Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫

@mycelialwriter

Fantasy author of celestial wonders, dark histories, and the magic of trees. Blog: AuthorNook Prequel: KOSAL 🌙 Available Now Book 1: TCT 🌿 Available Now Book 2: SoS ✨ Available Now Book 3: TMF🎪 (The Mycellium Forest) WIP linktr.ee/lakenhoneycutt3

477 Following802 Followers3,664 Posts

Bluesky

amateur

Is this your profile?Claim it and mycelialwriter.dirty.social is yours.Claim profile

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· 12d

What if crossing a wall cost you a memory? Welcome to The Mycelium Forest. Book 3 of The Chrysillium Saga follows two strangers whose lives collide at a mysterious traveling night circus as forgotten truths begin to surface Kickstarter launches September 1 🎪🖤✨ #BookSky #FantasyBooks #Kickstarter

Welcome to the Mycellium forest
Book 3 of the ChrysilliumSaga

Kickstarter
Launch page live
Click notify on launch to receive updates and support the early campaign

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· 13d

Good morning, #WIPSnips! 🌻✨ My epic dark fantasy spans centuries. Time is measured in suns, moons, cycles, and dawnings so no mention of the word century but the vibes are here 🎪🖤✨ From The Mycelium Forest (Book 3) Kickstarter prelaunch now live! #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

From draft three of Book 3 (TMF), prologue, omniscient POV:

“Were your parents gods?” The girl tried to understand. The gods of the Mycellium Forest were elusive and not known to walk amongst mortals. They remained in their ancient forest, and no one dared to enter.

“I don’t know who my parents were,” the boy answered, his electric lavender eyes snapping up towards the brilliant stars above their heads.

The boy closed his eyes, and the girl did the same as the song of the Chrysillium trees washed over them. Azriel’s Grove. Her sister, the only living Shalik, created this grove five suns ago. At this hour, just before dawn, when the sky became a deep indigo hinting at the approaching dawn, the grove was empty.

Just beyond where they lay, the girl could make out the faint teal glow of the wall. Finally, there was peace in Ulli between the Lumani and the Palace of Light. The wall kept everyone in their place. No one wanted to upset that balance

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· 14d

Isaac and Armaiti working together again 💙🍃 This is from the end of the book so didn’t want to share too much. Also sharing some news regarding Book 3 later tonight… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF for “assist”.

From draft three of Book 3 (TMF), chapter 40, Isaac POV

“I have an idea,” Isaac said, and with his mind magic, he sent a message to his dear friend. Armaiti, I need you and half a dozen Water Clan Lumani.

Armaiti arrived shortly with a handful of his fellow Water Clan, and Isaac hurriedly explained his plan. Armaiti was powerful without Isaac and Ebiz’s assistance, but with it…

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· 25d

This may be the dark fantasy you've been looking for... 🌙🌲✨ 🌲 Magical dark forests ⭐ Celestial magic ⚡ Magic with a cost 🖤 Found family & unlikely allies 📜 Forgotten histories The Chrysillium Tree is Book 1 of the series. What are some of your favorite dark fantasy reads? 👀 #BookSky #FantasyBooks

Images of dark forest, full moon sky, mysterious woman by a tree, Luna moth, and a door hidden in the forest

The Chrysillium Tree by Laken Honeycutt

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· 28d

⭐ Book Review ⭐ Gothic atmosphere, an adorable ghost cat, mystery, romance, and a haunted castle? Yes, please. This is my 5th Stavs book, and I've loved every one! Don't pass on this dark fairy tale retelling w/gothic romance. My review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/... #BookSky #BookReview

Book review
5 stars
Marrying Bluebeard
By ep stavs

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jul 8

I’m a winter girly and realize I don’t write about hot weather at all 😅 I really don’t like heat and so apparently I only write about fall/winter in my books! Subbing hot for humid and we’re talking rage here as Isyra learns an uncomfortable truth… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF subbing “hot” for “humid”.

From draft 3 of Book 3, chapter 20, Isyra POV:

“Your mother is the person responsible for waking the Malice in Isaac,” Ebiz said, and he might as well have slapped her. “They knew the risks—she knew the risks to him—but that didn’t stop her from sharing his bed.”

Rage, hot and effervescent, spread through Isyra. It burned, and she had to let it out. Her mother would never put Isaac at risk. True, Isyra had sensed the love between the two of them, but Mæve would never intentionally harm him.

Unable to contain it any longer, the rage poured out of Isyra and slammed Ebiz back into the wall. His eyes grew large. And then Silmara’s foot was in her midsection, knocking her to the ground. Isyra’s head hit the ground, and then her world faded into darkness.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jul 7

What if magic flowed through star-born trees… and the oppressed could change the fate of kingdoms? Discover The Chrysillium Saga—an epic dark fantasy with celestial magic and a touch of romance. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Wonder, darkness, beauty, and longing—a powerful, unforgettable story." #BookSky #FantasyBooks

The Chrysillium Saga

Book 1: The Chrysillium Tree
Book 2: Star of Shalik
Book 2.5: Kingdom of Shadow & Light ( prequel novella)

Celestial dark fantasy romance
Available now

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jul 7

And then they were four… Panez having a very bad day on the river Kalim… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF subbing (it’s a stretch!) “four” for “quarter”

From draft three of Book 3 (TMF), Panez POV:

He unfastened the spear at his back with a cry; he hurled it at the monster who was licking his lips after devouring his friend. The spear found its home and pierced the creature’s eye. It screeched an eerie, unnatural sound and sank back into the depths of the Kalim.

Panez breathed and sank to the deck. The remaining Fire Clan and two Water Clan men whooped and joined him at his side.

He couldn’t celebrate. Two of his men were dead. They were only four now. Turn around. They should turn around and build a bigger boat. They needed more weapons, and they needed more men.

He was about to give the order when the boat lurched again, tossing all three men onto the deck. His men’s screams and the sound of splintering wood reached his ears.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jul 6

No stadiums but there is a circus stage—Book 3 introduces a traveling night circus to the world of Ulli (snippet continued in the ALT text)… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF subbing “stage” for “stadium”. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

From draft three of Book 3 (TMF), chapter 5, Ætheren POV:

Inside the main stage was empty. A platform stood in the middle of a circle. On the edges of the circle, seats for patrons stretched up the sides of the tent, which billowed slightly as the rain picked up. Trapezes were hooked to the tent poles, unusually still, waiting for their chance to fly.

Ætheren fumbled in his pocket and withdrew a small bunch of leaves that had come from Korrin. He placed them on the sandy ground and then, after multiple strikes, his flint produced a spark that set the tip of the little bunch of leaves ablaze. He picked them up by the stems and blew out the flames; a woodsy scent filled his nostrils as he wafted the smoke around the performance area and then up into the seats.

This ceremony would safeguard them against any unfortunate costume blunders or flawed illusion elements. As he went through the steps, a shadow moved silently around the perimeter of the stage. Korrin. Ætheren had seen him do this many times, although it was a mystery what he was actually doing as he scattered a powder and whispered an incantation under his breath.

Thunder boomed, followed by the frightened murmuring of the crowd outside. He quickly snuffed out the leaves and made his way around the performance area, dimming the lanterns.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jul 1

✨ Happy #WIPWednesday! Set 19 years after Star of Shalik... 🎪 A traveling night circus 🖤 A wall that costs a memory to cross ⭐ Familiar characters alongside new ones If you haven't started the series yet, now's the perfect time to catch up before Book 3 arrives! #BookSky #FantasyBooks #AmWriting

The Chrysillium Saga, Book 3
WIP Wednesday
Aesthetic x snippet x status

Book 3 of the Chrysillium Saga

Circus tents, dark flowers, ring leader, moon over dusty road, falling stars, woodlands

Mæve turned to him, mortar and pestle in hand, her eyes sparkling as she said, "Old man."
He laughed. It was true. His hair had grayed, and he had more and more wrinkles appearing every day. She was getting older too, and yet her beauty only grew. Silver-threaded moonbeams laced her dark hair, and her face remained remarkably smooth. Willow bark powder, she had claimed, and offered him some.
ISAAC
Even in her presence-her beautiful, calming presence-the Malice in him still churned. An obscurity that fed on his anger and his fear, poisoning his mind. His greatest fear was that it would take control-much as it had with his predecessor, Thelinth-and destroy the woman before him.
Fear gripped him, and Mæve, ever the skilled healer, recognized the tightness in his shoulders, the darkness creeping into his eyes.
"Let's make your medicine," she said with the calm ease of her practice.

Book 3 status

Draft two complete
76k words
With alphas

Summertime schedule
July 6: start revisions/draft three
July 27: send to developmental editor
August 17th: start draft four

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 30

Just wanted to say thank you 💙 This has been a good month for The Chrysillium Saga! Your support is also bringing me closer to commissioning artwork for the reader-voted observatory scene. More soon... and thank you for being part of this journey. ✨ #BookSky #FantasyBooks #IndieAuthor

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 30

Step into ✨The Chrysillium Saga✨ where celestial magic meets shadowed histories.  🖤 Slow-burn romance  ⚔️ Rebellion against tyranny  🌳 Ancient forests and sacred magic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wonder, darkness, beauty, and longing—a powerful, unforgettable story.” 🔗 www.lakenhoneycutt.com #BookSky #FantasyBooks

The Chrysillium Saga

Book 1: The Chrysillium Tree
Book 2: Star of Shalik
Book 2.5: Kingdom of Shadow & Light (prequel)

Enter a world of celestial wonders, dark histories, and the magic of trees available now
book 3 coming spring 2027

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 29

Check out my latest book review! 💫 I LOVED this book! Beautifully dark with characters I truly cared for. This was my first Brien Feathers book, but it definitely won't be my last. That cliffhanger has me diving straight into book two! 🖤🩸 Check out my full review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Book review
5 stars
When the night falls
By Brien Feathers

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 29

The land of Ulli looks a bit different in book 3… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF for “water”

From draft two of Book 3 (TMF), chapter 2, Isyra POV:

A war nearly broke out. Only the question prevented it. The question of [REDACTED]? Certainly not the weakened generals of their enemies. And so the treaty maintained the tenuous peace that the wall had built. The agreement between the parties was that no one should cross it—the Lumani would remain in Eod and magic users would stay east of the wall. Everyone else remained in the west, where magic was forbidden.

And so the wall had been born. Slammed into creation with her sister’s weaving of air, water, and æther—a construction of her grief and her rage. And should someone cross it, not only would they risk igniting a war, but the wall would take something—a memory.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 26

Saving my pennies to bring this reader-favorite scene to life! And I need a little help… How to support: 📚 Buy my books! —all June proceeds go to an artist 🎨✨ ☕️ Buy me coffee! I’m at 10% of my Ko-fi goal. 💫 Or repost this for visibility. Thank you for supporting my work! #BookSky #FantasyArt

winning scene

Zi shows rowynn the observatory

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 26

The boy and the girl reunited. Unfortunately, after crossing the wall, the boy does not remember her… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF for “fox”

From draft two of book 3 (TMF), chapter 6:

He looked confused, and he was stepping backward, away from her. He looked as if he was ready to bolt. Isyra panicked.

“You crossed the wall!” She blurted out, and the boy brought a stiff finger to his lips and shushed her. “Here, as proof,” she said, pushing the little jade fox into his palm. “You gave me this on our last night together.”

The boy opened his palm and gaped at the object she had given him.

“Where did you get this?” he asked softly.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 24

Panez’s battle with a river monster is not going well… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF subbing “ final” for “ finale”

From draft two of Book 3 (TMF), chapter 12, Panez POV:

The water rushed over his head, up his nose. It cut off his scream, and Panez pumped his arms and legs furiously to get to the surface again when something wrapped around his leg and yanked him down.

Panez screamed, and more water rushed into his mouth. He looked down to see one bulbous eye—the other had his spear sticking out of it—of the sea monster looking up at him, its maw opening. He reached for the other spear at his back, but little black specks floated about his eyes. His body spasmed as it tried to pull in air and drew water instead.

The pressure in his head was unbearable, but he was fading into blissful oblivion.
He could have sworn he saw a glimmer of black followed by shadows, and then he was rising. Somehow, impossibly rising, and then one final thought before blackness overtook him. I’m sorry, Elijwa.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 23

✨ Artwork Update ✨ I'm getting closer to commissioning new artwork from TCS 💙 Book sales have helped, but I'm still a little short. If you'd like to help: 📚 Pick up one of my books ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi Thank you for being part of this journey!✨ linktr.ee/lakenhoneycu... #BookSky #FantasyArt

Bringing new Chrysillium Saga artwork to life…

It’s been a great month!
Thank you for all your support 💛
Book stats: $32.85 royalties, 508 orders, 663 KENP read
This month’s book sales brought me closer to commissioning the artwork…

… but I’m about $100 away from my goal.

Want to help?
📚 but a book
☕️ buy me a coffee on ko-fi
💙 share the series with a friend

Thank you for helping this world continue to grow! 🩵

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 23

Do you enjoy: ⭐ Celestial magic 🖤 Slow-burn romance ⚔️ Rebellion against tyranny 🌳 Ancient forests and sacred magic Then you might enjoy The Chrysillium Saga. ✨ Start the series today ✨ 🔗 Links in bio #BookSky #FantasyBooks #IndieAuthor

The Chrysillium Saga

Book 1: the Chrysillium Tree
Book 2: Star of Shalik
Book 2.5: kingdom of Shadow & Light

Enter world of celestial wonders,dark histories and the magic of trees.

Available now

Book 3 coming Spring 2027

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 22

And the stars fell… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF for “draw”

From draft two of Book 3 (TMF), chapter five, Ætheren POV:

And from the darkness, the stars fell. The music slowed as the little lights sparkled in their descent, a slow, spiralling rain. A ripple of wonder moved through the stands. Some even reached for the little lights that extinguished as they touched the audience.

As the stars fell, something stirred in Ætheren. Its inky depths seeking to release a spiraling force so powerful it might consume him. It rose, and when it reached his throat it stopped, and he coughed to clear it. The collar around his neck seemed to tighten.

Ætheren looked at the audience. He wasn’t the only one. Many of those faces had also been affected. A mix of horror and wonder as they glimpsed their true selves, their true power drawn to the surface.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 22

Good morning, #5amWritersClub! ☀️ Had a lovely weekend exploring an expansive outdoor art gallery with friends. 🌞✨ Also wrote the first chapter of the Windsong WIP! Loving this new story and working on it some more this morning. Happy writing, friends! #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 20

⭐ Zi showing Rowynn the observatory ⭐ One of my favorite scenes from Star of Shalik won the artwork poll and I’m working on bringing this piece to life! Now I'm daydreaming about what this artwork might look like. ✨ Here’s a moodboard and snippet from the scene👇🏼 #BookSky #FantasyBooks #FantasyArt

The observatory is exactly where Islimbara described it to be, but nothing could have prepared me for what’s inside.
Two arched wooden doors, intricately carved with swirls and designs, open to the scents of frankincense and myrrh. Inside, a cavernous room stretches many floors to a domed ceiling. Blue, green, and purple orbs float in the air, following elliptical patterns overhead. Spirals and circles—the chaotic dance of the universe.
I spin slowly, gazing upward, wondering at the swirling celestial bodies overhead. My eyes fall upon Zi standing by a row of bookcases.
“Our world houses many mysteries, but none so intriguing as Utinasvia,” Zi says, following my gaze.
“What is this?”
“An exact model of the turning of the cosmos. It is here that I study the will of Uthera and can better understand those that come seeking my counsel.”

Thank you for helping the Chrysillium Saga grow! More on artwork soon

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 18

✨ Artwork Poll Results ✨ The votes are in! Thank you so much to everyone who participated. I loved seeing which scenes readers connected with most. 💙 The winner was: ⭐ Star of Shalik Zi showing Rowynn the observatory I'm excited to bring this scene to life! ✨ #BookSky #FantasyBooks #FantasyArt

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 18

Isyra and Korrin having a convo on a sand sleigh traversing the Ashirak Desert… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF for “resume”

From draft two of book 3 (TMF), chapter 15, Isyra POV:

“So beautiful,” she whispered.

“She’s the deceiver,” Korrin answered. He sat beside her with his legs up and crossed at the ankles, his hood back, and his chin pointed at the sky. With his eyes closed, he appeared to be basking in the sun. He opened one eye to look at her as he continued, “Many have wandered into her beauty, underestimating the desert, and never returned. You’d probably last about one hour—maybe two, as you seem full of surprises—but yes, maybe an hour or two in there before the sun bubbled your skin or a mirage led you astray, or a lingrian stung injecting you with so much poison you’d be dead in seconds.” He sat upright and squinted at the desert beyond her. “But yes, beautiful.”

Isyra scowled at him. Insufferable bastard.

“At least one good thing comes from you being here,” she stated, her eyebrow raised as she turned back to the desert. “Your knowledge of the desert almost accounts for your miserable presence.”

She wasn’t sure, but she thought she saw him smirk out of the corner of her eye and then resumed his lounging.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 17

Ætheren dreams of flying but an unfortunate circus accident keeps him from trying again… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF for “platform”

$From draft 2 of Book 3 (TMF), chapter 5, Ætheren’s POV: Ætheren remembered to breathe. They were flying. He couldn’t take his eyes from them, could not think of anything else but the wind through his hair. Jaxen and Talyx had tried to teach when he first joined the circus. He had been so certain of himself, so sure beyond any doubt that he was meant for this, meant to fly, that he did not hesitate as he leapt from the platform, missed Jaxen’s outstretched hand from the other trapeze, and fell. The net prevented his death, but he still had dislocated his shoulder and fractured two ribs. But worse, Ætheren had been so certain flying was for him—that he would adapt to it naturally. He was so certain he had been born to fly. But he was wrong, and it had almost killed him. Ætheren was not born to fly; he had been terrible at it. He had been incapable of the simplest task and completely unprepared for it. He hadn’t tried again.$

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 16

✨ Future Artwork Poll ✨ I'm hoping to commission a new piece of artwork from TCS soon, and I'd love your help deciding on a scene! The options are in the graphics below. 👇 Vote by commenting with your favorite scene. I'll announce the winner at the end of the week. 💙 #BookSky #FantasyArt

Fantasy art poll.

Help me choose which thing to bring to life next

The Chrysillium Tree

Choice number one: Mæve and Armaiti’s first meeting in the forest

choice number two:Mæve and Isaac’s First meeting on the balcony

Star of Shalik

Choice number three: Zi showing Rowynn the observatory

choice number four: Rowynn fleeing Zi’s Palace

Kingdom of shadow and light

Choice number five: Azriel and Thelinth’s first meeting among the Chrysillium trees

are you sure to vote in the comments

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 16

Thank you to everyone supporting my #DarkFantasy series! I'm incredibly grateful 💙 Do you enjoy slow-burn romance spanning multiple books? Stories on self-discovery and the cost of power? ⭐ Celestial magic 🖤 Love as both salvation + ruin ⚔️ Rebellion against tyranny The Chrysillium Saga #BookSky

Start the Chrysillium saga today!

Welcome to the Chrysillium Saga:

Book 1: The Chrysillium Tree
Book 2: Star of Shalik
Prequel novella: Kingdom of shadow and light

Step into a world of celestial wonders, dark histories, and the magic of trees.

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 15

Last day of school shenanigans for my son and his friend included some after school video games with a TON of snacks ( I can’t believe how much boys can eat 😅) and then outdoor time searching for bugs to feed my son’s Venus fly trap. So fun! 🎮🪲✨ Now, I’m relaxing with some ✍🏼💫 #AuthorLife #MomLife

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 15

A little lore drop for this morning on the godsingers… 🎪🖤✨ #WIPSnips from TMF subbing “age” for “era”.

From draft 2 of Book 3 (TMF), chapter 23:

“The end of the second age marked the fall of great empires and kingdoms. The three kings of Thalis fell. They were the ones who had summoned the ancient Malice to do their bidding, unknowing—or perhaps uncaring of the devastation it would cause. The harm to their people, the madness that ensued, was worth winning the war. So we rode to their aid, returned the Malice to its slumber beneath the sands, and the kings perished, sending Thalis into chaos. We were blamed. We tried to flee, but they caught us. As immortals, they could not simply kill us, because we would be resurrected. So they cut up my kin’s bodies and buried them throughout the desert. Little more than ash and sand now.”

Laken Honeycutt 💫 Book 3 is w/my editor 💫@mycelialwriter· Jun 14

This month's From the Archives of Kråshain explores the roots of the magic in #TheChrysilliumSaga. From dark childhood woods and ghosts to the forests and mountains I've loved, I'm sharing how beauty and darkness shaped my magic systems. 🌲✨ #FantasyBooks #BookSky #Worldbuilding #IndieAuthor