writing

Hitting Stretch Goals and Tugging Heartstrings

/ Noah Hawthorne / Leave a comment
The Voice of Wild Places poster illustrated by Benedetta Massaro

Thank you to everyone who has backed the Kickstarter, it is now fully funded ! 

Not only that, but we have hit our first stretch goal, a short story that takes place after The Voice of Wild Places, and there is a chance we may reach the second one, a special edition hardback!

Despite my Big Feelings about all this love for the Kickstarter, I have already set to work on the short story, it feels so good to be with these characters again. Yes, I know we haven’t been separated for that long, but it still feels like coming home.

Speaking of coming home, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the Adventures in Levena books, which some people added to your pledge. It is cozy season after all, which is what these books feel like. There is some angst as characters heal and face the past, but they are overwhelming wholesome and romantic.

Arlo Rook, art by trxxvon_ on IG
Thatch Phantom, art by trxxvon_ on IG
Lindsey and Kitt, illustrated by Benedetta Massaro
Quentin and Elochian, illustrated by Foxglove Faun

There are currently two novels and two novellas out, each book follows a different couple. The first novella has multiple perspectives, and an interesting first half that technically takes place after all the books. It’s an immortal thing, you know?

The third book, Mochizuki and Xlato, comes out in October of next year. Illustrated by Crossroad Art, the same artist who we hopefully will have for the special hardback of The Voice of Wild Places!

Mochizuki and Xlato, illustrated by Crossroad Art
Archeon, illustrated by Crossroad Art
Proteus, illustrated by Crossroad Art

You can find out more about the series here.

I can’t wait to order prints, bookmarks, stickers, and wield my new highlighter and pens to go full historical nerd mode for annotating time. Not to mention signing and/or painting the books themselves.

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.”

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.

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.

Phantom and Rook now in audio!

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Phantom and Rook, narrated by Kirt Graves, is now available on Audible! Readers have called this book a captivating love story, a warm hug, and somewhere people want to live. Tomorrow it will be available on Spotify, Libro.fm, and pretty much everywhere else. You can find all the links right here.

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek from the POV of the immortal who everyone is bound to forget. Even his soulmate.

Here’s what you can expect.

☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine

⛈️ Forgotten Memories

🏳️‍🌈 Misfit Found Family

✨ Immersive Modern Fantasy

🧹 Witches

🪙 Treasure Hunt

❤️‍🔥Slow Burn Mutual Pining

🎧 Dual POV

💊Mental Health and Disability Rep

🎨Magical Tattoos

❤️ Idiots to Lovers, lots of facepalming

Book Blurb:

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 after a setback that landed the Hedge Witch in the hospital a year ago, he ended up right back at square one. 

But now he’s ready to strike out on his own, despite his friend’s worries that he’s not ready for the real world. 

Thatch Phantom is an immortal, the last of his kind and perpetually bored. When he’s not closing inter-dimensional rifts and corralling demons, he’s visiting his favorite city of all, Levena.  

Centuries ago, when life was particularly dull, he set up a scavenger hunt for a starving village, providing them with a year’s worth of supplies. Once again, Thatch is listless, and has decided to throw a wild card into this year’s game. Whoever discovers him will win one wish of their choice, no restrictions. Aside from the obvious, such as no falling in love, murder, or resurrection.

What he didn’t anticipate was crashing into the one person whose soul mark flares like a beacon when Thatch is around, teasing the immortal with the one thing he wants most: someone to call home.   

What follows is a wild chain of events filled with magical coffee shops, villains with vendettas against cheese makers, moving tattoos, grand puzzles, and second chances at love and life.

When Witches Sing is out!

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“Could you show me some magick?”

“Oh,” I whisper, then nod quickly. “Yeah, okay.”

I clear my throat and stand, then sit back down, because I don’t want to stand over him. He’s already so much shorter than me, I feel like a giant just sitting next to him. He tentatively presses a hand to my arm, lips parting, and I startle. He pulls back, not taking his eyes off me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you nervous.”


“Oh, I’m not. Nervous, that is.”


Felix chuckles. “Okay. Well, you don’t have to make yourself smaller, for me.”


“Oh,” I say, then stand and straighten to my full height before him. The leaves and petals in my hair and along my skin stand to attention, and I blush at the image of preening like a fucking peacock.


“Wow,” Felix says, staring up at me with wide eyes. “You’re really tall.”


I almost lean down, but he takes my hand. This time, he doesn’t let go. “No, don’t.” Felix stands beside me, my hand in his. I stare down at our entangled fingers, then back to his face. His neck is craned and it looks painful, but the determination in his eyes is almost frightening.


I squeeze his hand, then let go. I put my hands up, smiling wide. “Okay, have it your way, tchotchke.”


Oh, how he smiles at that. He pretends to be affronted, but that smile. It’s perpetual, blinding. “I am not a small thing.”


I shrug, turning away from him. I bring my hands to chest level and smile upon coming up with an idea. I close my eyes and murmur, “Abracadabra.”


Have fun with swamp witches, chaos witches, root witches and musical witches. Just, all of the witchery and tomfoolery there ever could be. Happy Yuletide friends.

Amazon

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Paperback

The Secret

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I have a secret.

The Game in Phantom and Rook is based on a real treasure hunt that has been ongoing in North America since 1982, called The Secret.

Byron Preiss hid twelve treasure boxes and the clues to finding them were provided in a book written by Preiss, also called The Secret. In this book are paintings which holds clues, along with written clues. These boxes across the United States and Canada in places that represent events and people that played significant roles in North American history.

Those who discover one of the treasure boxes are entitled to exchange it with Preiss for a precious gem. After he died in 2005, his estate assumed the responsibility of honoring the terms of the treasure hunt. 

The painter, John Jude Palencar, has also honored Preiss’ wishes and claims he has no knowledge of the actual locations of the treasure boxes, and even if he did, he wouldn’t tell anyone.

As far as I know, only three boxes have been found. I first learned about this on the show Expedition Unknown and have always loved the idea of people exploring and engaging in their community all for the sake of discovery.

Hence, the Game in Phantom and Rook. This year the Illusionist has hidden clues to their identity throughout the town, using paintings stolen from the local museum. The cover itself has a few details regarding the Game, and while we may know who the culprit is, it’s fun to watch the characters struggle in their attempts to solve the Game.

Phantom and Rook Cover Reveal

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Sure you’re ready ?

When An Immortal Falls In Love With A Witch

How many details can you spot?
Words will never be enough to describe how beautiful this cover is and how much I appreciate the hours upon hours of work the artist, Bear Pettigrew, put into it. Thatch and Arlo are spectacular and I WANT Arlo’s sweater! Scroll down for a full spread with the spine and back.

Everything has been submitted to Ingram and Amazon and in a few days the pre-orders will be available on there, but if you want a signed copy with prints and all that fun stuff, check out my bookstore.

Kirt Graves is narrating the audio book which will be coming out a couple of weeks after Phantom and Rook releases in print (November 2nd) and I’m beyond excited to listen to it once it’s all done.

Bookstore

Did you know this is already on Goodreads?

Goodreads
In all it’s cozy glory.

Bear Pettigrew has done several covers, comics and sells original artwork in the form of prints, stickers and other cool things. You can check them out here.

Crossroad Art

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 Citadel and Upper City hunts down relentlessly.

The Rebel Foxes are a powerful Shifter gang led by Rajni, a fox shifter hellbent on bringing down the oppressive system impoverishing Humans and wiping out Shifters. They take in those who need shelter and give away their wealth to the poor in the Underworld.

Her pack is thriving and for the first time in years, they have a counter attack planned for The Hunt, a night planned 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. 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.
The Rebel Foxes will release in mid September and ARC sign-ups will be sent to my newsletter subscribers at the end of August.

This is an adult fantasy and features poly relationships, neurodivergent leads, fighting the system and found family.

Cover by Henni Eklund, @gagakumadraws on IG, Tiktok and Tumblr.