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:
Perks of Patronage. I do try to reward those who support me over on Patreon with exclusive content. There are stories (currently spinning out Bard & Barbarian). Narrated chapters (of BnB) by Travis Baldree. And there are a variety of options that mean fun stuff in your mailbox. Most recently, I’ve begun adding story snippets. Amaranthine outtakes that are printed on postcards or art cards, much like September’s Quarterly Art Card.
Printed on felted paper, this 5×7″ art card features an illustration I commissioned last year. “The Drama” by Lara Pickle. She did a piece for each of the first four Songs of the Amaranthine stories. “Name Game” is an original story snippet, set after the events of Governed by Whimsy (Songs of the Amaranthine, #4).
You can still get in on this mailing if you join as a patron before the end of the month. The Quarterly Art Card perk starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thank you for supporting me and my stories, wherever they may be found!
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 …
Governed by Whimsy. While you’re (hopefully) enjoying the newest Songs tale, here’s art for the previous one. Ambrose is no doubt attired for some new theatrical in this Rococo-inspired ensemble. And the shoes! “The very kind of extravagance that he both craved and could not have.”
• • •
“My proportions require specialty craftsmanship. And fittings.” Which was as close as Ambrose would come to admitting he had big feet.
Governed by Whimsy
(Songs of the Amaranthine, #4)
“Perfect Fit” | art by FoxOfTwilight
Close-ups:
::twinkle::Button Splosion. Another quick nudge (because I really, really should get back to writing) toward the ongoing photo challenge. So many more entries came in this week, and I love your creativity. I’m always delighted when you pose my books with pets, and we’re about even … cats vs. dogs. Will you be entering? Hope so. There’s time! Pretty, pretty prizes (there will be a drawing) were revealed on this post >>
YOU HAVE TWO MONTHS!
MORE LIKE 1 WEEK
June 20 – August 20
always.forthright@gmail.com
P.S. I snapped this pic. ::twinkle::
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::
Pink Buttons. In honor of Release Day for Governed by Whimsy: The Anthology, we’ve added a pink tote bag to my storefront on Threadless.
Inky Fingers. With each book that’s released in the Amaranthine Saga, we’ve designed a rubber stamp that somehow suits the story. They’re one of those little personal touches that helps make the signed books you order from me extra special. Welp, with Governed by Whimsy: The Anthology about to release, it was finally the Songs’ turn. Naturally, I wanted a unique stamp for each of the four stories. They arrived in yesterday’s mail, and I’ve been testing colors.
More details about ordering a signed book from me >>
Pre-ordered books should ship this weekend.
Await. Await. Await.
Governed by Whimsy. I’ve been reminded that I usually do a squee post after a book/story releases. So readers have a spot to safely … squee. And speculate. And get shippy. Draw connections and conclusions. And usually ask questions I can’t/won’t answer. So let all comers be warned!
HERE THERE BE SPOILERS
Governed by Whimsy is OUT. This is the solo digital edition. The print anthology will be coming along later, probably in May. An audio edition of the 4-story collection is already contracted, so you can also look forward to Travis Baldree’s narration.
His whims drove off her predecessors.
Her whimsy drives him to distraction.
To Ambrose P. Merriman, a stage actor who’s gained acclaim on three continents, reaver escorts are more trouble than they’re worth. Easy-come, easy-go, he hardly bothers to learn their names anymore. But the director and producer of their theater troupe, who are already dancing on the fringes of acceptability, won’t risk losing their independence by neglecting this duty to the In-between.
Reaver Greta Demerara comes with suspiciously excellent references, but by the time the Evernhold brothers realize she’s carrying considerably more baggage than anyone bothered to mention, the train’s already left the station. What’s more, it’s quickly apparent that Greta’s no easier to deal with than their star. It’s either a game of cat and canary or a courtship. And Ambrose would give almost anything for a look at the script.
NOW AVAILABLE!
P.S. I’m not seeing it in storefronts other than Amazon just yet, but it should be showing up soon. (Not much I can do to hurry things along. Thank you for your patience.)
Coming Attraction. Release day is tomorrow, but most of us with pre-orders will be receiving a digital delivery tonight. So here’s fresh enticement in the form of art (and another tiny teaser). Governed by Whimsy will introduce you to members of the Leclerc Company, a traveling theater troupe with a vast repertoire, founded by the brothers Evernhold.
• • •
“Do I have the pleasure of addressing Mademoiselles Dimityblest and Demerara?”
They whirled guiltily.
Tailored gray suit. Chartreuse vest. Velvet shoes. Peridot cuff links. Fanning feathers in the band of the hat in his hands. The gentleman’s tone was cautious, and Greta could guess why. He looked her up and down through glasses with lavender-tinted lenses, shaggy eyebrows on the rise.
Greta rearranged her many parcels, using them as a shield.
“Who might you be?” Lulu’s posture slowly shifted. “Canarian?”
“None other.”
He lowered his glasses, revealing eyes of the same deep orange as his mother’s. Mahogany hair swept away from his brow in waxed waves. “I’m widely known as Monsieur Canarian Leclerc, founding member of the acclaimed Leclerc Company. How may I be of service, ladies?”
— Governed by Whimsy (Songs of the Amaranhine, #4)
• • •
FoxOfTwilight was good enough to create a portrait of my two theatrical dandies, who are quite good at drawing in the crowds wherever they may be performing. Continue reading
COMING SOON!
solo digital edition releases 4/4
Governed by Whimsy has now been added to the Songs of the Amaranthine series page on Goodreads (thanks, Goodreads librarians!), so you can add it to your shelves. Again, this ISBN/edition is the solo digital edition. When the anthology comes out, it’ll have a different designator, and the (oh, so clever) title will be … Governed by Whimsy: The Anthology.
If you’re not already following me on Goodreads, it’s a great way to keep up with whatever’s going on: book giveaways, new titles, release dates, etc.
FORTHRIGHT 