Winter 2023 Story Updates

Image from Anya on Pixabay. A snow covered path leads between a row of trees. Sunlight shines between the trees.

It’s the Winter of 2023! Where did the year go? Here are my plans for this season.

The Architect’s Guardian: On October 10, 2023, I published Awakening, the first novel in my new sci-fi m/m romance. Retribution, the sequel, is my writing priority for this winter. My goal is to publish that in Fall 2024.

Dragon Shifter Fantasy Series: Another story I’m working on is a dragon shifter romance! I’ll have many more details about this in 2024.

Lone Wolf and Cub Trope

When I lived in Japan, I used to watch the reruns of the show Lone Wolf and Cub. Ever since then, it’s been interesting to spot where the theme pops up. That’s why I find The Mandalorian and The Last Of Us to be so gripping. Other examples across media include:

  • God of War 2018
  • Logan
  • Somali and the Forest Spirit

I highly recommend those series, along with Seirei No Moribito. This gripping show gives you an emotional journey twice, as Jiguro takes care of Balsa and then Balsa protects Chagum.

A woman stands with an arm around the shoulders of a boy, as they stare into the distance. Cover for Seirei No Moribito series.

Fall 2023 Story Updates

Landscape with various trees changing from summer to fall colors.

It’s the Fall of 2023! Here are my plans for this season.

The Architect’s Guardian: Next month, I’ll publish Awakening, the first novel in my new sci-fi m/m romance. I’ve also been working on the sequel. Preorder Awakening. It will be widely available on October 10, 2023.

The Agitator’s Code World: In The Agitator’s Code Series, I introduced Ariston and Reimon. Their story is coming along nicely. There’s a deeper dive into their lives, which was first touched upon in Tildari Sunrises, the conclusion of the trilogy about Darion and Tolrek.

Summer 2023 Story Updates

Red flowers grow over a cliff with waterfalls. A pool lies below.

It’s the Summer of 2023! Here are my plans for this season.

The Architect’s Guardian: In a few months, I’ll publish Awakening, the first novel in my new sci-fi m/m romance. I’m taking more time to polish it and plan to release in Fall 2023. Check out the cover reveal!

The Agitator’s Code World: In The Agitator’s Code Series, I introduced Ariston and Reimon. I’m drafting their story, as well as the one for Vyncent and Sarai. There’ll be more news about those couples!

Spring 2023 Story Updates

Purple water lily.

It’s the Spring of 2023! Here are my plans for this season.

The Architect’s Guardian: I’ll be publishing a new series soon! Awakening is the first novel of my sci-fi m/m romance that will be out in Summer 2023. I’ve commissioned the book cover and will do a cover reveal closer to publication.

The Agitator’s Code World: In The Agitator’s Code Series, which I completed in November 2022, I introduced characters from a special program. The third novel of the series, Tildari Sunrises, provided much more information about those in the program. I have several stories in development, including one about Ariston and Reimon.

Fall 2022 Story Updates

Water flows over rocks in a stream. Trees with green, orange, red, and yellow leaves are on either side of the stream.

Fall of 2022 has arrived! Here are my plans for this season.

The Agitator’s Code: I’ll release Tildari Sunrises and conclude this trilogy! Vaironian Tides and Ledani Moons are available as ebooks and paperbacks here and here.

The Architect’s Guardian: I’m so happy about the progress I’m making with revising Awakening, the first book of this sci-fi m/m romance series. I plan to publish book one in the summer of 2023.

My Internal Monologue Fuels My Stories

Silhouette of a woman thinking

I stumbled onto an awesome Twitter thread about internal monologues. I absolutely have an inner monologue. I love it. It’s one of the things that has kept me out of trouble, usually. Also, it’s great for fueling stories. “I won’t do [X] in this situation, but if my character did…Hmmm.”

I didn’t realize there was a more formal name for this phenomenon for quite a while. Also, I believed it was something everyone did. It seemed to help me imagine a variety of scenarios and pick the best option. Usually, that worked out well, though I sometimes wonder if I was too cautious and missed interesting opportunities. Regardless, it’s an ability I’m glad I have.

Finding that thread sparked a series of revelations. I recommend reading it. The conversation is fascinating and I always enjoy insights about how people think.

"Wait there are people out there who [have] an actual internal monologue going on in their heads? Like in the movies?" - @Lady_Gagnon on Twitter

Attack on Titan: Eren’s Decisions

I’ve continued watching Attack on Titan, an action/dark fantasy/post-apocalyptic anime. While the series has many compelling characters, Eren Yeager is the center of attention. See my previous post.

The below video, by WordyBlerd, is an excellent analysis of Eren and how he handles Paradis. The Surveys Corps‘ largest mistake is not understanding Eren’s fundamental core. Much of that is typical in a militaristic structure. And, in general, even when you’re valuable to an organization, it can crush your spirit. As a result, you might cling to it and crave approval. That method of control, however, doesn’t work when someone has a strong compass, regardless of the person’s ultimate goals.

Love Is In The Air

A series of hearts are layered on each other, with the largest hearts being side by side.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are some of my favorite romantic books, dramas, and movies that feature incredible and loving relationships.

Books:

  • Drag Me Up – This is a bold and vivid retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, written by R.M. Virtues. See my full review here.
  • Slippery Creatures – K.J. Charles, who writes historical romance, brings us Will Darling and Kim Secretan. See my full review here.

Drama Series:

  • The Rebel Princess – Back in May 2021, I made a post about this fantastic drama. The couple in this show navigate daunting challenges where so many people around them are scheming.
  • You Are My Glory – I’ve enjoyed other dramas with Dilraba Dilmurat and Yang Yang. Seeing them act together is sublime.

Movies:

  • Love Jones – The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, even as their stubbornness threatens to derail their love.
  • That Touch of Mink – This is a great romantic comedy starring Cary Grant and Doris Day. You really can’t beat a classic.