Readers,

I don’t know about you but I am ready for summer. These next two months I have a goal of lots of library trips, bike rides, and activities away from a screen! It will be good to reset.

How about you, any fun summer plans?

I officially have ISBNs for my first couple novellas of Four Seasons Of Magic! I will have more news soon, but I am very excited to finally retreat to my goblin cave and draft! Even if that looks like writing on my phone notes at 4:00 in the morning I will take whatever time I can. I do have some fiction I would like to share here as well, so keep a weather eye on the horizon.

I have many different collaborations going on right now, but most of them will be announced/shown in the upcoming months. Some of these you may have seen on my Instagram @a.c.sanders but if not here you go.

EMMA K.C. COUETTE

Emma has launched her Kickstarter of The Fidalian Chronicles, and I am so pleased with how the printed editions turned out! The color is fantastic and the endpapers! For the other covers check out the Kickstarter > The Fidalian Chronicles

Thumbnails: As a side note if you are interested in book design I can’t emphasize enough that 50% of the design can be figured out with thumbnails!

SHIRSTEN SHIRTS

It's always a joy to work on The Moonwell Archives with Shirsten. I am very excited to see the expansion of this series! For the third book The Curses of Cross Hollow I had a great time rendering the Fall color pallet, and showing the growth of the characters through thier clothing and expressions. Another aspect of this series I love is all of the hidden symbols that reflect the books.

The first three books are available on Amazon.

Thank you for reading and supporting human artists!

Readers,

I have just about wrapped up the first quarter of the illustration year, and am heading into the second quarter. Man, I love my job, but it is work. Many people do not realize that sitting leisurely at a desk and sipping a divine beverage is the ideal —not the reality. Painting is probably about 25% of what artists actually do. The other 75% is crying while rendering hands, hunching our backs like Gollum, and staring at computer pixels till our eyeballs melt.

Yet whenever I finish a project, I am reminded why the uphill battle is worth it. Every illustration an artist paints, or sentence an author writes, contributes to the greater whole. Even if the work is never shown to anyone, especially then.

For example, I got this pen and some ink; going to try out some calligraphy, will you see my attempts at writing fancy — nope.

I have been deep into the Four Seasons of Magic outline and got some great feedback from S.E. Reid. I highly recommend her if you need another pair of eyes on your work. As a result of my consultation, the short story anthology is being restructured into a novella or two.

Heathlight is a fun world to step into; now it's just making sure the characters are as compelling as the world.

Then there is the art style to consider. Spoiler alert: these books will be illustrated. I only have a few interior illustrations published in print, and so I am looking to Victorian illustrators for inspiration. The 1800s were an excellent time for serial fiction in the form of newspapers!

1. George Cruikshank was one such fellow who worked on several projects for Charles Dickens until they had a falling out over Dickens's criticism of Cruikshank’s fairytale retellings. Each of Cruikshank’s illustrations gives a small glimpse into a very lived-in London. Absolutely charming but menacing at the same time. Oliver’s amazed at the Dodger’s mode of going to work: Oliver Twist Illustrations.

• Do you have a favorite Victorian illustrator or author? Let me know!

It has been really fun to connect with more authors this year, especially ones that I look up to! I don’t have much art to show this month, but I can announce a few things in progress.

S.E. REID

Freelance & Fishmaids was the first serial I ever read; getting to work on THE published covers is an absolute dream! If you are not following Talebones do so immediately. I love the haunting atmosphere and lyrical prose of Ferris Island. I am not one to annotate books, but there were whole sections in Sayblood’s Children that I had to write down.

will be documenting her publishing journey here:

Talebones ✨

The Journey Begins! 📖

Read more

3 months ago · 31 likes · 19 comments · S.E. Reid

GAREN GLAZIER

If you want grim and beautiful ficition with a side of the uncanny. has some marvelous short form stories as well as novels. Rune’s Folly was a favorite of mine in 2025. I am so excited to be working on some spot illustrations for her serial fiction Dark As Dawn, Bright As Night. I binged the whole thing over the weekend and it was well worth it!

Only Child Originals

March, a lion through and through

The saying goes that March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, but for me, it was at a full-on roar each of its 31 days. I’ve got SO much good stuff to talk about in this monthly recap, starting with Only Child Original’s brand new logo hand-crafted by Substack’s own amazing…

Read more

2 months ago · 8 likes · 3 comments · Garen Glazier

EMMA K.C. COUETTE

I cannot wait to show you the special edition covers for The Fidalian Chronicles! The covers will be revealed this week. In the meantime, enjoy these endpaper designs and follow the Kickstarter for further updates!

The Fidalian Chronicles Kickstarter

Take care of yourselves and as always thank you for reading! 🖤

Readers,

After reviving from weeks of the plague, I write to you at last. There is much to recap from the month, so pull up a chair and your favorite beverage. Let's begin.

I am very excited to announce significant expansions to The Booklist. (For those who have joined me recently, the Booklist is essentially my WIP novels) The last time the Booklist was shared was 2024 ✒︎ Spring Cleaning

The manuscripts were all set in different fantasy worlds, but after many adjustments, each series takes place in the same world of Isolde, at different ages within it.

Read more in-depth on each book series below.

Now for The Great Pivot. Whether it is a blessing or a curse, I love multitasking. Thus while sifting through plot holes in my epic fantasy manuscripts, my brain needed to write something far cozier, a YA Gaslamp Fantasy. I fully blame watching Studio Ghibli on repeat. But somehow my hand slipped and before I knew it, I had a complete world Bible. Rather than placing it in the scrap folder, where new shiny projects belong, the story stuck.

There is a lot of development that needs to happen, but you will be seeing much more of HeathLight starting with:

✒︎ Four Seasons Of Magic — August 2026 (An Anthology)

World Study for Anthology.

I am SO excited about the Author Collaborations I am working on. There is a lot of work I can’t show you quite yet, but I will share all I can.

ERICA DRAYTON

The proof copy for The Eye See You Horror Anthology arrived and there are a few corrections needed. Ingram Spark is always a gem for formatting files. But copies will be available in the upcoming months! I am pinching myself that I get to work with TIF Press.

TIFFANY CHU

I work with many incredible authors, but designing artwork for The Constellation Of Forgotten Things by was particularly meaningful. Tiffany co-wrote the book with her son, who has since passed away. What a beautiful way to remember him by. She will launch a Kickstarter in September with a special edition cover.

I was asked to illustrate a signature page and a chapter header design. I loved integrating all of the tiny details of stars and forget-me-not flowers.

Tiffany Chu Website

EMMA K.C. COUETTE

A few years ago I taught myself to make seamless patterns. Little did I know it would come in handy down the road. asked me to design endpapers. In the designs, I implemented unique motifs of the Fidalian Goddesses. Keep an eye out for the endpaper reveals on the Kickstarter page as well as three special edition covers. Join the journey here:

The Fidalian Chronicles Kickstarter

KC SILVER

I have finished illustrating The Weather Court Gem Series! Of Snow and Sapphire was my first book cover commission. I am forever grateful to for taking a chance on my work. On the last cover of Sun and Ruby, I was highly inspired by Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss.

The book is a Swan Lake retelling, but there may or may not be fire-breathing dragons instead of swans. The book releases on February 26th.

The Weather Court Gem Series

Take care of yourselves and as always thank you for reading! 🖤

The Booklist. The following novels are stories that will be published and illustrated under my imprint Ink & Poesy Press. The Anthologies will be shared online before publication, but the longer form work will be available elsewhere. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in the dark or step into the light, all are welcome. Happy Reading.

— A.C. SANDERS

Adult Epic Fantasy

✦THE REALMS OF ISOLDE ✦

❄️THE NORTH SAGA—A recording of legends from the history of Ojdra detailing the rule of the Old Gods, the birth of monsters, and the corruption of Mortal Kings. (Anthology)

🍂 BONES AMONG THE BRIARS (AGE OF SOL)— The fall of the Old Gods is complete; with the rise of the Twin Gods, the hunt and eradication of magic begins.

🌊STORM CROSS DUOLOGY (AGE OF TINE) — Gods and Beasts are long forgotten but magic is a resource hoarded by the powers of the world. The Red King of Terra Salatta and The Pirate Lords of Icthos are forced to strike a deal to determine the fate of Isolde.

💀 RAVEN EYE DUOLOGY (AGE OF MORTE) —Scraps of magic are harvested from the bones of the dead and preserved in spell books. While The Path Of Light struggles against a new faction. The Ravenforged, rumored to be ruled by Death, rises.

YA Gaslamp Fantasy

✦THE MAGICIANS OF HEATHLIGHT ✦

🕯️FOUR SEASONS OF MAGIC — In the city of Heathlight, magic is as whimsical as it is dangerous. The Four Seasons of Magic is a novella series following a Forger, a Witch, a Postboy, and a Gentleman Spy through a year of magical predicaments. Think the industrial grit of Sherlock Holmes meets the cozy wonder of Howl’s Moving Castle.

🗝️ THE CROOKED WAY — In a world where afternoon tea and household objects are steeped in hermit spells, the Madley sisters are no strangers to magic. But when a red Postdog arrives with an urgent letter, Sylvia and Alison are whisked from their quaint country home to the towering city district of Crowspire.

After discovering the great family scandal, the sisters must dodge scheming suitors, outwit clever detectives, and steal evidence from a High Magician —or watch their family legacy crumble to ruin.

The complete archive of Ink & Poesy creative newsletters.

2026

• April 2026- Of Pens & Ink

• February 2026 - The Great Pivot

• January 2026 -Winter Musings

2025

• November 2025 -October Embers

• September 2025 -The Power Of Myth

• August 2025 -The One With Lots Of Book Covers

• July 2025-A New Chapter

• June 2025-Summer Break

• May 2025-Silver Linings

• March 2025-The End Of March

• February 2025-Embrace Personal Projects

• January 2025-The Rundown

2024

• December 2024- Winter Happenings

• September 2024-Fall Happenings

• August 2024-Small Moments

• July 2024-Building Sandcastles

• June 2024-Write What You Know

• May 2024-Spring Cleaning

• March 2024-Fables & Cover Reveal

• February 2024-Be The Spark

• January 2024-New Beginnings

2023

• November 2023-Enjoy The Middle

• October 2023-One October Night

• September 2023-Magic In The Air

• August 2023- Down The Rabbit Hole

Readers,

I hope you all had a restful Holiday Season.

🐍 2025 was truly the year of the snake. It was a great time of transformation and progress. We moved from a hallway apartment to a new home. I was able to work with many authors on their books, gained new friends within the writing community, and read some amazing stories.

However, while there were incredible opportunities throughout the year; I worked harder than I ever have. It’s understandable why bears hibernate. The exhaustion of 2025 is something I cannot carry with me into the new year.

Here is to a year of slowing down, living in the moment, and writing good stories.

I did not reach my goal of publishing Tooth & Nail last year. I fully admit my attention span was fractured. Illustration work dominated my time and left little energy to write. Thus, rather than saying my book will be published this year, I am going to be kind to myself. The new goal: write at least 300 words a day. Whether that’s working on my manuscript or writing a flash fiction. I will let you all know how it goes.

In the meantime, helped me edit a small folktale. This is a story I could have worked on forever. I relate very strongly to The Weaver— sometimes it’s hard letting things go.

TOP IN FICTION- I had fun chatting with about the first TIF anthology cover. I have been a huge fan of TIF for a while so this was truly a dream project!

Top In Fiction

The Eye Opens: Cover Reveal for Eye See You

Listen now

6 months ago · 31 likes · 10 comments · TiF Team and A. C. Sanders

Written for the 30 Days of Fantasy challenge, hosted by Come through the door: The Wind Changes Without Warning. Chimes ring where none are hung. The taste of the air shifts—smoke, sage, iron. Animals quiet. Elders pause mid-step. No one names what’s coming, but the old stories begin to stir.

The Weaver waited for the wind on the summit’s peak. Her cloak was tattered. Her spine crooked as a dragon’s. The years stooping over strangers’ fires had taken their toll. The stories had etched into her weathered skin and bones. Yet it was the creed and calling of all storytellers to pave their way through the world one tale at a time— no matter the cost. At last, she reached her closing chapter. With a trembling hand, she raised three chimes. The act was a plea, a supplication, a promise. For a moment, all was silent, save for the churning waves below.

The thief with no face answered—the chimes and the tang of brine swept away by the wind. Warm memories of smoke, sage, and iron seeped into her mind. A name long forgotten— her own.

At the precipice of youth, Andrada was neither saint nor storyteller. Her world was the sound of tinkling bells and the rolling jostle of painted wagons. Often Andrada lay in the tall summer grass and memorized the shape of the clouds. She reveled in the small discoveries of the everyday. Within her patched skirt pockets, a trove of broken eggshells, and sparrow feathers were her constant companions.

However, the time came for the child to grow up. The Elders insisted Andrada either take on a trade; or go to the nearest village to stay. Thus, when the caravan stopped to sell their fine metalwork and spotted horses, Andrada sought out her cousin for help. She found Niko with a reed between his teeth, flattening a slab of metal. She looked at him with envy; for he knew his place so well in the world.

“Well, you don’t dance and aren’t very pretty.” He tapped his chin “I suppose you could be a Bone Reader.” He said, clanging the metal once more. “The villages are always looking for Bone Readers; the rich folk are obsessed with wanting to know how they are going to live or die.”

Just hang up a curtain and they will bring their talismans to you. Best to go in the daylight though.” he squinted at the light and grinned. “Better run.” Andrada thanked him heading to the village.

For a time Andrada was content to exist behind a curtain. Each day powdered men and women presented their talismans. But each time Andrada tried to read the meaning of the bones, she saw nothing. The patrons would leave feeling cheated at the muttering crazed girl.

When she asked Niko of her plight. He shook his head of dark curls. “Of course you do not see anything, no one has.”

“It doesn’t matter what you say” “As long as you weave them a nice story.”

Andrada did her best to listen to the advice, but the next reading her lies caught like a toad in a heron’s throat. Strangled. Broken. With greasy hands, the patrons once again snatched away their coins.

Over time the lack of Bone Readings tarnished the caravan’s reputation. The horses sold became fewer and the metal work slowed. She could not bear to see the disappointment in the Elder’s eyes. She stayed behind the curtain silent and grim. Until one night as the last flame flickered out, Andrada slipped away under the map of stars.

She awoke to the thrum of the world, without the ringing of bells in her ears and the harsh kiss of hammers on iron. Andrada filled her days listening as she had in her childhood.

She listened to the rising lilt of laughing friends, the deep barks of enemies, and sweet whispers of lovers. She traded her secrets and tales for a new stitch of clothing or a loaf of warm bread.

Often, she hunched by firelight scribbling ink on piles of parchment. After she stitched up the signatures in a creased leather tome. Wherever she traveled the people remembered not the tales she told, nor her name. However, the next day’s toil eased with the echoes of the stories in their minds. They called her The Weaver.

After years of wandering the crags of the land, Andrada began to feel a heaviness in her soul. For what was the worth of stories if they could not pass to another? Each day the tome grew fatter and the binding stitches looser as if the book unraveled along with her.

A poor witch the Weaver made, but to ease her longing at dawn’s first light she burned sage to the god of blessings. And when night fell pricked her finger for the god of sacrifice. Yet she still found her days silent save for the companionship of the howling winter wind.

The day came she could not hold back her tears, until she fell fast asleep before the fire. When the last embers dimmed low, and the plume of smoke waxed thin she awoke to the footsteps of a stranger.

The sadness of the storyteller had brought a pang to his cold heart. For he had been the thief whisking away her stories, from the people’s minds in the first place.

The North Wind was neither man nor deity but something in between. He cleared his throat, tugging at his hood. Waiting.

Glad to have the company, Andrada offered up a bright winter tale of a stag and a fox. But the stranger shook his head. Impatient.

Andrada adjusted her coat. Pausing. And began a new story —her own. Her voice was soft and clear against the windless night.

“The girl was neither saint nor storyteller.” the stranger leaned forward intently. Andrada described the cold nights the girl shivered in the crevices of the streets. She regretted abandoning her family without a goodbye. She told him of nights when her hands cracked from bleeding ink onto the pages. And how no one remembered the girl’s name.

The stranger across the fire was silent for a moment, she felt his gaze from the depths of the shadows. He steepled his fingers, his voice raspy and low as he posed the question.

“‘And how does the girl’s story end?”

Andrada wiped a traitorous tear from her eye. A bitter laugh cracking the silence. “‘My story is still being written.” The stranger nodded in agreement and stood to leave.

Andrada reached for the edge of his cloak. “And what of my payment?”

He smiled, “Is the grace of my company not enough?” Andrada shot him a glare. He sighed. “Very well, I shall return to your fires again seven days hence.” He bowed low. She did not expect to see the thief again and her sorrow deepened.

Seven days, Andrada waited. The thief came just as he said he would, though it unnerved her to see he left no footprints in the snow. And this time he was not alone. A foundling child lay nestled in his arms.

Stories had always been enough to fill the empty spaces of her heart. But when Andrada noticed the child’s thin bones and wisps of tufted gold hair, she knew she would pay any price to ensure the child would not walk through life alone.

As if he could hear her thoughts, he placed the child in her arms. “The price of the child is your true name.” Andrada hesitated; she knew stories of bargains with strangers rarely ended well.

“Andrada Marcellus”

“One day I will come again for the boy, Andrada Marcellus, farewell.” With those words The North Wind shifted to his true form leaving the storyteller and the foundling to the grasp of winter.

They settled by the seaside. The Weaver called the child Gavril. With each year the boy grew, she taught her son the stories she had long carried with her and tucked them into his heart.

Gavril told his mother’s stories by song. Each day he would climb the cliffside and sing high and sweet. Elders of rolling caravans stopped to listen. Even the screech of gulls and skittering crabs would silence.

But though they were away from the mountains, The Weaver still feared the day when The North Wind would take Gavril back. Thus, she wrapped a piece of twine round his ankles with small silver bells so that she could still hear him, wherever he went.

But the day came where the twine began to tighten little by little. Eventually Gavril’s ankles became bruised and swollen. But while The Weaver placed a salve on the bruises. She refused to untie them.

Gavril stopped his songs. Finally, he risked cutting the bells away himself with a small scaling knife, but the string did not cut.

The youth became ashen and ill. All pleading to his mother falling on deaf ears.

With the last ounces of his strength Gavril ascended the cliffs once more with his mother’s tome in his hands. The sound of bells ringing. As he lifted the book to cast it into the raging sea. The wind carried the sound of his mother’s voice calling his name.

The Weaver approached, her dark hair threaded with silver, brown skin lined with the beginnings of age. Wordlessly she slid her hand under the other side of the tome and nodded her permission.

“But your stories—”

The Weaver rested her forehead on her sons, her voice cracking.

“No story is worth more than you.”

The Weaver leaned down and untied the bells from her son’s ankles. Together they tipped the stories into the sea.

A gust of icy wind collided with the falling pages, which scattered like snow. Aged yellow parchment softened into white plumes of feathers. A flock of swans took flight. The Weaver held her son’s hand marveling as the stories flooded the corners of the world. When the last bird was out of sight.

The Weaver let go. And beside her where her son once stood, the high sweet song of wind stole her name.

“Andrada Marcellus.”

The BUREAU OF BARBARITY is a monster hunting collaborative project. If you would like to join: The BoB. Charlemagne awaits. In the meantime enjoy these letters, I have intercepted from Professor Masterson.

Charlemagne,

I am sorry to hear of Ms. Lukos’ disappearance.

Apollo Masterson, a faithful member of your particular organization, was my grandfather. Unfortunately I regret to inform you of his passing last winter. Don’t despair; it was not an attack. He went to sleep, and ceased to wake. I admit I am unsure how to proceed; you see I did not follow in Apollo’s footsteps.

Nevertheless as stipulated in your invitation: Let me formally introduce myself. I was born in the city of Chicago 1990 to Harriet Masterson and William Allred. Despite what you might think, they were married. My mother had an unusual pride in her surname (I didn’t discover her reasoning until later.) thus when I was born, stamped on my certificate was the name: Apollo Kirk Masterson.

I spent most of my childhood unaware of the supernatural as anything but providing inspiration for movie scripts and comic books at least until the age of ten. Upon reflection it was unwise of me to be near the Federal Plaza when I was so young. Especially in the evening But times were different then, children could run amok; fearless, unscathed, free. Or so I thought.

I did not see the vampire.

I am blessed (or cursed) with a vivid memory, yet the events of the attack are distorted. I remember the pain but not the face of my attacker. From what my mother told me. I was face down in the street. Two puncture wounds in my neck. The creature must have already fed well that night for it did not drain me. You are probably familiar with the old saying in literature that you are what you read? Well, perhaps the same applies to monsters; you become that which you are bitten by. In my case ( a mystery my grandfather nor I ever solved) I did not join the undead but I still bear two scars from the encounter.

After “the incident” my mother booked three one way tickets to Salem, Massachusetts where we lived with Apollo. Throughout my teenage years in Salem, he shared many tales of “The Glory Days”. Although I loved Apollo dearly, I believe he saw himself as Prometheus and I his pupil of clay to shape in the likeness of himself.

My early education consisted of various ways to take care of the recent supernatural. But I found myself drawn to history and literature; particularly the accounts of those mortal men whom survived their meetings with monsters. I believe many answers we seek today live within the pages of history. It is why I teach at Woods College Of Advanced Studies In Boston.

I realize it may not be the set of skills you hoped for, but if you will give me a chance to prove myself in the investigation, I ask one favor in return. Prior to leaving the Bureau in the 60’s Apollo left an account of his journals in your possession. I feel as they will be an invaluable asset to our partnership moving forward.

I confess that a response by email would have been more efficient than a handwritten letter by post then again, one never knows who might be watching

Your servant.

—A.K.M

The BUREAU OF BARBARITY @Kelly Xan is a monster hunting collaborative project. If you would like to join: The BoB. Charlemagne awaits. Without further adieu, let me introduce: Professer Apollo Kirk Masterson.

To Follow Kirk’s Journey: The Recruitment

THE BASICS:

Name: Apollo Kirk Masterson

Date of Birth: December 13, 1990

Species: Human

Status: Bureau (Legacy) Recruit

Specialty: Literature & History

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

BRIEF HISTORY:

Kirk was born in Chicago but after being attacked by a vampire, his parents uprooted him to Salem, Massachusetts. His grandfather Apollo, a former member of the BoB, shared many stories about his employment with The Bureau as a vampire hunter. Inspired by his Grandfather’s stories and the area’s supernatural history Kirk chose to stay in Boston.

Kirk was a professor for Historical Foundations at Woods College of Advancing Studies for five years— at least until he joined the Bureau.

PERSONALITY:

A true Capicorn, Kirk is ambitious and disciplined. However, despite his stoic nature, he can adapt well to people around him when the time calls for it. Usually, this consists of creeping in corners until he is addressed by the company directly. Occasionally he will assist his parents with their garden, although he prefers to email them garden magazine clippings, it saves time. He is not easily offended by anything unless the topic of conversation veers to Star Trek or the Historical events of the 1800s.

One of his favorite authors is Lord Alfred Tennyson. Although if asked about it, he will deny the fact wholeheartedly. In the rare times he is not working or grading papers. He will pop by the local cafe for a cup of peppermint tea. Striped cardigans and scarves are a part of his personality. As well as his Tabby cat, Tenny.

He is slightly superstitious as he sprinkles salt across all the threshold doors of his apartment.

GOALS: Kirk has a thirst for knowledge but in particular wants his Grandfather’s journals, which he believes might contain the mystery of Ms. Lukos’ disappearance, as well as many of his family secrets.

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES:

Strengths: An excellent memory, rather resourceful, a great negotiated which can help in a pinch.

Weaknesses: He gets impatient with people who are less intelligent than himself, which in his mind is almost everyone. He is rather wiry in physique which is not ideal when battling monsters.

1. Intelligence (9)

2. Strength (4)

3. Charismatic (8)

4. Bravery (3)

5. Kindness (4)

6. Combat Skill (4)

7. Trustworthiness (5)

   ---

   Bio subject to expand.

Hello Readers,

It’s hard to believe that October is already ashes. Fortunately spooky season continues even in November. My husband has been packing in as many horror films as he can (even now I am writing to the droning soundtrack of The Thing) To maintain balance I watch cartoons with my kiddo during the day.

Last week I had the opportunity to leave the office behind and spent some much needed family time. It's nice to put a pause on life for a moment and focus on the little things.

Ah. National Novel Writing Month. What a wonderful time of possibilities. I thought about diving into a brand new shiny project, but my gut directed me to stay the course with my epic fantasy series Bones Among The Briars. Of course has that stopped me from dabbling in other stories? Nope.

Tooth & Nail (which has been on break as a Substack serial) has expanded significantly I was able to reach 30K the goal is 50K per book 200K total. The good news is I have a cover and I began interior formatting.

• Excited to add my voice to this wonderful collection about old deity’s bleeding into our world. My entry is called, When We Were Deathless. Please read the other wonderful tales in the meantime.

Notes from the Edge

Collectible Souls Index + Invitation

Autumn is slowly creeping across the land here in the Northern Hemisphere. In the darkness before dawn, the wind soughs with echoes of the old ways from long ago. It carries invocations and pleas, the scent of sage and burnt offerings. It whispers the question…

Read more

9 months ago · 15 likes · 15 comments · Katharine Kapodistria

🥀EVERBOUND-

The Curators welcome you to the archive of Everbound, where tales are custom bound in ink and shadow. If you are an author in need of an illustrated epic fantasy, gothic, or romantasy book cover. Our Winter Collection will be released January 2026.

Each premade design will be illustrated by me with lettering and formatting by Okaycreationssh. for more information follow us on Instagram: Everbound Instagram

SHIRSTEN SHIRTS- Last month I had the opportunity to work on 12+ interior illustrations for Phoenix Boys. Absolutely loved this magical book! The illustrated updated edition is available on Amazon here:

Phoenix Boys

Subscribe now

Last fortnite I crept down the stairs to the basement and there within the dark waiting to strike, was the mother of all western spiders, the hobo. After many choice words, I had to withhold a scream. All occupants of the house were abed, save for the cat; whom judged my cowardice with a luminous gaze. A battle ensued. My choice weapons were hydrogen peroxide and my husband’s Adidas shoes. Thankfully I was able to slay the beast. This cataclysmic event was very indicative of how August and September went.

Needless to say I feel very much like the smashed up spider 🕷️ with how the year has gone. However this author is happy to report the kiddo started school, I turned another year wiser, and I have committed to writing on a specific day each week.

Moment of truth, I have been stuck in writer's block. Burnout for me happens when I get overwhelmed by the amount of projects on my plate. I usually deal with said burnout by reading and procrastination. However after the pit of overwhelm, I was able to gain the perspective I needed to make my books better. All of my stories take place in the same world but different time periods. By looking at them as one giant novel. I was able to outline everything chronologically and it has deepened the lore of each of the tales exponentially. I was also able to identify many of the flaws my current works had.

For example in Tooth & Nail I knew exactly what the characters journey’s would be but there were things about the world, specifically some of the political institutions, which were very surface level. In an effort not to complicate my world, I oversimplified.

No one wants to read about a generic fantasy world and I definitely don't want to write one. As my illustration professors taught: no matter how interesting a character is, if they have no world to live and breathe in, there is no story. Of course the opposite issue can happen. Legendary world-building with extremely flat characters. Learning to balance the two: world-building and character arcs is one of the challenges and joys of writing fantasy.

Of course the master of character arcs is Joseph Campbell. Ironically while studying all of this in my author journey, I was gifted this book which was found among my late grandfather’s possessions. It was a nice little nod from my Grandpa on the other side to keep writing.

Although my author collaborations have slowed down, I love creating fanart. In my venture to expand my artistic skill set, decorate my office, and thank my wonderful clients and friends. I have been learning the art of the illuminated manuscript. These will hopefully become art prints in my own office representing the different series I have Ilustrated. Of course, I can’t guarantee every single author I work with in the future will get a print of their own, but I am going to attempt. Here is the thumbnail sketches of up and coming illuminated manuscripts.

EMMA K.C. COUETTE

I am so excited to kick off the upcoming special edition set of The Fidalian Chronicles by with this Novella Cover! I absolutely adored rendering Skiansy’s hair! The Fidalian Chronicles is an epic YA fantasy that brings me back to those times when I first read Eragon and Rangers Apprentice. Absolute magic.

There will be a Kickstarter for these books next year and I can’t wait to show you what I have been working on!

Subscribe now

Thank you for following along in the journey! May you all have an excellent Fall! 🍂

Yet another month has passed. Without further ado let’s dive in. Some highlights of the month, we are finally settling into our new place which is its own kind of chaos, and we adopted another little fuzzball of terror Howl.

If you saw me on the street you would see a tired mama with dark circles under her eyes, wearing sweaters and leggings despite it being 90 degrees outside. I care for my kiddo during the day but nights are the time when I go to work.

If you have no interest in book covers ye have been warned, there be many at the end of this letter. My book cover commissions are coming to a close save for one more project. However that does not mean I will be slowing down on art. In fact it means I will be working on my own projects in the coming months. Which is very exciting.

Too long has it been since I have worked on a personal project.

I had an epiphany. I have been rushing to publish. And while it is good to be ambitious and driven, we as creatives must also know when to take extra time for our craft. With the change of the season I am going to let the stories I have seep together and cook. No story is perfect, but for Bones Among The Briars (four planned novellas) I am going to draft them all together. I have my work cut out for me.

In the meantime I was swept away by 30 Days of Fantasy Challenge. So keep an eye out for some upcoming fairytales… which may or may not be illustrated.

The Verdant Butterfly

30 Days of Fantasy Recap Part 1

Once Upon a Time…

Read more

a year ago · 19 likes · 9 comments · The Verdant Butterfly

V.K. DIXON

What a journey! I went from stumbling upon Warriors & Mages on Substack, to becoming an illustrator for the limited edition covers, enamel pins, and the iconic sword featured throughout the campaign.

If you love classic epic adventures with deep worldbuilding and a dash of Jane Austen-type romance look no further. I am still in awe that I got to be a part of this project.

Warriors & Mages Kickstarter

ALISSA J. ZAVALIANOS

You might have already seen this cover floating around Instagram as Alissa is fantastic at marketing but here is the first book in The Chronicles Of Chaera: On The Edge Of The Forgotten Sea and preorders are open now. Alissa had a very clear vision of what she wanted, so it made the design come together right from the thumbnail.

For those who preorder the book there is some fun bookish swag you will get, so be sure to check Alissa’s page on Instagram.

Preorder Book Here

KC SILVER

This series will always be special to me because it really is the one that kick-started my career as a fantasy cover artist. Plus who doesn't love pirates!

SHIRSTEN SHIRTS

The trick with designing a series is: I have a need to make the newest cover better than the previous designs. With the Moonwell Archives I can honestly say I don’t have a favorite, but in full transparency The Mysteries Of Mantle was one of the most technically challenging paintings I have worked on.

Buy Book Here

EMMA COUETTE

My last commissioned project of the year will be: The Fidalian Chronicles by . I illustrated Emma’s wonderful characters a few years ago, so it's been fun to revisit them! The first two books in the trilogy are now available: Summer’s Revenge and Winter’s Wrath.

Buy Series Here

Thank you all for your immense support for this publication!

Subscribe now

June was quite topsy-turvy. While packing to move, our inside cat of five years decided to hop out the screen window and disappear. Very rude of him. After searching nightly around our complex like screeching banchees, and calling surrounding animal shelters. My husband and I took the drastic measure of setting a raccoon trap. We did not catch Albi, but five alley cats, a racoon, and a one very angry squirrel. I had no idea our little town had so much underground wildlife. We moved only ten minutes away but are on the hunt. So if any of you see a black cat at your door begging for his next meal. That's probably him.

I am going to try to keep this letter brief. Lots of announcements.

Upon the occurrence of a big move, most people would organize their kitchen or living room’s first. I did not. Although books are considered non-essential to survival, they make anywhere feel like home. Things become a little less stressful, a little more bright, with a story in hand. Even more so with a library.

Now that I have an official writing space, have I been writing consistently? No. But do I have big plans to remedy that fact the next few months? Yes I do. The first priority is to get my serial fiction back on track. The upcoming chapters are big ones in the story. I am hoping to release at least three chapters this month. For those who are new here. Tooth & Nail is my witchy Little Red Riding Hood-inspired tale. But of course there are also many things I am writing behind the scenes that will be announced later on this year.

Bones Among The Briars

🍂 Beyond The Iron Door

Step into a world of chaos, magic, monsters, and bones. Welcome to TOOTH & NAIL—A dark fantasy novella. The first season will be released bi-weekly refer to Episode Schedule for a fuller account. Thank you for taking the time to read…

Read more

2 years ago · 22 likes · 7 comments · A. C. Sanders

JULSIJI —ART COMMISSION

It was really fun to commission another artist. I won this commission in a writing contest ironically. The character featured is Natty from my short flash fiction The Rats Of Pryor. Julsiji perfectly captured the Gothic architecture and tme period I was envisioning.

SARAH ZIMM — EVENT EDITION COVERS.

I completed the Event Edition Covers for Sarah Zimm. Several artists helped out on this. Gerlacta did the beautiful lettering, Okaycreationssh helped me so much with the formatting. The interior artwork: me, Leysablackbird, ladyheidi, lictoria_art, and Koijix.

There were some printing issues with Ingram not lining things up right on thier own template. So I really hope this edition can get printed. Check out Sarah Zimm’s socials to see the full book design.

V.K. DIXON

I am so excited for V.K. Dixon’s Kickstarter which launched today! She has some amazing things in the works! Two separate covers, gilded bookmarks, stickers, enamelpins, sweatshirts and to top it off an amazing epic fantasy trilogy for you to enjoy. She already has met her main goal but there are several fun things to unlock go check it out. (I was able to create the limited edition covers, sweatshirt design, character art and stickers.)

Warriors & Mages Kickstarter

KC SILVER

An exciting cover reveal will be this week for the fourth book in The Weather Court Gem series Of Rain and Emerald. For those who love mermaids and pirates you won’t want to miss the story.

ALISSA J. ZAVALIANOS

I also finished up the cover design of On The Edge Of The Forgotten Sea! It has a watercolor look to it and I cannot wait to show you! The cover reveal will be July 19th.

Thank you for taking the time to read!

Subscribe now

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for summer break. I need time to breathe, slow down, and rest. Thus far the months have been a bit chaotic. Thank goodness for family, friends, and good books to keep me sane through it all.

Bookshelves reveal a lot about a person’s life. My husband and I were helping my Grandfather move last week and the first thing he asked us was to unpack his books. As we sifted through piles of dusty leather bound novels of genealogy, bird manuals, and college dissertations on parasites. (He was a biologist) I realized that his whole life story could be told by his bookshelves.

It made me think of my own shelves. What did they say about my life? My shelves are a clash of epic fantasy, gothic literature, art books, comics, indie novels, scriptures, and lots of knickknacks. Make of that what you will.

Go take a picture of your own bookshelf you will be amazed what you can learn. Let me know what you find.

My Writing Desk is overflowing with work. I had the best time, throwing my little story into a mix of brilliant horror and dark fantasy authors.

Many of you picked up that Wicked Things was very Poe inspired, which made me so happy, but I will also throw in the fairytale Bluebeard influenced the story as well. It was very nice to see how the whole collection fit together with a range of voices. I am looking forward to more collaborations.

Top In Fiction

Small & Scary / Big & Beastly

We interrupt your regularly scheduled weekly programming to bring you 29 Small & Scary or Big & Beastly stories! And they say size doesn’t matter! Well, here, that all depends on what scares you the most. Whatever you do, don’t turn out the lights…

Read more

a year ago · 52 likes · 7 comments · Garen Marie and TiF Team

A few weeks ago I was able to meet up with Shirsten Shirts one of my Indie Author friends. It was nice to get to know her better and also to discuss the state of the publishing industry.

Indie and traditionally published authors have many challenges. Between the pressures of following social media trends and the infestation of AI; it’s never been easier or more difficult to publish books. We talked about how key it is to write the book anyway. Write what you love. There are no shortcuts, and creating stories is always work.

Be sure to check out Shirsten’s books on Amazon or if you are near Provo, Utah at the bookshop Planted & Pages.

On the illustration side of things, there are many bookish things I can’t show you yet! But the artwork will be revealed in upcoming newsletters. In the meantime enjoy the artwork below.

V.K. DIXON

I completed the Limited Edition Trilogy covers of Warriors & Mages! I am reading the last book now and this is a series you don’t want to miss.

The final covers evolved a lot from my initial thumbnails, but the base idea is the same. We were going to have a more astrological theme for the backs, but we ended up adding creatures instead. When in doubt on book covers creatures/animals are a fantastic design element.

V.K. Has been working extremely hard on making the kickstarter extra special, with two different cover designs, character art, bookmarks and more.

Warriors & Mages Kickstarter

I hope you all have a good summer, until next month!

Subscribe now

For the SMALL & SCARY ANTHOLOGY Much thanks to Garen Marie and Erica Drayton for putting this event together. Read other entries here.

Cold was the night and starless. The Imperatore’s garden’s had always been a trap of sweet scent and soft evergreen’s. But the man in black knew it all to be an illusion to mask the years of secrets and blood.

He crossed under the bones of wooden pergolas; until the path led him to a proud structure of stone. The torchlight revealed the love of the people. Offerings of ivory lillies and roses littered the ground.

His gift would never wilt away.

He stroked the handle of the leather case, before pulling a butterfly brass key from his tunic. Although the key had been used hours earlier, he winced at the lock's sharp click. With gloved hands he pried open the door. The tomb was an open maw.

His world had changed with The fifth Imperatrice’s death. Everything had changed. He remembered seeing her for the first time— the night had been filled with stars. He looked at the engraving of the key, the memory souring. Her love had been as fragile as a butterfly’s wings.

For a moment he thought about sliding the door shut, just in case the wine was not enough to placate the guards. A small piece of himself whispered that perhaps being sealed away was best. He pushed the grim thought away.

Francesco, Imperatore of Idonza lifted the torch to reveal eight coffins. Marble effigies served as the perfect sentries over the six sleeping corpses. The sixth corpse, a result of her wickedness with his own brother.

The masks of marble reflected in perfect detail each of his deceased wives, as they had been. However he knew that their true faces were peeling away into rot and bone. He passed over the five to reach the one. Anna Cecilia.

He unwrapped the neck of the violin first. The wood was smooth, and freshly oiled, patterns of vines crept along the edges and came together in a symphony of spiraled designs. It had been the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, Francesco glanced once more at the marble face of blank eyes and stiff curls, put the violin underneath his chin, and straightened his back. The bow did not touch the strings; the music was composed by him and him alone.

For it was he their husband who had killed them all.

The sound echoed empty against the walls. It wasn’t enough. Music holds a piece of the soul. He would never play again. He lovingly tucked the violin at the foot of the coffin and snapped the bowstring in half.

He was to be married again in the morning.

Graves within the city of Rim were bereft of bones, but her pocket was not.

Natty traced the edges of a wishbone, her breath catching at the view. From the rooftops, Rim was a smudge of smog, lazy flickering gas lamps, and stray carriages.

The night’s heat was stifling. A dark chapel spire jutted below. For a moment she imagined falling. Her broken body disposed of; cleansed with fire. It had been a hundred years since the plague, Morte Contorta, struck. Still the practice of harvesting ashes of the dead carried on. For within ash—there was magic.

Natty slipped down awry bricks inch by inch. If the vials in her belt held magic, they wouldn’t save her tonight. Many Couriers ended up abandoned with a shiv in their ribs; their cargo stripped from them.

A child’s scream pierced the dark. Her heart jolted. She dropped a few feet to the ground; her own shiv poised to attack. Through the haze, two men circled two boys like starving wolves. She recognized one as Margot, the omega of Melly’s pack. A coiled viper of ink climbed his wrist.

The other man was unknown to her: a metallic green frog tattooed on his brow.

She shrank back. Natty recalled Margot’s brutality from a few weeks ago. Tomas, one of her crew, was jumped for getting caught on Melly’s turf. As punishment, Margot forced him to reveal the location of The Courier’s largest vial cache. Pryor saved the boy's life, but it cost him a broken arm. If they discovered her, she could face the same fate.

Margot knocked the older boy to the ground. It wasn’t her fight, but she felt the child’s fear. She wasn’t Pryor, there would be no negotiation.

She stepped from the shadows.

Natty struck. A clean jab to the arm. Margot recoiled and whipped his head toward her. Her blood ran cold. His eyes were black from corner to corner. She recognized the signature as a spice from the South—Cherry Glaze.

His enhanced strength would be difficult to bring down. He tore after her with a dagger of his own. She twisted away, dodging his advances. A pain lanced in her thigh. She was so focused on the viper that she had forgotten the frog. He smiled at her with chipped teeth, his knife bloody.

In retaliation, the elder boys fist cracked against the frog’s bony face. Margot retreated, snatched up the child, and pricked his side with a large dagger.

“Now children play nicely," Margot said.

He spotted Natty’s leather belt. He whistled.

"Look, Daws, we have ourselves a treat here: an Ash Rat.”

“Give us the belt or I will break him.” He yanked on the child’s arms. Natty glanced at the boy beside her. He was worse off than she was. He sported a broken nose and a split lip. Trapped like rats. Running was off the table; she tapped her pocket.

Daws sneered, “Come on, darling, get on with it.”

"I have a better offer," she said, withdrawing the wishbone from her coat. Daw's jaw dropped. “Where did she get that?”

“It’s yours if you forget the ash and let the boys be.” Margot raised a brow. “It’s a trick; it must be," Daws spat on the ground. “There is no way a rat owns a piece of bone," he whined. “She would have sold it already.”

“Do you want it or not?”

“Melly will want to know about this.”

“With a score like this, we won’t need Melly.” Daws flicked his tongue over his top lip.

”Fine, the ash and the bone. For the street rats," he removed the point of the dagger from the child’s side. And kicked the boy toward his brother.

Natty unbuckled her belt and slammed it into the dust. While six vials contained ash, the seventh did not. A potent mixture of sulfuric acid and potassium chlorate spilled over the ground. Natty dropped her lucky charm. The wishbone was a Firebird’s. Together the combination of science and magic lethal.

”Better run!” The three had time to wind their way around the corner, diving under a parked carriage. Rubble rained down. The small blast rang in their ears.

When the blast cleared, they rushed to the scene before the Night Vigil arrived. The smell of char and smoke was thick. The blast was small but had taken out the side of an abandoned shop. The single bone shone in the moonlight; untouched, Natty slipped it back in her pocket. The boys turned away.

"Is that it?” she said. They glanced back.

She shrugged. “I expected a bit of gratitude.”

The older boy smirked. “We have found, miss, that people who do kind things always expect more. It’s best to not owe anyone.”

Natty swayed on her feet. The initial shock of the wound had worn off. The younger boy pointed to her leg. "Morgan—“ Alarm bells rang through the street. She tilted her head. “The way I see it, the patrol has heard the blast and is on its way now.” She grimaced. “You boys can pay me back, by getting a hot meal into your bellies.”

Morgan considered her. “Fair enough.”

Natty led the boys through fog-laden streets in the twilight. She hoped that the rest of the crew had settled in for the night and weren’t as foolish as she. The shops around the corner were all locked save for one: The Ebony & Alabaster.

The silver bell chimed upon their entry. Bron sat at the front desk, scratching an old tabby under her chin, a book in the other hand.

“You are late.”

“Tell Pryor I have found some new Ash Rats.”

April was a difficult month on the personal side of things for my family. Our beloved uncle passed away from a year-long battle with ALS. He truly was one of the strongest people I have ever known. I miss him already. 🤍 My father had the opportunity to speak about my uncle's life at the funeral. It was a reminder that stories are a powerful way to give strength and courage to others; especially through grief and trial.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but keep sharing your stories. Wether that is through music, journaling, art, or writing fiction. There are always nuggets of truth that can be found in the stories we create.

Some silver linings of April.

✧ I made a new website! A.C. SANDERS Portfolio.

If you are an author in need of character art or book design my full price list and contract can be found under the commissions tab. I love the authors I have been working with and would love to help you in 2026. Once the waitlist is filled I will not be taking on any new projects until the end of next year.

✧ Another great thing was two of The Moonwell Archives books by Shirsten Shirts is in a bookstore in Provo, Utah: Planted In Pages. AND you can preorder Shirsten’s spinoff series Phoenix Boys here: PREORDER

✧The third book in The Weather Court Gem series was released Of Lightning and Topaz by KC Silver. Order Here

Things are a bit quiet on the fiction front but I have some secret things in the works that will be shared soon! 🎧 I am learning to embrace shorter projects and it’s been very good for my writer’s block.

A picture of my actual desk: An ipad, keyboard, and lap desk.

Ah, the struggles of working on many projects but not being able to share any of it yet. But here is what is up and coming with bookish things..…

V.K. DIXON

The Limited Edition book covers for Warriors & Mages will be revealed MAY 1OTH! I will most likely do a special email this week. I am so excited to show you the full designs that have taken me months of work.

V.K. has been working tirelessly to bring you all a beautiful epic fantasy series. She has a goal to reach 1,000 followers before JULY 1ST and is halfway to that goal!

The trade covers turned out especially beautiful.

Warrors & Mages Kickstarter

ALISSA J. ZAVALIANOS

I am so excited to finally announce, I will be bringing to life Alissa’s whimsical YA portal fantasy series THE CHRONICLES OF CHAERA: ON THE EDGE OF THE FORGOTTEN SEA! Alissa was very sweet to work with my busy schedule. This was a project I couldn’t pass up! Hint: It has a mermaid… 🧜‍♀️

The cover reveal will also be sometime in the upcoming weeks.

As always thank you all for reading this crazy newsletter each month!

Subscribe now

Lets jump right to it. I am wrapping up some really big projects, and starting on others. What a time to be a creator. I am choosing to keep this letter positive, but if you want to know my thoughts on the latest AI “trend” check my notes on the substack app.

While my editor is out of town, I will be focusing on the final chapters for Tooth & Nail: Season One. Posting has been a bit slow for the last couple months, due to my illustration projects being the focus of my work. But I have some really fun things planned for the page that you will be the first to see: starting with a rebrand.

Bones Among The Briars

✧Welcome✧

If you want a behind the scenes look at my writing and illustration process please subscribe to INK & POESY…

Read more

2 years ago · 1 like · 3 comments · A. C. Sanders

FOXGLOVE FANTASY FICTION is a new book box company specifically for Indie Authors run by

Website: https://www.foxglovefantasyfiction.com/

To celebrate thier launch in April they created a Flash Fiction competition, where they assigned three words to write about. My assignment was A WISHBONE, A FROG, AND A FIRE. While working on the flashfiction I met a ragtag bunch of characters, that are begging for thier story to continue.

I will be submitting my story for it tomorrow! But here is the first line and a title.

(image © pexels-denis-poltoradnev-3008003-4575994)

SHIRSTEN SHIRTS

When Shirsten told me she was working on a new spinoff series to The Moonwell Archives, I was so excited! However I also wanted to be concious of my other deadlines and current projects. But when she said the magic words of “object” book design and shared the premise of the story, I was done for.

I usually create eight thumbnails for each of my book designs. But to save on time I cut the amount down to four. Who knew that actually would speed up my design process immensly. The first design I sketched out was the one chosen, with the colors from the design on the far left.

V.K. DIXON

I am so pleased to announce my part in V.K. DIXONS Kickstarter as her illustrator for the limited editions! I cannot wait for you all to get the full trilogy onto your shelves! I fell in love with this series last year, and it has been such a privledge to play a small role in it’s publication. (art shown not final version) Keep an eye out fot the final cover reveals.

V.K. has a goal of 1,000 followers on her project before it launches:

Warrors & Mages Kickstarter

Subscribe now

🍄 FLIPPERTY GILBERT’S COTTAGE OF QUIRKS— @Emily Barnett

— If you like me were devestated by Sunrise Of The Reaping and want to read something happy, cozy, and whimsical. Then this story is for you! Flipperty Gilberts Cottage is chuck full of loveable characters and twists, Mildred is possibly one of my favorite cat characters in literature.

🐉 TO SWAY A SOUL—@Ireen Chau

— I am SO excited for this ! THE ART! The story involves a painters apprentice and a cursed art thief. With all the C- Drama vibes! Also please go check out the multi author collaboration! I love to see fellow authors support eachother and the website is pristine!

Tempting Thieves

Now it’s back to work for me!

A lot to cover this month.

My illustration work has been the dominant focus of my time. I have many projects to complete at the beginning of the year before we move apartments in the summer. As luck would have it, most of my client work is due around the same time. It has been a glorious period of creativity but I have also had to be cautious not to crash into epic burnout.

How to avoid burnout? make time for personal projects. A personal project doesn’t have to be art or writing, it can be eating bon bons on the couch; whatever makes you happy aka self care. One of my personal projects (yes it’s art) I made a retro 70’s book cover.

I drew inspiration from Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings cover and Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain Chronicles, particularly the illustrations of Evaline Ness. Look at these! There is something charming about the blocky chaotic colors! I would like to see this style make a come back but alas book cover trends are a thing. It makes me happy to feel like I am picking up an old library book.

You never know where a personal project will end up leading.

top illustrations © Evaline Ness

Every bit of progress counts. This is the mantra that I repeat when it comes to writing. I am happy to report that I went through the outline of Tooth & Nail with my editor and was given some great feedback in how to clarify the story better—including adding a spoiler free glossary to the final book.

I am excited that I finally have the final picture of where the story is going. Now it’s simply doing the work of writing, writing, writing.

I will admit, I have not been keeping to my posting schedule so I really appreciate the old and new readers who have given the story love and support.

After finishing Season 1 (4 more episodes left) I will be taking time to write Season 2 in its entirety.

Subscribe now

SARAH ZIMM

I had the privilege of beta reading Sarah’s novel Every Dark Shadow.

In a saturated market of Fae fantasy, Every Dark Shadow is a breath of fresh air. It has shapeshifters, magicians and memorable characters that will whisk you away and not bring you back.

This year I was invited to the beta team for her second book Every Thread Of Light. The story blew me away with its expanded magic system, character arcs. For fans of Shadow & Bone and Game Of Thrones, I highly recommend. It releases on March 25th.

Sarah asked me to illustrate some scenes from the book. The first painting contains a huge spoiler but if you don’t mind spoilers it’s on my Instagram page. a.c.sanders

Author Website

V.K. DIXON

V.K. Dixon is running a kickstarter in July and my art MAY or may not be involved . You can read the first book here: Fire & Night

Warriors and Mages Kickstarter

SHIRSTEN SHIRTS

Congratulations to Shirsten! The Secrets Of Silver Edge is out in the world! I sent Shirsten’s books to my 16 year old niece and she absolutly loved them! It is so fulfilling to hold a printed copy in my hands!

Get Here: The Secrets Of Silver Edge

Note: The Futures Of Marianne Finch is going to Amazon in paperback as well!

1

In January, I hit the ground running with many Illustration projects. My wrist might be slightly dying but I am very excited to show you all the bookish things in the upcoming months. The authors I am working with are incredible hard working people and I love being apart of their journey.

*A photo of my hometown street.

• CHARACTER ART — TBA

• EPIC FANTASY TRILOGY —TBA

• WEATHER COURT GEM SERIES BOOK 3 & 4 —

• EPIC FANTASY TRILOGY — TBA

• MOONWELL ARCHIVES BOOK 2 —

✨ Note my commissions are closed for the year of 2025! (this is unprecedented in my career and I am so grateful to all of you! ) However, if you want to work with me down the road, I will be opening up a waitlist at the end of the year!

Despite the chaos of raising a little woodland creature🍄 I added two new chapters to 🍂TOOTH & NAIL the journey from the outline to the final work is a wild gap ; I have been learning so much!

Bones Among The Briars has evolved from simple fairytale retellings, to a vast world of connected heroes and villains. Have I bitten more than I can chew with this series? Yes. Yes I have, but I am determined to get the books written. The current plan is to release the rest of Tooth & Nail on Substack and afterward do a master edit to prep for final publication.

For anyone who is on the fence about writing a serial on Substack, my advice is: GO FOR IT! The writing community has been so supportive and welcoming and not only have I found great stories here, but really amazing people. Hence I introduce to you a new category in Ink & Poesy Publishing— Stack Spotlights.

Subscribe now

❄️THORNS OF WINTER

—A lovely retelling of Beauty And The Beast, I loved the setup of the story. Each year the village sends warriors to rescue the damsels—but the warriors never return. Will was a classic and compelling hero to follow, I loved the bond he had with his fiancee and his sister. The Beast in the story is not what you would expect, and the atmosphere was painted in beautiful prose.

🐟THE FISHWIFE

— I was absolutely stunned by this cozy folktale, the historical details mixed with the magical is perfect! And I am SO excited that Jessica is bringing more tales to life from this world, because after I read it I wanted to know more. I love the idea of a bard like character collecting people’s stories by listening to them.

🍎SAYBLOOD’S CHILDREN —

— If I annotated this story, I am sure that nearly every passage would be marked. It has everything you could ask for in a folktale. Creeping red creatures, sentient trees, and a slow- burn romance to root for. Not only is there poetic prose but the story's themes of love, loss, and sacrifice will linger with you.

(also if you haven't seen my notes, I got to draw two of her characters for fun!)

🎠LAST MASQUERADE AT THE CAROUSEL HOUSE —

— I loved this short story! It has a flowing dreamlike quality that pulled me in instantly. Lord Raidenn is a charming mysterious figure, whom has invited many guests to entertain with his magic. Yuina, is a woman trapped by the constraints of a loveless engagement. I was honestly sad when I got to the last page.

But the good news is Katlynsam has a debut novel: The Fated. Which also sounds amazing! Go check out her Substack for more information!

🐍 I hope you are all having a good new year!