Promo items | Nicole Walsh

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Nicole Walsh - Author

speculative fiction: Recognisable people, unrecognisable worlds

Adults only Colouring-in zine

Art by Nicole Walsh

My friend Alena James and I created this project as a little thank you gift to folk who buy our books. Are we artists? Nope. Are we graphic designers? Nope. Can we afford to hire either? Heh, nope. We ARE passionate readers and writers though, and we DO want to thank our supporters and maybe make our readers smile a little with this extremely low-key, home-made free little gift.

Did it work? Let us know. If folk LOVE it we can always produce new editions!

We cannot show the art on this website. This adults-only zine contains nakedness, sex scenes and adult content (very mildly spicy - rough, cartoon sketches). If you're keen to get a copy and you're over 18, come down to an event where either Alena James and I are at and have a chit-chat.

This page gives folk who have the colouring-in zine more information about the art, including what story and characters its based off, and why we included it.

Picture one: "Hold my Staff"

This character was inspired by Tootles from Nicole Walsh's Snoogle Hunt. This scene does not happen in the short story, but the short story is about 50+ year old folk connecting with each other over new hobbies. This piece tries to channel the joy/humor of that piece.

Why we included it: adventure, romance and sex is not just for 20-something-year-olds or six-foot six, muscle-over-bone hunks. Joy in nakedness, sex and adventure is for all ages and all people and all body-shapes.

Snoogle Hunt is FREE to read here: https://www.metastellar.com/fiction/flash-fiction/snoogle-hunt/

Picture two: Shattering her Glass Cage

This character was inspired by beautiful, tragic Ayla in Alena James' dark fantasy triology, the Mist-Walker Series.

Why we included it: Alena's stories are filled with pain and yearning and tragedy but hope constantly glimmers and shines, even through the darkness. I was inspired by Ayla's attempts to figure out herself and her world and her truth.

For more information about these characters and this series: https://www.alenajames.com/mistwalker.html#/

Picture Three: Magical WOMEN

This character was inspired by lots of the women featuring in my short and novel-length pieces. I think the ones that most come to mind (that have been published so far) are Adaline, from Wizarding. Alongside of course Magreena from Collaboration and Glinda from Snoogle Hunt. My interest lies in writing fantasy stories of adventure, and romance and steamy scenes with women who are well over 40, particularly retired career women (like Adaline, Magreena and Glinda).

Why we included it: Most fantasy world consumers will be familiar with the "magical girl" trope, which often features skinny 12yo girls in school uniforms coming into some great power and responsibility (as they transition into adulthood/woman/hood/sexuality). This piece presents an alternative, the power of WOMEN - adult, seasoned women of all ages and body shapes, being remarkable and brave and adventurous and sexual and POWERFUL.

You can read Wizarding for FREE here: Insert. Or find out more about Glinda's adventures here: https://www.metastellar.com/fiction/flash-fiction/snoogle-hunt/ or Magreena's collaboration here: (insert)

Picture Four: Dreaming of Him

This piece was inspired by Ayla in Alena James' Mist-Walker series. I wanted to capture Ayla's confusion and pain and yearning as she is torn between buried secrets and an intense and possessive master. Above her, a broken mirror represents her shattered memory and mind, whilst darkness curls to claim her.

Why we included it: Alena's work is gothic and darkly beautiful and we wanted to channel the feels and vibes of her work into this project.

For more about Ayla and the Mist-Walker series: https://www.alenajames.com/mistwalker.html#/

Picture Five: When EVERYONE love the "One Bed" thing

This piece was not inspired by any particular characters. It was more inspired by one of our most favourite tropes, the "one bed" trope. This rather ridiculous scene is dedicated to all the readers out there that DON'T love this trope and eye roll at the excuses we writers create to cram our characters into one bed.

Why we included it: I had a brilliant convo once with one of my closest writing friends MS about the "one bed" thing. MS is not a fan of this trope. I am still threatening to write an entire fantasy novel where every chapter ends with some ridiculous reason why the tortured enemies need to "one bed" it.

Picture Six: Held without Harm

This piece was inspired by Alena James' Mistwalker series, specifically Blaze's kindness and patience as he gives tragic Ayla the space she needs to heal and find her way through the overwhelming darkness that folds down upon her. As her Fated Mate, Blaze never gives up or loses sight of Ayla and their connection, holding what binds them to the light as he and Ayla battle unimaginable darkness and challenges.

Why we included this piece: the Mist-Walker trilogy has some very dark and tragic undercurrents but for me there has always been hope for Ayla, and I wanted to present this with that distant light, warming and drying Ayla's wings as she battles the darkness, with Blaze working hard not to crush or trap or further injure her.

For more about Ayla and the Mist-Walker series: https://www.alenajames.com/mistwalker.html#/

Picture Seven: Collaboration, romantasy-style

This piece was inspired by Magreena and Hemlock from my short story "Collaboration". This scene does not happen in the short story and is a spoiler, but I love these characters and this story. I like to think this scene happened a few hours AFTER the final heart-warming scene in the short story. That's her eternally cluttered table. That's the basil plant he gifted her.

Why we included it: fantasy and adventures and courage and new beginnings, as well as romance and sex scenes don't just happen to 20-something-year-olds or huge, surly men with six-packs. Everyone of every age and body shape can have fantasy style adventures, and romance and find joy in themselves and each other and crazy chaotic spicy scenes!

For more about Magreena and Hemlock and the cosy, warm fantasy story that led up to this scene, check out: (insert).

Picture Eight: Bread, Borscht and Forest Gossip

This piece was inspired by Alena James' gorgeous short story (Yaga's Stand), which is published in (insert). It features Baba Yaga having a conversation with the powerful forest Leshe. Baba Yaga is confident, assertive and ready for anything with her walking stick and her fully-stocked bag. This includes conversations with forest Gods!

Why we included it: courage, danger, kick-ass battle-scenes and protective energies don't just belong to the conventionally pretty 'not like other girls' 20 year olds waving swords about. There are older stories about older women doing stunningly remarkable things that deserve to be set center stage. Baba Yaga's connection to courage, cunning and nature sits in the deepest heart of time and folklore. Alena brings it to life in this stunning short story.

To find out more about this Baba Yaga story, check out: (insert)

OPhelia

"I wonder whether you are a stupid woman playing at being clever. Or a clever woman, playing at being stupid."

Playful, silly and defiant, socialite and career courtesan Ophelia is worshipped and abhorred. Ophelia is yet another point her thundering tyrant of a husband is making. Passionate and hedonistic, grieving and traumatised, Ophelia's behaviour is reckless, silly and entertaining.

Scent: Rose geranium and black pepper

Strengths

Ophelia is the sassy off-beat protagonist and POV of the novel. Ophelia has spent a life-time recreating herself through dark and traumatic events and always claws her way to the top - at any price. She is playful, dazzling and fun. Her wild behaviour distracts her from every sad thought and works to confuse and baffle her minders.

Ophelia's ridiculous behaviour creates tiny spaces of defiance and freedom. Little splashes of resistance, flying under the radar of her thundering tyrant of a husband in her mask of 'silliness'. No God or power, no world or army can stand against the blazing might of Peter. But, Ophelia? Ophelia is standing right at Peter’s feet. Being ‘silly’.

Conflict/Challenges

Ophelia measures her worth in the way she looks (or, more specifically, the way men relate to her looks). She is a product of her toxic damaging world - where religious and political juggernauts convert or steam-roll over diversity, where the voices and whims of those with money and power take violent central stage.

Ophelia’s silliness, her trauma-responsive behaviours and self-centered view of the world means she causes harm to others. Survivors do not always ‘pop’ out of trauma sweet and kind, palatable and agreeable. Ophelia’s exploitation and trauma has left her reckless, prone to self-harm and in a spiral of self-destruction.

Astrael

'Royal elves like Astrael are very rare. They kick of tides of power that affect elves and weather alike. Only die-hard faery-fans grow moss on worlds like this, standing in puddles, just to chase an elusive sip of Nirvana.'

Astrael is an elvin king with broken but God-like powers. He is grieving the loss of his family and culture, particularly his brother, who he believed was the key to saving his people and resurrecting their lost homeworld. Frustrated and depressed, he is drowning in a sea of failed politics.

Scent: Pettigrain and black pepper

Strengths

Astrael is incredibly powerful with God-like powers. He raised his younger brother Sorrow in the ruins of his depleted, collapsing world. He is very intense and cares deeply, but helplessness and rage has spiraled this in on itself, fracturing his power and his sanity.

Conflict/Challenges

Ten years ago, Astrael's brother Sorrow abandoned his people and world and fled into the stars, chasing Ophelia and Peter on their quest to make Peter (a human) God of the universe. Due to Ophelia's drunkenness and neglect, Sorrow died. Neither Ophelia or Astrael have recovered from their grief.

Astrael's unstable collapsing power causes endless rain and flooding. His complete lack of leadership or belief in himself have collapsed his economy. In his mind, Sorrow was the only key and salvation to his culture and people. Sorrow was their only way back to tragic, lost Alfheim. Who does Astrael blame for this calamity? Ophelia.

Arial

'Angels and demons had their own issues. They were rare enough that even I, God-Wife, Queen of the socialites and traveler extraordinaire, had rarely met an angel. I had never met another demon. They were, perhaps, cleverer at hiding.'

Arial is Ophelia's enslaved demon bodyguard. She is forever at Ophelia's side, serving as a companion, advisor, side-kick and audience to Ophelia's silliness and games. She is the only long-term relationship wild, reckless, ridiculous Ophelia has ever maintained.

Scent: Orange and cedarwood

Strengths/purpose

Arial is a demon, exceedingly rare in this universe. There is an old story that whenever an angel cuts its way into this reality, a demon is yanked in to balance this out. Arial is in this universe and Ophelia's company against her will.

Arial is forever dismantling spells, recognising danger and saving Ophelia. She is the voice of reason and Ophelia's sounding board. She is frustrated and defiant but also a playful, reliable and intelligent companion.

Conflict/Challenges

Arial is enslaved to Ophelia, so gives the bare minimum to keep her mistress alive. She claims to despise Ophelia and denies they are friends, frustrated by Ophelia's outlandish behaviour.

Arial swings between being the voice of common sense and enabling Ophelia's foolishness. She keeps her secrets and true nature a carefully guarded secret. Ophelia may have enslaved her body and her magic, forcing Arial into service, but she does not have Arial's heart.

Nicole Walsh - Author

speculative fiction: Recognisable people, unrecognisable worlds

Not safe for work, adults only colouring-in Zine

Adults only Colouring-in zine

Art by Nicole Walsh

Picture one: "Hold my Staff"

Picture two: Shattering her Glass Cage

Picture Three: Magical WOMEN

Picture Four: Dreaming of Him

Picture Five: When EVERYONE love the "One Bed" thing

Picture Six: Held without Harm

Picture Seven: Collaboration, romantasy-style

Picture Eight: Bread, Borscht and Forest Gossip

LImited edition book-related candles!

OPhelia

"I wonder whether you are a stupid woman playing at being clever. Or a clever woman, playing at being stupid."

Strengths

Conflict/Challenges

Astrael

'Royal elves like Astrael are very rare. They kick of tides of power that affect elves and weather alike. Only die-hard faery-fans grow moss on worlds like this, standing in puddles, just to chase an elusive sip of Nirvana.'

Strengths

Conflict/Challenges

Arial

'Angels and demons had their own issues. They were rare enough that even I, God-Wife, Queen of the socialites and traveler extraordinaire, had rarely met an angel. I had never met another demon. They were, perhaps, cleverer at hiding.'

Strengths/purpose

Conflict/Challenges