Manga Trend. I buy a lot of manga. Yesterday’s delivery brought a recent trend into startling focus. Can you spot it? ::twinkle::

Manga Trend. I buy a lot of manga. Yesterday’s delivery brought a recent trend into startling focus. Can you spot it? ::twinkle::
All Day Event! I’ll be away from my computer for much of the day, taking part in this big ol’ Pokemon event. If you’re playing along, see you out there! If you need a friend, email me your friend code, and I’ll add you when I check in later (to post Vassal chapters). > always dot forthright at gmail dot com
Pokemon GO! From time to time, I mention that I play … usually when a challenge insists that I make a new friend. Sure, I know I could just nab some rando from the interwebz, but I enjoy playing with reading friends. So … who’s game? ALSO, if you’re already a friend & still need a friend, nudge me anyhow. Another member of my household also plays. In fact, we often raid together. ::eyebrow waggle::
email me your friends code > always.forthright at gmail dot com
Lulling. I swear, I don’t do this on purpose, but every time I let a fanfic lull (in this case, Mood Stripes hasn’t updated on the fanfiction site in a couple of weeks), readers over there hunt down my website. I can only assume they’re checking to make sure I’m still alive. ::twinkle::
So many stories! I’m good at juggling. Hey, I even find it fun. But sometimes I need to focus on one thing or another for a little while. This is one of those times. Again, I’m glad you’re eagerly looking forward to more. That’s a fine compliment! ::glomp::
Busy, Busy Month. Tomorrow is the 1st of October, and I’m kind of reeling over how much FUN STUFF will be packed into the coming month. Let’s do a quick run-down to sync our calendars. ::twinkle::
. . .
October kicks off Inktober, and that means a month of Jacques Smythe. Lord Mettlebright’s Man will honor its beginnings by updating every day during October, using this year’s prompt table. Look forward to it!
. . .
Some of you have coaxed by other stories I’ve written, and I’m grateful that so many of you have picked up the Galleries of Stone trilogy, which I published under another penname. Unless there’s a change in the schedule (such things do keep us on our toes), Travis Baldree will begin narrating Bk1: Meadowsweet in October, and you can listen in. He streams his recording sessions live, and it’s so much fun to watch him work. I’ll be there, probably too giddy to be sensible.
#Inktober2021. Did you know that Lord Mettlebright’s Man began because of Inktober? Forthy cannot resist a prompt table. (Aren’t you glad?) Looking forward to October, when Jacques will go all daily again.
I’m looking ahead to next year’s writing schedule, and I’m really very curious. Once I wrap up Mood Stripes, what do YOU think I should do with the opening in my blog schedule?
Fall Releases. New stories are scheduled for release in both October and November, which may seem a long way off. If so, I’m suggesting you tide yourself over with other titles currently in stock. I have copies of the Galleries of Stone trilogy on the shelf. Its a trilogy I mentioned on this post >>
This is a fantasy series, complete in three volumes. (Although there’s a second trilogy in the works.) The story involves a magical master sculptor and living statues … and Tupper. Naturally, it’s also available digitally. These print editions have full-color illustrations, and if you order them from me, they’ll be stamped & signed (and include swag). If you’re interested, email me at always.forthright at gmail dot com.
$25 each, includes shipping in the US
So close. When I near the end of a manuscript, it’s all I can see. So I’m going to let Mood Stripes & Lord Mettlebright’s Man lull for a couple of weeks. Thank you for your patience.
You might be asking yourself:
More fun stuff to come. I’ll keep you posted.
Poll on Patreon. I (almost) always teaser my art posts over on Patreon. This time, I’m having a hard time picking which illustration to post next. You can ALL help me decide since I’ve made the poll public. So go on over and vote!
I Choose You! Every once in a while, I mention here on the blog that I play Pokemon GO. (Daily. Devotedly. Obsessively.) Yes, I’m taking part in the Kanto event (2/20). Nearly all of my in-game friends are readers, which I think is quite spiffy. I love sending gifts & stickers & raid invites, so if you share my little hobby, you’re welcome to send me your friend code. My email is always.forthright at gmail dot com.
I Choose You | art by FoxOfTwilight
Question and Answer. I received a (probably unintentionally) loaded question in comments on my most recent chapter of Lord Mettlebright’s Man. It really kicked my brain into overdrive, and by the time I finished answering, I figured I’d bring it out of comments & make a blog post of it. If only because there’s a teaser tucked in there. So with all due respect, I’m reposting the question & my answer here:
So, when are you going to write an LGBTQ character that’s a normal person? Not in love with a married man, or these two who are basically siblings.
My goodness. What a loaded question. I’ve given it a ponder.
As the Saga continues, I can’t promise you much in the way of “normal,” but there are interesting choices ahead. For everyone. Including Jacques.
Looking Ahead. I’m not sure pantsers can have resolutions. Too many rules. Too much structure. I do have a vague idea of what I want to accomplish this year, and I’ll be making the rest up as I go along. Gotta stay flexible. Gotta be nimble. Gotta take life one day at a time! ::twinkle::
With that in mind, stick a whopping “if life cooperates” in front of all of these:
Here’s to new things & continuing things & quiet days & steady habits & home.
Happy New Year!
Level 40. Those of you who play Pokemon GO! know what a big deal it is to hit Level 40 in the game. It became a bigger deal when it was announced (last month) that trainers who achieve this milestone before December 31 will get “legacy” status, commensurate bragging rights, extra goodies, and a cool hat. With enough raid invites (and maybe some new friends), I could potentially hit the XP goal and level up … today!
If you play Pokemon GO! and would like to be in-game friends, email your friends code: always.forthright @ gmail dot com. And if you catch wind of a raid in your area, drop me an invite. ::twinkle::
Signed Copies Available. If you’re looking for items to add to your shopping list or wish list, may I suggest signed copies of a fantasy series that I all but admitted to writing? (Okay, I did admit to it, but in my usual oblique manner.) More about Galleries of Stone trilogy on this post >>
Genre: Fantasy
Series: complete
Rating: all ages
Pages: 400~ each
Illustrations: full-color spot illustrations
Price: $25 apiece (includes shipping in US)
Also available digitally, everywhere books are sold.