Forthright .'s Blog, page 7

Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the older, wiser ones.

101
Tempted to Attempt

Pierre immediately hunted for Giang. “He’s curious about the Grovel.”

Interest lit the other ward’s face. “Should we make an attempt?”

“It’s not against the rules.” Pierre considered Coop. “But can he do it?”

“My instructor said i...

Costs on the Rise. When I shipped the first round of Folk-Spelled book orders, Mr. Right and I were a little taken aback. We hadn’t realized that the USPS had raised the cost of sending media mail. Usually, I can ship a book in the US for about $5. But that price has been hiked to $9. So I need to raise the cost for the author-signed books I mail out. Again. As of June 1, 2025, I’ll begin charging $30 for nearly all my titles (Rhomiko, which was already at $32 will go up to $35). If you want...

Be with You. I’m home, and I’ve mostly taken care of my post-travel necessities. Laundry handled. Fridge restocked. To be honest, my internal clock still seems to think I’m on the east coast, but hey … nothing wrong with getting an early start to a writing day! ::twinkle::

I spy a 4. (I’m always snapping pictures of fours.)

The writing part of my retreat has given me a solid start on the next novel on my writing docket (Hadwin is the second book in CJ’s Journeymen of Stone series.) It w...

Varti’s Bestie. Here’s a peek at Philtrum Kemp, who has been Varti Weller’s best friend since they entered Badge Academy together as boys. All these years later, they’re still quartermates.

Phil wears a copper cloak because he’s a member of the Bastion’s irregulars. He has specialization that suit him to cases involving Folk (a.k.a. the fae races).

Harpy Design. During Travis Baldree’s recording session for Folk-Spelled, a couple of people spoke up, saying they couldn’t really picture my harpy character. So I shared this art from Ramage’s character sheet. My harpy characters are flight-capable, with large wings, trailing tail feathers, and crests that can rise or puff out, according to their moods.

It’s been interesting working with an entire sub-culture of people who get along just fine without hands. Mart Lett, my series illust...

Maps & Coins & Terms. I took my time with world-building for my new series, and I know my way around pretty well now … but it’s kind of a lot to navigate. For the first time, I created a glossary for the back of a book. Folk-Spelled includes a run-down of everything from the names of seasons to the value of the local coins.

If you’d like to snag a printable version of “Navigating Newcomb,” it’s available to members (even free members) over on my Patreon. Here you go >>

Comfort Food. One of my editors remarked that she couldn’t really picture Varti’s favorite eggy buns. Happy for an excuse to go buy some, I headed to the Asian market and secured a few hexes so I could snap pictures.

Anyone who’s ever been to a dim sum restaurant (or many a Chinese buffet) may already be familiar with the inspiration for eggy buns. Dough is wrapped around a slightly sweet, custardy center made from egg yolks … then steamed.

They’re also quite tasty cold. Lovely wit...

Writing Retreat. I’ve scheduled a few posts, but my serials will be lulling for the rest of the month because I’ll be away, focusing on my next novel. As always, thank you for your patience!

Outsider’s Perspective. The Immortal Holmes series has two POV characters. Varti knows Newcomb inside and out, but Enzo is a foreigner. Many of the city’s longstanding traditions baffle him. (To be fair, he probably baffles the people of Newcomb just as much.)

Enzo is a mage, and he’s accompanied by his familiars. (I’ll give Skrik and Purdle their own posts.)

Folk-Spelled has arrived on my front step, and I’m prepping them for those of you who’d like an author-signed copy. As per usual, I use stamps to add personal touches, and there are other little details that are only found in the print editions.

If you’re interested in securing one, all of the details are on the Signed Books page.

::confetti toss::