State of the Library #5
Announcing my first planned serial and the Forbidden section; and a spaceship crash lands in Sardis's front yard.
I typed in “February” into the stock photo search engine. I got a bunch of snow, snow drops, and ice. I did get one picture of pink magnolias (erroneously called tulip trees by some people but the tulip poplar is a different tree altogether). However, the above picture is more of what I’m used to seeing this time of year. And I don’t think pink magnolias really start blooming until March, anyway.
I love morning fog hovering over fields. It’s like Heaven came in a little closer overnight. When I used to write more poetry, I typically described morning fog as the tatters of Dawn’s dress or something equally, well, poetic. I don’t write much poetry anymore. I keep trying to get back into it but, alack and alas, I haven’t.
As the wheel of the year turns toward Lent, ashes, and penance, as we till our inner fields for the jubilant burst of Easter growth, the Library also turns toward new and exciting prospects. Read all the way to the end to get all the news. Shall we jump in?
The Forbidden Section
On February 3, the Forbidden Section went live. Sardis, the main librarian, was a bit grumpy about it. (In fact, the section was supposed to go live on February 1 but Sardis went missing and didn’t turn back up until a couple of days later. When that man wants to pout…)
What’s in the Section? Monthly stories. Planned serials will also go there. Every three months or so, I’ll add to the Section. Not all monthly stories will go into the Section. For this first crop, I am leaving out “Windchimes at the End of the World”. That one will remain free.
Any random stories or unplanned serials will remain free. For example, The Cost of Memory will remain free (and one day I might actually finish it). Also, my random nonfiction posts on writing life will (so far) stay free. I may change that later on. As time goes on, I’ll come up with more perks for paid subscribers.
ICYMI: January’s Posts
February’s Story
“A Day in the Life of Sardis the Forgotten Librarian” — Sardis has been the caretaker of the Forgotten Library for centuries. But he’s never had a spaceship crash land in his front yard before, and that’s only the beginning of his day…
February’s story will drop on Friday, February 9 at 10 am EST!
Excerpt:
Niall, his aerial, glided over, settling on a table. The feathered lizard chirped, cocking his head.
“No,” Sardis said. “It’s best you stay inside. We don’t want them accidentally shooting both of us. It would be bad enough if they shot only one of us.”
Niall ruffled his rainbow feathers, as if a little horrified at the thought of violence. Sardis patted him on the head.
“I’m sure no shooting at all will happen,” Sardis said, “but it’s better to be safe.”
Niall’s feathers smoothed down. Sardis gave him a neck scratch before he opened the front door. A blast of cold air struck him in the face. He was glad for the warmth of the coat and scarf.
My First Planned Serial
Under the Roses — Beatrice has been tasked with cutting flowers to decorate the Virgin Mary’s statue as part of her town’s Festival of the Immaculate Heart. But when Beatrice flouts the rules and visits a forbidden garden, she encounters mystery, danger—and a Beast.
Three roses. Three visits.
Meanwhile, evil stalks the woods surrounding her town. People begin to die. And the townspeople are looking for someone or something to blame.
This ten-part serial debuts Thursday, February 22 at 10 am EST!
Excerpt:
Before long, Beatrice’s basket burst with blooms. She had even cut some of the longer grasses with foamy ends. As she worked, she had gone deeper into the garden. The trellis stretched overhead in a large arch. Beyond it was the garden’s center, where stood a structure overtaken by ivy.
Tilting her head back, Beatrice contemplated the roses nearest to her. Our Lady loved roses. How could Beatrice make a bouquet for the Immaculata without them?
She set the basket at her feet, chose one of the roses, and cut it free with a snip.
The bees stopped buzzing. The birds in the trees and bushes went silent. She tensed, every nerve in her body suddenly screaming.
A shadow fell over Beatrice.