Yellow chrysanthemums have different meanings depending on where you go.

In America, they resemble joy and friendship. The colors reflect happiness, bringing great relief.

In Europe, they symbolize grief and sorrow. Death of a loved one, or the pain of unrequited love, are often hidden behind these soft petals.

In Japan, they represent longevity and optimism. Even through the darkest of times, loyalty is unwavering.

But what is the true meaning of the yellow chrysanthemum?

Joy? Death? Eternity?

The three fragments shared different perspectives on the flower’s meaning. But they mutually agreed on one thing, at least.

It was beautiful.

Long ago, there was a boy who saw these flowers and believed they were the most beautiful thing in existence. In his world, he never got to experience the feeling of holding a flower. But when he saw the yellow mum, he made his own meaning.

“It reminds me of the sun,” he said as he held the flower close to his heart.

The girl he was with scoffed. “Oh, just wait until you see a sunflower.”

But nothing else mattered in that moment. To him, those flowers reminded him of the same sun that he saw every day in the desert heat. And perhaps that’s all there is to it.

The flower simply looks like the sun.

Fire in Flight Updates - Kickstarter

The Kickstarter for Fire in Flight is finally available! The project is launching on January 7th, 2026. But you can get an early look at all the rewards in the meantime.

And among those rewards is that wonderful art print above called “Blue Jay,” made by my incredible sister! The art will be available as a 5 × 7 print in some of the tiers, and can be an extra add-on in most tiers as well.

The artwork depicts Matt (top right) and the mysterious girl “Blue Jay,” who he only sees in his dreams. He tends to experience some bizarre dreams after moving to New Harbor, and his mind takes him to “Blue Jay” and a field of yellow mums on several occasions.

In the story, Matt already suffers from insomnia. And at times, he wonders if the dreams can be side effects of his meds or hallucinations. But time will only tell what these dreams mean.

If you’re interested in learning more, then please check out the Kickstarter! You can get an early copy of the book if you pledge in January. Otherwise, the release day for the book is May 5, 2026. But the Kickstarter will help fund the book’s release and my new publishing company, Gemini Valley.

And even if you can’t pledge, spreading the word also helps!

Click “Notify Me” and follow the project!

Fire in Flight - Giveaway

I’m holding a giveaway for Fire in Flight, and you’re the first to know! The “Blue Jay” art print is a part of the giveaway, and five lucky winners will get a sticker and their choice of two art prints.

The giveaway is exclusive to Instagram, however, so be sure to stay up to date with my Instagram account to learn more!

Open Submissions - Gemini Valley

In other great news, Gemini Valley Publishing is officially live, and we are currently accepting submissions!

If you or someone you know is looking to traditionally publish their novel within the next year or two, then check out our submissions page!

The Eternal Dusk

Did you know my sister has her own webcomic? It’s called The Eternal Dusk, and it’s available to read on WebToon, ComicFury, DeviantArt, and Instagram!

Website Link

Visit my website and follow my other socials to stay updated!