The Latest

Folk-Spelled (Immortal Holmes, No.1). My new series is a paranormal mystery set in an alternate history. Steampunk and gaslight leanings. Fantasy elements. Cozy suspense is a thing, right? And hey! Hopepunk also fits the bill. NOW AVAILABLE!

This gaslit Holmesian steampunk mystery from Forthright (author of the Amaranthine Saga) opens with a scene as cozily inventive as it is tantalizing …. A promising series-starter about a truth-seeking liar, a city cloaked in ancient magic, and a detective who distrusts his own mind.” —BookLife Reviews (Editor’s Pick)

An immersive read …. the author’s meticulous attention to detail makes the most commonplace scene memorable.” —BlueInk Review

Forthright immerses the cast in a rich environment with hints of a more familiar world beyond the steam-powered machines and the constant whirring of gears …. This delightful opening installment introduces an eccentric, magical world. —Kirkus Reviews

Varti shines as the unlikely protagonist, persevering despite (or perhaps because of?) his curse; while the supporting cast is varied, interesting, and just as crucial to the plot, helping to paint the picture of the quaint-turned-ominous Newcomb in the throes of a series of mysterious murders. —BookLife Prize

OTHER STUFF:

  • The Amaranthine Saga is complete in seven volumes, though it’s fair to say the story isn’t quite finished unfolding, thanks to various serials underway (see Amaranthine Interludes).
  • Songs of the Amaranthine is a collection of short stories that predate the Emergence. They encompass a variety of -ships: kinship, friendship, partnership, mentorship … and romances of every stripe. Crossovers, cameos, and saga-relevant details abound. There are currently 10 to choose from.
  • Amaranthine Interludes are stories that happen in the background of the main Saga or in the years soon after. Two are complete. Three are ongoing. More are planned. ::twinkle::
  • Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons – Readers have often asked for more of Kimiko Miyabe’s courtship of Eloquence Starmark. Their grand cycle is a tale I’ve been telling as a Patreon-exclusive serialization. Cozy Fantasy. Slice-of-Life. Family. Courtship.
  • Coop and the Elderbough Trackers – An ongoing serial that posts here on my blog. Cole Pfeiffer-Cooper, who prefers to be called Coop, became part of a pack way before the world found out about the Amaranthine. Begins here.
  • Boniface Smythe of the Stately House Smythes – a story in 100-word chapters that’s being serialized over on Patreon. Free to read for all members (even free members). Begins here.
  • Bard & Barbarian is a D&D-inspired action/adventure tale that posts exclusively to Patreon. Now with serialized narration! Become a patron to read along.

• • •

Want fanart? Try the Cast Portraits and Fanart tags.
Want MOAR to read? Try this highly recommended series >>
(spoiler: 4thy has other pennames)

Friendly Birbs

Incentives. About … wow, it’s three months ago already, I was introduced to Finch. The app is geared toward healthy habits in all areas of life. You can set your own goals, and you’re rewarded for keeping them.

I first brought this to my patrons, and several have become my buddies. Would you like to join in on the fun? My finch is named Epiphany, and he seems to be taking cues from the Smythe brothers with his wardrobe. He has a growing collection of little suits, sweater vests, and natty caps.

My goals within the app are pretty simple. Some of it’s self-care & fitness, like walking 10,000 steps a day and doing tai chi & yoga. I’ve also folded in several writing goals. You can buddy up with friends and encourage each other to stick to a goal. Things like reading or taking a picture every day are easy to share. It’s been fun, and I thought I’d offer to connect with y’all here on the blog. Making friends is also an in-game goal. Join me? If you use these links, we’ll become friends. And as an added bonus, you’ll receive a micropet. (You’ll notice that at the time I took that screencap of Epiphany, I was walking with an acorn. Because acorns of affection are kind of a thing. ::twinkle::

I thought it’d be most appropriate to offer you the arctic fox. A little Argent.

I picked a micropet just for you! Tap this link or use my friend code NRM2F4PYPD1 for a special reward! https://finch.go.link/16m3L?adj_label=n9wyu

But maybe you’re more of a griffin person?

I picked a micropet just for you! Tap this link or use my friend code NRM2F4PYPD7 for a special reward! https://finch.go.link/aiatk?adj_label=yJXqq

If you want, share your Finch friend code in comments so you can all friend each other! Let’s keep doing our best!

When it all goes wrong…

I had so much fun creating the lingo used by the people of Newcomb in the Immortal Holmes series. Slang and colloquialisms. Oaths and idioms. They lend ambiance and even nuance. For instance, you may have noticed that city-dwellers use more steampunk-y slang (eg. “rust it all!”), but woodfolk like Philtrum Kemp lean more toward nature-based sayings (eg. “that’ll flourish!”).

Widdershins. It’s a quirky term I’ve always loved. Widdershins is just another way to say counterclockwise, so it’s perfect for a town that’s full of coggers & steamworks.

Begging your pardon, gents. I happened to overhear a bit of what you were saying, and I’ll confess myself curious. What you’re saying. It’s all widdershins. I’d swear you’re having two entirely different conversations.”

Folk-Spelled (Immortal Holmes, No.1)