Forthright .'s Blog, page 179

Annual Tradition

Every year during the holidays, I get a whole slew of reviews, DMs, and PMs from readers who’ve just finished their annual reread of Counting the Hours, a S/K AU that’s sitting at 2 (very long) chapters. Sweet compliments. Gentle reminders. A bit of groveling. Hoping, hinting, haggling for more.

Truth be told, there is more planned. Two more chapters, in fact, which are both named and (sketchily) outlined. But that story’s on my “someday” list because my RL publishing schedule is jam-packed....

ART: Heart of a Dog

Famous Parent. Eloquence Starmark’s dad is one of the Five. No big deal, right? ::twinkle:: His classmate is understandably impressed.

• • •

“Does that mean you’re related to Harmonious Starmark?”

“Closely.” Quen nodded to the embroidered crest on his shoulder—copper thread glinting against dark brown cloth. “Dad’s the spokesperson for the dog clans.”

“You’re a dog.”

“Yes.”

“And your mother’s human?”

Tenma’s grip had tightened, but this wasn’t fear. If anything, he seemed eager. His scent had...

Mood Stripes 076: Relieved

Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this audacious adventure… especially for the one who’s concerned. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

Chapter 76: Relieved

When they didn’t appear, Kagome offered to call Sesshoumaru and Kohaku to breakfast.

Inuyasha caught her elbow. “Let ’em be. For a while, anyhow.”

“Did something happen?”

“Nothing that didn’t need to.”

Hardly illuminating. “Is something the ma...

Ginko vs Gingko

Random Aside. Do you know HOW HARD it is to type “Ginko” (the main character in Mushishi) when your fingers are used to typing “Gingko” (a main character in the Amaranthine Saga)???

…I think I corrected them all in today’s installment.

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Camphor & Kouki

Summary: Ginko regrets using the Uroana as a shortcut. He’s having trouble pinpointing where he’s come out, and he’s at a loss on how to get back. But in the meantime, perhaps he can do some good. A trail of acorns, a camphor tree, two sisters, a mushishi, and a highly unconventional mountain master.

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FYI. This story isn’t on a fast track. Slow and steady, perhaps a chapter a month. (Affinity also updated today, and I’m excited to jump back into Savvy come January.)

Sneaky Peeky

Christmas Special. Let’s have new art next week, shall we? Because Harmonious Starmark is so much more than a chibi. ::twinkle::

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Tune in Christmas Eve for “Heart of a Dog”
art by FoxOfTwilight

Mood Stripes 075: Defiant

Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this audacious adventure… especially for the one who survived. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

Chapter 75: Defiant

One. If Sesshoumaru chose to look at the boy as his, then one remained. And by surviving, Kohaku defied Naraku with every shuddering breath and falling tear. So it pleased Sesshoumaru to accept them. Even the dampness and residue.

Kohaku persisted...

Mood Stripes 074: Regaining

Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this audacious adventure… especially for the one in need of comfort. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

Chapter 74: Regaining

Father had towered over the rank and file of demons, an indomitable strength that had never turned on Sesshoumaru. Only now, long years after the Inu no Taishou’s demise, had one son learned how deep a fang could bite.

Tetsusaiga had rent...

ART: Inti

A Mischief of Monkeys. In the Amaranthine Saga, monkeys are counted among the trickster clans. So it’s only natural that Inti’s arrival causes quite the stir for Class 3-C at New Saga High School.

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Inti by FoxOfTwilight

• • •

Inti’s hunched posture slowly straightened so that he looked down on them. His wild hair was a light ginger. Thick sideburns bristled outward, following the curve of his jaw to his chin, framing a heart-shaped face. His lips compressed into a thin line, and small brows...

Holiday Shipments

Signed Copies. If you are in the US and want signed books for Christmas, you need to place your order/send payment by Friday, December 14 if you want the usual rate. (Media Mail usually takes one week.) I can still ship books all next week, but if you want those books in time for Christmas, you’ll have to pay a little extra for the upgraded shipping.

On a related note, I’m bringing a batch of books to the post office tomorrow afternoon, (Thursday, 12/13). Email me if you want to add a book...