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October 1, 2025

October 2025 Check-in

What is 1000 Lotuses? A sapphic fantasy epic set in 10th century China. There is a lesbian tiger who eats gods, multiple reincarnation ships, and sapphic BDSM.  Non-exhaustive content warnings list: sexual assault, sex trafficking, suicide, war atrocities, genocide, misogynistic and lesbophobic violence, toxic/abusive relationships  Sounds cool, how do I start reading? Depends on how you like to read!  Read parts as they're released digitally: each part of 1000 Lotuses is about 40k-50k words. There are 15 parts currently planned.  Part 1 - Feather Lotus is free to download from itch.io forever, click here! Part 2 - Seamstress releases by 10/31/25 for $3. Part 3 - Ghost Gate releases by 1/9/26 for $3.  Read volumes as they're released digitally: each volume is made up of 3 parts, totaling 120k-150k words. There are 5 volumes currently planned.  1000 Lotuses: Volume I currently has a projected release date of 1/31/26. The digital edition will be $9.  Already have the parts of a volume in your itch.io account? Email proof to thepond@lotuscarp.com to receive a discount code for the volume!  Charity policy: send thepond@lotuscarp.com proof of donation towards the relief of Palestinians under attack by the genocidal settler state of Israel to receive free itch.io download codes.  $3/part, $9/volume. Receipt must be dated within 7 days of email.  Read volumes as they're released in print: paperback editions will be available through IngramSpark's print-on-demand service on the same day as the digital version. Current projected price is $18.  Why that price? Bookstores and libraries won't order the book without a 40-55% wholesale discount. If a bookstore receives a 55% discount and sells one volume for $18, Zaozao gets $1.  Why only paperback? With the wholesale discount, Zaozao would have to price hardbacks at $30 to make them profitable. That's an unacceptable price for the low quality of POD hardbacks.  Digital/print editions of each volume will include revisions, character rosters, glossaries, and other bonus content!
Full image transcription available here: https://www.tumblr.com/lotuscarp/795869621305638913/what-is-1000-lotuses-a-sapphic-fantasy-epic-set

Details may be subject to change, but this is our rough plan for 1000 Lotuses distribution through Part 3/Volume I.

Store update

My little project to work on throughout October is revamping the LotusCarp online store. BAQZF leftovers of zines that I plan to edit/redesign will be offered at a discounted price! I will announce through this newsletter and my bsky/pillowfort/tumblr when the updates are complete.

1000 Lotuses Part 2 - Seamstress

Part 2 is set to launch by 10/31/25. The price will be $3. Word count is going to be higher than Part 1, maybe over 50k after final edits! I’m really excited for you all to witness The Worst Domme vs. Woman With No Physical Libido.

Xia Chengyuan pouted as she looked Li Zanghong up and down. “Meimei, did you sleep in those clothes? Did you never wash your face? I suppose a doll needn’t worry about ruining her complexion…” “Things do appear to have happened that way,” Li Zanghong said with all her usual cheer. “We are going to your room.” Xia Chengyuan, still holding Li Zanghong’s wrist, marched her over. “So long as it is within my power, you will have a new outfit and fresh makeup every day.” “Chengyuan-jiejie…” Li Zanghong offered her most innocent smile. “Do you really not mind the trouble?” “If I did, would I have made all these pretty clothes for you?” Xia Chengyuan pulled Li Zanghong inside. From her sleeve she produced a handkerchief to wipe off Li Zanghong’s old makeup. “I can take care of myself,” Li Zanghong said. “I know you are very busy.” Xia Chengyuan pursed her lips at her. “I am very busy, and dressing up this little doll is a small yet very important respite in my busy day. Everything at my table must be to my taste, remember?” “I—I remember.” “Good.” As Xia Chengyuan rubbed out the lotus she painted on Li Zanghong’s brow the night before, she leaned in close enough that Li Zanghong could feel her breath on her face. “I think I want to see you…in a garnet skirt today.”
Xia Chengyuan is so normal

The three chapter preview of Seamstress is still available with Part 1, which is free forever! Download here.

And I still have a lot of writing to do so it’s time to run away! Aaa! Goodbye!

— Zaozao 藻藻 (she/they/他)

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