Kohōpe Despatch: The Spirit of the Past

Director’s Cut — Edition new moon May 17, 2026

First, an apology…

For the early readers of LOTUS, MUD, BLADE, or those of you who have it on their TBR pile, I must apologise. I promoted (via BookFunnel promos) what I thought was a nicely edited, ready to publish novella. However, early spotters reported inconsistencies, a few anachronisms, an unbalanced chapter structure, a slow start, love scenes with emotional stakes that seemed to repeat, etc. Not many, but still too many. Humbling.

Over the last half century, I have written millions of words. Half of these had a clear audience: tech docs, professional comms, international standards. And they had fast feedback loops. The other half, the verses and the prose, were akin to notes to myself. Until recently they didn’t have an audience. Thus now, I am learning the other half of my new craft as an author: writing for an audience. Appreciate your patience, and your feedback.

For those of you who have already downloaded LOTUS, MUD, BLADE, I will leave it one more month in free promo, you can just go through the motions of subscribing again, and you will be able to download the new version. Use the same email and you will not be subscribed twice. Old LMB had 5 chapters, the new one has 8.

Then an invitation: Join the Team

This brings me to my next point: If you want to have your say… you can hit me on bluesky via DM, or even become part of the team: we are looking for ARC readers for LOTUS, MUD, BLADE; as well as beta readers for a 110,000 words novel, a historical fantasy set in Japan circa 1600; and more to come.

And Freebies for your TBR pile

Historical fantasy and romance - a cornucopia of free books: Free Historical Fiction Romance & Mysteries proposes 39 books and CLEAN Historical Fiction & Romance Giveaway! another 27. They both run until the end of the month.

While the new Passion for the Past: FREE Historical Romance May-June just opened and runs through June 20, 2026. Plenty to pad your TBR list!

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Serial Update: The Poet’s Oven

CHAPTER 3

A Confession in the Moonlight

Kla took Moo Hring by the arm. “Come, let us talk!”

“Let the crowd clear out a bit, first,” Moo Hring suggested. She turned to Det. “May I remain for a moment?”

“Of course, Khun!” the actor replied with deep respect. Outside, the crowd’s boos for Serey as he slunk away could still be heard.

“So it passes!” Det remarked solemnly. Then, turning to the gatekeeper and the lamp-trimmers: “Sweep the floor. Lock up. But do not extinguish all the lamps, as we shall return after our meal to rehearse for tomorrow’s new piece.” With a final bow to Moo Hring, the dancers left.

Pin approached Moo Hring. “Will you not be dining, Khun?”

“I? No,” Moo Hring replied simply. The gatekeeper bowed and retired.

“And why not?” Kla asked, turning to her.

“Beca…

Read the full installment on Kohōpe

Stay tuned for the preview next week on Bluesky, wait for the new moon for your next newsletter, or come visit the site.

— Kohōpe, with love