Signed Books. I’m plotting a post office run tomorrow. (Gotta love it when a bunch of people suddenly decide it’s time to order a signed book or bookplate.) Anyone else want to join the stack? Signed Books >>
Category: Random Asides
Pre-Order Update
I just approved the cover for the audio edition of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal, narrated by Travis Baldree, which releases March 19, 2019. That’s less than a month away!
You can still pre-order the audio edition of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, narrated by Travis Baldree, which releases really, really soon—February 26, 2019. I have heard enough audio samples to be quite giddy. You won’t want to miss this!
There will soon be another short story in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection, and it’s currently available for pre-order on Amazon. Fun Fact: the site lists stories like these as “two-hour reads,” something you can enjoy in one sitting. Followed by Thunder releases May 4, 2019.
And while we’re at it, let’s mention the third installment in the Amaranthine Saga. Tamiko and the Two Janitors will release July 22, 2019 and will become available for pre-order in April.
Spotted
Details will always win my heart. In a certain city, at a certain mall, there is a fountain rimmed in botanical mosaics (and identifying plaques). So even though I was out-and-about all day yesterday, my thoughts were taken up by the stories waiting for me at home. ::twinkle::
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!)
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::
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.
#NaNoWriMo2018 Winner
I survived! Which means I am allowed to play with some of those fanfics that have been lulling. Looking forward to some relaxing reading & writing right on through December. ::twinkle::
Collecting Pins
Enamel Pins. For someone like me, traditions just sort of start, seemingly all on their own. One thing leads to another thing, and suddenly, it’s a Thing. A good example is a recent gift from the same person who bought me a forget-me-not pin to celebrate Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox. I now have a lovely chrysanthemum pin to mark the publication of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal. ::twinkle::
And of course, I’m now seriously tempted to have my own pins made for the series.
Fangirl at the Grocery Store
Not on the List. When fans shop, seemingly random items can make their way into the cart for no better reason than … squee factor. Case in point: on a recent stroll through the international aisle at a local grocery store, a line of fancy-schmancy pasta caught my eye. But it was the name for this particular variety that secured a purchase.
Arcobaleno = Rainbow
…but to this fangirl, Arcobaleno = Reborn!
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! is a one of those long-running shonen series with the sort of running jokes that I associate with gag anime. Everyone has their schtick and their catchphrases, so the entire character introduction phase (more than thirty episodes) gets a little … repetitive. But Akira Amano is laying the groundwork that becomes the foundation for an amazing storyline. It’s such a favorite of mine that even though the anime is more than 200 episodes long, I’ve watched it all the way through three times. (No surprise, since it encompasses some of my favorite themes: friendship, kinship, and mentorship.)
Have you ever bought a random thing for its fandom significance?
Green Snacks
Still staying on top of my #NaNaWriMo goals, so let’s have another snack. Couldn’t resist the little angel dude on LONELY GOD Potato Twists – Seaweed Flavor. And a melon ramune, which is the flavor I reach for if Blue Hawaii isn’t available (it usually isn’t). Japanese melon flavor is sort of … honeydew (hence the green), although some brands remind me of cantaloupe.
Steamed Buns
“Miyabe-kun!”
Mr. Fujiwara beckoned her over to the window at the front of his shop and its brightly-lit glass case. Making a big show of looking both ways, he passed her a steamed bun.
“Are you sure?” she asked. The glossy white bread was hot against her palm.
Mr. Fujiwara pointed knowingly at the bags looped over her arms. “Sweets aren’t strength, and you’ll be needing yours.”
“Thank you!” Kimiko broke the bun in half, releasing a fragrant cloud of steam.
—Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)
• • •
Hot Stuff. Steamed buns are wonderful because they’re hot. This time of year, I like to indulge because the barbeque pork buns from the local Korean market’s take-away counter are just the right size to wrap two hands around. Varieties range through savory and sweet flavors. I’ve tried the classic barbeque pork, ginger pork, chicken and vegetable, and a breakfast version with sausage and egg. Sweet versions usually involve red bean or mung bean, and seasonal fillings like chestnut or (as shown in the photo above) taro. Both the bread and the creamy filling in these buns are tinted lavender. Bold snacking, indeed! (And pretty alongside green tea.)
Happy Is Yummy
Lavender Snacks. Settling in with my NaNoWriMo project, but not before I share another snack. For the uninitiated, taro is a root that can be used in similar ways to potatoes … except not quite. I’ve used it in soups and hearty stews, and it can be mashed and sweetened to create fillings for puffs or fried sesame balls (much like red bean paste or mung bean paste). You can also order taro-flavored boba tea. In the Japanese color-code for foods, taro-flavored items are lavender.
#NaNoWriMo2018
NaNoWriMo is going well. Four days in, and I’m on track with my goals for the month. If you need a buddy, I’m plodding along over here >>
Snack Habits
Iconic Snacks. In honor of Kimiko and in anticipation of NaNoWriMo’s month-long writing extravaganza, I raided several markets with an eye toward adventurous snacking. Let’s start with two of the most iconic snacks, both of which can sometimes be found in your grocery store’s international aisle.
Pocky & Ramune
(RAH-moo-nay)
Authentic
Itadakimasu! I live in an area with plenty of Asian markets and restaurants. Tried a new place last week and snapped a photo of my lunch. Ramen served in an iron pot—shouyo broth, soba noodles, poached egg, fish cakes. There was also tempura shrimp to slide on top. Yummm!
Already plotting to go back. I need to sample more items on their menu!
FORTHRIGHT 