Forthright .'s Blog, page 25
September 15, 2023
Quarterly Art Card
September Mailings. In addition to the regular monthly mailing (this one featuring Jacques), the Quarterly Art Card goes out this month to patrons. This time around, I’ve selected a lovely lettered quote by Asha, one of her favorites from Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox. She generously gave permission for me to share her art with all of you. Here’s a zoomed in peek at the original:
Asha created both a full-color version with the blues and gold highlights of the original cover … but she also d...
September 12, 2023
Coop 021: Two Bags of Doughnuts
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 good manners.
21
Two Bags of Doughnuts
They paused under a sugar maple to eat their snack. Coop waited until Chumani finished licking cinnamon sprinkles from her fingertips before asking, “What’re you planning to show me? Because I know my way around.”
“You’re clan-cur...
September 7, 2023
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 sho...
Bard & Barbarian
Narrated Edition. Bard and Barbarian has been posting slow and steady over on my Patreon account. Reading along is great, but supporters on some tiers can now listen along. The story is being narrated by Travis Baldree. Ch59, “Treasure Room” just went live for those in qualifying tiers. AND Ch55, “Priorities” has unlocked for the Twinkle and Sparkle tiers.
New narrated chapters will arrive every other Wednesday, which means … there’s always something more to look forward to! Learn more...
September 5, 2023
Coop 020: Missing the Joke
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 in the know.
20
Missing the Joke
Dad looked to Daroo for guidance. Their wolf said, “He will be fine.”
It sounded more like an order to Coop.
But Dad relaxed enough to say, “Sure. Have fun. I’ll head over to your stall next, say hello to your family.”
Daroo bent to wh...
September 1, 2023
Coop 019: Holding Hands with a Girl
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 rallies.
19
Holding Hands with a Girl
Chumani led unerringly toward the pink trailer and the mouthwatering smell of hot doughnuts.
Dad turned from the pick-up window and just sort of froze.
Coop wasn’t sure how to proceed. “I… uhh. I made a friend.”
“So that’s why...
Bard & Barbarian
Updated! Bard & Barbarian has updated over on my Patreon with Ch67: “Battle Song,” because there’s little else a bard can do when facing a Cataclysm.
August 29, 2023
Coop 018: Switcheroo
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 new playmate.
18
Switcheroo
When Coop opened his eyes again, a girl his own age stood beside the old woman, who was now gazing off, totally ignoring them.
“Hi …?” he offered.
“I’ll play with you until the rain starts.”
He immediately thrust out both hands. “I’m Coop.”
...August 25, 2023
Coop 017: Tough Customer
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 interested one.
17
Tough Customer
“Hi! I’m Coop.”
She looked him up and down. “I know who you are.”
“Yeah. Same. I mean, sorta.” That’s how it was in small towns.
This woman had always been interesting to Coop, with her big hoop earrings and colorful bandanas barely conta...
August 24, 2023
Coop 016: Eye Catching
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 on a mission.
16
Eye Catching
At the farmer’s market, Coop looked over the stuff in every stall. Or made a show of it, at least. He was actually looking for clues.
Dad asked, “Are we doing mini-doughnuts?”
“Can I have two bags?” Coop glanced in the direction of the pin...
