Writer’s Corner

WIP Wednesday – The Gay Along the Way

/ Noah Hawthorne / Leave a comment

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

Audible

Goodreads

Buy Direct

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.

The Rebel Foxes

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Welcome to the Dome, a special kind of hell 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.

Fight with Rajni and her foxes. Drystan, the peaceful panther and nanny. Jaromir, the wise polar bear who loves to bake. Balderik, the golden canine with healing hands. Hotaru, the black fox who likes chemistry too much. Xylia and Takara, the foxes who share Rajni’s bed, and her dreams.

This is a dark dieselpunk fantasy with a big found family of shifters, a queer polyamorous romance with trans leads, enemies with benefits, along with corrupt governments and the rebels who fight them.

You can find The Rebel Foxes at any of the places below.

Author Bookstore

Amazon

Books2Read

Buy Direct

Goodreads

When you join the Book Dragon tier on my Patreon, you get The Rebel Foxes ebook!

Phantom and Rook Character Guide

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A comprehensive guide to all the relevant characters in Phantom and Rook. The first and second editions do not have this guide, and there may be minor spoilers ahead. Without further ado, here it is.

Clan Adrastus

Elochian Adrastus: Archshedim of Northern Region. Archshedim. 170 years old. he/him.

Garren Family

Dusan Garren: Headmaster of Garren Castle. Gold Dragon. 1,609 years old. she/her.

Misfits

Theodore ‘Doc’ Atthias: Psychiatrist, spouse of Ilisia Atthias. Behema. 75 years old. they/them.

Ilisia Atthias: Self-employed artist, spouse of Theodore Atthias. Human. 53 years old. she/her.

Lindsey Carbon: Internal Auditor at Genesis Credit and professional solar surfer, fiance to Kitt Meissa. Elf. 86 years old. she/her.

Caspian Daemarrel: Audio Engineer, spouse of Tobias Daemarrel and father of Marlena and Zeke Daemarrel. Half Elf, Half Katan. 99 years old. he/him.

Marlena Daemarrel: Daughter of Caspian and Tobias. Esh Shedim. 3 years old. she/her.

Tobias Daemarrel: Self-employed bookbinder, spouse of Caspian Daemarrel and father of Marlena and Zeke Daemarrel. Archmalakim. 130 years old. he/him (they).

Zeke Daemarrel: Son of Caspian and Tobias. Mayim Shedim. 2 years old. he/him.

Quentin Matsdotter: Physics Professor and Erotica Author. Human. 25 years old. he/him.

Katerina ‘Kitt’ Meissa: Curator at Scarlet Museum and owner of Kitt’s tattoo studio, fiance to Lindsey Carbon. Qieren. 90 years old. she/her.

Thatch Phantom: Investor. Appears Human. Exact age unknown. he/him.

Arlo Rook: Hedge Witch. 72% Human, 28% unknown. 102 years old. he/him.

Silas Uziel: Chaos Witch. Human. 14 years old. he/him.

Gowan Zra: Owner of Phoenix Rising Studio, partner to Iris Tullianna. Dandelion Fae. 140 years old. she/her

Others

Kleo: Felix’s best friend. Elf. 14 years old. she/her.

Felix: Undefined Witch with Teleth abilities, Human. 11 years old. he/him.

Chauncey Allan: Caretaker of Leideen Ait. Centaur. 105 years old. he/him.

Rhea Hachohen: Barista at Thitwhistle’s. Treant. 98 years old. they/them.

Eilae Krisgella: Partner of Gareth and Niena. Elf. 254 years old. she/her.

Gareth Krisgella: Partner of Eilae and Niena. Elf. 243 years old. she/her.

Niena Krisgella: Partner of Gareth and Eilae. Elf. 206 years old. she/her.

Helena Nitzani: Barista at Thitwhistle’s. Vampire. 67 years old. she/her.

Bob Sose: Entrepreneur. Selth. 76 years old. He/him

Floyd Sose: Service Droid. 23 years old. It/they

Janet ‘Chief’ Stone: Police Chief of Station 7. Tannin. 49 years old. she/her.

Leonidas ‘The Witch Killer’ Sydon: Shadow Witch, former terrorist of Levena. Malakim. Previously deceased, current state debated. he/him.

Gleason Thitwhistle: Owner of Thitwhistle’s. Half Katan. 110 years old. he/him.

Iris Tulliana: Instructor at Levena School for the Deaf, partner of Gowan Zra. Bearded Iris Fae. 109 years old. she/her.

Ren Tykhe: Owner of Ren’s. Faun. 74 years old. they/them.

Atinola Xaniphe: Owner of Atinola’s. Orc. 96 years old. she/her.

Amazon can go Heck Itself

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Guess what? You can now buy a good majority of my books directly through Ingram Spark, cutting out the middle man. This allows me to sell them at a cheaper price, which works out great for both me, and readers. You can find the link to buy directly on each of the book pages, and I’ll add them all here for convenience.

The Rebel Foxes: The Dome

Buy Now

Phantom and Rook: When An Immortal Falls In Love With A Witch

Buy Now

Matsdotter and Adrastus: When A Human Falls In Love With An Archdemon

Buy Now

When Witches Sing: Yuletide Special

Buy Now

The Voice of Wild Places

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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.

—

Presenting the next Noah Hawthorne book, The Voice of Wild Places. I’ve commissioned a fantastic cover artist already, Jan Falk of Thistle Arts. Jan has done covers for authors like Sebastian Nothwell and Rita Rubin, along with art for Sarah Wallace’s Dear Bartleby. Based on the cover schedule, release will be in late August or early September.

I am a sucker for historical fiction, especially ones that are queer and with a touch of magic. Taking place in 1930, Watt and Cornelius will be searching for historical figure Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in 1925 while searching for the Lost City of Z with his son Jack Fawcett and Jack’s best friend, Raleigh Rimmel. There are several theories regarding their disappearance, and this will be my take on it.

Are you ready for adventure?

Patreon News

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Welcome to Noah’s Place, where I share resources for indie authors and content for readers. You can find writing resources like character and worldbuilding sheets, indie publishing talk, and how-to posts. For the readers, you can find short stories, excerpts of upcoming work, art, NSFW art and writing, and many other things. Book recommendations and the art museum are free!

I’ve been wanting to open a Patreon for awhile now, but I didn’t feel like I was in the right space to do it. But with a few more books under my belt and a bigger community than ever, I feel that now is the perfect time. This year I plan to expand on the ways I support indie authors, and this is a step in the right direction. Also, it’s a good way for readers to become involved in new projects.

Explore Noah’s Place here!