How to Do Creative Writing — Lessons from the Luxe Noir Mindset

Why storytelling still matters in an AI-driven world.

Introduction: The Importance of Creative Writing

There are several ways to approach creative writing. For years, I simply let my mind be open. I got good results, but not the ones I wanted. I finally understood that, like in music, real structure is needed. My method is to have clues, names, brands, clothing, and as many details as possible available in both my writing and my mind. Before starting a new book, I let the plot marinate in my head for about five months. I allow my mind to work in the background while I focus on other aspects of entrepreneurship. Only when I feel confident and can visualize about eighty percent of the book as a movie in my head do I begin. That way, I can already pre-format my story and get cracking.

1. The Richest Stories Emerge from the Power of Immersive Research and Firsthand Travel

To see your characters, the climate — yes, whether it's rain or sunshine matters — what they eat, their clothes, cars, speech, and to truly sense the reality you create, travel is essential. I travel at least once a year. During my trips, I pay close attention to every detail around me, and I am rewarded every time. Living in Brazil makes this easier, but the key is to write things down in your phone’s notebook or similar device.

When your story begins to take shape in your mind, having notes that transport you back to that initial feeling is invaluable. That sense will show the reader you truly experienced what your character eats or drinks, that you’ve visited the jungle, an ancient temple, or even a humble coffee shop. Maybe you met a wonderful woman there, her face covered in perspiration, her hand shaking as she set down a marble teacup with a warm smile, her cheeks rosy from the midday heat. Recall the way the small leather chairs were arranged and how she commanded the cozy space with effortless grace.

2. Trust Yourself and Let Go

As I begin writing, I let go and allow my mind to do the work. This is tricky in the beginning because it requires serious trust in your own abilities and faith that your writing will work — that sentences will come together and the story you want to tell will emerge.

For me, this confidence came from practice and from the failures I experienced when I first decided to become a fiction writer. I spent considerable time thinking and researching how I wanted my words to flow, so my sentences would carry the reader forward. I looked to my favorite authors, such as Harold Robbins, Ian Fleming, and Wilbur Smith, for grammatical guidance and studied how their writing kept me engaged. Eventually, I landed on the style you are currently reading.

I do not use AI to write stories; I only use Grammarly for editing and proofreading. What is the lesson? Do the work. Think through what you want on your page and how to achieve it. That, my friends, comes from writing — not from using AI to write bland content.

3. Dialogue

Dialogue can be tricky for any writer. I have only one rule: make the dialogue serve the story and strive to keep it as natural as possible. Whether this works is for readers to decide. Still, I am improving — and that is the goal for any writer.

A good way to test dialogue is to read it aloud. Does it sound right? Would my character actually say this? Does it move the story forward? If you can answer “yes,” you’re on the right track!

4. When to Write and What to Keep?

When I am in the writing process, it means whenever I am ready to continue. I do remember to take some days off to reorganize my thoughts and digest what I have already written. I do not write endless drafts. When I decided to write, that content is final. That means that I leave it and just continue on to the next chapter. When the book is finished, the real job begins — going through every sentence to make sure it reads the way I want it to.

5. Does Anyone Else’s Opinion Matter?

I just love to write and create, and when I am grinning and having fun while writing, the result is usually good! Writing is probably my favorite activity. By doing so, what I end up writing is certainly original, and I trust this is a good thing.

I am a self-published author, which means I handle every aspect, from start to finish and afterward, including marketing. If you have the luxury of working with an editor or getting a second opinion, that’s ideal. However, at the end of the day, you are writing because you want to, and it’s your product.

If you are satisfied with your story’s writing, flow, and ending, focus on refining it rather than rewriting it entirely. Ultimately, your opinion is the one that matters most in your creative process.

6. Is It Wise to Rely on AI to Write Your Books?

AI typically compiles information from online sources and generates imitative stories, often lacking adventurous language and sometimes repeating specific words.

It is often possible to identify AI-generated writing due to these limitations. Using AI may not yield a result that is based on an intuitive, creative, and, above all, human process. But let’s say that you need to include a secret dossier from 1942 in your book? Should you use AI for that? I would answer yes to this if you are not able to do it well enough yourself. Remember: AI is a tool, not a rule. Use it tastefully and you will be alright.

If you just want to puke out low-content books, then by all means, use AI and “elevate” your books if you so desire. However, if you take it seriously, a better way to harness the power of AI is through research. If you don’t have the means to travel to Jamaica to discover what a “rum punch” tastes like, perhaps AI is your best bet.

Key Takeaways

• Travel and observe — Real experiences create authentic stories.
• Trust your instincts — Don’t let perfectionism block the creative flow.
• Keep dialogue natural — If it doesn’t sound right aloud, rewrite it.
• Respect your own voice — Your confidence shapes the quality of your work.
• Use AI as a tool, not a crutch — Let it support your creativity, not replace it.
• Finish, then refine — Drafts are for momentum; editing is for mastery.

About the Author

JFK Løvlien is a Norwegian writer and creator of *The Feeder Series*, a trilogy that blends history, conspiracy, and *luxury noir* storytelling. Based between Brazil and Norway, he draws inspiration from real-world travels, historical intrigue, and cinematic influences. His work explores *power, morality,* and the *human obsession with secrets.*

FAQ — Creative Writing & The Writer’s Mindset

• Q: How do I find my writing style?
  A: Read widely and write often. Your style isn’t something you invent — it’s what remains after you stop imitating others.
• Q: What’s the best way to overcome writer’s block?
  A: Change your environment. Step away, travel, or reread your favorite book. The mind resets when it’s stimulated by something real.
• Q: How do I know when a story is finished?
  A: When you can read it without the urge to fix a sentence. Then, it’s ready to meet the world.
• Q: Should I use AI to help with research?
  A: Absolutely — but know its limits. Let it fill the gaps, not replace your voice.

If you want to see how these principles live on the page, read Goldblood — The Origins of a Luxe Noir Thriller.

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