S. A. Crawford
Bio
Writer, reader, life-long student - being brave and finally taking the plunge by publishing some articles and fiction pieces.
Stories (153/0)
How to Ask for a Raise
In a perfect world, we would all be paid a fair and representative salary for our skills, experience, and level of responsibility. Of course, the world is not perfect and many people go to work feeling underappreciated and under-rewarded. If this sounds like you it's important to understand that you can control the trajectory of your career if you have the right mindset. If this sounds like one of those 'Make Your First Million' books, don't worry; it's not sensationalism, just solid advice from someone who regularly has to barter for a fair wage. As a freelancer, getting paid what I'm worth is not only difficult, it's overwhelmingly important to being able to pay my bills. Here's what I've learned.
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Journal
Gemini Season 2021: A Horoscope, 3 Ways
Gemini is perhaps the least understood zodiac sign of all. Misrepresented as flaky, two-faced, and unreliable, Gemini's often get the fuzzy end of lollipop when it comes to media representation. However, those born in Gemini season tend to be passionate, creative, intelligent, and adaptable. Capable of juggling complex tasks with flair, Gemini's are powerhouses that tend to succeed at whatever they put their minds to.
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Futurism
Something New
Hazel had forgotten just how much stress was involved in planning a wedding. The flowers, the music and the food all had to be arranged and paid for long before even a whiff of perfume or a puff of powder was applied to the bride. Not to mention the expense that came with the dress itself; Hazel smiled at the lacy contraption hanging on her wardrobe door and touched the trailing skirt thoughtfully. It was beautiful, of course, but perhaps too dated and formal to be considered fashionable. In fact, it was very like the one she had worn when marrying Isaac over forty years ago. She turned to the mirror and pulled at her cheeks gently; the skin had lost its elasticity but not its colour, she had always been fortunate that way. She scanned herself briefly; had it really been that long? Everyone had said they were a perfect match... and so romantic, getting married on her twenty-first birthday with only close friends and family. Totally without pomp or ceremony; all that was saved for the huge reception needed to cater for both of their rather extensive, families. With a sigh, she sat on the edge of the bed and wondered what he would have thought of all this going on now, twelve years after his death? Would he approve?
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Fiction
Good Rhythm
People tell me often that I should trade up: that you're old, worn, past it, “For two hundred quid, you could have twenty times better,” Gary said once, in his best big brother voice with a roll of his hooded eyes, “I'll lend you the money if you want? Or give it you, for your birthday, if you're skint.” He meant well, really, but he doesn't understand that you're perfect for me.
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Fiction
The Singing Waters
The mist hung low and heavy. Sticky cold and slimy, it smeared across the roads obscuring all until that the car's headlights seemed like will o' wisps. Insubstantial. John wiped a hand over his face and looked at Cora sleeping in the passenger seat, belly full and bulging. It heaved and roiled as the baby moved inside - a wondrous thing. It made him feel sick. Like a tiny alien, an interloper, had snuck into his wife and bloated her beyond recognition, pushing and demanding until she had no time for him at all. That's why he had needed-
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Horror
How to Create Horror
Horror, romance, and comedy - three of the most underrated genres, in my opinion. Of course, genre fiction as a whole is still sneered at by many literary critics (and some authors of literature). While I could rant about that for a while, I won't - I'll simply say that I feel this disdain is unwarranted. Horror, comedy, and romance are some of the most difficult forms of writing to get right - fear, humour, and intimacy are so subjective that there is no formula for authors to follow.
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Horror
6 Tips to Make Your Romance Writing Shine
While I largely work as a content writer, and self publish in my spare time, I cut my teeth as a ghostwriter, and it taught me many things. Most notably it taught me that the two (arguably) least appreciated and 'prestigious' fiction genres of comedy and romance are the hardest to get right. Now, I could wax lyrical for hours about why these genres are underappreciated (something Eric Selinger touches on if you're interested to read it), but the fact remains that comedy writing is often seen as childish and romance tends to be written off as 'chick-lit'.
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Humans
Drop the Hustle
As a freelance writer, there's nothing that fills me with panic quite like a sudden quiet period or the idea of passing up work. Since the start of the pandemic, I have been, with the exception of the first three months, busier than ever. While the rest of the world was furloughed or otherwise adjusting to enforced quiet and solitude in their non-working hours, I found my working week creeping from 30 hours to 40 until it peaked at roughly 65 to 70 hours a week where it stayed for roughly 2 months.
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Longevity
6 Steps to Write Better Sex
Writing erotica isn't for the faint of heart - whatever anyone tells you, there is a certain 'cringe' factor to writing a sex scene that doesn't really exist in any other part of fiction writing. Even those who are fairly experienced in real life can find themselves floundering when they first try to write a realistic and compelling sex scene. Why? Well, probably because it feels a little personal.
By S. A. Crawford2 years ago in Filthy
