Worth It. Took a day to comb through upcoming events in Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons. Plotting twelve kisses requires creativity and coordination (and continuity checks). I fussed until I was satisfied with the pacing. Now to write this month’s installment!
Tag: Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons
Chapter 6, “House and Home” is live over on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons
Chapter 4, “Dipping Moods” is live over on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons
Chapter 3, “Dress the Part.” With this and that, I didn’t get around to posting some of the most recent peeks at what’s going on in the serial that’s updating over on my Patreon. If you’re thinking of joining my supporters over there, it’s a pretty great time, perks-wise. Monthly updates on Kimi’s courtship … a new arc in Bard & Barbarian … and early teasers about my next series. ::eyebrow waggle::
December Mailings
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).
Many thanks to everyone who supports my storytelling in such practical ways. I’m grateful. Always.
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons
Chapter 2, “The Daughters of Kikusawa Shrine” is live over on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
The usual questions:
When does this story take place?
We pick up immediately where Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal left off, shortly after Kimi & Quen’s first televised kiss. (May of 4 N.S.)
How long are the chapters?
Nope, this isn’t one of those drabble stories. I’m treating Kimi2 like I would any novel in the Amaranthine Saga, so “full length” chapters.
Is becoming a patron the only way to read this story?
For now, yes. While I’m writing Kimi2, I’ll be posting the chapters for patrons to read. But once it’s complete, I’ll publish the book in its entirety.
How often do you post chapters?
At the moment, once a month. I may increase the pace after I wrap up Bard & Barbarian, which is also serialized on Patreon.
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons
Ongoing! This subscription story is posting on my Patreon account. You can catch each chapter as the novel unfolds, starting at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Check out the tiers & choose one that suits your fancy! ::twinkle::
Kimi2 is LIVE!
Limited Editions. Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons has updated over on my Patreon with Ch1: “Daytrip,” because there were all those designs released by Junzi chocolates in honor of the fourth anniversary of the Emergence. (Enough to make a collector’s heart go pitty-pat.) And some of them were exclusive to different prefectures. Remember? ::twinkle::
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons
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 >>
September Mailings
Doubling Down. September will see both a regular monthly mailing & a Quarterly Art Card. Here’s a peek at the regular mailing, which will go out to patrons beginning at the Sparkle tier. Jacques Smythe in the suit on his book cover looks especially fine on heavy felted paper. And as a bonus, Lord Mettlebright’s man will bring a sneaky excerpt from Bk7: Rhomiko and the Confirmed Bachelor, which will release later this fall. Worth joining my glittering ensemble of supporters? Maybe!
I’ll show you the Quarterly Art Card soon. Look forward to it! forthright on Patreon >>
Also coming in September … a Patreon-exclusive. Think of it as a subscription story. You can read along by joining at the Twinkle tier ($4/month).
Dichotomy Day
Quarterly Art Card. Happy Solstice! I’m finally getting around to showing you the art for this quarter. Junpei’s portrait turned into a larger piece incorporating paper parasols. Fox and I decided that while red flowers were a must … we could next-level things by including the Junzi/Four Gentlemen. Junpei is the main character from Flattered by Flowers (Songs of the Amaranthine, #8), and yes … as many of you have guessed, he’ll be recurring in Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons. (Coming this fall! A patreon-exclusive serialization!)
Junpei | art by FoxOfTwilight
For the art card, there’ll be an original story snippet on the reverse, titled “Sacred Tree.”
Cover Reveal
Glow Up. Not everybody has the luxury of dropping by Travis Baldree’s discord during the narration of Lord Mettlebright’s Man, but here’s something we can all enjoy. When it was time to create a cover for Suuzu and the Nine Nippets of Legend, Jacques proved to be a trendsetter. (Is anyone really surprised?) And so the cover for Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons (Amaranthine Interludes, #3) needed a glow up in order to nail the line look. ::twinkle::
As of… hmm, yesterday, I believe? Patreon has done away with their goals. So I no longer have a community goal (400 patrons) to work toward in order to help rally support. Instead, I’ve decided to simply set a start date. In order to celebrate the release of the final book in the Amaranthine Saga, I’ll kick off Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons. Here are some of the questions I’ve already been fielding:
Will this be another 100-word chapter story, like LMM?
Nope. Kimi2 will have chapters much in line with the books in the Amaranthine Saga. The completed story will be a full-length novel.
How often will you update?
At the beginning, I can only promise 1 chapter a month. However, once I finish Bard & Barbarian, another of my Patreon exclusive serials, I’ll be able to boost the frequency of posts.
Do I have to become a patron to read along?
Yes. If you want to read the chapters as they’re posting, you’ll need to become a patron. Access to Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons will begin at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). If that’s not an option, then hang in there. Once the book is complete, I’ll publish it: print, digital, and audio.
Will Travis Baldree be narrating the book?
Not in a serial format, like he does for Bard & Barbarian. But I’ll schedule him to read the story once it’s complete. If the timing works, audio will release alongside the print & digital editions. But that’s a future 4thy problem. We’ll get there!
Is there a start date?
Rhomiko and the Confirmed Bachelor is currently slated for an October release, so … around then. More details when I know them.
With every kiss he accepts, her claim on him wins hearts the world over.
Readers have often asked for more of Kimiko Miyabe’s courtship of Eloquence Starmark. Their grand cycle is a tale I’ll be telling as a Patreon-exclusive serialization. Chapters will begin posting in Autumn 2023. Their story will range from the seamstress’s workroom at the Starmark compound to the forming of fresh triads at New Saga High School. And you can look forward to all the drama at Kikusawa Shrine: three sisters, twelve kisses, and the long-awaited stirring of a sleeping landmark. To follow along, become a patron! Cozy Fantasy. Slice-of-Life. Family. Courtship.
One Week to Go
Flattered by Flowers (Songs of the Amaranthine #8). The short story will release next Monday, and for those who pre-order, that often means it’ll show up on your e-reader the evening before. (As an avid reader & frequent pre-orderer, I’ve come to adore Release Eve deliveries!)
Yesterday, I put the finishing touches on ALL the uploads, including the anthology, which is off to the printer. This time around, I created back ads for my Patreon exclusive stories:
As you probably know by now, the print anthology collects Songs 5-8. Hemmed in Silver, Captured on Film, Bathed in Moonlight, and Flattered by Flowers. It’ll release 5/22 alongside the audio edition, narrated by Travis Baldree, who’s also been narrating Bard & Barbarian. (Nice segue.)
So much to be excited for! Thank you for supporting my stories wherever they’re found. ::twinkle::
Cover Reveal
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons (Amaranthine Interludes, #2). To help celebrate the Lunar New Year, which coincides with the Emergence in the Amaranthine Saga, I’m unveiling the official book cover for the upcoming serial, Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons, which will be told over on my Patreon once we reach the Community Goal of 400 supporters. It will be available to those pledging $4/month or more. That’s the Twinkle tier! ::twinkle::
“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.“
When does the story take place?
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons picks up where Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal leaves off, following the entirety of Quen & Kimi’s courtship.
So just the kisses?
No, no. The whole Miyabe family gets involved, and stuff’s definitely happening in the vicinity of Kikusawa Shrine … AND at the Starmark compound … AND at New Saga High School. I can promise lots of familiar faces and a few hoped-for answers to longstanding questions. ::twinkle::
How long before the story kicks off?
That’s up to you guys, really. My community goal is 400 patrons, and as of this posting, we’re sitting at 159 … which is aaalmost 40%. So it may take a little time. Or it could go lickity-split. Thanks to everyone who’s excited for more Kimi/Quen moments.
ART: Uncle Laud
“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 >>
FORTHRIGHT 