I’ve been sharing my book recommendation posts on my Patreon and social media, but with Tiktok and Instagram going downhill fast I figured I’d bring them here, along with other things I’d usually post on there like WIP Wednesday. If you’d like to check out all my previous book rec posts, you can check them out for free on Patreon.
If I had a nickel for every queer zombie book I read, I’d have three nickels which isn’t a lot but it’s weird I haven’t read more because I love them.
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.
Introducing the gorgeous cover to Mochizuki and Xlato, third book in the Adventures in Levena series. Cover art done by the fantastic Crossroad Art.
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.
✨ 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.
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
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.
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.
When you join the Book Dragon tier on my Patreon, you get The Rebel Foxes ebook!
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.
Elochian Adrastus: Archshedim of Northern Region. Archshedim. 170 years old. he/him.
Dusan Garren: Headmaster of Garren Castle. Gold Dragon. 1,609 years old. she/her.
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
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.
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
Phantom and Rook: When An Immortal Falls In Love With A Witch
Matsdotter and Adrastus: When A Human Falls In Love With An Archdemon
When Witches Sing: Yuletide Special
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?
A comprehensive guide to all the relevant characters in Matsdotter and Adrastus. While it’s available in the ebooks and paperbacks now, the initial ARCs did not have a guide and I know some folks would’ve liked one. There may be minor spoilers. Without further ado, here it is.
Annette Adrastus: Member of Clan Adrastus, daughter of Tisha Adrastus and cousin to Elochian Adrastus. Esh Shedim. 155 years old. she/her.
Edward Adrastus: Member of Clan Adrastus, son of Tisha Adrastus and cousin to Elochian Adrastus. Esh Shedim. 173 years old. he/him.
Elochian Adrastus: Archshedim of Northern Region. Archshedim. 170 years old. he/him.
Ember Adrastus: Former Sovereign of Levena Chapter of Clan Adrastus, spouse of Sachiel Adrastus and mother of Elochian Adrastus. Deceased. she/her.
Mabel Adrastus: Member of Clan Adrastus, daughter of Tisha Adrastus and cousin to Elochian Adrastus. Esh Shedim. 170 years old. she/her.
Roque Adrastus: Member of Clan Adrastus, son of Tisha Adrastus and cousin to Elochian Adrastus. Esh Shedim. 157 years old. he/him.
Sachiel Adrastus: Former Archshedim of Levena, son of Uriel Adrastus, spouse of Ember Adrastus and father of Elochian Adrastus. Deceased. he/him.
Tisha Adrastus: Sovereign of Levena Chapter of Clan Adrastus, aunt of Elochian Adrastus, sister of Ember Adrastus. Esh Shedim. 1,906 years old. she/her.
Daniel Kavelli: CEO of Kavelli Solar, known supporter of NOJ, son of Samson Kavelli. Jinni Shedim. 185 years old. he/him.
Samson Kavelli: Former CEO of Kavelli Solar, father of Daniel Kavelli. Esh Shedim. Deceased. he/him.
Michael Nehorai: Shomer of Elochian Adrastus. Jinni Shedim. 151 years old. he/they.
Gilla Priess: Administrative assistant to Tisha and Elochian Adrastus. Mayim Shedim. 200 years old. she/her.
Annie Yakom: Security at Clan Adrastus. Esh Shedim. 69 years old. she/her.
Bartholomew Zadok: Former Shomer and partner of Elochian Adrastus. Malakim. Deceased. he/him.
Andromeda Eilweir: Steward of Clan Haniel, descendant of Juniper Haniel, spouse of Xenith Eilweir. Malakim. 201 years old. she/her.
Xenith Eilweir: Shomer and spouse Andromeda Eilweir. Malakim. 201 years old. he/him.
Charlie Crash: Shomer Trainee of Clan Haniel. Malakim. 32 years old. he/him.
Juniper Haniel: First Archmalakim of Levena. Deceased. she/her.
Kita Lansworth: Shomer trainee of Clan Haniel. Malakim. 53 years old. she/her.
Amber Mirthwood: Shomer trainee of Clan Haniel. Malakim. 26 years old. she/her.
Roland Teketo: Shomer trainee of Clan Haniel. Malakim. 97 years old. he/him.
Ichabod Vered: Master of Arms of Clan Haniel. Malakim. 214 years old. he/him.
Dusan Garren: Headmaster of Garren Castle, daughter of Idina Garren. Gold Dragon. 1,609 years old. she/her.
Idina Garren: Former resident of Levena, mother of Dusan Garren, daughter of Henix Garren. Silver Dragon. 3,751 years old. she/her.
Henix Garren: Sun Witch, former resident of Min Isle and Levena. Father of Idina Garren, son of Bailey Garren. Gold Dragon. Deceased. he/him.
Bailey Garren: Former resident of Min Isle and owner of the first bookshop in town. Father of Henix Garren. Silver Dragon. Deceased. he/him.
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. 87 years old. she/her.
Caspian Daemarrel: Audio Engineer, spouse of Tobias Daemarrel and father of Marlena and Zeke Daemarrel. Half Elf, Half Katan. 100 years old. he/him.
Marlena Daemarrel: Daughter of Caspian and Tobias. Esh Shedim. 3 years old. she/her.
Tobias Daemarrel: Self-employed bookbinder and Archmalakim of Northern Region, 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. 26 years old. he/him.
Katerina ‘Kitt’ Meissa: Curator of Scarlet Museum and owner of Kitt’s tattoo studio, fiance to Lindsey Carbon. Qieren. 90 years old. she/her.
Thatch Phantom: Watcher, founder of Min Isle and former acolyte to the God Da’haut, partner to Arlo Rook. Appears Human. Exact age unknown. he/him.
Arlo Rook: Hedge Witch and owner of many establishments in Levena, partner to Thatch Phantom and father of Felix Rook, guardian of Silas Uziel. 72% Human, 28% unknown. 102 years old. he/him.
Felix Rook: Undefined Witch with Teleth abilities, son of Arlo Rook. Human. 13 years old. he/him.
Silas Uziel: Chaos Witch, charge of Arlo Rook. Human. 15 years old. he/him.
Gowan Zra: Owner of Phoenix Rising Studio, partner to Iris Tullianna. Dandelion Fae. 140 years old. she/her
Demeter Chayat: Organ Witch, solar surfer, nibling of Dimitri Chayat. Elf. 76 years old. ae/aer/aers.
Dimitri Chayat: Tech Witch, self-employed, nibling of Demeter Chayat. Golem, formerly elf. 76 years old. ne/nem/nems.
Josse Exheart: Metallurgy Witch, inventor and clockmaker. Opal Dragon. 1,386 years old. he/him.
Gaia Lichin: Necromancer, self-employed. Krakeni. 39 years old. she/her (they).
Archeon Mochizuki: Teleth Witch, astrophysicist and astronomer at Scarlet University. Vampire. 108 years old. he/him (they).
Rain Pines: Air Witch, professional solar surfer. Mayim Shedim. 51 years old. she/her.
Bud Raff: Kinetic Witch, exotic dancer. Human. 42 years old. he/him (they).
Evangeline ‘The Nightingale’ Wroughtfern: Crystal Witch, leader of a shadow group which dominates the black market in Levena, mother of Finnegan Wroughtfern. Tzipor. 305 years old. she/her.
Avina Dow: Lady of Agia. Human. 57 years old. she/her.
River Gadot: Ex-boyfriend of Quentin Matsdotter. Young Human, exact age unknown. he/him.
Rhea Hachohen: Barista at Thitwhistle’s. Treant. 98 years old. they/them.
Eilae Krisgella: Mother of Kleo Krisgella, partner of Gareth and Niena. Elf. 254 years old. she/her.
Gareth Krisgella: Father of Kleo Krisgella, partner of Eilae and Niena. Elf. 243 years old. she/her.
Niena Krisgela: Mother of Kleo Krisgella, partner of Gareth and Eilae. Elf. 206 years old. she/her.
Kleo Krisgella: Felix’s best friend, daughter of Gareth, Niena, and Eilae Krisgella. Elf. 15 years old. she/her.
Tina Lakai: Resurrected Shedim, exact age unknown. she/her.
Julianna Moreland: Mayor of Levena. Behema. 74 years old. she/her.
Helena Nitzani: Barista at Thitwhistle’s. Vampire. 67 years old. she/her.
Edward Primo: Owner of the music store Primo’s, former famous musician. Mayim Shedim. 73 years old. he/him.
Dante Shar: Physicist at Scarlet University, friend of Quentin Matsdotter. Malakim. 106 years old. he/him.
Delilah Sheleg: Archshedim of Agia Province. Esh Shedim. 195 years old. she/her.
Janet ‘Chief’ Stone: Police Chief of Station 7. Tannin. 49 years old. she/her.
Lucas Salone: Bartender at The Ethereal Magpie. Esh Shedim. 21 years old. he/him.
Leonidas ‘The Witch Killer’ Sydon: Shadow Witch, former terrorist of Levena. Malakim. Previously deceased, current state debated. he/him.
Iris Tulliana: Instructor at Levena School for the Deaf, partner of Gowan Zra. Gladiola Fae. 109 years old. she/her.
Leroy Tzur: Carpentry Teacher at Levena Central, friend of Quentin Matsdotter. Orc. 46 years old. he/him.
Carina Wells: President of PTA at Levena Central, known NOJ and AWO supporter. Elf. 94 years old. she/her.
Chad Wells: Police Officer at Station 7, spouse of Carina. Elf. 103 years old. he/him.
Finnegan Wroughtfern: Editor of Magickal Radickal Gazette, son of Evangeline Wroughtfern. Half Katan, Half Human. 38 years old. he/him (they).
‘There is a certain beauty in being the first and last of your kind, but no one can argue it’s fucking boring.’
We’re officially one week into the Phantom and Rook Read-Along, and I thought it’d be nice to have one place to organize all my thoughts. In case you didn’t know, I’m hosting a Read-Along that goes until the end of November. I’m doing this because I wanted to celebrate the one year anniversary of the book’s release, and to prepare for the sequel’s release in January. You can get free ebooks by joining the Fable Book Club, and there’s also a Storygraph challenge. I’ve been sharing my annotations on Goodreads, and my thoughts on social media.
Without further ado, here is the summary of week one’s thoughts.
October 31st. Original Announcement Post.
On November 2nd, 2022, I published the book closest to my heart. While it is a cozy fantasy, Phantom and Rook explores deep topics like mental health, learning how to live long after you’ve become an adult, and falling in love despite all the things that might go wrong.
Since then an audiobook narrated by Kirt Graves was produced, and numerous libraries and bookstores put Phantom and Rook on their shelves, not only the print but ebook and audio versions as well. There are over 125 reviews on Goodreads, and over 30 on Amazon and Storygraph.
My ultimate goal was to provide an accessible story about happy queers, and I feel like I’ve done that and more. To celebrate, I’m hosting a read-along which starts tomorrow to coincide with the treasure hunt inside Phantom and Rook. I’m also giving away free ebooks for anyone who wants one, you don’t have to participate in the read-along to claim one. The link expires on November 1st.
You can participate in the read-along in any fashion you like. I have a Fable Book Club which has a place for members to discuss and share their annotations. There is also a Storygraph challenge with When Witches Sing as a bonus. I’ll be sharing my thoughts and annotations in the club, on social media, and Goodreads. If you simply want to read without sharing, that’s fine too! The schedule is simply a suggestion, and is the way it’s set up in Fable.
You can find all the links you need in my linktree and more, including a playlist for Phantom and Rook.
Thank you so much for supporting me, I appreciate each and every one of you.
November 1st.
“Let’s go out sometime, I owe you that much for making a mess of your things.”
He balks and the slightest bit of green swims to life in his eyes. A mischievous smile takes hold, but then he shakes his head, and the smile away. “Can’t, but thanks. Enjoy the festival.”
I open my lips but the owl chirps, a bizarre noise, and cracks open a yellow eye to glower at me. The man rolls his eyes at the bird, then glances back at me with a renewed emerald glow ringed around his irises.
He makes to leave, but I wring my hands and blurt out ridiculousness first. “I’d enjoy it much more with a local to show me around. I’m not … looking for anything, just a friend.” I manage to squeak out. Oh dear stars, am I blushing?
All I earn for my awkwardness is a seconds-long sly grin, then the back of his head as he walks away from me. Again.
I become a stone in the river, allowing the crowd to part around me. I wonder when the last time was that I experienced embarrassment. Have I ever been truly embarrassed?
Well, I certainly have now.
🍁🎃📚🏳️🌈✨
Day one into the Read-Along and I’m two chapters in! We’ve been introduced to Arlo’s life and his desire to move out and become a ‘real person,’ as he’s been healing from something in his past and hasn’t felt ready until now. After enchanting a group of children in the orphanage with a legend about a mysterious treasure hunt, he takes off for the market before meeting up with friends.
We’ve also met Thatch, the mysterious and wealthy immortal who delights in the little things. After purchasing a bookstore due to pure sentiment, although he’ll have us believe it’s practically, he goes for a walk through the market. He compares the town as it is now, to how it was decades prior. He becomes distracted by the festival decorations to the Scarlet Illusionist, the creator of the treasure hunt, and crashes into Arlo.
The immortal reminiscences over the witch he used to know, cataloging all the ways he’s changed, and prays to the powers that be that Arlo will remember him.
But he doesn’t, and the witch turns down Thatch’s offer for a night on the town. So begins the push and pull slow burn that is Phantom and Rook.
“I want to see the world. Took me so fuckin’ long to even think about it. ‘What would mama say?’ you know? She always said this place was enough, and it is, but … I want more. I want to go on adventures, Mr. Phantom, that’s why I want to sell. Silly, isn’t it? Leave this behind for some fantasy, at my age.”
I stare directly into his eyes. “Doing what you love isn’t silly. I admire you, Gleason, and I think you should do it.
November 2nd.
I am having the absolute best time, it’s a good mixture of pointing out clues and roasting the characters. I visited the local coffeehouse today, so I had to take obligatory book pictures to pay homage to Thitwhistle’s.
I find a lot of inspiration in people and places, especially cafes and libraries, and bookstores.
You see, for a brief moment in time, you get to exist with these people at the same place, the same time, despite having different lives and schedules and what have you.
You are allowed a momentary glimpse into other people, the way they take their coffee, or what books they tilt their head at a funny angle to look at. You can learn so much about someone in an act as simple as whether they left or a tip or held the door for you.
And this is all without speaking. Find the courage to actually speak with people, and you can expand your perspective even further.
Easy to say, not so easy to do.
Air whooshes out of me and time stops as I stare deep into them, right down to his soul, one that clearly does not remember me but calls to my heart all the same. It stings more than I thought it would.
November 3rd.
A comfortable silence rests between us as the world turns, oblivious to the qualms of queers hopelessly in love with their best friends.
🏳️🌈📚✨🍁
I love this line so much, I thought I was so clever when I wrote it. Is it okay to love your own writing so much?
I’m reading The Fire In Fiction by Donald Masses at the moment, and it talks about storytellers versus status seekers. Why authors write, and the feeling of reading something you can tell was passionately written. It is the highest achievement.
So yes, I think you can, and should, love your own writing. Because if you don’t, who will?
The thing is, I truly contemplated his offer, which in the past is something I’d never do. Sex with strangers is off the table for me, and love … love nearly killed me twice, and I’m not about to break myself open again. I give myself props for even thinking about it, then chastise myself for being such a coward. Lindsey’s probably right, he most likely wanted someone to show him around. If that ended in a quick fuck, would that have been a bad thing? Yes. I don’t think like this about people. And I know enough about myself to know that even a one night stand would crack its way into my heart and feelings would spill out onto the floor like they did before.
November 5th.
“I don’t know, I’m just … tired of everyone worrying, waiting for me to fail. What’s the point in trying to … live if no one thinks you can do it? You can’t keep smothering me, Caspian, and you have to stop taking blame for what I did. I’m serious, I’m my own person.”
🏳️🌈✨🍁💊
We’re officially three chapters into the readalong, and in the tail end of Qualms of Queers, Arlo talks about his depression and previous attempt to take his life. One of the things that was important to me while writing this story was to portray mental health in an honest way, because I think we all need more stories with characters who are ‘invisibly’ struggling.
I pass by pictures of when Tobias and Caspian first started dating, two months after he and I stopped. I smile at the sight of Kitt and I photobombing them. The kids snore in my arms when I stop, looking deeper into my grinning face beside Kitt’s, both of us holding up bunny ears behind the couple’s heads. On closer inspection I note the date, frowning. Six years ago. There was nothing different about my face, except my cheeks were slimmer than they are now. I look away, avoiding the next span of years where I progressively look shittier, if I’m there at all. The two years before I ….
Neshama Publishing 