Dear Crone,

I have, over the past ~5 years, written bits and pieces of an absolutely huge story that takes place over many centuries, and will almost certainly turn into a book series big enough to rival even the Percy Jackson Universe.

I took it upon myself last year to create a timeline and to flesh out the worldbuilding in prep for actually writing this tale.

And I did, but now i am at a bit of a standstill because i fear I won't do it justice.

Any advice?

Fantasy Addict

Dear Fantasy Addict,

What would doing it justice look like?

It’s not like you can fuck it up, considering it’s your story!

Remember that it’ll only feel familiar to you given your exposure to it, don’t convince yourself that it’s unoriginal or too obvious.

It’s your baby, you know everything about it, and so long as you have your arcs properly outlined, the only advice I can really give is sit down and write!

You can do it.

Encouragingly,

The Crone

Recommended by one of our beloved readers, Yesteryear asks: Have you ever wanted to see a tradwife put her money where her mouth is?

Natalie Heller Mills lives an idyllic life, catering and promoting a “traditional” lifestyle to her millions of followers—fans ignorant of the industry, wealth, and connections that make her rustic daily routine so easy.

So imagine her surprise when she wakes up in a bygone era, one that has replaced her high-tech appliances and wireless internet with actual farmstead living.

Needless to say, she’s a little out of her depth and vows to escape by any means necessary.

Not so fucking glamorous, is it, Mills?

While I rarely dive into the isekai genre, you know I have a weakness for clever magic systems, and Sarah Lin wants you to build a house inside your soul.

Fuck it, why not?

Theo awakens on Tatian, the last thing he remembers of his old life being his mentor’s hands around his neck.

Weak from his rebirth, he’ll have to gather allies and resources to enact his revenge.

Hopefully, it doesn’t go as poorly as last time.

Dear Crone and Vessel,

Do I quit my job for a few months and finish up The Damn Book (sadly no dams but it is about man-eating mermaids), or do I listen to my mother and keep doing a job I hate bc well, the economy?

I have savings, I have a therapist, I have burn out and I have a decent first draft.

BUT no balls to rage quit my job or go part time elsewhere.

How does one disappoint their parents?

Has the internet glamorised this too much?

Practical help/advice needed please!

Former (?) Golden Child

Dear FGC,

The act of disappointing one’s parents requires doing something regardless of their opinion, not in opposition to it.

The main focus of this question should be your financial concerns.

You have savings, great! Do you have enough to support yourself while you write?

Do you know how long it will take you to complete your work?

Have you done any market research regarding the audience for your novel? Are you going to self-publish or pitch to a larger company? Are you going to hire an editor?

These are all considerations you need to make.

But as an aside, do we need to go nuclear just yet?

You hate your job, been there, done that, committed tax fraud.

Could we maybe find a different job before taking this leap?

Being unemployed seems like a great idea, but you’d be surprised how hard it can be to institute a work schedule upon oneself.

…Trust me.

Honestly,

The Crone

Dear magnificent crone (and Daniel),

First of, I am stupidandanxiousvetstud (when I joined the feed I didn’t have my glasses and messed up my user name, my bad.

I need advice on friendship!

As my name suggests, I am in vet school, and this year I thought I met a friend group, whose only thing I asked for is honesty.

I discovered that they had a separate gc without me, so I ended it.

The problem is, I will see those people for 6 more years daily, and Idk how to act as I don’t want to ruin the class

Stupidandanxiousvetslut

Dear Vetstud,

If you’ve disengaged from the friend group, you’ve already established your boundaries, and now you can just… be normal.

You don’t need to turn this into a high school K-drama, just focus on your work.

If they chat with you, chat back.

If they’re nice to you, be nice back.

In the best way possible, I doubt they’re thinking about you this much, so reciprocate that energy.

Directly,

The Crone

Dear Crone,

I have had a crush on one of my coworkers the entire time we have worked together and have only told one other coworker.

The one coworker I told went out for drinks with him and some other coworkers and says there was a vibe between them.

She has now asked me questions about if he's dating and what his previous relationships looked like.

In an attempt to be a good friend, I have answered these questions to my best knowledge but now I feel used and my feelings ignored.

What should I do?

Torn

Dear Torn,

Go and ask him out, it’s not like he’s taken.

Seriously, you want someone, go get him.

Whether or not your coworker was being malicious is irrelevant; go take what you want.

If she gets pissy, all the better.

And never confide in her again, gods (worldbuilding) damn.

Honestly,

The Crone

Dear oh benevolent Crone,

I took your advice (yay), I've been talking to him a lot more, but...

He's like really boring and hates everything I like (example: I LOVE glitter and he hates it with a passion).

I think I'm just going to gently let him down and try to stay friends

Hopelesss

Dear Hopeless,

Congrats! You did it!

It may not feel like much, but this is a huge step forward.

You entered a new situation, learned new information, and now have the opportunity to express your desires regarding it.

Excellent job.

Now just treat every other event that comes your way with the same mindset!

A quote I’m particularly fond of:

“Everything is a win if the goal is experience.”

Love,

The Crone