Forthright .'s Blog

Plants vs. Zombies

Plants vs. Zombies. I’m not much of a gamer. Most of the things I’ve picked up over the years have been because my kids played, and having fun is a group sport at our house. Yu-Gi-Oh, Boom!, Pokemon. League of Legends. And … Plants vs. Zombies, which recently released a remastered edition called Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted. But before I could check out the new game, I was determined to beat the old one. Okay, honestly, I’ve played through the original version of Plants vs. Zombies dozens (...

Coop 153: Hidden Meaningfulness

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 one who’s cherished.

153
Hidden Meaningfulness

“I’m Coop. Daroo says we’re the Cooper pack, since my dad’s in charge of us, but he’s a Clearsong.”

“Did your Clearsong packmate gave you your wolvish name?” asked Jiminy.

“Yeah.”

“Did he explain its meaning?”

“Yeah.” The ...

What’s in a Name

In Folk-Spelled (Immortal Holmes, No.1), we meet Ramage, who’s a friend from back home for Philtrum Kemp. Ramage is a harpy and a small business owner. He helps to feed the people of Newcomb. You’ll find his restaurant near Rowan Station in the Trestle District.

If you like these kinds of background details, you’ll find lots more on my Patreon.

Coop 152: Singing of Names

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 one who totally gets it.

152
Singing of Names

Introductions took an interesting turn when the guy—who was human—identified himself as a wolf. He lit up when Torloo presented Coop, and his posture shifted.

Coop responded to it automatically.

A grin. A subtle adjustment. Askin...

Coop 151: Raised by Wolves

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 wary one.

151
Raised by Wolves

Illusions helped the Elderboughs to be less obvious, but they still took side roads and back alleys to enter the urban enclave. “Smells like coffee,” remarked Coop.

“The Nightspangles run a coffee shop,” explained Torloo.

Shilah whined, “Reaver...

Coop 150: Bellwether

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 one who’s thinking ahead.

150
Bellwether

The campus had a historic feel to it—brick and marble and lawns with huge trees.

Ninook asked, “Have you given any thought to college?”

“Me? Umm… not really. I’ve always learned everything I need to know at home.”

“Bellwether is op...

Starmark Pajamas

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

Coop 149: Wayside Rest

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 ones taking a quick break.

149
Wayside Rest

Coop’s whole life revolved around home—loving it, taking care of it, being there for his family. Traveling to Wardenclave was like… this whole new epoch. Embarking on a second adventure in the middle of the first? Wild.

“Is Fletching ...

Coop 148: Word Travels Fast

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 one with sharp ears.

148
Word Travels Fast

Coop startled when Shilah suddenly appeared before him, seizing him by the shoulders. Unsure what was going on, he said, “Hi again. Something up?”

“You’re leaving?” Darting a wary look at the Elderboughs, he quietly demanded, “Are they...

Introducing Arty

Sketch Peek. While most of my behind-the-scenes posts about Folk-Spelled (and the upcoming Else-Moored) can be found over on my Patreon, I don’t mind sharing a few peeks here on my blog. This is an early sketch of Arty, a student at the Academy of Mages. He’s a street artist and a skater boi and a friend indeed to out-of-towner Enzo, who’s his next-door neighbor.

Series illustrator Mart Lett and I are already working on a new set of cast portraits to help with promotion in 2026. If you d...