magical tools! What does someone need to do magic in your system? An arcane focus (e.g. wand, staff, orb)? A book of spells? A musical instrument? A bunch of obscure ingredients?
If you have magical companions, they would count here 😁
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 9, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Not everyone who practises magic uses tools, but those practising arcana do. Arcana utilises runes to enchant objects as well as staves and wands to weave spells. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
Gods. One way or another all mortal magic trickles down from the gods. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
#Febchantment Day 8
This week we're digging more into the nuts & bolts of your magic system! So let's start with the source.
Where exactly does magic "come from" in your world? Where/when does it originate? Does anyone know for sure, or are there only theories?
#writingcommunity #writesky
This week we're digging more into the nuts & bolts of your magic system! So let's start with the source.
Where exactly does magic "come from" in your world? Where/when does it originate? Does anyone know for sure, or are there only theories?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 8, 2026 at 11:43 AM
Gods. One way or another all mortal magic trickles down from the gods. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
I use magic sparingly in my story so there aren't a lot of impressive examples of magic. This is probably the closest thing I have. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
February 7, 2026 at 3:34 PM
I use magic sparingly in my story so there aren't a lot of impressive examples of magic. This is probably the closest thing I have. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment
I try to use all the senses, but use them to communicate different things. So touch is linked to my protagonist's magical perception and often reflects her inner state. Smell is often linked to memories. Sight and hearing are used to establish an atmosphere. Taste...doesn't get used a lot.
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Technical question today!
What senses do your characters use most?
Do you describe what they see, smell, taste, feel, or hear more?
Is it different between characters?
Do any have special senses?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Technical question today!
What senses do your characters use most?
Do you describe what they see, smell, taste, feel, or hear more?
Is it different between characters?
Do any have special senses?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
February 7, 2026 at 12:57 AM
I try to use all the senses, but use them to communicate different things. So touch is linked to my protagonist's magical perception and often reflects her inner state. Smell is often linked to memories. Sight and hearing are used to establish an atmosphere. Taste...doesn't get used a lot.
When I started writing I tried to make a magic system that was somehow novel, but didn't really get anywhere. So I pivoted. My foundation of my current magic system is basic, but my hope is that having simple fundamentals will help me make a more complex system in time. #writingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment Day 6
Tell us about why you developed this magic system! What drew you to the concepts? Why did you choose to make it the way you did? Were you inspired or influenced by any other works?
#writingcommunity #writesky
Tell us about why you developed this magic system! What drew you to the concepts? Why did you choose to make it the way you did? Were you inspired or influenced by any other works?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 6, 2026 at 12:33 PM
When I started writing I tried to make a magic system that was somehow novel, but didn't really get anywhere. So I pivoted. My foundation of my current magic system is basic, but my hope is that having simple fundamentals will help me make a more complex system in time. #writingcommunity #writesky
There is a baseline genetic factor to my magic system. You have be born with magic, and a certain type of magic, to be able to use it. Beyond that it is all a matter of education. #writingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment Day 5
Tell us about who can wield magic in your world!
Is it available to everyone, or only a special few? Is it a gift you're born with, or a skill you can learn? Is the knowledge gatekept in some way?
Don't forget to read & interact with others! 😁
#writingcommunity #writesky
Tell us about who can wield magic in your world!
Is it available to everyone, or only a special few? Is it a gift you're born with, or a skill you can learn? Is the knowledge gatekept in some way?
Don't forget to read & interact with others! 😁
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 5, 2026 at 10:07 AM
There is a baseline genetic factor to my magic system. You have be born with magic, and a certain type of magic, to be able to use it. Beyond that it is all a matter of education. #writingcommunity #writesky
Finally taking my first steps towards publishing. Absolutely terrifying and very exciting. #writingcommunity #writesky
Writing is easy…editing…ooph. But probably the most important step on the way to publishing, right @elhark.bsky.social?
#littlebird #superforest #elhark #booksky #writing #publishing #indieauthor #editing
#littlebird #superforest #elhark #booksky #writing #publishing #indieauthor #editing
Journey to Publication: Making the book
The first step to publishing a book is to write a book. Fortunately for me, I have in fact written a book. So step one was done before I even started this journey. Excellent. Gold star for me. Earl…
superforest.org
February 4, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Finally taking my first steps towards publishing. Absolutely terrifying and very exciting. #writingcommunity #writesky
I've divided my system into two types of magic, Arcana and Anima. Arcana refers to using tools and written languages to use magic. Anima refers to freestyling magic, more or less. #writingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment Day 4
Vocab time! Tell us about some important terms we need to know to understand your magic system. Obviously, make sure you include the definitions! 😁
As usual, interpret the prompt however makes sense to you! Don't feel limited only to conlang words.
#writingcommunity #writesky
Vocab time! Tell us about some important terms we need to know to understand your magic system. Obviously, make sure you include the definitions! 😁
As usual, interpret the prompt however makes sense to you! Don't feel limited only to conlang words.
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 4, 2026 at 12:23 PM
I've divided my system into two types of magic, Arcana and Anima. Arcana refers to using tools and written languages to use magic. Anima refers to freestyling magic, more or less. #writingcommunity #writesky
I don't know if I've ever thought of my magic system as having a central concept. The closest thing is there is a mixture of divinity in the form of creation (specifically the ability to create) and people's sense of self. #writtingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment Day 3
What is the central concept of your magic system? E.g. Elemental magic? Music magic? Name-based magic? Something else? (Note: this isn't the "source" of magic - that's Day 8!)
If you already answered this previously, feel free to go into more detail!
#writingcommunity #writesky
What is the central concept of your magic system? E.g. Elemental magic? Music magic? Name-based magic? Something else? (Note: this isn't the "source" of magic - that's Day 8!)
If you already answered this previously, feel free to go into more detail!
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 3, 2026 at 10:10 AM
I don't know if I've ever thought of my magic system as having a central concept. The closest thing is there is a mixture of divinity in the form of creation (specifically the ability to create) and people's sense of self. #writtingcommunity #writesky
I use a mixture of 'hard' and 'soft' magic atm. My goal is to have set rules about what is possible (and when it is possible) and then to be more vibes based on exactly how the magic is depicted. Sort of like describing your character's actions in an TTRPG after a dice roll. #writingcommunity
#Febchantment Day 2
Do you have a "hard" or "soft" magic system?
In other words, does your magic system have strictly defined rules (think: Brandon Sanderson's books)? Or is it more undefined, mostly vibes/rule of cool (think: Gandalf from LOTR)? Somewhere in between?
#writingcommunity #writesky
Do you have a "hard" or "soft" magic system?
In other words, does your magic system have strictly defined rules (think: Brandon Sanderson's books)? Or is it more undefined, mostly vibes/rule of cool (think: Gandalf from LOTR)? Somewhere in between?
#writingcommunity #writesky
February 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM
I use a mixture of 'hard' and 'soft' magic atm. My goal is to have set rules about what is possible (and when it is possible) and then to be more vibes based on exactly how the magic is depicted. Sort of like describing your character's actions in an TTRPG after a dice roll. #writingcommunity
Toph Beifong is one of my favourite characters in both Avatar and Korra. Would gladly recommend both shows to anyone who hasn't watch them.
#SFFChat Q3: Recommend a neurodivergent or disabled author or character (apart from one of your own)!
January 30, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Toph Beifong is one of my favourite characters in both Avatar and Korra. Would gladly recommend both shows to anyone who hasn't watch them.
Hello, I'm know I'm a little late on this but wanted to join in. I'm a new writer and use the penname E. L. Hark. I'm currently working on publishing my first novel. As for media I've enjoy in the last year, I recently watched Frieren and am fascinated with its storytelling.
#SFFChat Intro:
Hi, everyone! Pretty exhausted today, so apologies if I'm not super quick on the draw tonight.
Introduce yourself and share a piece of media from this year or last that you've enjoyed that isn't a book or short story!
Hi, everyone! Pretty exhausted today, so apologies if I'm not super quick on the draw tonight.
Introduce yourself and share a piece of media from this year or last that you've enjoyed that isn't a book or short story!
January 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Hello, I'm know I'm a little late on this but wanted to join in. I'm a new writer and use the penname E. L. Hark. I'm currently working on publishing my first novel. As for media I've enjoy in the last year, I recently watched Frieren and am fascinated with its storytelling.
It is more like preparing to prepare to publish, but still very excited.
Preparing to publish @elhark.bsky.social? Let's go! #superforest #littelbird #sibylwylt #publishing #booksky #selfpublishing #amwriting #Writingcommunity #writers #writesky
New Series: The Journey of publishing
When I started the process of trying to get published I didn’t know how mind-numbly dull it would be. I thought it would be a lot of work and it was. There was a lot of research to look for a…
superforest.org
January 27, 2026 at 1:44 PM
It is more like preparing to prepare to publish, but still very excited.
Reposted by E. L. Hark
Preparing to publish @elhark.bsky.social? Let's go! #superforest #littelbird #sibylwylt #publishing #booksky #selfpublishing #amwriting #Writingcommunity #writers #writesky
New Series: The Journey of publishing
When I started the process of trying to get published I didn’t know how mind-numbly dull it would be. I thought it would be a lot of work and it was. There was a lot of research to look for a…
superforest.org
January 27, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Preparing to publish @elhark.bsky.social? Let's go! #superforest #littelbird #sibylwylt #publishing #booksky #selfpublishing #amwriting #Writingcommunity #writers #writesky