Category: Earth Shattering Announcements
Accountability
I want my art to do more for the people, causes, and country that I care about. And as much as I earnestly believe in the power of any art to shape the world – I also know that direct action is also required. Protest, dialogue, education – and donation. We’re 10 days in and a lot of righteous war chests are going to need our coin to battle all this goddamn evil.
Effective immediately, I pledge to donate all of my 2017 royalties from my novel Asteroid Made of Dragons to the following:
I believe in the rule of law, I believe in the duty of the Fourth Estate. I believe in organizations that shield the defenseless. I believe in women AND health care AND allowing them to easily be in the same room without oversight. I do not believe that His Excellency’s administration will serve or protect the common good, so all of us need to pick up the slack as best we can. And arm the defenders of decency and justice.
Whatever royalties I receive on AMOD this year I’m going to evenly divide between these four groups. Like most authors I receive royalties once every quarter, I’ll post here when I get the next one in April. Now, I ain’t no Stephen King – these aren’t going to be big numbers even as I start to really flog the book in the next few months. But ‘what a person can do, a person ought to do’ as Antigone said.
If you are a supporter of His Excellency and his administration and goals – and this means you won’t buy my book or anything else I ever write – that is perfectly acceptable to me.
It doesn’t matter where you buy the book, the royalties will still come to me and get funneled to these organizations I want to support. Paperback, ebook, doesn’t matter.
Purchase direct from my publisher. (Paperback and all ebook formats, DRM free.)
Purchase from my favorite independent bookstore: Avid Bookshop. (Or YOUR favorite independent bookstore!!!)
If You Were Curious…
AMOD appears in BookBathBox!
At last, I can talk about this! After months of secrecy I can finally blab and gush and turn into a small imp of excitement. This is quite honestly one of the most fun projects I’ve been able to work on with Asteroid Made of Dragons.
BookBathBox is a subscription box service filled to the brim with a panoply of delights constructed around an optimal experience for reading in the tub. Scents! Candy! Tea! And, shockingly for the Autumn box, my book. The proprietor of the service, Winx, also runs a fantastic Booktube which I implore you to navigate to now. I sort of knew Booktube was a thing before this year – but never took the time to really investigate. Holy crap it’s like Narnia – a Narnia of people quietly and pleasantly losing their minds about books and tea. The sort of people that would find me INCREDIBLY ANNOYING in real life – I could never interact with them in the wild. But here on YouTube, I can sit quietly and listen and imagine a life where we all sip tea together in a giant library. Just quiet slurpin’ and reading and sudden animated conversations about plot.
But how did all this happen? How did my mutant book find its way into the hands of such refined readers?
As I said, I only had the vague concept that Booktube was a thing – when a fellow author mentioned that they had spotted a review of their book on YouTube. In a FRENZY, I opened a tab and immediately searched my title and was blown away to discover a couple of reviews of AMOD. (Any of my Twitter followers may remember – I was, shall we say, elated.) The first one I found was from Winx & Ink. Normally, I keep a pretty hard policy of not commenting on reviews I find online – positive or negative. It’s not my place and it’s just this side of creepy – BUT I WAS SO EXCITED YOU GUYS. So, of course I commented on the video and gushed without reserve. Luckily I didn’t make it too weird- Winx and I became Twitter pals and all was well.
A few weeks later, she contacted me with the idea of using AMOD for the ‘Science of Fantasy’ themed Autumn box. Let’s be clear – she did ALL the work. I sent over some goodies and then she handled all the logistics, packaging, delivery – the alchemy of the box contents. I’m just left to watch in wonder -and awe as I get to watch the various reviews and unboxing videos pop up online. Like this!
or this!
or these!
It’s just wonderful and fun. And like many things that contain those adjectives I had almost nothing to do with it! Just sit back with a smile on my face and sip my imaginary tea.
Please go support Winx and Book Bath Box – you can still order the Winter Box, which is themed “Faeries in History” (AWWW SHIT) and I recommend that you do this immediately.
Asteroid Made of No Dragon Award
Did I win the Dragon Award for Best Fantasy Novel (Including Paranormal)?
No.
Did I want it?
Yes.
Did I expect to win it?
No.
Do I hate the person that won it?
No.
Do I have larger thoughts about the state of the genre, the context of this award with other awards, and awards in general?
Yes.
Are any of them important?
Uh..no?
Is this format becoming needlessly hostile?
A little…yes.
Why haven’t I written anything in a while?
Hey! What?!
Do I only write weird rap lyrics now?
Um.
Am I ever going to put Spell/Sword and The Riddle Box on iBooks like that nice man on Twitter keeps asking?
Shit.
Where are the audiobooks for The Riddle Box and AMOD?
Uh, see–it’s–
Why have I stopped using my FitBit?
Look, now you’re just —
No one likes you anymore.
Hey, that’s not even a question. And you – I? – changed pronouns.
Bold-face you is ashamed of regular-face you.
Well, I suppose there’s plenty of reasons to feel a little —
No one finds you funny.
Okay, that’s just a lie. I am hilarious AND a delight.
You’ve been drinking too much.
I – that – could be argued.
Where is this going?
I – don’t know?
Rap battle?
Okay, rap battle.
. . . .
Swing around the street lights
Remember why you stay up nights
howl down the wind and be sure
your ribs are zipped up tight
Calling down the hallway
Surely must be a better way
to hide in the hollow of too many years
black earth, red blood, and those things you say
scamming programming and spamming the blueshell tears
hound of the west comes to die in the south
words are the only thing you have left in your mouth
words are air and time is dust
End is the lover you can always trust
to forget and forgive and bury you clean
silk coffin so tight you can’t even dream
sing in your bones, stand in the fire
plateglass warrior lives to die at the spire.
Sing what you wish, this kid has moves
inevitable correctable which my clockwork symphonic proves
hoarding up my void points and waiting for turns
when the black trumpet is quiet and the midnight burns.
Hum down the wire and come meet me in the spire
I’ll help you remember which of us first confounded Fire.
Astounding, unlikely but already true
it’s only meter that matters when blank notes unspool.
uncork the bottle of already gone
lets see what’s left to cobble up this song
i serve at the mercy of the undying Gray
which means i’ll keep spitting until that witch has had her say
untouchable for now, my broken-heart vow
is the lyre the liar or did I forget a final bow?
burn up the curtain and break down the arch
no lovers can linger when Open and Shut is on the march.
. . . .
That was a pretty good rap battle.
I agree.
Who won?
I did.
Clever. I see what you did there.
I’m glad someone does. Let it never be said I won’t follow my muse to the bitter end.
But then there’s this weird part at the end that trails off. How do you land this?
Only one way:
Nice.
The Dragon Award
Blink.
Blink.
This video, in its ENTIRETY, is how I feel. I’m on an award list next to N.K. Jemisin and Jim Butcherrrrrrrr.
You did this. All of you that took the time to answer my plea and nominate me – and I cannot thank you enough. It makes me feel fantastic. This is great for exposure for AMOD and I was already going to be at DragonCon – so now MY SWAGGER WILL UNHOOK PLANETS IN THEIR VERY ORBITS. It is your fault that I will act like an even bigger asshole at the con! Feel the surge of pride!
Now – if you haven’t already registered to vote – you should!
http://application.dragoncon.org/dc_fan_awards_signup.php
You should vote for me – and my Sword & Laser/Inkshares shelf-brethren: The Life Engineered by J.F. Dubeau and An Unnattractive Vampire by Jim McDoniel.
BUT
LET’S BE CALM AND RATIONAL FOR JUST A SECOND.
Take another look at the bracket I’m in. Here’s who I’m up against.
- the writing Guest of Honor of DragonCon / perennial NYT bestselling author
- A book that has already won both the Nebula AND the Hugo (guys. it is sO goood)
- Darth Vader of the Sad Puppies (who I’m sure is Googling my book as we speak. I’m sure he will be displeased, my book features ladies who both speak AND have opinions.)
- Some other guys who seem very nice!
SO. What does my book have going for it? Well – you guys AND:
IT’S THE ONLY BOOK WITH ‘DRAGON’ IN THE TITLE.
SO LET’s DO IT!
Okay – okay. Honestly, I’ve already won. This is all I ever wanted out of The Dragon Award – to get nominated, get a little more attention on the book, etc. Thanks again to everyone who nominated me. You made this happen. (I always say that like an accusation…) I get to pretend to be a big shot for a little bit longer – the awards actually get announced AT the con, which adds the perfect amount of sizzle to the weekend. It’s fun to be at the big table for a hot second – even though I’m still wearing my bib. So vote! Vote for MEEEE. But with the knowledge that I already feel awesome and I’m going to have a blast with this entire situation all the way through someone else winning the Dragon Award that should have been miiiineeeeeee.
[UPDATE 8/15: My publisher has made the ebook of Asteroid Made of Dragons only .99 until DragonCon! So if you’re thinking about voting – or just want to grab the DRM-free ebook in every version for mega cheap – NOW IS YOUR TIME.
You can also get my co-nominated Sword & Laser brethren for the same low cost! That’s three full novels for less than the cost of your average chicken biscuit.
The Life Engineered – by J.F. Dubeau
An Unattractive Vampire – by Jim McDoniel
We’re definitely the small fry on this ballot – but we’d love your consideration and perhaps your undying fealty?]
With heart-eyes emoji for you all –
Dragon-Nominated Author [hey this is a thing now!]
G. Derek Adams
Launch Party Photographic Proof
Endless thanks to the hospitality of Avid Bookshop who let me put on a wizard robe and prance around for a while. Also – all photos were taken by Matt Hardy Photography, if you want to reuse any of these you may with photo credit given.
There’s so much more to process as AMOD lumbers out unfettered into the wild, but I wanted to get these pics up post haste. Don’t I look like fun? Want me to come to your bookstore? I WILL COME TO YOUR BOOKSTORE.*
*Within driving distance of Athens,GA currently -until we sell way, way more books. Contact gderekadams AT gmail DAWT com.
Launch Day Made of Dragons
And so it is upon us. Asteroid Made of Dragons is available everywhere. Your local independent bookstore – direct from my publisher, Inkshares – and of course on the 800 lb. gorilla Amazon.
As noted – my first two books are FREE AS HELL on Amazon Kindle from 4/5-4/9. Download them like the wind. They are not required reading for enjoyment of AMOD – but consider this my welcome to the Grand Game for anyone who wants to play along.
This is pure promotional beef, so I’ll keep it lean. Eternal gratitude and thanks to all my supporters and backers, my editors and designers at Girl Friday Productions, everyone at Inkshares, and of course Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont, my Pokemon trainers from Sword & Laser. I’m not saying nearly enough here – but I tried to say a lot more on this post.
I’m going to be on Twitter of course – @gderekadams – as much as I can during the day, and the rumor is I’m going to be given temporary control of my publisher’s Twitter as well, unless someone realizes what AN AWFUL IDEA that is in the next few hours. Come talk to me! Are you hating this book already – well, pull up some internet and let’s jaw about it for a spell.
I love you? I don’t know what I’m doing, but I hope to dance and cavort with most of you today. Either here on Internet Mountain or at my Launch Party – Avid Bookshop 6:30 Athens, GA!
Today’s a good day; today we win.
Goodreads Giveaway – Asteroid Made of Dragons
My publisher is giving away 20 free copies of the paperback! GET IN THERE AND WIN THEM.
The contest runs from now until 4/5 – the official release of AMOD. Even if you’ve already pre-ordered, I would LOVE it if you would add the book to your Goodreads queue.
I, quite nerdishly, adore Goodreads. I know the ecosystem has gotten a tinge more corporate since Amazon aquired them – but it is my first stop for reviews, ideas of more books to read, and my never-ending TBR pile is virtually curated. And if you’re looking to do AMOD and me a solid – you passively adding it to your queue alerts all your friends – and THEN THE SYNERGY OF SOCIAL MEDIA DAEMON BLACK LILITH WHOAAA will happen. If you want to be my Goodreads friend or – more unsettlingly – follower you can also do that here.
Please share this link around, that is what it is for. You DO have to be a Goodreads user to apply – but other than that, anyone can enter and win a free copy.
Spell/Sword Audiobook Contest Winners!
Here are the winning entries!
Phil Rood
Scorecard: 6 chances
Spell AND Sword +2
Tweeted x3
Judge’s Comments: Unexpected to receive a drawing, but very pleased to do so. The barbarity, the virility of the linework, that dashing mustache! Also the sensible messenger bag really sets of the ensemble. This piece is ready to be airbrushed on the side of a van.
Rick Heinz
Scorecard: 9 chances
Sword +1
Cosplay +2
Tweeted x3
Judge’s Comments: Just look in those eyes. The intensity, the focus. Those are the eyes of a killer. A killer of hearts. Emotional damage 10d6+5, roll vs. swoon. DC Impossible.
Thomas J. Arnold
Scorecard:21 chances
Sword +1
Bad Cosplay +6
Tweeted x3
Judge’s Comments: There’s a lot to unpack here. Does he know that bird is there? Is the bird whispering forlorn secrets of regret and torment into his beard? What an adorably tiny blade! Has this piratical gentleman absconded with a fairy’s rapier? Excellent framing as well, as you can see the white abyss of nothingness that wait sto devour us all.
Margaret Poplin
Scorecard:16 chances
Spell AND Sword +2
Cosplay +2
Mystery Multiplier (Holy Shit Effect) x 4
Judge’s Comment: Wow! I don’t know if that is the proper grip one uses on a katana while casting an ice spell with your off-hand wand, but still damn. Definitely my personal favorite.
ALL of you win a free download of Spell/Sword from Audible.com. I’ll be contacting you all via email with your download codes shortly. Now I will announce the winner of The GRAY PRIZE, a 50.00 gift certificate to the local bookstore of your choice.
52 chances in the pool. The selection was totally random, based on the number of chances each of you had. I just figured out the probability and rolled some dice.
The winner of the GRAY PRIZE is: Thomas J. Arnold!
Thank you all so much for participating! And I hope that you enjoy the audiobook of Spell/Sword.
But wait ! Some of you are probably wondering what happened to the other 6 downloads? I offered to give away 10 downloads,right?! Yes, you are right, person who follows my blog and social media presence very closely but still didn’t bother to enter. I only had four entries, so they all get the download and I still have six remaining. But what am I going to do with them? Tell you what, the contest is over, but I’ll put a bounty on those remaining six downloads – all it takes is a picture as awesome as the four that I’ve shared above. Send to me any way you like, @gderekadams on Twitter is the easiest. I’ll honor this until I decide not to – or the six downloads are claimed, either way I’ll come back and update this post to prevent confusion.
UPDATE [2/1 – 2:24 EST]
1 Bounty Claimed
Dave Barrett
Judge’s Comments: Puns are never acceptable. I hate and love this.
2 Bounty Claimed
John Waldrip
Judge’s Comments: RAWR
spell-sword.com 