Because we’ve all earned a tiny treat. Screen-cap!
All the Things, All the Places
All Systems Go. Details are my delight (even when they stage an ambush). I’m slouching in to report that ALL the things have been variously uploaded to, implemented at, and ordered from ALL the places. Tamiko is at the printer. The rubber stamp for this book’s personal touch is ordered. New address labels are on the way, as is assorted swag. Oh, and I had to buy BIGGER blue mailers for readers who are already asking me to ship signed books in multiples greater than two. Travis has the manuscript and a run-down of the cast’s personality profiles so he can begin narration. (He sent me audio samples last night, and I may have been grinning foolishly throughout my listen.)
And because I know you want to ask…
- Print editions should begin showing up for pre-order in virtual bookstores this week. Nope, I don’t know exactly when. Processing varies.
- Ebooks should begin showing up for pre-order in virtual bookstores (other than Amazon, where it’s been available for ages) within the next few days. Again, I don’t have any way of knowing when. This stuff’s mostly automated.
- Yes, I’ll be picking up my fanfics again. Mood Stripes and Savvy will be back this week.
- If you’ve already placed your order with me for a signed copy of Tamiko and the Two Janitors, I’ll be getting back to you in the next day or two to answer questions and confirm your orders.
- According to tradition, I’ve revealed the title and summary of Bk4 at the end of the print edition. Will you peek ahead or won’t you? (I’m strictly a no-peeking reader m’self.)
- And because I really never stop … I’m participating in Camp NaNoWriMo this month, working up the next Songs of the Amaranthine short story, which I’d like to release later this fall.
FAQ
Will you still finish Unexpected, even though you’re publishing Tamiko and the Two Janitors?
Oh, I’ll have to. Unexpected (my InuYasha AU featuring Kagome as an elementary school principal and Inuyasha & Shippo as janitors) is a VERY different story from the third book in the Amaranthine Saga. I definitely borrowed a few details. And then I may have borrowed a few other details. But the finished book serves the Saga. Fandom will have to wait its turn (but it will get one).
Signed Copies
Open for Pre-Orders. Tamiko and the Two Janitors will release later this month. As promised, I’m now accepting pre-orders from those wanting an author-signed copy. Order details are under the SIGNED BOOKS tab, or simply click here >>
This book is longer (yay!) which means print and shipping costs are higher (yipe!), so I need to nudge up your cost for Bk3 to $25 USD. You can still request copies of Tsumiko or Kimiko for $20 USD. Bookplates will also be available for those who purchase their print book locally (or just happen to want ALL the things).
always.forthright@gmail.com
I’ll keep track of orders, but I may not respond to your email immediately. Patience, please! I’m up to my twinkles getting every little thing ready for release day. Fwee! This is so exciting!
Lulling
I’ve been scarce, and you can blame the janitors. Culminating plots have a way of banishing all else from my mind. Apologies to those who’re waiting on this or that. As always, I’m grateful for your patience. And while I have you here, a couple of questions keep cropping up in my inbox:
When will Tamiko and the Two Janitors print editions be available for pre-order?
For the general marketplace (online orders from online bookstores), I don’t have an exact date. Too many variables that are out of my control. However, if you’re holding out for a signed copy, I will begin accepting orders on July 1, 2019.
When will Tamiko and the Two Janitors ebooks be available from anywhere besides Amazon?
Again, I don’t have an exact date. All versions in all venues will probably begin showing up in late June. I will keep you posted. (Note: Following an author on Amazon or on Goodreads will often result in email notifications about upcoming or newly releasing titles. Nice, huh?)
eBook Deal
Amazon Monthly Deal. Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal is on sale during the month of May for both the US and Canada. If you haven’t purchased a digital edition, it’s the perfect time to snap up a copy!
And of course, if you’re the sort of reader who loves to HOLD a book in your hands, I do still have signed copies available. Details Here >>
Followed by Thunder
Celebrating a New Story. The second short story in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection is ready for readers! If you need an additional nudge toward the splurge or the indulgence of a few hours’ read, here are a couple of characters from the story, courtesy of FoxOfTwilight.
The Strength of the Thunderhoof Clan
Release Day!
One sister, a pure light that beckons, the other, a fierce light that burns. Fira and her sister are chased out of another village. Fleeing on foot across the empty moors, they’re caught by a storm that roars like the monsters ever in pursuit. But the wind changes and the thundering brings a stampede of defenders who carry them off to a secret place. Where mares dance and rabbits mine. Where the lost clans hid a lasting treasure. Where the girls’ curse is considered a blessing.
Countdown…
It’s so fun to catch a glimpse of the finished product on the publisher’s preview screen. Followed by Thunder releases next Saturday! Are you pre-ordered?
Pre-Order Tamiko
Tamiko and the Two Janitors. Great news! The digital edition is now available for pre-order for those who buy ebooks on Amazon.
In doing her part for world peace, she puts one crosser’s whole world at risk. Conspiracy theories, werewolf scares, and protest rallies have hampered the peace process in America, where social and political unrest keep most Amaranthine from declaring themselves. Those not in seclusion rely heavily on illusion to mask their true nature.
As the newly appointed principal of a small elementary school, Tamiko Reaverson is doing her part for world peace. She rallies her community’s support and applies for Hisoka Twineshaft’s school revitalization project, which will bring Amaranthine to her hometown. Little does Tami realize that Fletching was founded by one of the oldest and largest urban enclaves in the United States. And two of her staunchest supporters—janitors at her school—share a secret neither wants exposed.
Release Date: July 22, 2019
Coming Soon
Only a week remains before the release of the next short story in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection. I’ve made my final tweaks to Followed by Thunder, and I’m pleased. (This is a good sign.) Who’s ready for some horse culture? ::twinkle::
How long is this story?
This one’s a touch longer than Marked by Stars, coming in at 25,000~ words, which I find to be a pleasant afternoon’s (or evening’s) read.
Does Followed by Thunder follow the events of Marked by Stars?
No. Each of the stories in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection can stand alone. You may find connections though. They’re usually there. In fact, the setting for Followed by Thunder is alluded to in Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga, #1). Oh, look! Here’s the excerpt now…
Will these short stories be available in print?
Indeed! The plan is to collect four of these short stories (4thy does love her 4s) into an anthology, which will be available in a print edition. They’ll have the same trim size as the main series, so Saga & Songs will look nice together on your bookshelves. ::wink::
Where will Followed by Thunder be available for purchase?
Everywhere books are sold, so check your usual virtual venues. If you’re the Kindle variety of reader, pre-order is available now on Amazon. Those who read on other platforms should see Followed by Thunder coming available by release day, which is …
May 4, 2019
May the forth be with you!
One sister, a pure light that beckons, the other, a fierce light that burns. Fira and her sister are chased out of another village. Fleeing on foot across the empty moors, they’re caught by a storm that roars like the monsters ever in pursuit. But the wind changes and the thundering brings a stampede of defenders who carry them off to a secret place. Where mares dance and rabbits mine. Where the lost clans hid a lasting treasure. Where the girls’ curse is considered a blessing.
Likes & Answers
There’s a thing floating around on Twitter (I’m ForthWrites there, too, if you care to follow me), and I’m posting it here, too. For every time you “like” my tweet, I’ll yield an answer. Some of them may even be interesting.
I’ll copy my answers into comments here for those who don’t lurk the social media circuit. If you have a “better” question for me, ask away. It never hurts to ask, right? ::twinkle::
Lately…
I always feel a little bad when there’s nothing but a long string of Mood Stripes chapters on my blog. Makes me feel neglectful. This always seems to happen when we’re “between books.” So let’s have a little round of updates!
I’ll be making Tamiko and the Two Janitors available for pre-order (on Amazon, at first) later this month. Which feels a bit dodgy when the manuscript isn’t quite finished. But progress is both daily and good. We’re on track for a July 22 release.
The next title in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection has reached the final editing phase. Followed by Thunder is currently available for pre-order (again, on Amazon for now, other venues to follow). I’ve developed a real fondness for this cast … and hope you will, too.
My manga reading is mood-driven, and the last few weeks have been one long binge. I went from being WAY behind schedule on my Goodreads goal for 2019 to being a few titles ahead. At the moment, I’m reading Naruto (nostalgia!) and DNAngel (double nostalgia!) as well as re-reading some newer series to refresh my memory before catching up with their latest installments. Are you following me on Goodreads?
AND because I have a new project in the works, I’m participating in Camp NaNoWriMo this month. Daily word sprints! Creative bliss!
Fruits Basket
Returns! If you haven’t yet heard, there’s a NEW Fruits Basket anime, and the simulcast began tonight. Now, I own the original anime, and this was the very first series that I collected when I stumbled upon manga, so the story and its characters hold onto a sizeable corner of my heart. Tonight’s revisitation still has me giddy with nostalgia.
If you’re familiar with the first anime, you’ll be in familiar territory. The new Fruits Basket is a faithful rendering (almost verbatim in spots) … but with utterly gorgeous, even cinematic backdrops and subtle tweaks to character design. For instance, Yuki actually looks like he could be related to Shigure now. ::twinkle::
If you’re familiar with the manga series (and how everything ended), you’ll catch new nuances of foreshadowing. And since the title panel includes the text “Season One,” I am holding out hope that we’ll get the full storyline (and the full cast) with this new rendition.
Heaven help me, this could lead to fanfiction. ::twinkle::
Mood Stripes 091: Unhappy
Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this audacious adventure… especially for the one who’s only guessing. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Chapter 91: Unhappy
The gaze that lifted to Kagome’s was blank, but lurid ripples Continue reading
FORTHRIGHT 