$.99 SALE. I’m participating in the Cozy Up with Fantasy book blast. Several authors in the genre have dropped the price on more than 50 books! I’ve marked down Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox AND Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal for the day … as well as Meadowsweet (Galleries of Stone, #1) by C.J. Milbrandt (that’s one of my other pen names). You’re invited to check out ALL the offerings on the Cozy Up with Fantasy website, which has helpfully listed books along with their summaries, key words, and links.
With a sale like this, you can fill your e-reader in cozy ways. Do take a look. It’s a one-day event.
Found in the Wild. This is the best time of year for finding new pajamas, since all the stores are bringing in tons of holiday coziness. Scanning through options at our local Walmart had me doing a double-take. Boy, do these look familiar.
Not exactly the same, but close enough to count. If you want ’em, too, best nab a pair in your size before the holiday rush. ::twinkle::
ART: cropped from a fun piece called “Hold Him Down” by FoxOfTwilight
Releasing This Month. I received word back from the publisher that the second book in the Amaranthine Saga will release in May. The cover features Eloquence Starmark (he is totally blushing over this depiction), and patrons will soon be receiving art cards to celebrate the publication!
Patrons and Perks. I’ve been away for a few weeks, being a semi-adventurous traveler, but now that I’m safely home & settling in for holiday shenanigans, I’m catching up. Some of the boxes that awaited my return held the art cards for December. This month’s regular mailing features art by Mart on a lovely linen paper. It’s the first in what will be a set of four commissions, and patrons have the chance to collect them all.
Kusunoki | art by Mart
Dichotomy Day is nearly upon us, and that means there’s also a Quarterly Art Card mailing. This time around, I chose another lettered piece by Asha, and for the first time, I splurged on gold foil. The results have given some serious shine to her favorite quote from Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal.
“Forgive my lack of eloquence…” | lettering by Asha
I’ll also mention that it’s “courting comb” season. This year’s selection features a phoenix.Those go out in January, but in order to qualify for the mailing, you’ll need to be at the appropriate tier (beacon or reliquary) for both December and January. So now’s the time to make that leap. Quantities are limited, and I do have a few leftovers from past year’s combs (fox, dragon, chrysanthemum).
Nearly There. As a nod to the day (it’s my 17th fanniversary), I planned to kick off Kimi2 today. The first chapter’s written, but I want to let it rest for a little bit, grab some food and coffee, and do a final editing pass before I post it to Patreon. As a reminder of what’s going on for Kimi & Quen, here’s a quote from Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal:
If THIS is the moment you’ve been waiting for … hey! It’s finally here! ::confetti toss::
For those of you who want to get in on everything from the start, patrons at the Twinkle tier ($4/month) will have access to this serialized story as it unfolds. Thank you for all the ways in which you support my storytelling. I appreciate it! forthright on Patreon >>
“I have two fathers.” In the aftermath of the accidental proposal, I’m sure Quen would have liked Uncle Laud’s opinion on the matter. After all, Laud practically raised him. Quick Reminder: Laud Starmark is one of Harmonious Starmark’s younger brothers. As you can see, Laud strongly resembles his mother (Radiance), having inherited the Ambervelte pack’s distinctive coloring.
Uncle Laud | art by FoxOfTwilight
. . .
Wolfs has tails!” exclaimed Ever, his own a blur. “But dogs is best.”
Tenma asked, “Are you a dog?”
It was exactly the right thing to ask. “Yeth! Like Da. Him’s mine.”
Lapis interjected, “What of poor Eloquence?”
“Yeth.” Ever belatedly acknowledged the dragon a wiggle-fingered wave and patiently explained, “Him’s mine, too. My bruvver.”
“And the silent lout over there?” inquired Lapis.
“Rise. Him’s mine, too.” In a loud whisper, Ever explained to Tenma, “Him’s Kiff.”
The dragon lord chuckled. “I was referring to the one with no ready excuse for his reticence.” At Ever’s obvious confusion, Lapis offered a broad hint. “The one with white hair.”
“Uncle!” With that, Ever slid from Tenma’s lap and trotted across to Laud, who sat on the floor beside the door.
Eloquence explained, “Laud Starmark raised me and remains my mentor. My den is his den.” He tried to think of a way to explain their relationship so a human could understand. “I have two fathers.”
Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
. . .
Can we just take a moment to appreciate Quen’s training hair?
REMINDER: I have a (novel-length) serial story planned called Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons. Once I reach my community goal of 400 patrons, I’ll begin posting exclusive chapters. “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.” If you’re looking forward to more Quen & Kimi, join the ranks. We’re currently over 1/4 of the way to that goal. forthright on Patreon >>
Quen & Kimi. Once I made the executive decision to leave Eloquence’s hair unbraided for this near-kiss, it became increasingly obvious that with his hair loose around his shoulders, Quen looks even more like his father. They’re both charmers in their own way. ::twinkle::
Kimiko & Eloquence. When your daughter sends you an Instagram link, and there’s a lovely surprise on the other end. I hope thief.of.time.uk doesn’t mind my showing off her wares. Be sure to follow the links and like her handiwork!
Good Reminder. Quick nudge (because I really should be writing) toward the ongoing photo challenge. This is one of our newest entries, courtesy of Jeanine. Will you also enter? Pretty, pretty prizes (there will be a drawing) were revealed on this post >>
YOU HAVE TWO MONTHS!
MORE LIKE 2 WEEKS
June 20 – August 20
Send me a link to your #bookstagram or blog post, pins, or pic-spam.
Tweet your pics using @ForthWrites, and I’ll retweet.
Email me your snapshots or leave them here in comments.
*DO* notify me via email. Unlike Hisoka-sensei, 4thy isn’t quite omniscient.
Pairing Books with Snacks. This is a quick reminder that there’s a new Photo Challenge underway. Here’s a snapshot from last round, courtesy of Saholia. Which has me contemplating a photo shoot of my own, since I still have a small stash of Kimiko-worthy snacks. What do you think pairs well with the Saga & Songs?
YOU HAVE TWO MONTHS!
June 20 – August 20
Send me a link to your #bookstagram or blog post, pins, or pic-spam.
Tweet your pics using @ForthWrites, and I’ll retweet.
Email me your snapshots or leave them here in comments.
*DO* notify me via email. Unlike Hisoka-sensei, 4thy isn’t quite omniscient.
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
Send me a link to your #bookstagram or blog post, pins or pic-spam.
Tweet your pics using @ForthWrites, and I’ll retweet.
Email me your snapshots or leave them here in comments.
*DO* notify me via email. Unlike Hisoka-sensei, 4thy isn’t quite omniscient.
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::
Raiding the Pantry. It’s been a while since I looked through my stash of Kimiko snacks. They’re running a mite low, and there’s no way to restock. (Quarantine inconveniences.) I’ll have to host another photo challenge, soon. Those are always fun. I like seeing your creative arrangements. ::twinkle::
Eloquence and Kimiko. I have permission from Aviva to post this in “all the places,” which amounts to … here! Fanart for Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal.
FORTHRIGHT 