Every Name a Story

Named for the Future. Harmonious is the firstborn son of Glint & Radiance Starmark, and he was named for the future hope on which Wardenclave was founded: peace between the Amaranthine clans and the reavers under their protection.

I think one of my favorite scenes in Book 2 is when Tenma Subaru sleeps over at Quen’s and wakes up surrounded by the Five. Harmonious gives peace such a personal touch.

What do you say, Tenma Subaru? Would you be opposed to my treating you as pack?”
“I must protest,” came a voice, low and lazy. “I saw him first.”
How long had Lapis been watching?
Harmonious snorted. “Eloquence’s claim is a matter of record. But if you crave kinship, I’ll claim you next, dragonling.”
Blue eyes widened, then narrowed. “Are you threatening me?”
“Let’s call it a promise. But this one first.”
Tenma’s stomach flipped at the intensity of Harmonious’ gaze. And the enormity of his offer. Dogs were reportedly friendly, Spokesperson Starmark more than most. So this probably wasn’t as important to him as it was to Tenma. But even if this dog made offers of friendship and kinship to every person who strolled through his gates, Tenma wanted this.
“Please,” he whispered.
“Good lad.” Harmonious leaned down to kiss his forehead. “Welcome home.”

Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)

ART: Elite Trackers

Assembling a Taskforce. With Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate‘s release date a mere 20 days away, I’m teasering all I can without spoilering anything of import. Since these two are known entities, they’re getting their turn in the limelight a little early. You already know that Juuyu and Sinder are partners. What I’ve never mentioned (before now) is the identity of Boonmar-fen Elderbough’s partner. ::twinkle::

Elite Trackers | art by FoxOfTwilight

If you haven’t had the chance yet, I do hope you’ll pre-order Book 5 in whatever format (or formats) you prefer. Print/Digital release is October 22. Audio is scheduled to release on November 9. And I’m now open for pre-orders on author-signed books.

Cub Reporter

New Routine. I totally forgot to publish the next chapter of Cub Reporter on Wednesday. Not used to the new routine, I guess. Must remember. I do prefer to be punctual. :: embarrassed ::

Summary: Sequel to News Hound. Iruka reaches the meeting point for his next undercover mission a day early. Terranean is a big enough city, getting lost in the crowds should be a cinch. But what’s lost can be found. And being found out would be disastrous. [Iruka & Kakashi/Sukea/Hound] A Naruto fanfic.

Pre-Order a Signed Book

Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate. If you’re interested in purchasing an author-signed copy of the fifth book in the Amaranthine Saga directly from me, I’m opening up for pre-orders today. Books will ship during release week. The cost will be $25 (includes shipping in the US). I accept payments via Zelle and PayPal. Or by Amazon gift card, if that’s how you roll. More details on the Signed Book page >>

Email me: always.forthright@gmail.com. Things I need:

  • Name (post office likes “real” names)
  • Mailing Address (double-check for typos)
  • The name you want me to write on the flyleaf

always.forthright@gmail.com

Release Day: October 22, 2021
Audio: November 9, 2021

October Things

Busy, Busy Month. Tomorrow is the 1st of October, and I’m kind of reeling over how much FUN STUFF will be packed into the coming month. Let’s do a quick run-down to sync our calendars. ::twinkle::

Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate (ebook) is currently available for pre-order in ALL the online venues. Those of you who buy the digital edition will boost my First Week numbers, which pleases the algorithms. Thanks for that! But I still have the most fun getting signed books (with all those personal touches & swag) into your hands. As per tradition, I’ll open up pre-orders for Fumiko on OCTOBER 1. (Yep, that’s tomorrow.) Details about those on the Signed Books page >>

. . .

October kicks off Inktober, and that means a month of Jacques Smythe. Lord Mettlebright’s Man will honor its beginnings by updating every day during October, using this year’s prompt table. Look forward to it!

. . .

Some of you have coaxed by other stories I’ve written, and I’m grateful that so many of you have picked up the Galleries of Stone trilogy, which I published under another penname. Unless there’s a change in the schedule (such things do keep us on our toes), Travis Baldree will begin narrating Bk1: Meadowsweet in October, and you can listen in. He streams his recording sessions live, and it’s so much fun to watch him work. I’ll be there, probably too giddy to be sensible.

Pokemon GO!

Let’s Be Friendly. From time to time (usually when a challenge demands it), I remind my followers that 1) I play Pokemon GO! and 2) I prefer to friend my readers (rather than random strangers). If “gotta catch ’em all” is also one of your goals, don’t be shy. Drop me an email with your friend code, and I’ll happily add you.

always.forthright at gmail dot com

Traditional Gift

Book Pins. One of my friends makes a point of always getting me an enamel pin to match the books I’ve written. With Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate releasing in less than a month, I thought you might enjoy seeing their pick. It’s a phoenix, of course.

Release Day: October 22, 2021

Have you pre-ordered your digital edition of Fumiko? I’ll be opening up pre-orders for signed copies on October 1. The audio book, narrated by Travis Baldree, will release on November 9, 2021.