Perks of Patronage. The art cards for September 2022 just arrived. They feature the cover illustration from the Hebrew edition of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (art by Omri Koresh). And there’s a short story snippet on the reverse, titled “Under the Ginkgo Trees.” If you want to catch this mailing, come on over! ::twinkle::
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 with perspective.
478
Only Natural
Good Progress. I wrapped up the typesetting for Bk6: Pimiko and the Uncharted Island, so it’ll be off to the printer next. Here’s a screencap of one of the early pages, because if you want to brush up on the Saga & Songs, now’s a good time to begin. ::twinkle::
Pimiko and the Uncharted Island
Release Date: October 22, 2022
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 self-proclaimed loner.
477
Minding
Narrated Edition. Bard and Barbarian has been posting slow and steady over on my Patreon account. Reading along is great, but supporters on some tiers can now listen along. The story is being narrated by Travis Baldree. Ch37, “Together We Fare” just went live for those in qualifying tiers. AND Ch33, “Finest of the Fine” has unlocked for the Twinkle and Sparkle tiers.
New narrated chapters will arrive every other Wednesday, which means … there’s always something more to look forward to! Learn more about my Patreon here >>
Lord Mettlebright’s Man. There have been a handful of private asides, but It’s been unusually quiet in comments lately, and I’m curious why.
Tongue in Cheek. You don’t actually have to comment for me to keep going. I know lots of you love Jacques and care about his outcomes. This is mostly me popping up to ask my own aside. “Hey, are you okay, over there?” If life’s been crazy where you are, please know that I care & hope my stories can somehow keep you company. :: hug ::
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 with questions.
476
Parked
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 rises to the challenge.
475
Contextual Clues
September 2022. This will be a busy month for the mailboxes of those readers who’ve become patrons. The regularly scheduled September mailing will feature another illustration in the Ephemera collection:
Midivar | art by Ren
Normally, this mailing would only be available to patrons beginning at the Sparkle tier ($14/month), but a couple of times a year, I will do an Open Offer, making a mailing available to patrons at any tier. That’s what I’ve done for the midivar postcards, so if you’ve been thinking about becoming a patron, this would be a great time to do so. Glimmers ($1+) & Twinkles ($4/month) are able to request inclusion!
But wait, there’s more!
Quarterly Art Cards are one of my recurring thank you gifts to patrons. They’re sent out during solstices & equinoxes, since those dates have long been important to the Amaranthine clans. For the Autumn Equinox (September 22), I was given permission to use the cover art from the Hebrew edition of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox.
Cover Illustration: Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Hebrew edition)
Artist: Omri Koresh
Bonus Story. As a little something extra, I wrote an exclusive story snippet, which is printed on the reverse. It’s called “Under the Ginkgo Trees” and features Tsumiko & Argent. Patrons beginning at the Twinkle tier will be able to request inclusion in the art card mailing. By the way, patrons starting at the Sparkle tier ($14/month) are automatically included in these quarterly mailings, and my Dazzles ($24/month) enjoy monthly mailings. All part of the perks of patronage!
Thank you to everyone who’s been supporting me so far. We’re nearly halfway to the community goal that will bring you Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons. (Summary & details about Kimi2 on this blog’s pinned post.)
For more information about perks for ALL the tiers, visit my Patreon page >>
The Adorning of Dragons. Stately House has become a peaceful retreat for those Argent trusts and respects. Lord Mossberne is one of the fortunate few, and he has long-since made himself at home.
“Mani-Pedi” | art by FoxOfTwilight
Although it’s only been hints here and there, it’s clear that those who call Stately House home love Lapis. He’s there as often as he can be. Throughout Book 4, Kyrie recalls Lapis often and fondly, since the dragon lord has been mentoring him almost since birth. Lilya is similarly attached.
Lilya had always considered Lapis part of her family. His face had been bending into view since her cradle days, because he doted on Kyrie. But Lapis was too kind to part her from the brother she adored. He had two arms, and so he would carry them both away. Some of her earliest memories involved midnight blue hair, trilling lullabies, and reaching for sparkling baubles that seemed to be singing.
Lapis came to Stately House more than any of the other members of the Amaranthine Council, and she was sure that in his heart, their home was his home.
Mikoto and the Reaver Village (Amaranthine Saga, #4)
Isla Ward is similarly close to Lapis, though their relationship has taken a turn toward the professional. Since she’s Hisoka-sensei’s apprentice and a diplomat in her own right, she works closely with everyone on the Amaranthine Council. But Lapis is practically family. Indeed, in Bk4, Lilya refers to him as “Uncle Lapis.”
::twinkle::Gotta Catch ‘Em All. Taking a little break from writing today in order to play. Yep, I’m into Pokemon GO! If you are, too, and you need a friend, message me. My email is always.forthright at gmail dot com. Always happy to play with reading friends. ::glomp::
“I Choose You!” | chibi by FoxOfTwilight
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 doesn’t need words.
474
Front Seat, Back Seat
Sonnet Skybellow. This question came up in comments today for Lord Mettlebright’s Man, and a blog post seems appropriate. As is usual with my writing, you have all the facts, but they’re somewhat scattered. I’ll go through his appearances in publishing order:
**That sets Hemmed in Silver roughly 80 years before the Emergence.
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 lone one.
473
All that Matters
Updated! Bard & Barbarian has updated over on my Patreon with Ch49, “Marshmallow Wargoat.” Because Imber’s naming sense is truly unique.
FORTHRIGHT 