Governed on Goodreads

Governed by Whimsy has now been added to the Songs of the Amaranthine series page on Goodreads (thanks, Goodreads librarians!), so you can add it to your shelves. Again, this ISBN/edition is the solo digital edition. When the anthology comes out, it’ll have a different designator, and the (oh, so clever) title will be … Governed by Whimsy: The Anthology.

Governed by Whimsy_coming to kindle

If you’re not already following me on Goodreads, it’s a great way to keep up with whatever’s going on: book giveaways, new titles, release dates, etc.

Book Recommendation

What Do You Read? Everywhere I have readers, I receive messages asking for book (or fanfic) recommendations. You ask for novels that have been my inspirations, for my current reads, for my favorite series. But most of all, you ask for MOAR stories just like those I write. Which is always Awkward, since I mostly use this penname and its associated accounts to chat about fandom & my anime/manga habit.

(Spoiler: forthy is not a mangaka.)

I do read more than manga. Plenty more. Lots. Current favorite genres (which are totally subject to mood swings) are adventure and mystery. Subgenres would include historical mystery, magical realism, and paranormal mystery or suspense. I love fantasy creatures, shifters, myths, and legends. Sometimes it’s dragons. Sometimes it’s steampunk. Sometimes it’s a fresh spin on an old fairy tale.

I read what I like. I reread what I love. I’ll try anything that strikes my fancy, but I ditch fast when I’m dissatisfied. My needs are simple: make me care. Want to win my fangirly heart? Leave me smiling at the end.

Who Writes Like You? It’s rare to find ALL my favorite things in one book. When I do run across an author whose story grips me, I usually buy up every durn thing they’ve ever written. This may be why my To Read pile is mountainous. But … I’m supposed to be leading up to a (mountainous) book recommendation here.

Oh, hey… nice segue! Continue reading

LMM 111: Layers of Meaning

Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in this series of vignettes because the Amaranthine Saga is mine. (Which means I should probably behave myself since anything I say or do could be taken as canon.) Indulge the lot of us, especially the trickster.

111
Layers of Meaning

Argent’s lips quirked. “Anyone who has regular dealings with canines Continue reading

Fortune Cookie Challenge

Deadline & Dango. If you want to take part in my whimsical little fortune cookie challenge, the deadline is end-of-day (11:59 p.m. Pacific) TOMORROW (3/4). Fabulous prizes have been determined:

Dango_Prizes-edits

Dango_Sweet_Dango-edits

These sweet notebooks called to me from the shelves at a Japan-based variety store that I frequent. I will do a drawing from all participants. Four most fortunate winners will receive one of these notebooks as a thank you for chiming in.

If you want to take part, there’s still time! Please comment on the Fortune Cookie Challenge post!

Governed by Whimsy

Available for Pre-Order. I’m finally ready to set the release date for the fourth story in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection. This is the solo digital edition. The print anthology will be coming along later, probably in May. An audio edition of the 4-story collection is already contracted, so you can also look forward to Travis Baldree’s narration.

His whims drove off her predecessors.
Her whimsy drives him to distraction.

Songs of the Amaranthine 04, Governed by Whimsy

To Ambrose P. Merriman, a stage actor who’s gained acclaim on three continents, reaver escorts are more trouble than they’re worth. Easy-come, easy-go, he hardly bothers to learn their names anymore. But the director and producer of their theater troupe, who are already dancing on the fringes of acceptability, won’t risk losing their independence by neglecting this duty to the In-between.

Reaver Greta Demerara comes with suspiciously excellent references, but by the time the Evernhold brothers realize she’s carrying considerably more baggage than anyone bothered to mention, the train’s already left the station. What’s more, it’s quickly apparent that Greta’s no easier to deal with than their star. It’s either a game of cat and canary or a courtship. And Ambrose would give almost anything for a look at the script.

Release Date: April 4, 2020
Pre-order on Amazon >>

 

LMM 110: Gentleman’s Agreement

Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in this series of vignettes because the Amaranthine Saga is mine. (Which means I should probably behave myself since anything I say or do could be taken as canon.) Indulge the lot of us, especially the one who really shouldn’t let go at the moment.

110
Gentleman’s Agreement

“How does this work?” asked Jacques. Continue reading

ART: Connoisseur

Jacques Smythe of the Uppington Smythes. Maybe he wasn’t your favorite character in Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, but Uncle Jackie is here to stay. Lord Mettlebright’s Man will probably hang around for several hundred (admittedly short) chapters, skimming through the backdrop of the series, giving you glimpses of life at Stately House from the point of view of an ordinary, unendowed, freeloading gentleman’s gentleman.

Jacques Smythe_Connoisseur by FoxOfTwilight

Connoisseur | art by FoxOfTwilight

•  •  •

He was still sulking in his linen cupboard when the younger Starmark tapped lightly and proffered a dainty crystal goblet. “My father sends his compliments and would like your opinion of his gift.”

“Why?”

“Argent spoke highly of your palate.”

Naturellement.” Jacques lifted, tilted, swirled, and sniffed with patent hauteur. Thick amber, bedizened by tiny galaxies. Holding the first sip in his mouth, he closed his eyes and knew bliss. “What is this?” he sighed.

“Star wine.”

Lord Mettlebright’s Man, Chapter 59: “Discerning Palate”

•  •  •

Who else has high hopes for Jacques? ::twinkle::

Lord Mettlebright’s Man begins here.

Mochi

Tasty Treat. I found myself in an Asian market yesterday. Much to my delight, they had fresh mochi. I’m always there for mochi and/or daifuku. Before eating the last few pieces with coffee for breakfast this morning, I snapped a few pictures for you.

Fresh Mochi

For the uninitiated, mochi is made by pounding rice until it’s sticky/stretchy. In deserts like this, it’s sweetened and wrapped around a filling. Anko (red bean paste) is classic, but you’ll find all sorts of variations.

Fresh Mochi, red bean paste

Fandom: enriching lives in culinary ways.

Twitter Poll

Mikoto and the Reaver Village. I’m very busy behind the scenes getting out both Songs #4 and Saga #4. Since teasers are fun, I thought I’d spur on your anticipation with a poll. If you can’t vote because you don’t have Twitter, speak up in comments. ::twinkle::

Twitter Poll, Bk4 Teaser

@ForthWrites on Twitter >>

**NOTE** I’ll do official cover reveals w/ full summaries here on the blog once I’m ready to make these books available for pre-order. (Soon!)