Forthright .'s Blog, page 7

May the Forth

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...

Art Peek: Philtrum Kemp

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).

Art Peek: Ramage

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...

Navigating Newcomb

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 >>

Eggy Buns

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...

Lulling

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!

ART: Enzo

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.)

Book Boxes!

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::

ART: Varti Weller

Main Man. This is some of the official character art of Varti Weller, one of the main characters in the Immortal Holmes books. This is his work uniform. He’s a member of the local constabulary in the royal city of Newcomb.

The green cloak marks him as a member of the Bastion’s regulars, and he serves as the head of the Files & Evidence division. A humble position for one of the Badge Academy’s most promising graduates, but Varti’s lucky to have any job at all, thanks to being folk-spelled...

Ready for Print Editions?

Folk-Spelled (Immortal Holmes, No.1) was a pleasure to typeset. Choosing fonts and fiddling with page layout are the fun part that comes after all the writing & editing are completed. Here’s a peek at a page in the program I use for readying a book for the printer:

I’m currently taking pre-orders for author-signed copies of Folk-Spelled. Interested? Details are on the Signed Books page. I’ll post pictures as soon as I receive boxes from the printer!