never more than forthright…
Celebrating a New Story. The second short story in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection is ready for readers! If you need an additional nudge toward the splurge or the indulgence of a few hours’ read, here are a couple of characters from the story, courtesy of FoxOfTwilight.
The Strength of the Thunderhoof Clan
One sister, a pure light that beckons, the other, a fierce light that burns. Fira and her sister are chased out of another village. Fleeing on foot across the empty moors, they’re caught by a storm that roars like the monsters ever in pursuit. But the wind changes and the thundering brings a stampede of defenders who carry them off to a secret place. Where mares dance and rabbits mine. Where the lost clans hid a lasting treasure. Where the girls’ curse is considered a blessing.
It’s so fun to catch a glimpse of the finished product on the publisher’s preview screen. Followed by Thunder releases next Saturday! Are you pre-ordered?
Only a week remains before the release of the next short story in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection. I’ve made my final tweaks to Followed by Thunder, and I’m pleased. (This is a good sign.) Who’s ready for some horse culture? ::twinkle::
How long is this story?
This one’s a touch longer than Marked by Stars, coming in at 25,000~ words, which I find to be a pleasant afternoon’s (or evening’s) read.
Does Followed by Thunder follow the events of Marked by Stars?
No. Each of the stories in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection can stand alone. You may find connections though. They’re usually there. In fact, the setting for Followed by Thunder is alluded to in Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga, #1). Oh, look! Here’s the excerpt now…
Will these short stories be available in print?
Indeed! The plan is to collect four of these short stories (4thy does love her 4s) into an anthology, which will be available in a print edition. They’ll have the same trim size as the main series, so Saga & Songs will look nice together on your bookshelves. ::wink::
Where will Followed by Thunder be available for purchase?
Everywhere books are sold, so check your usual virtual venues. If you’re the Kindle variety of reader, pre-order is available now on Amazon. Those who read on other platforms should see Followed by Thunder coming available by release day, which is …
May 4, 2019
May the forth be with you!
One sister, a pure light that beckons, the other, a fierce light that burns. Fira and her sister are chased out of another village. Fleeing on foot across the empty moors, they’re caught by a storm that roars like the monsters ever in pursuit. But the wind changes and the thundering brings a stampede of defenders who carry them off to a secret place. Where mares dance and rabbits mine. Where the lost clans hid a lasting treasure. Where the girls’ curse is considered a blessing.
Songs of the Amaranthine is a collection of short stories set in Forthright’s Amaranthine universe. Before the Emergence, the clans were nothing more than whispers and mysteries and legends and lore. But every so often—in out-of-the-way places or shockingly close to home—an unsuspecting person stumbled into a fateful encounter with someone who was decidedly other. An eclectic collection, spanning continents and centuries. Tales of adventure, discovery, friendship, rescue, belonging, and love. Each short story stands alone and can be read in any order.
One sister, a pure light that beckons,
the other, a fierce light that burns.
Since it’s become tradition to put up a squee post, here’s a place for you to react, effuse, speculate, or simply chat amongst yourselves. I might be willing to clarify a point here or there, but I must remain reticent if I’ve raised questions that will be answered in the main series. ::twinkle::
[[ HERE THERE BE SPOILERS ]]
Now Available! It’s release day for the first short story in my Songs of the Amaranthine collection. Digital only. Currently on Amazon. Need more incentive to splurge? How about twin wolves?
Highwind Twins by FoxOfTwilight
• • •
Beloor-dex and Loor-ket were alike
in every way except significance.
—Marked by Stars
FYI. Marked by Stars is a short story. In fandom circles, it’s what we call a long oneshot. I wrapped it up in just under 20,000 words. That’s the target range for all future stories in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection. That way, when I have four stories completed, I can bundle them into a print anthology that’ll look nice alongside the Amaranthine Saga.
Marked by Stars is the first of many short stories set in the Amaranthine universe. The tales will give me the chance to go beyond the plot of the Amaranthine Saga and explore the inner workings of other places and peoples. Each story will stand alone, though it will contribute to your knowledge of clans and cultures. I’ll borrow from various genres—adventure, romance, mystery, slice of life. All of the stories pre-date the Emergence, and they’ll span history, from ancient and medieval to contemporary. Marked by Stars gives you a peek into a past referenced in Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal. Here’s a screencap of the page just before the tale gets underway…
Lord Mettlebright’s Man
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in this series of vignettes because the Amaranthine Saga is mine. (Which means I should probably behave myself since anything I say or do could be taken as canon.) Indulge the lot of us, especially for the one who’s definitely kawaii.
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Fails to Meet Expectations
Jacques would have skipped breakfast if Continue reading
