Philtrum’s Guidance Deck. I’ve begun a new series of illustrations that I’m turning into art cards for my patrons. They’ll be based on the cards in Philtrum Kemp’s guidance deck in the Immortal Holmes series. You may recall the frontispiece illustration from Folk-Spelled, which was Fifth of Forest.
::twinkle::
Updated! Bard & Barbarian has updated over on my Patreon with Ch77: “Storied Past,” in which we learn a bit about dragon deities. Because there’s a demigod (or two) in their ranks, and they’re understandably knowledgeable/curious.
Patrons at any (paid) tier can read Bard & Barbarian!
Chapter 19, “Fool’s Errand” is dropping tomorrow morning on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
Art Cards & an Audio Drop. To celebrate the debut of my new serialization, Boniface Smythe of the Stately House Smythes, I had Mart Lett create a portrait of Jacques and Boniface. It’s the monthly mailing for October 2025, and on its reverse was a teaser for the brand new Amaranthine Outtake that’s scheduled to drop on November 1.
Boniface Smythe of the Stately House Smythes debuts today! You can read it over on my Patreon account. This story is available to ALL members, even free members. With this serial updating every day in October, it’s the perfect time to find & follow me there. forthrightly on Patreon >>
Boniface Smythe of the Stately House Smythes (Amaranthine Interludes, #6)
a Patreon exclusive serialization with 100-word chapters
He wants to figure this out on his own, only he really hates being alone. Boniface Smythe has secured both a position as Suuzu Farroost’s man and a place at Stately House. Unfortunately, residence in the enclave means forced proximity to his brother Jackie, who is everybody’s darling, and to Argent bloody Lord Mettlebright, who needs to mind his own business.
The story begins immediately after the events of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection, which places the beginning of Boniface Smythe of the Stately House Smythes roughly one and a half years after the final book in the Amaranthine Saga. Cozy Fantasy. Slice-of-Life. Brotherhood. Dad friends. Midlife crisis. Putting a Q in LGBTQQIP2SAA+.
Debut Day is Tomorrow. I have a new serialization ready for readers. Boniface’s story will be told in the same style as his brother’s, with 100-word chapters. And just like I did for Lord Mettlebright’s Man, I’ll be using Inktober prompts to get things started. Here is the list for 2025:
As I mentioned back on this post, I’m not posting Boniface here on the blog. Coop will remain here, but Boniface will be unfolding over on Patreon, where it’ll be available to ALL members, including free members. You can follow without joining a tier that requires payment. I hope to see you there!
Boniface Smythe of the Stately House Smythes. Although he doesn’t really like the idea of following (even more) in his brother’s footsteps, dear Bon-Bon has been politely adamant with regards to a new serialization. It’s his turn.
Here are some things you should know:
Questions you might have:
Does Boniface expect to also reach 700 chapters?
I mean, there’s a glint in his eye and a lot going on in his life right now, so … maybe? The boy’s ambitious.
Will you be using reader prompts?
Yes! I enjoy working the words/phrases you suggest into my stories. I’ll begin collecting prompts in October. Expect a later post.
Will Boniface Smythe of the Stately House Smythes be published?
That’s the plan. Once the story is complete, I’ll publish it digitally. And it’ll probably pair up with another short story to create a print anthology & audio edition. (Just like I did by bundling LMM with Suuzu and the Nine Nippets of Legend.)
When can I see the full cover?
Now, if you’re willing to follow me on Patreon, where I posted a cover reveal with the story’s official summary. It’s visible to all members, including free members. Join us. It’s pretty lively over there. ::twinkle::
Chapter 17, “Traveling with a Cortege” is live over on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
Their unlikely attachment would establish a dynasty.
He’s a reaver boy, raised by the fox whose captivity is a family secret. She’s a reaver girl whose line is both favored by and feared by dragonkind. The ward rising through the ranks meets the battler with a healer’s touch. They have little in common, or so they thought. Because trust can be shared, and friendship can belong to two. [An Amaranthine Saga prequel that offers glimpses of Michael and Sansa during their Ingress Academy days.]
Audio Exclusive! This short story has been narrated by Travis Baldree, and I’ve set up a drop over on Patreon, where you’ll find a countdown to its debut on Wednesday, July 9 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific). You’ll be able to purchase Once & Well in my shop.
© copyright by forthright, 2025
narrated by Travis Baldree
10k words | 1 hour, 5 minutes
Chapter 16, “Incoming Students” is live over on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
… because timelines have collided with a nonny, nonny, hey!
Chapter 15, “Summer Sequence” is live over on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
Narrated Edition. Bard and Barbarian has been posting slow and steady over on my Patreon account. Reading along is great, but supporters on some tiers can now listen along. The story is being narrated by Travis Baldree. Ch72, “She Who Stands Between” just went live for those in qualifying tiers. AND Ch68, “Harm’s Way” has unlocked for the Twinkle and Sparkle tiers.
I’ve changed to Thursdays for audio posts. SO! New narrated chapters will (usually, because that’s life) arrive every other Thursday, which means … there’s always something more to look forward to! Learn more about my Patreon here >>
Updated! Bard & Barbarian has updated over on my Patreon with Ch76: “Summon Trouble,” in which we meet the consequences of Imber’s most recent composition. Because Imber seems to have a specialty for summoning things.
Patrons at any (paid) tier can read Bard & Barbarian!
Varti’s Bestie. Here’s a peek at Philtrum Kemp, who has been Varti Weller’s best friend since they entered Badge Academy together as boys. All these years later, they’re still quartermates.
Phil wears a copper cloak because he’s a member of the Bastion’s irregulars. He has specialization that suit him to cases involving Folk (a.k.a. the fae races).
Updated! Bard & Barbarian has updated over on my Patreon with Ch75: “Gaps in the Ranks,” in which Yarrow looks toward hiring on new crew members. But hazard pay is gonna be a problem, now that Cataclysms are involved.
Patrons at any (paid) tier can read Bard & Barbarian!
FORTHRIGHT 