Writer’s Corner

The Rebel Foxes in Audio!

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The audiobook cover of The Rebel Foxes by Noah Hawthorne, captioned with the words, 'Narrated by Paige Reisenfeld.' The cover features a trans woman with brown skin, dirty blonde hair. She wears a respirator with flowers and plants growing out of the vents, a leather jacket, fingerless gloves, and tight pants. She wields two cans of spray paint, and is spraying magic and vegetation all over.

The Rebel Foxes is the first book I wrote under my Noah Hawthorne pen name, and this June it will be one year old. It’s full of trans rage, found family, and shapeshifting queers. A blend of genres such as dystopia, dieselpunk, and paranormal romance.

Paige Reisenfeld, who also narrated Children of Iverbourne and Princess of Terra, has brought Rajni and her crew to life. The audiobook is now available on Audible, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

It’s not as popular as the Levena books, but I love it just as dearly. When I wrote it, I was in a period of deep discovery which involved a lot of anger, grief, and sharp hope. If you are struggling with what’s going on today, this will bring you great catharsis.

Also, there’s a fun cameo at the end that connects my Iverbourne and Levena worlds to this one! Because multiverse spanning pen names are for the win.

–

Welcome to the Dome, a place where flora and fauna are legends brought to life by shifters, a mutant race that the malevolent and overtly wealthy Citadel hunts down endlessly in fear of what they what do if given a foothold in society.

The Rebel Foxes are a powerful gang led by Rajni, a fox shifter hellbent on bringing down the oppressive system impoverishing and endangering humans and shifters alike. They take in those who need shelter, and give away their wealth to the poor.

Her pack is thriving and for the first time in years, they have a counter attack planned for The Hunt, a night of crime sanctioned by the Citadel. A night dedicated to flushing shifters out so anyone can murder them without the worry of standard daily limits and hunting tags.

But, all good things must come to an end, and Rajni’s past catches up with her on the night of the Hunt. The human with amber eyes that once saved her life demands her help.

Or else.

WIP Wednesday: Felt That Way

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Today’s WIP Wednesday is brought you to by the gay explorers finally starting to admit their feelings.

“I didn’t know you felt that way,” Cornelius finally said.

Watt tilted his head. “I told you how I felt.”

“About men, but not … me.” He lifted a shoulder, looking away. “Not all men who enjoy men want men like me, if you get my meaning. And that’s fine, people like what they like.”

Watt guided Cornelius’ attention back to him with a gentle palm to the cheek. Cornelius’ eyes were wet, and his lips were pressed into a harsh line. “But I like you, Cornelius.”

Cornelius looked like he was fit to argue, but in the end he sighed, leaning into Watt’s touch. “God help you then.” He closed his eyes and whispered, “I’m fond of you too, Watt. You have no idea.”

Watt looked forward to finding out.

Indie Ink Awards

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Thank you to everyone who voted for Phantom and Rook, who made it as a finalist in the Indie Ink Awards! I’m very grateful, and especially emotional due to the category it came through in. Phantom and Rook’s disability representation is one of the things I’m most proud of, and seeing that recognized is amazing.

Of course, most of you dear readers have already praised Phantom and Rook for this, which means much more than any award ever could. I’m alongside some truly wonderful authors, and books that I’ve personally enjoyed. Which is a win for me!

WIP Wednesday: Wizard of Gay

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Ta-da! I’m now offering free short excerpts on my website and Pareton. Today’s excerpt is from The Voice of Wild Places, a queer historical fiction. Enjoy a brief introduction to Cornelius’ nemesis, Andrea Carmine. You can read chapter excerpts on my Patreon, and all sorts of different things.

And so Cornelius began to tell the story of where they’d been. Only then did Watt realize the man had smoothly avoided the earlier question regarding their future. He listened as Cornelius spoke of the wondrous French architecture of Rio, the industrious São Paulo and the Butantan Institute, and the growing Cuiabá.

Their encounter with Senhor Galvão, and in this Cornelius modestly admitted his wrongdoings in regards to not trusting Severino. Cornelius was subdued but informative when telling them about their stay with the Bacairy, and by the time it was all said and done the group was fully enamored with him. All except Andrea, that was.

“And tell me dear Cornelius, were you able to broaden your horizons during your journey? Adopt a love for something new besides … oh, what was it you read all the time back at Ur? Oh yes, that children’s novel, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

“Oh, I love that story!” Nair exclaimed, which brought a hesitant smile to Cornelius’ lips.

Ana looked between Nair and Cornelius. “I’m afraid I haven’t. But a Wizard? That sounds interesting.”

Cornelius nodded. “I find there’s nothing wrong with old favorites, and adults can find much to learn from children’s stories. Some of us may have missed the lessons the first time.”

The Voice of Wild Places Cover Reveal!

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An ebook cover of The Voice of Wild Places.

The Voice of Wild Places:

A Fabulist Historical Fiction

Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.

Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.

Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.

Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.

But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind.

After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.

The Voice of Wild Places releases on May 6th, 2025. You can read early access chapters on my Patreon!

Cover art illustrated by the incredibly talented Thistle Arts.

WIP Wednesday – The Gay Along the Way

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Cornelius slipped between the folds of the tent, and Watt’s hand fell to his side. Cornelius was fully dressed, sweat dampening his brow and gear upon his back. He gripped his cane in one hand and adjusted his glasses with the other. They stared at each other, steady gazes barely illuminated by the dim lantern beside Watt’s cot.

“I’m coming with you,” Cornelius whispered, barely there but firm all the same.

“You don’t have to,” Watt said, and tried very hard to mean it. “They’re doing good work here, real work. I can go on alone.”

Cornelius closed the distance between them, slow enough to give Watt time to back away. He did not.

✍️🏳️‍⚧️🧭

This week’s WIP Wednesday harkens back to the Tumblr post, and subsequently the book, that started it all. I was forwarded this post by a friend who thought it was right up my alley, and she was right.

It inspired thoughts of an adventure story with queer characters falling in love, and the story was originally set in a fantasy world. But as time went on, I realized I wanted it to be historical fiction, and eventually historical fabulism. And now the book is closer to done than not, and the cover is finished. In a little over six months, The Voice of Wild Places will be ready for the world.

Are you ready for it?

The book referenced by the Tumblr post is The Rivers Ran East by Leonard Clark.

Mochizuki and Xlato Cover Reveal

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Introducing the gorgeous cover to Mochizuki and Xlato, third book in the Adventures in Levena series. Cover art done by the fantastic Crossroad Art.

Mochizuki and Xlato

Archeon Mochizuki will force the silver moon to show its dark side, no matter the consequences.

The vampiric witch has been biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment. But now death has come to claim his father, the first person to propose life on the silver moon, and the first to be mocked perpetually for it. To restore his father’s honor before he dies, Archeon will do anything.

Until his machine backfires in the attempt, destroying university property and wiping out Levena’s entire power and communications grid. With his reputation in shreds, he takes a deal in order to secure his job, and freedom. A deal that will change his life forever, if he can handle working with someone as egotistical as he is.

Proteus Xlato has believed in true love since the day their soulmark burned like the birth of a star, an aspect that none of their other kin share.

They meticulously craft a persona to impress a certain astrophysicist, giving a lie for a name. But not only does Archeon have no interest in Proteus, he throws the ‘intern’ out of his laboratory after months of working together.

Determined to show Archeon what he’s missing out on, Proteus abandons all future disguises and plans. This time they will be petulant, meticulous, and brash. Like their soulmate, Proteus will be unabashedly themself. Or as much as they can without revealing their true origins; the world isn’t ready for that much of a shake up.

Or is it?

Mochizuki and Xlato releases on October 28th, 2025.

Adventures in Levena

✨ And here’s the whole Levena family all together. ✨

Adventures in Levena is a cozy urban fantasy series following a group of friends as they figure out life, fall in love, and heal from their past. Each book follows a different couple, and I like to think of the first book as an introductory stepping stone.

Phantom and Rook is available in ebook, print, and audio.

Matsdotter and Adrastus is available in ebook and print.

Mochizuki and Xlato releases October 28, 2025.

The novellas are available in ebook and print, and newsletter members get them for free.

Phantom and Rook, Mochizuki and Xlato covers done by Crossroad Art.

Matsdotter and Adrastus cover done by Foxglove Faun.

Matsdotter and Adrastus

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Matsdotter and Adrastus

Elochian Adrastus is the pinnacle of demon nobility, and he hates it.

When he’s not leading an aristocracy, in therapy, or rebelling against his birthright by running the most famous bar in Levena, he’s solving a millennia old mystery with his newfound friends. He’s particularly fond of the man he’s only known as an author, learning that there’s much more to the human than meets the eye.

For the first time in over a century, Elochian feels tempted by the prospect of finding his own happy ending. He’s also terrified that any future endeavors will end in death, like they did not so long ago.

Quentin Matsdotter has one goal in life, and that’s to blend in. Unfortunately for him, that’s impossible when you’re a certifiable genius, an author, and are friends with some of the most unique people in the town. He’s got everything a man could want, except for someone to call his own.

Quentin hasn’t been able to trust his heart to anyone again after experiencing an abusive relationship years ago, but there’s no mistaking how he feels for the enigmatic archdemon. As the snow builds, so does their friendship, and it’s only a matter of time before they open their hearts to each other.

If only the past didn’t come back to haunt them.

Be prepared to stand up for what you believe in, reveal the truth, and protect those you love, no matter the cost.

Matsdotter and Adrastus is the second book in the Adventures in Levena series and you can find it here.

Library Love

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Phantom and Rook

Did you know you can request Phantom and Rook at your local library, or through Hoopla and Libby? Requesting titles in person or online is a great way to support your favorite indie authors, and your library by showing them what patrons are interested in. (Hint, it’s queer books)

And if you want a copy for yourself, I have signed copies in my bookstore!

🌻📚🌈🎧

Arlo Rook has decided it’s time to move out of Garren Castle, home for orphans of all races, magical or not, at 100 years old.

It’s not the first time he’s left home, but a setback landed the Hedge Witch in the hospital a year ago, and subsequently back to square one. Now he’s ready to strike out on his own, despite his friend’s worries he’s not ready.

Thatch Phantom is an immortal, the last of his kind and perpetually bored. When he’s not closing interdimensional rifts and corralling trouble in the universe, he’s visiting his favorite city of all, Levena. No one remembers him, but he’s made an everlasting impact on the city nonetheless.

Long ago, he set up an anonymous scavenger hunt for the starving village, providing them with a year’s worth of supplies. He upped the ante each year, providing less practical things, as the village had become a city and was wealthy beyond belief. Festivals are thrown in his honor to this day, or a version of him, that is.

Thatch has decided to throw a wild card into this year’s Game. Whoever discovers his true identity will win one wish of their choice, no restrictions. Aside from the obvious, such as no falling in love, murder or resurrection.

Arlo crashes into the mess of copper curls and bright eyes, who throws apothecary goods and his life into a chaotic mess. It certainly wasn’t the first they met, but Arlo doesn’t remember him. Thatch, however, never forgot the Witch with a familiar soulmark on his face.

What follows is a hilarious and wholesome series of events that teases the immortal with the one thing he wants most.

Someone to call home.

Stack of Phantom and Rook books

Phantom and Rook

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Phantom and Rook

Arlo Rook has decided it’s time to move out of Garren Castle, home for orphans of all races, magical or not, at 100 years old.

It’s not the first time he’s left home, but a setback landed the Hedge Witch in the hospital a year ago, and subsequently back to square one. Now he’s ready to strike out on his own, despite his friend’s worries he’s not ready.

Thatch Phantom is an immortal, the last of his kind and perpetually bored. When he’s not closing interdimensional rifts and corralling trouble in the universe, he’s visiting his favorite city of all, Levena. No one remembers him, but he’s made an everlasting impact on the city nonetheless.

Long ago, he set up an anonymous scavenger hunt for the starving village, providing them with a year’s worth of supplies. He upped the ante each year, providing less practical things, as the village had become a city and was wealthy beyond belief. Festivals are thrown in his honor to this day, or a version of him, that is.

Thatch has decided to throw a wild card into this year’s Game. Whoever discovers his true identity will win one wish of their choice, no restrictions. Aside from the obvious, such as no falling in love, murder or resurrection.

Arlo crashes into the mess of copper curls and bright eyes, who throws apothecary goods and his life into a chaotic mess. It certainly wasn’t the first they met, but Arlo doesn’t remember him. Thatch, however, never forgot the Witch with a familiar soulmark on his face.

What follows is a hilarious and wholesome series of events that teases the immortal with the one thing he wants most.

Someone to call home.

Phantom and Rook is available in ebook, audiobook, and print.

Cover Art by Crossroad Art

Author Bookstore

Books2Read Links

Amazon

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When you sign up for the Book Dragon tier on my Patreon, you get the Phantom and Rook ebook along with The Rebel Foxes.

For those listening in audiobook, you can find the supplemental materials such as character guide and glossary on the Adventures in Levena page, along with more content.