Forthright .'s Blog, page 198
May 6, 2018
The Five – Chibi Editions
“The leaders of the Five Clans are doing everything they can to establish a place for the Amaranthine. Peace treaties, alliances, registries, amendments, and bills of rights are being negotiated at the international level.”
—Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga, #1)
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The Five are not only spokespersons for their clans, they speak for all the Amaranthine people. As emissaries for their people, they travel a great deal, endure endless meetings and press conferences, all so that t...
Reminder: Review Challenge
As I mention in my original challenge post, reviews are a practical necessity for any author and quite possibly the BEST way any reader can lend their support. My current showing on Amazon is skimpy at best. If you’ve been meaning to post a review, let this weekend’s festivities be the perfect excuse. I’d be even more grateful than I already am.
The Five – Chibi Editions
“You have heard of the Five?”
“The five largest Amaranthine clans—cat, dog, wolf, fox, and dragon.” Tsumiko had familiarized herself with the basics. “They led the Emergence.”
“Not largest, miss. Strongest,” Sansa gently corrected. “The Five Clans have prestige, pride, and the power to keep both.”
“Because they’re predators?” Tsumiko guessed.
“Some consider that a factor. But historically, the Five maintained deep ties with reavers.” With traces of pride, she said, “As allies, our strength be...
May 5, 2018
The Five – Chibi Editions
Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox is set in the months following the Emergence, when the Amaranthine come out of hiding, asserting their rights as a sentient people. The spokespersons in this dramatic revelation are known collectively as The Five. Representing the dog clans is Harmonious Starmark. And thanks to FoxOfTwilight, we have a chibi version!
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Harmonious Starmark
Harmonious is charismatic and playful, a friend to all. And in the earliest drafts of the series, before I established the dog...
Behind the Scenes – Reavers
Fandom Inspired. Let’s highlight some of those juicy tidbits of gossip that are part of the Amaranthine Saga’s formative days. While I was building this new storytelling universe, I incorporated several nods to fandom. Like the “miko” connection and references to kitsune lore with regards to the fox clans. Believe it or not, the people who stand between the human and inhuman races—the reavers—incorporate a subtle nod to fandom. Which begs the question …
Why did you call them reavers?
If you...
ART: Michael
More than just your average chauffeur, Michael Ward is a doting husband, a proud father, a closet scholar, a patient teacher, and a little more amazing than he lets on. A reaver with the designation of ward, Michael’s family has been serving the Hajime household for generations.
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Michael Ward by FoxOfTwilight
Michael was born in England, but he was shipped to Stately House very young, to be raised by his grandfather (and by Argent). A polyglot and his former teacher’s pet, he lives a rather...
Photo Challenge Entries
Time for another Photo Challenge entry. Are you plotting your shapshots? Don’t put it off any longer! And don’t forget that you can also enter by posting pictures of your e-book. Here’s the photo sent in by goldenmirth.
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*I held this picture back until yesterday’s cover reveal. You can see the enclosure with the peek at the cover for Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal. ::twinkle::
Keep them coming! The challenge has been extended until 5/22, so you have plenty of time to enter. More details h...
May 4, 2018
ART: Akira & Suuzu
I’m fond of giving so-called minor characters their due. They can be so neglected in fandom. Or they can shine. In Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, we meet Tsumiko’s younger brother Akira Hajime (mostly through his texts). The fourteen-year-old is full of stories about a “boy who is a bird.” That would be his best friend, Suuzu Farroost.
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Selfie by FoxOfTwilight
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Moments later, Akira passed along a snapshot of a boy wearing a high-collared school uniform. He had brown skin, a hooked nose, u...
Mood Stripes 021: Tempted
Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this audacious adventure… especially for the trusted one. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Chapter 21: Tempted
“They’re after the Jewel.” Kagome had a sickening sense of history repeating itself. “I should have wished it away.”
Sesshoumaru’s gaze drifted to the rosy sphere she wore on a chain.
Another demon bird dove, only to be knocked aside by a spinning top....
Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Cover Reveal. I’ve been leaking hints and teasers. For instance, the summary for Book 2 appears at the back of the print editions for Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox. And those who bought signed copies from me got a peek at the cover art. But let’s make this all OFFICIAL. Book 2 of the Amaranthine Saga is indeed titled … Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal.
She wasn’t aware of her gift’s significance, yet he expects to be courted.
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Kimiko enrolls at the In-between’s prestigious new high school,...
