Songs of the Amaranthine. Good news! The audio edition of Governed by Whimsy: The Anthology is on sale until 2/24/23. Travis Baldree narrates the first four short stories in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection:
Governed by Whimsy: The Anthology, which contains the first four stories in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection is now available as an audio book. Travis Baldree narrates:
Don’t forget, you can still pre-order Mikoto and the Reaver Village‘s audio edition, which releases next week! ::twinkle::
Pre-order! Travis Baldree’s narration of the first four stories in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection will be releasing on August 10, 2021. You can pre-order the anthology now! Titles include …
Fira folded her arms over her chest. “Human men like docile, doting, dainty wives.”
Ricker blinked. “You are not … large.”
“Compared to mares. But my stature is considered a misfortune. I am ungainly, cumbersome. You know, I have even been described as coltish.”
He snorted his way into a whinnying laugh and swooped her into his arms.
“Her Colt” | art by FoxOfTwilight
::close up::
September’s Mailing. It’s August 1, so I’m revealing the Quarterly Art Card, which is one of the main perks I offer to supporters on Patreon. “The Dance” features Ricker & Fira from Followed by Thunder (Songs of the Amaranthine, #2).
“The Dance” | art by Lara Pickle
If you want to be included in this art card mailing, become a patron. You’ll get in on snapshots, story snippets, first looks, interesting mail, etc. Look over the tiers (just $1 for Glimmers, up to $44 for Reliquaries) and choose a comfy niche. Want to know more about becoming a patron before taking the plunge? I explain things more clearly under the tab I created for Patreon >>
. . .
Community Goal – Progress!
82 / 400
Once I reach 400 patrons, I’ll begin posting a subscription story (available to those pledging $4/month or more). “Loosely based on the old Amaranthine tale, ‘The Wolf and the Moon Maiden,’ this serial will involve three sisters, twelve pledges, and the long-awaited stirring of a sleeping landmark.“ (Yes, I’m talking about the Miyabe sisters. Yes, you’ll get in on more of Kimiko’s courtship of Eloquence Starmark.)
Cameras Ready?! Take pictures for me! This time around, I’m inviting you to send me snapshots of ANY of the books (Saga & Songs). Jumble them together or feature them individually. Prop one up in your favorite reading spot. Snag a book-sniffing selfie. Showcase the latest title with the other books in your set … with props from the story … with your mug of tea … with your pets … with your plushies … with character doodles … with a Kimiko-worthy snack. Get creative. Be enthusiastic. Impress me. Be elegant or silly. Make me smile. Because there will be fabulous prizes.
YOU HAVE TWO MONTHS!
June 20 – August 20
always.forthright@gmail.com
If you’re taking part, I’m going to assume you’re okay with my re-posting your pictures here on the blog, on Twitter, on Goodreads, etc. And yes, if you can find creative ways to show off your digital edition, I’ll count those pictures, too.
Fabulous Prizes. Everyone who participates (and lets me know w/ a comment or email and link) will be entered into a drawing. Four people will be selected by ye olde randomizer. Multiple pictures are welcome (encouraged, even), but they’ll add up to one entry per reader in the prize drawing. I’ll reveal what those fabulous prizes are in a future reminder. ::eyebrow waggle::
Followed by Thunder. I have permission from Aviva to share her newest Saga/Songs fanart with everyone here. This is her portrait of Fira.
Fira by Aviva Godfrey
On Patreon >>
Have you read (or recently re-read) Followed by Thunder? The history and culture of the horse clans is interesting stuff. ::twinkle::
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.
The SWAG has landed. Pretty, shimmery promo cards for Followed by Thunder will be tucked into outgoing copies of Tamiko and the Two Janitors, which are scheduled to drop onto forthy’s doormat this afternoon … and zip like codes to readers first thing Friday morning. There’s still time to get into that first batch of books. Order a personalized copy! SIGNED BOOKS >>
P.S. The books (print and digital) are showing up in ALL the online venues now, if you prefer to purchase through your usual vendor. ::twinkle::
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.
FORTHRIGHT 