As I mention in my original challenge post, reviews are a practical necessity for any author and quite possibly the BEST way any reader can lend their support. My current showing on Amazon is skimpy at best. If you’ve been meaning to post a review, let this weekend’s festivities be the perfect excuse. I’d be even more grateful than I already am.
“You have heard of the Five?”
“The five largest Amaranthine clans—cat, dog, wolf, fox, and dragon.” Tsumiko had familiarized herself with the basics. “They led the Emergence.”
“Not largest, miss. Strongest,” Sansa gently corrected. “The Five Clans have prestige, pride, and the power to keep both.”
“Because they’re predators?” Tsumiko guessed.
“Some consider that a factor. But historically, the Five maintained deep ties with reavers.” With traces of pride, she said, “As allies, our strength became theirs.”
—Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga, #1)
• • •
I have more chibi editions of the Five, courtesy of FoxOfTwilight. Last time, it was Harmonious Starmark, who speaks for the dog clans. This time, let’s introduce his oft-rival, the Spokesperson for the wolves—Adoona-soh. Her pack works closely with both reavers and with humanity. They’re excellent trackers. Continue reading
Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox is set in the months following the Emergence, when the Amaranthine come out of hiding, asserting their rights as a sentient people. The spokespersons in this dramatic revelation are known collectively as The Five. Representing the dog clans is Harmonious Starmark. And thanks to FoxOfTwilight, we have a chibi version! Continue reading
Fandom Inspired. Let’s highlight some of those juicy tidbits of gossip that are part of the Amaranthine Saga’s formative days. While I was building this new storytelling universe, I incorporated several nods to fandom. Like the “miko” connection and references to kitsune lore with regards to the fox clans. Believe it or not, the people who stand between the human and inhuman races—the reavers—incorporate a subtle nod to fandom. Which begs the question …
Why did you call them reavers? Continue reading
More than just your average chauffeur, Michael Ward is a doting husband, a proud father, a closet scholar, a patient teacher, and a little more amazing than he lets on. A reaver with the designation of ward, Michael’s family has been serving the Hajime household for generations. Continue reading
Time for another Photo Challenge entry. Are you plotting your shapshots? Don’t put it off any longer! And don’t forget that you can also enter by posting pictures of your e-book. Here’s the photo sent in by goldenmirth.
*I held this picture back until yesterday’s cover reveal. You can see the enclosure with the peek at the cover for Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal. ::twinkle::
Keep them coming! The challenge has been extended until 5/22, so you have plenty of time to enter. More details here >>
I’m fond of giving so-called minor characters their due. They can be so neglected in fandom. Or they can shine. In Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, we meet Tsumiko’s younger brother Akira Hajime (mostly through his texts). The fourteen-year-old is full of stories about a “boy who is a bird.” That would be his best friend, Suuzu Farroost. Continue reading
Cover Reveal. I’ve been leaking hints and teasers. For instance, the summary for Book 2 appears at the back of the print editions for Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox. And those who bought signed copies from me got a peek at the cover art. But let’s make this all OFFICIAL. Book 2 of the Amaranthine Saga is indeed titled … Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal. Continue reading
Guesses & Hopes. By now, you know the Amaranthine Saga borrows elements from my fanfics (set-up and setting). I did this to make the series FUN for those of you who have read (and reread) my fandom tales. For the record, the entire series is planned, outlined, and the next few books are even in the pre-write stage (thanks, NaNoWriMo). I know where I’m going, but I’d love to hear your guesses and hopes.
Which of my fanfics do you think should find their way into the Amaranthine story universe?
[[ POSSIBLE SPOILERS ]]
Ask Forthy. You have questions, and I know how to dodge them. But there’s a decent chance I’ll answer them. Or you could address yourselves to the cast. (They might cooperate.) You can ask as many questions as you like. My only request is that you don’t pack two dozen questions into one comment. One or two related questions per comment will keep the threads from tangling.
[[ HERE THERE BE SPOILERS ]]
**Forthy doesn’t believe in author-spoilers, so you’re safe from me, but some of you are pretty durn smart. Questions, speculations, and predictions might be spot on (because I foreshadow like whoa). And naturally, all comments in the following threads will be spoilery for those who haven’t yet read Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox. Hence the dutiful warning.
This weekend (May 4-5-6), I’m hosting and posting to celebrate the first book in the Amaranthine Saga—Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox.
It’s been fun seeing more Photo Challenge entries. Are you plotting your shapshots? don’t put it off any longer! And don’t forget that you can also enter by posting pictures of your e-book. Here’s the photo sent in by Mariana.
Keep them coming! The challenge has been extended until 5/22, so you have plenty of time to enter. More details here >>
May the forth be with you. This is a friendly reminder that there’s a post-release party planned for next weekend (May 4-5-6), which will include—but may not be limited to—an Author Q&A about Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, the first book in the Amaranthine Saga. Everyone who wants a copy can now get a copy (print editions ship promptly, digital editions provide instant access), but if you haven’t gotten around to actually reading the book yet … you have a scant week!
Save up your questions. Maybe you want clarification on some point? Maybe you’re hoping a favorite character will recur? Maybe you’re wondering if that teensy detail that piqued your curiosity was important? While I won’t forecast or spoiler, I’ll be happy to hint and teaser. Bring it!
Need ideas? Here are some questions I’ve seen lately: Continue reading
I adore the creativity of these Photo Challenge entries. Are you plotting your shapshots? Don’t forget that you can also enter by posting pictures of your e-book. Here’s the entry tweeted by @Uittoni
Keep them coming! The challenge has been extended until 5/22, so you have plenty of time to enter. More details here >>
A (Nice Big) Box from the Printer! Once again, a handful of these books are already spoken for, but I have restocked. Author-signed copies of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox are available. If you’re interested…
Prices and particulars here >>
I’ll let you know when we’re close to the bottom of the stack, but it’s first come, first served. And as always, I have signed and numbered bookplates available for those who’ve already purchased the book elsewhere. ::twinkle::
FORTHRIGHT 