Hello friends. It’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog, and I’m pleased to be back with some big news. And some little news. And also hints of more news to come.

So, little news first. I’m on Mastodon now, and hope to make that my main social. I’m still finding my way around it though, so if anyone suggestions on who to follow, or if any of you want to connect with me, leave a comment. Otherwise, you can find me at @JaydeHolmes@mastodon.social

Now for some bigger news.

I wrote a novella!

Well, I wrote it a while ago, but I’m finally ready to share it. So behold, the newest Jayde Holmes story; Neighbor. This is the start of the World of Green and Black series, that will be self-published entirely on my website. My goal with this series is to create an entire alien eco-system and explore it from the viewpoint of the most alien of alien intelligences. There is a lot planned for this world, and I really want the freedom to work on whatever parts of it I want. I hope that there are other people out there who will enjoy this crazy ride.

Basically, this is a story about a telepathic tree parasite with crappy neighbors. Or maybe we can reframe it as an alien coming-of-age tale. In this novella, an unusual young Drid’s life is thrown into disarray after a traumatic encounter with Humans. In the aftermath of this incident, they find themselves faced with a choice that will force them to question their ideas about morality and personhood.

This is also a chance for me to practice my skills with the charcoal and graphite pencils. As I improve these skills, there will be more Green and Black artwork, even between stories.

As for this entry in the series, I’m publishing a novella on my website entirely for free. I’ll be releasing Neighbor in three parts, published roughly two weeks apart. Family birthdays and travel plans make a strict fortnightly schedule a bad idea right now. Part 1 is out now. Part 2 will drop on the 30th May, and then Part 3 will land on the 15th June. After that I’ll look into the best way to release the entire story as one file.

You can find Part 1 on the My Stories page. Or by clicking HERE. Go and step into this alien world, and I’ll see you back here in a couple of weeks.

Oh, that’s right, I promised hints of something to come. I better touch on that before I leave.

The World of Green and Black is not the only fiction I’ve been working on. I’ve been writing a lot of short fiction lately, and if read short fiction magazines, well, keep an eye out for my name. Come July, I’m gonna have big BIG news to share.

~ Jayde