15. August 2022 by Stian Lavik

Illustrations

When writing (and reading, not least) you usually get a lot of visuals in your head. Which is one of the purposes of a text, to be honest. I love how text can do this and still retain the freedom of the reader in a way that images and video never can. Sometimes, however, it may be useful to get some illustrations – some pointers, if you like – to what some characters or places could look like. And this can especially become quite powerful if there is a defined artistic style to the expressions – it may shape entire generations of readers of popular works.

Lately, I have been exploring the possibility of having some illustrations in my book. I am by no means capable of doing this myself. But now it seems technology has finally caught up on this field as well. I have experimented with using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate some meaningful illustrations. We will see which actually make it into the book, but here are some examples:

18. July 2022 by Stian Lavik

Approaching the final stretch of the first book

After having written on this book for quite some time, I am approaching the final stretch of the first book. There are still some pages left to write, and I am uncertain how long it will really be. But I have a clear overview in my head regarding what pieces that will be on the remaining pages. It is an interesting feeling. On one side, I can’t wait to get it done and have the first complete story from the Ardalaar universe on paper. On the other side, I am scared for the moment when I don’t have more story to write in this book, as I really enjoy writing and telling the story. I am guessing that there is a fair chance that there will be more books after this first one. Or some other format. I definitely have more story to tell after this first part.

As usual, the mountains of Vesterålen in the North of Norway is a fabulous place of inspiration.

8. August 2016 by Stian Lavik

What music inspires you?

In my experience, music can have a tremendous effect on many things in life, including my writing. Mostly as a source of inspiration. Therefore, I have made a separate playlist for songs and pieces that “get me in the mood” for writing. Typically, the music I listen to sets a fitting atmosphere or makes me more productive. Here is a list with music I like listening to while working on my book and stories.

Music from The Hobbit (the movie by Peter Jackson)
Music from the computer game Lord of the Rings Online (mostly made by Chance Thomas)
Music from the computer game Heroes of Might and Magic VI
Music from the computer game King’s Bounty
“Get to France” (with Maggie Reilly)
Music of my own making (The World of Ardalaar)
Music from the album Epic Fantasy Adventure by Siren Cues / APM Music
Music from the album Dragons, Wizards & Thrones: Epic Fantasy Adventure Trailer Music with the Hollywood Film Music Orchestra
Music by The Piano Guys

What music inspires you to write? Feel free to reply with your favorites, or with suggestions for fitting music for writing fantasy texts.