The Monthly Muse - Your monthly writing inspiration with fresh and seasonal themes

Issue 3
October 2024

Theme Machine

Ouija Detective

Interrogate your haunted crime scene evidence to unveil your writing prompt. However, you do not know if you will speak to the victim, murderer or a witness...

Pick
Ask
Review

Haunted evidence!

You have arrived at a crime scene to solve a mystery.

  1. Pick 3 objects of evidence
  2. Ask the spirits for guidance - you only have 5 questions
  3. Review your prompt
Psst.. you can leave the game running while you're writing your story for that extra bit of haunting musical atmosphere. Oh yeah, it has music!
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Genre Spotlight

Supernatural Detective Fiction

Blending mystery with the paranormal, this genre is rooted in Gothic and detective literature. Protagonists, from lone detectives to a group of friends, unravel mysteries in a world where the supernatural is hidden.

The strength of this genre lies in establishing coherent rules for otherworldly elements. Its allure comes from a mix of ancient folklore with modern settings, whether it be from Paranormal Noir or Supernatural Cozies.

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Research Corner

Monster of the Week

Seen in shows such as Supernatural, Goosebumps, The X-files, and Stranger Things, 'Monster of the Week'-style programs allow the viewer to dip in and out of a world, with satisfying conclusions to each episode (or season).

This type of fiction shares several characteristics:

  • A clear formula, starring a new dilemma each 'week'
  • Overarching plotlines
  • Seasonal themes

'Monster of the Week' style works are perfect for serialized fiction or short stories involving a recurring cast.

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Marketing Secrets

Get ready for Winter

It isn't just horror that sells well in October! Cookbooks, mystery/thriller, and holiday-themed romances are also growing in popularity at this time of the year as readers bundle up and prepare to hibernate with their book hoard.

If you aren't publishing this month, why not spend time on promotions, getting ready for the holiday season? Gift guides, email marketing campaigns, and reaching out to the community in person at book and craft fairs are all fun ways to share your stories with the world.

FAQ

Do I have to write a story?

Nope! Any literary work (fiction or non-fiction) works, provided it includes the prompts on your challenge! Depending on your available time you don’t need to work on a large project every month.

Can I only do one challenge?

Do you think we’d limit you to just one? Knock yourself out! If you want to write two, four, even ten… We don’t know when you’ll sleep, but go for it.

Do I have to use AI?

Not at all! Novelcrafter is a pure writing application at its heart (although we’re fond of the AI features we’ve added.) You can use as much or as little AI as you feel comfortable with. This is an exercise in creativity, so do whatever sparks that joy in you.

Is there anywhere that I can talk about/ask questions about the challenges? What if I want to share my story?

We’ve created a new Discord channel (#monthly-muse) for you to share your work and ask questions. We don’t ask to see your stories in order to participate, but please feel free to talk about your projects as much as you’d like.

What if I’m still not sure what to do?

Not to fret! We will be frequently going live during the month to work on this challenge in different formats, both using AI and without. We’ll answer your questions and help you out where we can. And don’t forget to check Discord!