Clan Names. I was just mentioning portmanteaux on Patreon last week with regards to Amaranthine “surnames,” which are more properly referred to as clan names. I use a tried-and-true system often found in fantasy books. Mash a couple of words together, and … voila! That means it’s possible to pick apart most clan names and look at their meaning. Argent Mettlebright is an excellent place to start. ::twinkle::
Pairing Books with Snacks. This is a quick reminder that there’s a new Photo Challenge underway. Here’s a snapshot from last round, courtesy of Saholia. Which has me contemplating a photo shoot of my own, since I still have a small stash of Kimiko-worthy snacks. What do you think pairs well with the Saga & Songs?
YOU HAVE TWO MONTHS!
June 20 – August 20
always.forthright@gmail.com
“Kith and Kin” is an old-timey phrase that refers to ones friends and family, and it led to the name I gave to the sentient animals who are part of the Amaranthine clans. In the Saga & Songs, the Amaranthine refer to themselves collectively as “the clans” or “the Kindred,” with an imperfectly understood hierarchy. There are the so-called High Amaranthine, who are able to take human form. Then the Kith, who seem to be (unusually large) Amaranthine versions of known animals. And then the Ephemera … but that’s another word for another blog post. ::twinkle::
“Children are precious to the clans. They need our affection, our protection, our attention, our guidance.” Offering a small shrug, Deece added, “This is true for Kith and Kindred alike.”
—Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
• • •
Hey! Have you noticed yet that all Kith have four-letter names? That means that Kith-kin are often given a new name when they find their way into speaking form. What do you think Alder Woodacre’s birth name might have been? ::twinkle::
Fun Fact: Moon-kin Ambervelte, who is also Kith-kin, never changed his name. He still goes by Moon.
Ideal Setting. This is a quick reminder that there’s a new Photo Challenge underway. Here’s a snapshot of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox amidst fallen gingko leaves, sent to me last fall by Jeanine. What would make a good setting for your own photo shoot? ::twinkle::
YOU HAVE TWO MONTHS!
June 20 – August 20
always.forthright@gmail.com
Ward. The first reaver classification readers of the Amaranthine Saga encounter is ward, which is a bit of a catch-all category. Lots of subsets, depending on aptitudes and affinities. In a very general sense, wards are capable of crafting sigils.
• • •
“Please, call me Michael. Ward is really more of a job description than a surname.”
“You’re a … ward?” That brought up unsettling images of wardens and prisoners. “I thought you were Aunt Eimi’s driver.”
“That’s certainly why I’m behind the wheel,” he said lightly.
—Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
• • •
I’m regularly asked to provide a comprehensive glossary of reaver classifications, but … I’m still making them up. ::twinkle::
Cameras Ready?! Take pictures for me! This time around, I’m inviting you to send me snapshots of ANY of the books (Saga & Songs). Jumble them together or feature them individually. Prop one up in your favorite reading spot. Snag a book-sniffing selfie. Showcase the latest title with the other books in your set … with props from the story … with your mug of tea … with your pets … with your plushies … with character doodles … with a Kimiko-worthy snack. Get creative. Be enthusiastic. Impress me. Be elegant or silly. Make me smile. Because there will be fabulous prizes.
YOU HAVE TWO MONTHS!
June 20 – August 20
always.forthright@gmail.com
If you’re taking part, I’m going to assume you’re okay with my re-posting your pictures here on the blog, on Twitter, on Goodreads, etc. And yes, if you can find creative ways to show off your digital edition, I’ll count those pictures, too.
Fabulous Prizes. Everyone who participates (and lets me know w/ a comment or email and link) will be entered into a drawing. Four people will be selected by ye olde randomizer. Multiple pictures are welcome (encouraged, even), but they’ll add up to one entry per reader in the prize drawing. I’ll reveal what those fabulous prizes are in a future reminder. ::eyebrow waggle::
Raiding the Pantry. It’s been a while since I looked through my stash of Kimiko snacks. They’re running a mite low, and there’s no way to restock. (Quarantine inconveniences.) I’ll have to host another photo challenge, soon. Those are always fun. I like seeing your creative arrangements. ::twinkle::
Amaranthine Edition. Thank you for your suggestions! Here are the girls.
Art by FoxOfTwilight
Amaranthine Edition. Thank you for your suggestions! Here are the boys.
Art by FoxOfTwilight
“Hello, Sealed Boy.” Lapis Mossberne is a dragon, a scholar, a bachelor, a romantic, and a charter member of the Five. If you’ve been missing him (he last appeared in Bk2 of the main series), be sure to read Lord Mettlebright’s Man, where he’s been helping Jacques Smythe (of the Uppington Smythes) face his fear of dragons. ::twinkle::
• • •
“You’ve had too much star wine, Lord Mossberne.”
“I know.” He exhaled on a fluttering note that definitely wasn’t human. “It did not help. It never does.”
Mossberne? As in Lapis Mossberne? Tenma stopped breathing. Could this person really be one of the Five? Catching Quen’s eye, he pointed and mouthed dragon.
Rolled eyes and a nod.
But the exchange may have been a mistake, for the dragon lord’s head turned, and light fell upon a lean face, putting fire into half-lidded sapphire eyes. “El-o-quence,” he drawled. “Why is that boy sealed?”
He slithered out of Quen’s grasp, and an instant later, Tenma was holding up a bleary Rivven who smelled strongly of flowers, spice, and liquor.
“Hello, sealed boy.”
—Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
• • •
Lord Mossberne by FoxOfTwilight
Want more art? Try the Cast Portraits and Fanart tags.
Totally impressed with this snapshot of a reader’s copy of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox. It reminds me of the Velveteen Rabbit, kept close and much-loved, read so often, it’s become real.
Thank you, Miss E, for loving my story.
Deadline & Dango. If you want to take part in my whimsical little fortune cookie challenge, the deadline is end-of-day (11:59 p.m. Pacific) TOMORROW (3/4). Fabulous prizes have been determined:
These sweet notebooks called to me from the shelves at a Japan-based variety store that I frequent. I will do a drawing from all participants. Four most fortunate winners will receive one of these notebooks as a thank you for chiming in.
If you want to take part, there’s still time! Please comment on the Fortune Cookie Challenge post!
Jacques Smythe of the Uppington Smythes. Maybe he wasn’t your favorite character in Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, but Uncle Jackie is here to stay. Lord Mettlebright’s Man will probably hang around for several hundred (admittedly short) chapters, skimming through the backdrop of the series, giving you glimpses of life at Stately House from the point of view of an ordinary, unendowed, freeloading gentleman’s gentleman.
Connoisseur | art by FoxOfTwilight
• • •
He was still sulking in his linen cupboard when the younger Starmark tapped lightly and proffered a dainty crystal goblet. “My father sends his compliments and would like your opinion of his gift.”
“Why?”
“Argent spoke highly of your palate.”
“Naturellement.” Jacques lifted, tilted, swirled, and sniffed with patent hauteur. Thick amber, bedizened by tiny galaxies. Holding the first sip in his mouth, he closed his eyes and knew bliss. “What is this?” he sighed.
“Star wine.”
—Lord Mettlebright’s Man, Chapter 59: “Discerning Palate”
• • •
Who else has high hopes for Jacques? ::twinkle::
Lord Mettlebright’s Man begins here.
Mikoto and the Reaver Village. I’m very busy behind the scenes getting out both Songs #4 and Saga #4. Since teasers are fun, I thought I’d spur on your anticipation with a poll. If you can’t vote because you don’t have Twitter, speak up in comments. ::twinkle::
**NOTE** I’ll do official cover reveals w/ full summaries here on the blog once I’m ready to make these books available for pre-order. (Soon!)
FORTHRIGHT 