Author: FORTHRIGHT

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!

by Categories: Amaranthine Saga, Songs of the Amaranthine Leave a comment

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 >>

 

by Categories: Songs of the AmaranthineTags: , 10 Comments

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 →

by Categories: Amaranthine InterludesTags: 6 Comments

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.

by Categories: Amaranthine SagaTags: , , , 4 Comments

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.

by Categories: Random Asides 2 Comments

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!)

by Categories: Amaranthine SagaTags: 8 Comments

LMM 109: Life Choices

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 ready one.

109
Life Choices

Jacques wasn’t a respected kind of chap. Continue reading →

by Categories: Amaranthine InterludesTags: 5 Comments