Camille, otherwise known as Meow Meow, hasn’t shown any signs of poisoning from the snow globe fluid so far.
My April sucked ass. I am just going to come out and say it. Highly unprofessional, but I don’t care. Between broken computers, renovations, smashed snow globes, infections in both eyes, and other various bullshit, I am looking forward to May. And I found another scorpion in the bathroom. We called Orkin this time. So far, no bugs or arachnids.
Okay, now that this part out of the way, we shall return to normal professional broadcasting.
We have secured an artist for the interior illustrations of whatever its name is, Sweep some thing. What was the name? Sweep of the Heart. She is absolutely fantastic so you will likely get to see the Sovereign and the Dushegubs. We are all excited about that.
We are working on the next Innkeeper installment for you, which we will hopefully post either before Friday or you may just get a much longer chunk on Friday. But today I’m going to throw at you another short snippet. We gave you one earlier with the swordsman in the catacombs. This is from the same story.
Finally the streets ended abruptly, and the Bull Gate rose ahead, the empty space in front of it lit by torches, their light playing on the massive bronze gates shut tight. High above, the city guard prowled the wall.
I turned, so the gate was to my left. A row of tall buildings greeted me, three stories high and built without any spaces between them. The entire street was like the bottom of a stone canyon. It was meant to channel the flood of invaders into a narrow kill space if the gates were breached.
I counted off the houses on the side of the street facing me, staring with the closest to the gate. One, two, three, four. The house with the blue door.
The huge city gates opened.
It was after hours. Only someone in a very high position could force the guards to let them in.
Three riders entered the city. All three rode Andikan warhorses, big, quick footed, mean, with grullo coats that looked like grey smoke. The leading rider’s horse had a bald face, a white marking that covered the entire front of his head. It looked like a horse wore another horse’s skull as a helmet.
Everard. The Sleepless Duke, the Bloody Sword of the West, the Shield of Ledonia, riding Ghost, his war stallion. They called him the Sleepless because he ruled over a vast stretch of territory on the Western border and that territory was continuously raided by the tribes from the north and the Empire from the South. Verard Duchy was always at war. Everard picked up a sword at the age of three and never put it down, just as his father and mother before him. He was a violent war monger, who responded to threats with overwhelming force.
There was no place to hide. I flattened myself against the nearest house and looked down.
The riders rode down the street, their dark cloaks swallowing the light as if they had cut pieces of midnight sky and wrapped them around themselves.
Don’t notice me. Don’t see me.
Ghost reached me. The size of this horse was truly shocking. I raised my head a fraction of an inch. The stallion glared at me with a bright blue eye, and I caught a glimpse of the rider, broad shoulders stretching his cloak, his hood hiding everything except for his clean-shaven square jaw.
I held my breath.
The riders passed me. The hoof steps scattered down the street, receding.
That was entirely too much excitement.
I took a deep breath and knocked on the blue door.
No answer.
I knocked louder.
A small window slid open in the door. The person on the other side stayed in the shadow.
“Sabastian said you rent your rooms,” I said. Sabastian ran the stables at the White Stag. This house was owned by the widow of his nephew.
“I have someone coming in tomorrow,” a woman said.
“I just need it for tonight. The place I was supposed to stay was sold out from under me.”
“Just you?”
“Just me.”
“It’s a den per night.”
I passed two dens through the window. “For your inconvenience. I need some food. Whatever you have. I’m not picky.”
Metal clung. The door swung open. A woman stood inside. She was about thirty, with pale skin and a coil of golden hair that rested on her head like a crown. Three months from now, a poor young noble would ride through the Bull Gate and rent a room here. He would fall in love with the widow, but he was impulsive and foolish, and a year later she would die in his arms, trying to keep him from being run through with a sword. They would kill him anyway.
The widow gave me a grim look. Behind her, a little girl in a plain white nightgown, not more than four or five, peeked at me from the stair landing. She would die after the men who killed her mother would set the house on fire.
“Come in,” the widow said.
I came inside, and she closed the door and bolted it shut.
The woman glanced up at the landing. Her eyebrows came together, and the little girl scurried off. The widow turned left, into the kitchen, pulled a loaf of dense black bread from the basket, cut a thick slab, took a block of white cheese from an ice box, cut a slab of that, and handed me the giant cheese sandwich.
I forced myself to not snatch it out of her hands and took it slowly. “Thank you.”
“Third floor,” she said. “The door has a bar on both sides. I’m going to lock you in.”
“Fine by me.”
I went up the stairs, trying to ignore the food in my hands. My mouth watered. We climbed to the third floor, to a sturdy wooden door with a thick bar across it. The widow unbarred the door and pushed it open, revealing a small room with a bed and a window by it, with cheap, murky glass. A second door, flimsy and narrow, stood open in the wall on the right, leading to a tiny bathroom with a wooden toilet.
“In you go. Remember, you have to be out in the morning.”
I stepped in. She shut the door, and I heard the bar slide into place.
I sat on the floor and attacked my food.
So glad Kitty is ok! And thank you for the snippet even though April was terrible. I ant wait to read the full book! Hoping for a better May for you guys!
Ditto. This month has lacked luster
Love this snippet! Thank you
Thank you!
+1
Happy to hear camille is ok. Thanks for the snippet!
Every time you give us a snippet of this story, I just want more. What happens next? Please tell me…
I’m glad the kitty’s okay. Thanks for the intriguing snippet!
I’m glad Meow Meow is okay. Thank you for the snippet, you didn’t have to do it. Hoping the year gets better for you!
+1
So, so happy to hear that the kitty is fine! It’s always such a heartache when the fourfooted ones are in pain or trouble.
Thank you for the snippet! I look forward to seeing more of this, whenever the muse whispers in your ear. 🙂
So glad everyone is okay, and of course, love the snippet! Continuing to send good vibes to all of the family.
What book is this from?
It is from an as of yet unpublished, unnamed project 🙂
Are the snippets available under one “tab”? I’m having a difficult time remembering other snippets from this one. (My brain is a little muddled at the moment…)
Nevermind, I have now read the later comments….
The previous snippet from this WIP was called the Blademaster and it described a female character going into a teahouse to hire a proficient swordsman 🙂
It has since been archived and is no longer available on the blog.
But yes, if you click on the “Snippet” tab underneath the title you will be taken to all the available blog articles tagged with it.
I tried that. It just took me to the snippet under Meow meow meow, and not the first one.
As I explained, the first snippet (The Blademaster) has been archived and is no longer available 🙂
Great news that Camille is okay.
Wishing you a brighter May.
Everard is the love interest right? I would like to see more of Ghost, the creepy horse.
????
Can you tell me where I can find the first snippet of this story? I would like to re-read it. Thanks so much! Brightened up my dreary afternoon.
The Blademaster snippet is currently archived , it was available on the blog for a very short time 🙂 .
Thank you for the quick response. I’ll have to be happy with today’s snippet, and I am!
Is it possible to retrieve The Blademaster from archive? I must have missed it????
Works in progress are archived for good reasons, usually because they went through edits or rewrites and they don’t look the same anymore.
If you stay tuned, we may get more from this project, House Andrews are very generous with the treats 😀
Wouldn’t it be lovely if for one day a year all the archived snippets were re-posted?
I really want the post when Nevada tells Connor she’s pregnant.
Fingers crossed for a better May.
I will have to emphasise the “good reason” 🙂
Of course, let me first say that the snippets belong to House Andrews to do with as they please, and there isn’t really need for a reason for them to set boundaries about what they are comfortable sharing. I think we have all had our work assessed by other people, but few of us understand the scale difference of several tens of thousands people going over our draft creative ideas and self expression with red pens.
Usually, however, there is very good motivation behind certain free pieces not being available anymore. The pregnancy announcement fragment attracted vicious criticism online, and a lot of aggressive comments in regards to Nevada’s size and weight gain, pregnancy cravings, outward appearance, behaviour etc. House Andrews felt strongly that none of their pregnant fans or fans that at any point had been pregnant deserved to read those attacks. Pregnancy is a vulnerable enough state in a woman’s life without all the judgement being piled ontop.
The blog is meant to be a safe, entertaining space for the readers and House Andrews try very hard to make that happen. They gave me a job because of it. So no, you will not see certain pieces back on the blog ever again.
I can’t say that I am surprised that this happened, but I am disappointed and saddened.
Sometimes I just want to tell people to get over themselves and enjoy a treat without biting the hand giving it to us.
Neither. My Nana used to say “if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all”. Sadly I think some people live by the reverse.
+1
I am so sorry this happened to all of you. I don’t understand people that think it is ok to be cruel. Thank you for all that you do. I love Ilona and Gordon’s work.
Omg. Why would anyone make stupidly nasty comments, I just don’t get it. Even if you don’t like something, just don’t be ugly. That was a delightful snippet and I’m sorry HA has to put up with utter crap like that.
Oh no! I never realized that happened, such an ugly facet of humanity surfacing out of such a happy awesome scene. It makes me curious what the demographics of blog followers were at the time. (Psych major long time ago). But I do see a general sense of entitlement and lost normal inhibitions behind a screen.
I’m just grateful best-selling authors provide so many free treats, like a decadent meal that made your week.
Thank you, Author-sans!
Yes, they are. We greatly appreciate any crumbs that they want to toss to us.
I am glad that kitty is doing well and I know about lousy April’s. Just last week my work truck wouldn’t start when I got off work at 3 am. It was after 10:30 before the tow truck showed up due to gross incompetence from the roadside assistance center and after 11:30 when I got home. I had to be back at work at 3 pm. I took 3 hours sick leave to get a nap in before going back.
I won’t get into the snow, 55 mph winds, trying to find the VIN # in the dark while holding the door with 1 hand and taking a pic with my phone camera with the other, etc.
Also, so very happy that Camille is ok.
Thank you for the mysterious and intriguing snippet. Glad Meow squared is doing fine. Sorry that April was of the huge suck; hoping May will bring much happier days.
Wonderful!
So good to hear about the little kitty cat. ???? Love, love, love the snippet. Hope it becomes a book someday. Wishing you all the best for May
What a huge relief. I’m not ashamed to say I checked the blog several times this weekend hoping for a kitty update. I just came through emergency hernia surgery last week and I’m finally starting to feel like myself again, so here’s to a very calm and pleasant May!!
So glad your April is almost over!! Thanks for the snippet – I’m so intrigued!
Sorry to hear April was awful; I hope May is better.
Thank you for the good news about Camille, I hope she continues to be well.
Thank you also for the snippet from the mystery project! In the midst of your personal turmoil you gift us; your generosity is inspiring.
First thing I did was look up Andikan horse. Didn’t find the breed, so it must be made up, but the word appears to be of Nigerian origin, signifying Victor – very appropriate for a war horse breed.
And this is why House Andrews are the uncontested masters of world building!
Where on Earth did they find that Horse picture and figured that a horse like that would bring so much richness to the imagery.
If this is the project that Ilona mentioned somewhere as very different from everything they wrote so far, which it appears to be (high-fantasy – it seems) – then I am definitely sold, along with all BDH, I would imagine.
the picture is probably a Paint Horse stallion, and I’m sure I’ve seen it before. I have a soft spot for grullas. (female is grulla, male is grullo, btw, good job on getting that right. attempting to attach pic of my little grulla.
congrats on Camille doing ok.
Grulla is my absolute favorite color, and I don’t think I’ve ever even been on one. My first horse was a red dun and that’s about the closest I’ve gotten unless you count a few buckskins (not my own in those cases).
Very glad to hear Camille came through safely. Vet ER is not a fun place to spend time, says the tech who spent many shifts there back in the day. I remember losing a patient to antifreeze. Awful stuff.
Such a terrible talent to see the future. I’m looking forward to this project. It’s going to be so interesting to see all the choices a character like this is going to make. Thanks!
I’m wondering whether she sees the future, or whether she’s telling this in hindsight, or whether it’s a time travel issue. I can’t tell from this snippet, and I don’t recall anything about precognition from the original snippet, though that may be due to inadequate memory.
I re-read the snippet because I had thoughts along the same lines. She is talking in present-tense as she is moving through the streets and in the house with the blue door, so I’m getting the feeling that she is has slipped back in time and is recalling the ‘future’ events. Though, all bets are off with House Andrews; they know how to weave a mystery.
I guess we’ll just have to wait. I hate when that happens.
Glad the kitty is okay. Too bad April has not been for you and your household. Hope May is better!
OMG! This sounds like it might have epic battles and magic (precognition?) Can’t wait to read this new series!!!
Man! Whatever this is, I am all in.
Glad the kitty is doing well! Hope May is better. Love the snippet. I hope this means you are writing the fun things you want to do now.
As always, if you publish it, I will buy it!
Man I wish there weren’t so many animal toxins in human houses. Dropped a grape the other day and the cat sprang off her chair like it was a mouse and she was ten years younger. This particular one is kind of a garbage disposal — known to steal just about anything edible. Wish cats were like, “Yep, that’s a grape. Can smell the poison from here.” But no, had to stick my hand in a cat mouth. Got hissed at a lot, but didn’t get bit. Still I suspect this all directly led to somebody pissing on the floor later.
Thank you for this bit of knowledge! I have had cats for decades and didn’t know. I have never had a vet tell me either. And I love grapes so now I will be careful.
So glad Meow Meow is ok and thankyou for the snippet!! I missed the previous one but this is awesome!
Thanks for the kitty update! I’m glad she is doing OK.
Much appreciation for the snippet and best wishes for a marvelous month of May!
Camille is okay!! So glad to hear that!!
????????????????????
Fie on a crummy April! Hope your May is much better for everyone and all plans!
Cool snippet! Cool horse!
My great uncle still farmed with horses when I was toddler age, and my mother took funny photos of my brother and me feeding them marshmallows. Two small kids and six draft horses equals quickly emptied bag and serious sugar buzz for all!!
I am so glad your cat is okay! I have been checking and hoping for that. Sorry abut the Sucktastic April – hoping for a scorpion-free summer for you. Thanks for another great snippet!
I am glad kitty is doing well. This snippet makes me want to read and read. I can’t wait to see how this shapes up. Remember April showers can be lots of things but they always bring May flowers.
So glad to hear the kitty is ok! Like others I checked a few times over the weekend in case there was an update and sent lots of good vibes! It is very stressful when our fur babies are sick.
This is so such a cool snippet! And you are too kind to share after such a stressful April. I do hope May is a wonderful month for House Andrews.
OMG I didn’t realize it was Camille, I’m so happy to hear she’s okay thus far. And here’s hoping for a MUCH better May experience for all.
Thanks for the snippet. Looks really interesting! And thanks for the info on, uh, what’s its name? Hehe. Future lovely illustrations for what may be my favorite Innkeeper yet, yea!!
I’m happy to hear that Meow Meow is fine, but I’m sad to hear that your April is full of ass juice. I empathize, as I’m in the same boat (or at least in the same turbulent seas).
But thank you for the snippet! I really enjoyed it! So is she a seer? Does she see the death of people that she meets? Or is that info strictly for the benefit of the reader? She has currency, so why is she so hungry? Who is she running from? (I know you’re not answering questions about it, but I still want to throw them out there.) Oh man, can’t wait to learn more about this story.
Glad to hear the kitty is ok. I have snow globes out and thought they were filled with some kind of mineral oil.
Loved the picture of the bald face horse. The best horse we ever had was Hereford who lived with us for thirty years Hope the picture attaches.
Sorry Nancy, there is a 1 Mb limit for photo attachments, but if you have the ability to do a screenshot of the photo and then attach that, it sometimes works 🙂
Thank you!!! Absolutely loved this snippet. I hope we get the full story at some point, but if not, that’s okay too because the snippets are just special little scenes all on their own.
Very glad kitty is okay!!! And very sorry your April sucked. For me, that was March. I get it. Here’s to a better May for you!
Oooo I really like this protagonist!
Mod R, I have a question (and it’s ok if there is no answer!): Will HA be staying in the romance genre? Or is there the possibility of branching out (especially with the new self-publishing thing)? I could really use a book without romance as the central focus/storyline these days!
I will add it to the list 🙂
Ohhh, thank you.
Better soon.
V
I wait patiently but eagerly for the new storyline to become a book or series of books!!
See if this picture works. Hereford in the San Dimas Western Days parade around 1990. We had him until 2015
🙁 Sorry Nancy. The size limit is 1 Mb for photo attachments, and sometimes it just doesn’t want to let us see your awesome animals!
With four dogs, three cats, two parrots and five horses there is always a lot going on.
So glad Camille is okay! Thanks for the snippet.
So very relieved Hurricane Camille Minou is okay. Anxiously stalked the blog all weekend. Sending strength to finish out April and hopes for a smoother May. Can’t wait to read the snippet later tonight – a reward for tackling a challenge 🙂
Great snippet, thank you. I could feel a tragedy encapsulated not only in the story of the widow and her daughter but also in the story of the narrator …
Cassandra had an unhappy life. Feels like this narrator does not do much better, even keeping it within.
I’m happy to hear that Camille is doing well. Was the Blademaster snippet about a woman meeting a knight in a teahouse? I re-read that snippet about 5 times! I really hope that the project gets published.
Indeed 🙂
Phew, that’s a relief. Fingers crossed for a better May. Bless youse for the snippet! ????
Was sending healing thoughts to all your kitties and am glad to hear that Camille is doing fine.
Not so glad to hear that you had such a dreadful month so far, hope the next one makes up for that.
Still love the vibe of the Blademaster World, and keep my fingers crossed that it may turn into something you decide to publish at some point. No pressure intended, just wanted to express that this present lights up the almost end of a stressful month.
I’m very happy to hear that Meow Meow is okay! That really would’ve made for the worst month ever.
I was so excited to see more of the Bladesman story! This was a great snippet, really capturing what a burden it must be to be able to see into the future.
(It would have made for the worst month ever if Camille weren’t alright! Sigh, I need to finish my sentences. Must pour myself another coffee, ha ha.)
Glad Camille is okay and thank you for the snippet.
Sooo glad the kitty is okay! Since your last post, I admit that I’ve been stalking the site hoping for good news.
I don’t know what this is, but please take my money!! I’m already hooked and can’t wait to read the book!
All the best to you for the remainder of the year!!
So happy Meow Meow is okay. Thank You for the snippet ????
So glad for Camille! I had no idea about the snow globes.
Thank you for the snippet as well, I will use it to go to sleep (I try to imagine what happens next and my brain decides instead to put me to sleep… hehehe)
Scorpions: have you thought of installing bat houses in your yard? The perimeters near the trees? Bats eat scorpions. And you have quite the population of bats in Texas.
Before anyone jumps on the bandwagon – misinformation about bats- please reach out to the Bat World Sanctuary in North Texas. They are knowledgeable and can tell you if bat houses are the long term answer.
Yes, I do donate to the organization on a regular basis. They also have a FB page.
Full disclosure: I do not live in Texas.
Yes, this group does amazing rehab work! Fruit bats (“flying foxes”) are my favorites. They are so beautiful – the fur colors are such gorgeous browns and russets, and sometimes blonde mixed in.
I worked in customer service for a regional zoo, and one of my favorite places to visit on a day off was the “bat cave” exhibit. Really cool to watch. They all had ID beads on one front toe; the sequence denoted gender, family group, and name.
I’m sorry April has been such a beast, and I’m glad Meow Meow/Camille is okay! Onward to a better month!!
I also want to say that I am SO INTO these snippets. Can our narrator see deaths? The future? How does it work?? I have so many questions, and clearly need to hunt back through the posts to find the earlier snippets. (And I selfishly hope you post more, for they are fabulous!)
Ohhh. Thank goodness Camille is okay!! I’m so sorry to hear about your April suckage. Here’s hoping for an absolutely amazing May to make up for it ❤❤ And I’m loving the snippet — but now I desperately want to save that poor little girl. And the mom if possible, but especially the little girl.
I have 6 littles under age 8 at my house this week (4 are extras while their mama is in the hospital having their new baby brother) so I currently have a little girl exactly the age of Story Little Girl and my mama heart is howling SAVE THE BABYYYYZ!!!!
Don’t mind me over here having a little bitty panic attack over the babies ????????????
I am sorry your April has been so terrible. Mine has also. We have to sell our house, my hubby can’t get a job. I am heartbroken because it means I now have to move to another state, away from my kids, who are adults now. It is so hard. I hope May is a better month for you.????
I hope things will look up soon, Mandy!
Sending you all the encouraging thoughts. <3
Mandy– hoping for better times ahead for you and yours. I understand.
Woo Hoo! Kitty is ok! Thanks for updating us on Meow Meow and throwing cool words our way.
And you should be able to say “life sucks” with the BDH family . . . and then point us at the cause and the BDH WILL RISE AND ATTACK WHATEVER HAS DARED HURT OUR AUTHORS.
Or, ummm, maybe we’ll be adults, too, and just commiserate.
Wishing everyone a better May 2022 and soft comforting pats to Meow-Meow!
I am so glad to hear that your kitty is showing no signs of trouble. I have the deepest sympathy for the rest of your April OMGs.
April was &^%$#$% as well as *&&^%)$(#R% and isn’t over yet. I got hit with a property audit–I have to prove that I have lived here during the pandemic, while seeing my medical specialist, while the air quality has been trying to do me in, and the buildings in town are so moldy I can’t shop there–I cross state lines to shop, or ship in.
If they decide this isn’t my primary residence, I intend to ask for three years of state taxes back plus interest. I really hope they decide I live here.
My good news is, after five+ years of medical crap suppressing my muse, they came back online last night, said “*&^% $$%%^^ all this. Finish the audit by Tuesday and we have the rest of the week to write.”
May good news and your stories flood your heart and mind.
Wishing you good luck with it all, Kat :). And safe breathing ahead, creatively and physically!
I hadn’t heard of a property audit to prove state residency. Google tells me it is a thing in NYC as nonresidents don’t need to pay certain taxes while residents do. I think some areas of US also tax personal residence differently with homesteader discounts?
I’m guessing a few things could help prove this:
1. Location Services on cell phone while at home
2. IP location source in email headers and other submitted forms sent from home.
3. Utility bills showing usage on par with neighborhood & other similar size properties with similar # of residents.
4. Delivery records/e-mails for UPS, USPS, Fedex if you have Informed Delivery & UPS My Choice.
5. Any smarthome devices which log your location. So many services log your location that it is more of a challenge to opt out.
I do see the “is this residence occupied” question coming up more and more in my area with investors opting to leave properties empty and housing availability already a large issue which drives up costs (high demand, low supply). I think is more aimed at corporate investors, people who own multiple properties, or live outside the country. NZ and I believe Canada famously have similar out-of-country homeowner & empty house issues which have been acknowledge, tried to address, but not sure if that is working out.
Though, honestly, with the pandemic and especially people who would normally live alone or opt to help be a caretaker for others, why be particular about a single “normal” resident if the (higher) taxes are being paid? Would they be so nosy if someone (ahem man) had a lot of business trips outside the area or a very active dating life?
Thanks for the suggestions, Reeder. Everyone, thanks for your kindness. I just wanted Ilona to know she had partners in AARRGGHH.
They actually tell what they want…sort of. And orally they say only the first page of pertinent documents THEY ALREADY HAVE IN A DIFFERENT SECTION OF THEIR DEPARTMENT. The original OMG was, it came to DEAR TAXPAYER, and was signed “The X audit group at the Department of….” etc..
But. Only ten of the homes in this division are occupied year round, and afaik mine has never had someone living in it as a primary residence before. I didn’t declare it as my primary home until the following late summer, when I hadn’t died yet.
So–OTOH, suspicious, multiple suggestions it was a fake. Even calling the audit line at the state the grumpy auditor demanded the number in the upper left hand corner. (No number.) But–OTOH, it could just be a horrible example of why having tech literate writers on staff has value. Mail Merge could have done a WTH?
(FOUR YEAR AUDIT. Only had the reduced property tax feature 2.3 years.)
No response yet, since mail is currently what you can imagine. So I have to gather this stuff. In 30 days. I can’t print my own digital docs, currently sensitive to ink. I have to get them from the companies I have paid digitally, send to my sister in the next state, and… You see where this is going.
Several Great Lakes region states do charge more for property taxes for non-residents. But. Enrage not the writer for stupid reasons.
However, the muse getting annoyed enough to rise to the surface is good news for me. May we see happier posts and a new chapter from the dynamic duo now that their minds are relieved about several scary things. 🙂
Wow sounds like unnecessary angst and what an April so far. Hope it goes better in May.
Kat, I’m glad to hear you are feeling better and get good news on the audit.
I’m also happy to hear you are writing again and am looking forward to seeing something new from you.
FoN is a favorite and I had to get another copy after the cover fell off. Though I do have the Kindle and Audible copies now too.
Happy writing, Kat. I’m glad you’re feeling better enough to write again — you’re on my regular reread list. 🙂
What a lonely life it would be to see everyone’s future. Fascinating to read! Not something I would want to be burdened with, carrying all that knowledge of how everyone dies. Once again you have come up with another intriguing story idea. Thanks for the snippet!
I hope May is a kinder month for y’all!
Yay for Camille and yay for snippets of goodness. Boo to April. Also boo to 2022 so far. And 2021. And 2020.
Did you know that blue light flashlights are actually recommended to find scorpions?
2Pack Black Light LED Flashlight, Scorpion UV Flashlight, Ultraviolet Flashlight With 1 Light Mode & Zoom Function
Great to hear the puddy-tat is healthy. And thanks for the snippet!
Glad to hear that Kitty is doing well. Is this the black kitten that was breaking into your daughter’s room?
This book definitely has a different feel to it. But I’m looking forward to reading it. (hope it is published under Ilona Andrews, otherwise I will find it 3 year too late… If it’s anything like music. Lol!
That is the kitten in question 🙂
Any chance of a few more pictures of Minou Camille? Once she’s out of the woods for sure?
Poor Camille. Glad she’s doing ok. Thanks for the snippet.
So very glad Camille is alright. Like everyone else, I am utterly fascinated by the snippet and cannot wait to read the full project.
I’m so happy meow meow is okay. April has been interesting.
I love this snippet. This book looks amazing. Thank you!
This snippet is so intriguing. I want to read this story.
Camille sounds like a one-kitten cat-astrophe.
Sorry about the crappy April. I hope May is better.
Thank you for the snippet. I loved it.
I’m so glad Camille is okay! ???????? And thank you for your post, I know now not to get a snow globe and I was able to let some of my friends know as well, important psa 🙂
Great news that kitty is fine. Kind of sad your wallet took a hit for the emergency. Especially if as you mentioned you had to shell out for a computer or a person to fix the computer.
Cats at a young age are great for stressing your heart. I brought a new kitten into the house. Have had several over the years but this girl has been full of surprises. Managed to tyie herself upside down one morning in less than a minute after I had lifted the blinds. I had one foot out the door when I heard a cry for help. She also got an emergency visit to the vet for falling off the toilet. Not sure what she was doing on the top of the toilet but managed to sprain her back leg. X-rays are pricey. She also managed to fall out a screened window. Luckily we live in a single floor unit. The affronted look on her face when I realized she was out of the house would make you think I pushed her out not that she leaned to hard on an old screen. Screens aren’t as pricey as an x-ray.
Thanks for the snippet. Happy May Day is right around the corner.
So glad Meow Meow is ok! We had to take one of our pups to the emergency vet yesterday and leave her overnight (she is home now and doing well) and it’s so nerve wracking.
Sorry your April sucked – hopefully May will bring much better days!
(Also the snippet, OMG, the snippet – if there is a publisher out there seriously considering EVER turning down a House Andrews submission, you, sir/madam/title-of-choice, are a fool. WE, THE BDH, WANT ALL THE WORDS!)
Of course, MeowMeow being ok is the most and only important thing here for me.
However, this is an excellent snippet. I think I remember a snippet about a meeting on a roof that might have been this same woman. I am not sure. But the possibility of a new House Andrews world being formed into a book is pretty exciting. Even if it takes a long long time. Because these 2 snippets caught my attention!! Of course, i could be a dolt and they may be unrelated which is why I dont play trivia games…!
Thanks for the snippet, as always!
+1+1
I hope things get better(:
Hugs all around!
I’m so glad it wasn’t Batty!!
So glad to hear that Camille is doing well. I hope that she has entirely escaped danger, and has an aversion to snow globes in the future! It’s tough to know or suspect a pet has ingested something harmful, but also know that there’s nothing to do but watch and wait (*glares at trash-scavenging, bone-munching puppy*). I’m so happy that she had a good outcome.
You don’t owe us anything- let alone a snippet of a new ‘verse or extra innkeeper. I think we’re all just relieved that kitty is okay and your already crappy April was not worse.
Camille is the kitty with extra toes? Glad she is ok!
Thank you for another peek into what seems to be very interesting world – looking forward to reading the whole book if you decide to go that direction.
I am so glad that Meow Meow is ok.
I am glad your cat is okay. I am sorry about this month being rough for a lot of people. Hopefully May will be better.
Glad Camille is alright. And thanks so much for this amazing snippet. Reading about all these alternate universes lets me step out of being locked down in Shanghai. One month without being allowed to go outside of our apartments is just awful, and these weekly reads are all that’s keeping me sane!
I’m so sorry Rach, wishing you much strength!
I’m sorry April has sucked thus far. I hope May is kinder.
Thank you for the snippet. That horse looks really cool.
So happy Camille is ok! My head knows there is nothing I can do to make your April better, but my heart is sending some virtual hugs anyway ????????????.
Wow. Yeah, I can respect your “April Sucks Ass”. My favorite can’t be disclosed because it is simply not for most peoples eyes. But it is in the neighborhood of sucking. Glad the cat is looking okay. Mine has given me enough vomit to turn even my solid stomache. She’s given to eating, and eating, then gorging on water, and of course, vomit. Yeah, like I really enjoy these tokens of cat gift. eh. Great snippet, and happily waiting for Sweep.
I’m so glad your kitty is OK. It’s nerve wracking to have a medical scare with one of the fuzzies.
And I like this snippet, too. It really draws me in and makes me want to know more about the world, the situation and all else contained within! <3
Thank you for the kitty Situation Report. Thank you for the lovely snippet. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
My wish for House Andrews and the BDH is that as we move forward through Spring and Summer; and get our grubby mitts on Ruby Fever, we look back and think “That wasn’t so very bad. Most of it fell together, instead of falling apart.”
Wonderful snippet, but much happier to know the furbaby is okay. I do hope May behaves better.
So glad to hear the kitty is okay. Been there, done the hours-long visit to the emergency vet in the middle of the night. And recently too. I’m really sorry your April was not good. I do hope it gets better.
Unsurprisingly, the snippet is fabulous. 🙂
Lost my job April 1. Best day of the month so far. Sigh. Maybe May maybe better.????
Sooooo there aren’t any scorpions in Canada, or gators. Houses are designed to deal with both very cold and very hot. Our summers are the best with looooong days. Just saying. ????
The husband and I are looking hard at making a visit to Eastern Canada for September (after the prices go down and the spare house sells). The idea is to cross the border into Hamilton, ON and scurry for L’Anse aux Meadows,NL and then work our way home to Alabama, USA more slowly. Got any hints or suggestions?
Thanks!
Going to Newfoundland is a great idea!
Best to go there as soon as possible in August or September, in order to have a better chance of better weather …
Look into the ferry if you are driving: book in advance.
Book accommodation in advance. Ideas on this website:
https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com
Then go around Cape Breton (after seeing Newfoundland … especially L’Anse aux Meadows and the Gros Morne Park) …
https://www.cbisland.com
https://www.cbisland.com/about-cape-breton/the-island/#
https://www.cbisland.com/things-to-do/celtic-heart-of-north-america/#modal-gaelic-college
https://www.cbisland.com/blog/virtually-tour-3-museums-on-cape-breton-island/
My favourites are on the western side of Cape Breton, although there is much to enjoy in Baddeck and around the island.
The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton is beautiful!
Best to drive around clockwise, to increase chance of having your car on the inside “cliff” side, rather than the drop side, of roads that follow the cliffs / sea-shore …
Many thanks for the excellent ideas! Has anyone been a spectator at the TARGA races in St. Johns Bay, NL? They are supposed to be happening in mid September.
We had thought it might be fun to spend a few days in the French Territory, St.Pierre and Miquelon, before taking the ferry from Argentia,NL to North Sydney, NS.
September weather in Newfoundland seems to be a great deal like deepest winter in our part of Alabama with the exception of the snowstorms that are possible. We only get those every few years.
Fortunately, we do own real winter clothing. It is a side effect of having sons who played Ice Hockey. No matter what the weather is outside, if the kids are playing Ice Hockey you need real winter clothes!
I’m glad to hear Camille is doing well. She seems to get into many things. Under doors, falling off railings, and knocking things over/off. Maybe she needs an exercise wheel to run off all that energy.
That snippet is awesome. I cannot wait to read the whole thing.
Snippet was just in time to prevent serious withdrawal symptoms! I drag myself through Fridays to get my fix at the end of my workday. It is a rotten April here as well – especially as April is peppered by holidays in South Africa. So while I am trying to finish work – people are disappearing for long all over the place 🙁
Although I and I assume the rest of the BDH love your upbeat comments for those of us with less than stellar lives a quick dose of reality does help to keep it real just like your characters. Hope everything improves quickly
I hope your May goes much more smoothly than April!
Such a tease, this snippet! So many questions to be answered… Can’t wait to read more of whatever this is!
Snippet made my day, thank you. It must be this year to have a crappy April, mine also. Husband hit a bollard, than daughter’s car hit by a teenager driver, my parents who are in their 80s got covid, this weekend my brother had a heart attack (cannot tell my parents) and now this morning found our lovely and very expensive curtisy car stolen from driveway then late to work as massive tube delays. But bright side no scorpions in bathroom!
I’m happy Meow Meow is safe. Give yourselves time to relax. Thank you for the snippet.
Thank you for the snippet and the PSA about snow globes. I can’t have anything with glass due to rambunctious cats but I didn’t know they had antifreeze in them.
I don’t know what this book is or whether it is a for sure thing, but I’ll buy it. I’m invested emotionally. I keep trying new authors and 1/10 don’t seem to be my vibe. So anything new from IA is a must buy and 1000x better than some of the lackluster books I’ve been landing on lately. Thank you!!!
Hooray! “Meow Meow is okay!”
Thank you for the glad tidings and the fabulous snippet!!!
I hope May is a better month!
Very intruiging snippet 🙂 I want to know why she needs a room just for one night. And why is the door to her room barred on the outside? Am I reading that correctly?
The landlady doesn’t know her ????, it’s for safety.
Good to hear Meow meow is okay.
The last two months have been hell for us, too. The only bright points so far are blooming flower beds (daffodils and blue-bells), and budding leaves on the trees. I’ve been outside as much as I can, trying to soak up some nature.
Here’s hoping May is better.
I’m glad that the kitty is okay! I hope the last bits of April pass swiftly and peacefully. Thank you for the snippet!
????????????????
***Pyrane***
Is the snippet from a book you are planning on publishing? I love it!
Great news that she is ok. Pet worries are stressful enough.
I will join you in the April sucks club but I know May will be better.
Take whatever time you all need to take for personal recovery and rest time. We will be here. It’s not like you can get rid of us at this point ????????
SO glad Camille is okay! I’ve been checking for updates!
*waves*
Get well! Thanks for the snippet!
So happy your kitty is OK! I loved the snippet and I can’t fricken wait for Ruby Fever. I re-read the snippet from that on the blog and it’s so amazing!
OMG 😀
I couldnt remember where I read the blademaster snippet. I searched the Internet a couple of times and nothing came up. I am super happy and excited to read another snippet and finally found the source again.
Please, this needs to be another novel! I cant get it out of my mind 🙁
I don’t know what this is, but it doesn’t matter. Sign me up! I don’t care what genre, as long as it isn’t horror. we get enough of that on a daily basis.
Friday is plenty soon enough for ????of the ????. You are my end of the week treat . Thank you❣️
Glad to hear Meow Meow is fine. I am lucky that my furbabies just shed copious amounts of fur, throw up on just cleaned carpets, and have a bit of bad breath. Oh, and the one yowls. A lot. In my ear. When I am sleeping. Then sits on my head, sometimes the face while pulling hair and then decides to knead my nose with his claws.
Best wishes for a wonderful May, and for a positive end to April, while we’re at it. 🙂
Also, thank you for the snippet. I can already tell that this story will be something special.
Take care.
Things have been up and down in our world, too, so I am wishing a much better May for you! But I see there was a snippet I missed? In the catacombs? When was that ? I am so excited to read it!!
Hi Linda,
The snippet in question was available only for a few days and then archived, as this is a WIP and is going through rewrites ????
Thank you for letting us know about the well being of your kitty. You must be wrung out from all the happenings. Take care and thank you for the snippets
Glad meow meow is well. Thanks for the info about snow globe breakage for this of us who did not know. Here’s hoping that all April showers (of every kind) go away and we start getting the May flowers (of all kinds).
Excellent Snippet
My April has sucked too
I am loving the two snippets we’ve gotten so far from this story!!! I know IA said that it’s different than their normal stuff (though I don’t recall them explaining how–less romance, I’m wondering?) Regardless, I can’t wait to read more!
As the talking Husky dogs on Instagram would say:
Fluff April! Heckin rude.
Cool snippet, thanks ????
Yay to the kitty! Boo to the sucking of asses. On that note, a funny is needed:
https://www.meme-arsenal.com/memes/8e31221f3bd933b8a8d15861330b9da2.jpg
If you truly need a disconnect, dig up The 10th Kingdom- it’s from the early 2000’s, but so fun! I think it’s on Amazon prime. Go suck an elf! (No disrespect meant- it’s a line from the 10 part mini series that keeps popping up throughout- Talk about a fantasy spin on an old saying 😉
I’m glad Meow Meow is fine. The snippet is intriguing and I want to know what’s next. Thanks and I hope May is a very quite month for you.
LOVE this as I love all your work! Can’t believe I missed the earlier snippet about the swordsman in the catacombs. Is it still posted somewhere/provide a link? PRETTY PLEASE
Hi Alina,
The Blademaster snippet was archived as this is a work in progress, but I’m sure House Andrews will share further snippets, you know they’re very generous with treats! ????
AHA, I see someone else asked the same question about the earlier snippet. Alas it appears to have been swallowed by the archives. I so look forward to reading more snippets and the story when House Andrews is ready. Meantime I am so sorry that in my excitement about the snippet I forget to say how happy I am that the kitty is ok–I have 5 cats and 3 dogs and pet emergencies are the worst. Hope everything here on out is lacking in emergencies. Hugs to you
I just love this but I don’t remember reading the part referred to in the beginning. Is is still available and if so, where?
Thanks.
Hi Dina,
The Blademaster snippet was only available for a few days on the blog and then archived. as it is a work in progress.
It described the protagonist meeting with a proficient swordsman in a tea house ????
Thanks. As long as I know it is a work in progress I am good. Can’t wait to read the whole thing!
Well, this sounds harrowing????
Glad to hear kitty is okay! And I hope May brings much better everything for you all.
Ooooo. Snippet has me so very curious!
So glad Camille is ok! I fully empathise with your April. Mine has not been much better. I can not wait for this month to go away.
That snippet is amazing. I love this story and want to know what happens.
love the horse – Ghost
You have be hook line and sinker and I will send you all my money to read this book. *fingers crossed you decide to go ahead with this project*
Good news about Meow. Thank for this snippet, now my imagination is taking off.
I’m glad your cat is doing well. Whew!
And, intrigued with the snippet! So she can see the future. It made me want to warn the widow and the family that sent her 😉
April suckage seems to be worldwide. Hopefully better times are coming. Thank you for the story bit!
I’m relieved the cat is okay. Always wanted one but since I still live the parents their no is final. I intend to live with at least two or three once I move out. Can’t wait. Guess the snow globes are moving higher.
P.S I am gonna start drawing my favorite scenes of your books. Fanart. I’ve been doing for myself but my skills have improved I wouldn’t have a heart attack if someone else saw them. I know y’all don’t come to insta much cause I stalk your page so what social do you frequent? I would like you to see them. 🙂
Hey Gail,
The blog is the surest place ????
Happy drawing!
I know you don’t want typos pointed out, but this one is important to me as a horse breeder.
It’s grulla. Never grullo. Grulla refers to the Spanish word for crane, which is that smoky gray, for which that color is named. It matters not what sex the horse is.
And now back to ignoring typos, etc, which, as a professional proofreader, I do because I love your writing and you asked us to.
Heh. If you go up in the comments you will see another person who keeps these horses praising them for getting the gendered word right. This would probably fall under error of expertise, not typos as such ????- and apparently even the experts don’t agree.
“ jlh says
April 25, 2022 at 4:55 pm
the picture is probably a Paint Horse stallion, and I’m sure I’ve seen it before. I have a soft spot for grullas. (female is grulla, male is grullo, btw, good job on getting that right. attempting to attach pic of my little grulla.”
Thank you for you feedback. This is a WIP, which means betas, proofreaders and specialist consultants haven’t gone over it ????.
> And I found another scorpion in the bathroom. We called Orkin this time. So far, no bugs or arachnids.
Hmm, scorpion are arachnids.
But bugs aren’t – and Orkin found neither.
If you were taking the English tests a non-native speaker has to take, you would have just failed the reading comprehension portion 😉
Glad to hear kitty is ok. Ooohhh the second snippet – am so in! I think I remember the name of the swordsman – Reinard, Reinold or something like that! It has probably changed anyhow but I remember !!
Loving it!!!!!!!! I hope the awesomeness of the story is soothing some of the stings left by your outrageous April.
Love that snippet! This is so exciting!! ^________________^
thank you for cat reassurance
Glad to hear your purr baby is still doing ok.
If you find yourself in need of a pick-me-up or delightful distraction full of kitties and kicking ass I highly recommend reading Eleceed on Webtoon if you haven’t already.
Sorry April was a bad month Hopefully things will be better for all Glad to see the chat is back Glad fur baby is ok they are so important in our worlds
Good news about Kitty… Please please please release this book.. Your writing and world building is magical. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Absolutely love this. Does the pov character have some precognition abilities or is this the author suggesting the ature of life in this world?
????????????????????
This is perfect – I would devour this book in one sitting
Love the snippet. Don’t listen to the publishers. You know your BDH better than they do. Plus, we of the BDH would read a receipt if you wrote it.
“Just do it!”
Go with your hearts, they’ve never let us down.
Gratefully,
L
I would buy both. They both are intriging, but don’t get rid all of the romance. A slow burn is fine over a number of books. I doesn’t need sex, just a hope for the future and a positive resolution.
I believe I own all you books and I have enjoyed them all. Believe it or not the IKate books are on the bottom of my list but they are still very good. I would try anything you write. You are the writers so you get to decide.
I love everything you write. You could make the information on a milk carton a good read
I love it. At times publishers are just like art critics, dunderheads. I hope you publish it.
I think the reason she’s so hungry is she hasn’t been able to stop anywhere for food until now. For some reason not disclosed she feels safe asking for a room and food here. Probably the same reason why she knew what would happen to the widow. Plus I think before she leaves she’ll tell the widow somehow what is her future. And leave it up to her what she does with the info.
Hi from Europe!
I love this story, although the truth is the first snippet was like a drug to me!!!it was so magical that i couldnt stop thinking about the story weeks after!This one is a bit less magnetic but is also good.
My question is why she doesnt try to help the child and the widow?or at least try….it is so sad to leave people to their faith! especially innocent like the child!she must try to help the woman.
Does she know everyones destiny?why she didnt predict the stories of the men on the horses?should she have a look at their faces first?or there is another trick?
What about the animals?does she know what will happen to them in the future?
Hugs and kisses from me to all of HA and especially to Camille!she should be very brave cat to reach so great achievements????
Love the snippet! This has to become a book–I’m already hooked. <3
Everything you write captures me. I will buy/have bought everything you have written. Please, go where ever your imagination takes you and know all of your crew will be panting and drooling, waiting for the next snippet/chapter/book. Impatiently. What you write next might be my Favorite, or after reading it, all in one sitting, all night long if necessary, I might decide I liked an earlier work better. But I plan to buy what ever you publish. Thanks for hours of reading joy.
Like all the rest of the BDH, I’d buy a book based on this. The again, while I have favorite and less favorite series, you are one of the few authors whose books I’ll buy just ’cause your name is on it.
Very cool. When you publish someday count me in. Good Luck and I hope you find joy today as you always share it with us. Thankyou for all your hard work
I like it! Good hook. Now I want to know more. This was better than the Blademaster snippet just because there wasn’t so much exposition. It’s kind of like the Firefly problem. Whedon wrote a solid script to start his new series, that, with reason, got ‘rejected’ because nobody cared about the exposition until after they saw the fantastic train heist episode. So then everything got shown out of order. And what was supposed to be the first episode, when you watched it later, was decent, and you cared about the characters by then, so you already had more buy in and more patience. Whedon was coming off a very successful series when he did that – where he was used to getting away with less fraught scenes occasionally because the characters were so loved.
The Blademaster snippet is not at the beginning of the book 🙂
Ohh does it mean we have already almost whole book????????????????????????
So much hope that we can read it soon!
Violent world… Can this FL see glimpse of future or that was just a little description of Inn’s fate in coming days.
I will read anything you publish, regardless of genre. The images you create and the amusing turns of phrase. I am all in.
more please
I hope the Blademaster is a story I will see in the future, love it. But then, I would purchase any story that you write! Thanks for the two snippets!
Oh, I missed all of that because – Life was just crappy this year. But now I read the blademaster and this snippet together.
Am very intrigued! Seems like a more classical fantasy world this time. And a Heroine burdened with a gift like that makes for a lot of very difficult, if not impossible decisions.
Like so many people said before, I would love to explore every world the authorlords come up with.
Thank you for providing another snippet-another world I can’t wait to be sucked into. I understand you might want to get away from romance & stretch out into other stuff, but you all do it so well. I love the way you write it whether it’s traditional or just a small part of the story. It always has value & I love the sheer creativity & originally of whatever you write. I love all the new worlds you create or how well you explain the one we live in. Thank you!!!
Thank you for this snippet. Am looking forward to the book…