Gossipy Tidbits

It gets quiet around here when I’m “between books.” Tamiko and the Two Janitors doesn’t release until summer, but stuff is happening behind the scenes. For instance:

  • The next Songs of the Amaranthine story is due to be revealed in a fortnight (give or take), so you’ll have that to look forward to. Oncoming teasers expected.
  • Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox will be coming out in audio format on February 26. Travis Baldree has gone above and beyond to match his voice to the cast in my head, and I’m as excited as anyone for that release.
  • We’ll be doing some challenges in the weeks ahead, with fabulous prizes to tempt your participation. (Hint: start planning some Kimiko photos!)

Kith, Kin, and Crosser

“Adorable, is he not?”

Eloquence nearly laughed, for Tenma seemed confused over which person Lapis found adorable: Laud, Ever, or Rise. And in finding equal appeal in all of Quen’s denmates—Kith, Kin, and crosser—Tenma earned a greater measure of trust on all sides.

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

•  •  •

Let’s add a missing piece to the portrait of Eloquence and Ever. FoxOfTwilight was kind enough to give Rise his proper place. Continue reading

Annual Tradition

Every year during the holidays, I get a whole slew of reviews, DMs, and PMs from readers who’ve just finished their annual reread of Counting the Hours, a S/K AU that’s sitting at 2 (very long) chapters. Sweet compliments. Gentle reminders. A bit of groveling. Hoping, hinting, haggling for more.

Truth be told, there is more planned. Two more chapters, in fact, which are both named and (sketchily) outlined. But that story’s on my “someday” list because my RL publishing schedule is jam-packed. So here I am, hoping, hinting, haggling for patience. Because when you believe in HEAs as much as I do, someday always comes! ::twinkle::

ART: Heart of a Dog

Famous Parent. Eloquence Starmark’s dad is one of the Five. No big deal, right? ::twinkle:: His classmate is understandably impressed.

• • •

“Does that mean you’re related to Harmonious Starmark?”

“Closely.” Quen nodded to the embroidered crest on his shoulder—copper thread glinting against dark brown cloth. “Dad’s the spokesperson for the dog clans.”

“You’re a dog.”

“Yes.”

“And your mother’s human?”

Tenma’s grip had tightened, but this wasn’t fear. If anything, he seemed eager. His scent had brightened considerably. Eloquence smiled. “Yes, Mum is human. She’s my stepmother.”

“I saw that special. The one with all the interviews.”

“Who hasn’t?” Quen rolled his eyes. “They’ve aired ‘Heart of a Dog’ every year since my brother was born. It’s becoming an international Christmas Eve tradition.”

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

• • • Continue reading

Ginko vs Gingko

Random Aside. Do you know HOW HARD it is to type “Ginko” (the main character in Mushishi) when your fingers are used to typing “Gingko” (a main character in the Amaranthine Saga)???

…I think I corrected them all in today’s installment.

Recommended Viewing

Camphor & Kouki

Summary: Ginko regrets using the Uroana as a shortcut. He’s having trouble pinpointing where he’s come out, and he’s at a loss on how to get back. But in the meantime, perhaps he can do some good. A trail of acorns, a camphor tree, two sisters, a mushishi, and a highly unconventional mountain master.

Camphor and Kouki by FORTHRIGHT

FYI. This story isn’t on a fast track. Slow and steady, perhaps a chapter a month. (Affinity also updated today, and I’m excited to jump back into Savvy come January.)

Mood Stripes 075: Defiant

Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this audacious adventure… especially for the one who survived. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

Chapter 75: Defiant

One. If Sesshoumaru chose to look at the boy as his, then one remained. Continue reading

Mood Stripes 074: Regaining

Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this audacious adventure… especially for the one in need of comfort. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

Chapter 74: Regaining

Father had towered over the rank and file of demons Continue reading