Cherie Priest's Blog: It's awards season, so here comes the shameless self-promotion, page 59
November 10, 2011
Saw the ghost of Elvis on Union Avenue
Tonight! 7:30 p.m.! At Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island! Do come out and say hello, for I will be reading/chatting/signing with the fine folks over in that neck of the woods. Be aware - this is the last local/semi-local appearance of mine for the foreseeable future.
But as for the out-of-town appearances ... they begin tomorrow, when I'm flying off to Memphis to begin a week+ tour. Memphis is as far east as I'm going on this trip, I'm afraid; but I do hope to find my way to the other coast next year, for shenanigans in cities I've largely missed thus far.
But for the immediate future, this is where you can catch me:November 12 – Memphis, TN. The Booksellers at Laurelwood (Davis-Kidd), 1:00 p.m.
November 15 – St. Louis, MO. Left Bank Books, 7:00 p.m.
November 16 – Denver, CO. Broadway Book Mall, 7:00 p.m.
November 17 – Boise, ID. Rediscovered Books, 7:00 p.m.
And now, I do hope you'll pardon me as I desperately pursue some day-job work, then some packing, and then some lunch, followed by more day-job work.
Like sands through the hourglass, yada yada yada ...
But as for the out-of-town appearances ... they begin tomorrow, when I'm flying off to Memphis to begin a week+ tour. Memphis is as far east as I'm going on this trip, I'm afraid; but I do hope to find my way to the other coast next year, for shenanigans in cities I've largely missed thus far.
But for the immediate future, this is where you can catch me:November 12 – Memphis, TN. The Booksellers at Laurelwood (Davis-Kidd), 1:00 p.m.
November 15 – St. Louis, MO. Left Bank Books, 7:00 p.m.
November 16 – Denver, CO. Broadway Book Mall, 7:00 p.m.
November 17 – Boise, ID. Rediscovered Books, 7:00 p.m.
And now, I do hope you'll pardon me as I desperately pursue some day-job work, then some packing, and then some lunch, followed by more day-job work.
Like sands through the hourglass, yada yada yada ...
November 7, 2011
Adventure time
So, yes - I've been off adventuring, and have (as per usual) not been very good about blogging. In my defense, I've spent four of the last seven days in airports; and the truth is, I've just been very, very tired.
This will not be changing anytime soon.
Later this week - Thursday, at 7:30, to be precise - I'll be over at Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island ... and then the next morning, I'm flying out for Memphis to begin the rest of my tour. On the way back from Tennessee, I'll be stopping at St. Louis, Denver, and Boise ... so if you live in any of those fine places and you'd like some details, then please allow me to direct you to this-here page. Scroll down.
These events make up my last public appearances this year,* so catch me this round, or catch me in 2012. If I don't die of exhaustion, first. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Anyway! Because I am appallingly remiss about such things, I now give you a fat stack of links - all of which are Terribly Immodest Book Reviews. Perhaps one of them will incline you to take a chance on something I wrote. Perhaps the whole exercise will annoy you beyond belief.
That's a chance I have to take.
BookSlut on Ganymede - "There are a lot of lazy writers out there who think steampunk is a quick way to tell a tale, but Cherie Priest isn't one them. This is alternative history storytelling at its finest and she is a blend of Verne, Doyle, and dare I say it -- Louisa May Alcott. The action is here, the mysteries, but also the gender balance among strong characters (both leading and supporting) is very nearly unprecedented."
CCLaP Center on Ganymede - "And indeed, as you can see, there's a good reason that a growing number of people are starting to call this perhaps the greatest steampunk series in the history of the genre; and that's because with each volume, Priest squeezes in several novels' worth of flabbergasting ideas, making each story expansive as hell while still keeping a tight control over the three-act structure."
Pissed-Off Geek on Hellbent - "One thing I'm sure of with this book series is that there will be more. Raylene Pendle is a strong character who has more stories to tell, it's obvious she as a character can be put into quite a few scenarios both supernatural and human and it will make for a good story. I know I'm looking forward to reading the next book when it comes to find out what is next for not only her but her little family."
Jim Hale on Boneshaker - "Priest isn't H.G. Wells or Jules Verne, but I'd happily put her books on the same shelf. She is also quicker in pace and while the action isn't non-stop, she had me gripped and wanting more. If I were to award marks out of 5, she'd get a 4 and I'm a hard marker."
Tim's Book Reviews on Boneshaker - "Needless to say, I loved this book. Even the brown printed text helped suck me deeper into the gritty world Priest has created. For people new to either steampunk or zombie books this is a good entry point for either. Others familiar with either genre (or subgenre) will be pleasantly surprised with new elements to both. This will be a flagship book for the steampunk genre, if it isn't already."
* Though I'll likely still do another round or two of travel for the day-job, natch.
This will not be changing anytime soon.
Later this week - Thursday, at 7:30, to be precise - I'll be over at Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island ... and then the next morning, I'm flying out for Memphis to begin the rest of my tour. On the way back from Tennessee, I'll be stopping at St. Louis, Denver, and Boise ... so if you live in any of those fine places and you'd like some details, then please allow me to direct you to this-here page. Scroll down.
These events make up my last public appearances this year,* so catch me this round, or catch me in 2012. If I don't die of exhaustion, first. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Anyway! Because I am appallingly remiss about such things, I now give you a fat stack of links - all of which are Terribly Immodest Book Reviews. Perhaps one of them will incline you to take a chance on something I wrote. Perhaps the whole exercise will annoy you beyond belief.
That's a chance I have to take.
BookSlut on Ganymede - "There are a lot of lazy writers out there who think steampunk is a quick way to tell a tale, but Cherie Priest isn't one them. This is alternative history storytelling at its finest and she is a blend of Verne, Doyle, and dare I say it -- Louisa May Alcott. The action is here, the mysteries, but also the gender balance among strong characters (both leading and supporting) is very nearly unprecedented."
CCLaP Center on Ganymede - "And indeed, as you can see, there's a good reason that a growing number of people are starting to call this perhaps the greatest steampunk series in the history of the genre; and that's because with each volume, Priest squeezes in several novels' worth of flabbergasting ideas, making each story expansive as hell while still keeping a tight control over the three-act structure."
Pissed-Off Geek on Hellbent - "One thing I'm sure of with this book series is that there will be more. Raylene Pendle is a strong character who has more stories to tell, it's obvious she as a character can be put into quite a few scenarios both supernatural and human and it will make for a good story. I know I'm looking forward to reading the next book when it comes to find out what is next for not only her but her little family."
Jim Hale on Boneshaker - "Priest isn't H.G. Wells or Jules Verne, but I'd happily put her books on the same shelf. She is also quicker in pace and while the action isn't non-stop, she had me gripped and wanting more. If I were to award marks out of 5, she'd get a 4 and I'm a hard marker."
Tim's Book Reviews on Boneshaker - "Needless to say, I loved this book. Even the brown printed text helped suck me deeper into the gritty world Priest has created. For people new to either steampunk or zombie books this is a good entry point for either. Others familiar with either genre (or subgenre) will be pleasantly surprised with new elements to both. This will be a flagship book for the steampunk genre, if it isn't already."
* Though I'll likely still do another round or two of travel for the day-job, natch.
November 4, 2011
Once more, with feeling ...
Well, I'm back ... but tomorrow I'm hitting the road again. This time, I'll be heading down to San Diego - for an appearance at the marvelous Mysterious Galaxy bookstore. [7051 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111]
You can catch me there on Saturday, at 2:00 p.m. - so please come out and say "hello!"
Yes, I will sign as many books (or whatever) as you want.
No, you don't have to have bought them at the hosting store.
Yes, you really should buy something at the hosting store. It's good form.
You can catch me there on Saturday, at 2:00 p.m. - so please come out and say "hello!"
Yes, I will sign as many books (or whatever) as you want.
No, you don't have to have bought them at the hosting store.
Yes, you really should buy something at the hosting store. It's good form.
October 31, 2011
On the road again
Hey everyone - tomorrow morning I'm leaving for California on day-job business, sometime before dawn (*gulp*). I won't be back until Tuesday night, so if anyone needs me for anything ... sorry! I'll be checking email and messages regularly, but I might not be in a position to respond.
Anyway. I'll catch up to life, the universe, and everything, when I get back.
Happy Halloween!
Anyway. I'll catch up to life, the universe, and everything, when I get back.
Happy Halloween!
October 28, 2011
Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
Two bits of good news to close out the week - one is good for me, one is good for other people. As follows:
(1). Boneshaker is going to Turkey! I believe this makes the tenth language translation for the little book that just won't quit. Huzzah, hooray, and it's Istanbul not Constantinople!
(2). It's finally public, so I get to publicly congratulate George R. R. Martin and Melinda Snodgrass - for lo, a WILD CARDS movie is in the works! I am so psyched for them! But despite the fact that the press release namechecks me - and a few of the other newer WC writers - I am not working on this project, I'm merely an affiliate of the franchise. Still, it's great company to be in. Congrats to Melinda for nabbing the deal and the script, and props to George for getting the whole weird superhero/alt-history world underway in the first place.
And with that ... have a good weekend, everyone!
(1). Boneshaker is going to Turkey! I believe this makes the tenth language translation for the little book that just won't quit. Huzzah, hooray, and it's Istanbul not Constantinople!
(2). It's finally public, so I get to publicly congratulate George R. R. Martin and Melinda Snodgrass - for lo, a WILD CARDS movie is in the works! I am so psyched for them! But despite the fact that the press release namechecks me - and a few of the other newer WC writers - I am not working on this project, I'm merely an affiliate of the franchise. Still, it's great company to be in. Congrats to Melinda for nabbing the deal and the script, and props to George for getting the whole weird superhero/alt-history world underway in the first place.
And with that ... have a good weekend, everyone!
October 26, 2011
This many things make a post
In the last week or two I've gotten quite a lot of email regarding my vampire books, Bloodshot and Hellbent - asking when the next one comes out. I've posted about this before, but it looks like it's time to post again, so here goes: The answer is - I don't know.
The Cheshire Red books were only a 2-book deal; and now that both books are out, the publisher is (quite reasonably) taking a "wait and see" approach to the situation. Markets are fickle. The industry is giving itself ulcers over the Borders bankruptcy. People are being careful.
If you love the books and want to see more of them - oh, say, one called Sawbones about a haunted 19th century baseball that brings catastrophically bad luck to even the best of planner-aheaders - then I can only recommend that you become quite vocal about your opinion.
Buy them for friends. Post reviews. Tell the publisher you dig them, and want more of them. And if we're all very lucky, perhaps they'll come asking after another couple of books about an OCD undead flapper and her ex-Navy SEAL drag queen sidekick.
Of course, this is true for all authors, and all books everywhere. If you love them, don't keep it to yourself. Spread it around, and help us writers keep on writing for you.
* * * * *
Don't forget, you can pick up a number of steampunk ebooks for $2.99 via this great promotion through the end of the month. Alas, my most recent offering - Ganymede - isn't offered at that price; but the first book in the series - Boneshaker - is available for just a few hundred pennies.
* * * * *
While I'm on the subject of steampunk, please allow me to point you in the direction of this Ganymede review, courtesy of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
The reviewer in question started his entire steampunk reading experience with Ganymede, which he followed just fine (having not read the previous books), and seems to have enjoyed quite a lot. I am relieved and delighted! I always want people to enjoy my stories, and I always try hard to keep these books connected, but independent of one another. I'm therefore always glad to hear when someone, somewhere, thinks I succeeded.
* * * * *
If you are idly curious about such things, you can find my short story "Wishbones" live and free for the reading over here at Tor.com. I wrote that one back in 2006, and it was originally part of the Stoker-nominated Aegri Somnia anthology through Apex.
("Wishbones" is about a Japanese monster that eats the bones of people who've starved to death; and it's set right outside Plains, Georgia. You folks with a fondness for Civil War history will no doubt grok immediately why I chose that setting.)
* * * * *
One last cool thing that came across my desk today - Illos From An Abandoned Boneshaker Comics Adaptation Pitch by Ben Towle. I'm always tickled to see how other people imagine my world and my characters, and Ben has done a nifty job.
I particularly like his take on Briar Wilkes. In my head, she has longer, thicker hair, but I appreciate how he depicts her as petite and age-appropriate without looking fragile. She's a desperate, scrappy little thing, not a trained fighter.
Anyway - well played, sir.
The Cheshire Red books were only a 2-book deal; and now that both books are out, the publisher is (quite reasonably) taking a "wait and see" approach to the situation. Markets are fickle. The industry is giving itself ulcers over the Borders bankruptcy. People are being careful.
If you love the books and want to see more of them - oh, say, one called Sawbones about a haunted 19th century baseball that brings catastrophically bad luck to even the best of planner-aheaders - then I can only recommend that you become quite vocal about your opinion.
Buy them for friends. Post reviews. Tell the publisher you dig them, and want more of them. And if we're all very lucky, perhaps they'll come asking after another couple of books about an OCD undead flapper and her ex-Navy SEAL drag queen sidekick.
Of course, this is true for all authors, and all books everywhere. If you love them, don't keep it to yourself. Spread it around, and help us writers keep on writing for you.
* * * * *
Don't forget, you can pick up a number of steampunk ebooks for $2.99 via this great promotion through the end of the month. Alas, my most recent offering - Ganymede - isn't offered at that price; but the first book in the series - Boneshaker - is available for just a few hundred pennies.
* * * * *
While I'm on the subject of steampunk, please allow me to point you in the direction of this Ganymede review, courtesy of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
The reviewer in question started his entire steampunk reading experience with Ganymede, which he followed just fine (having not read the previous books), and seems to have enjoyed quite a lot. I am relieved and delighted! I always want people to enjoy my stories, and I always try hard to keep these books connected, but independent of one another. I'm therefore always glad to hear when someone, somewhere, thinks I succeeded.
* * * * *
If you are idly curious about such things, you can find my short story "Wishbones" live and free for the reading over here at Tor.com. I wrote that one back in 2006, and it was originally part of the Stoker-nominated Aegri Somnia anthology through Apex.
("Wishbones" is about a Japanese monster that eats the bones of people who've starved to death; and it's set right outside Plains, Georgia. You folks with a fondness for Civil War history will no doubt grok immediately why I chose that setting.)
* * * * *
One last cool thing that came across my desk today - Illos From An Abandoned Boneshaker Comics Adaptation Pitch by Ben Towle. I'm always tickled to see how other people imagine my world and my characters, and Ben has done a nifty job.
I particularly like his take on Briar Wilkes. In my head, she has longer, thicker hair, but I appreciate how he depicts her as petite and age-appropriate without looking fragile. She's a desperate, scrappy little thing, not a trained fighter.
Anyway - well played, sir.
October 24, 2011
Michael Rennie was ill The Day the Earth Stood Still
I've been a crappy blogger as of late, but a fair-to-middling tweeter - in case that makes a difference. No? Ah, well.
But so little of note has occurred! And mostly it's been minor gripey stuff that doesn't much bear a dry retelling, such as: how I had plans to be lazy and goof off today but those plans collided with a flat tire; sulking about how nothing interesting has arrived in the mail as of late*; high-tensile woe re: news which cannot yet be shared, dagnabbit; and angst with regards to the secret day-job, which might turn out to be a case of "biting off more than I could chew."
And in a cruel twist of fortune, I have a whole tub of hot butter rum mix ... but am out of rum. Only a zen-like state of apathy can save me now.
But on the upshot, I got my roots touched up today, and in the wake of the new dye and a gentle trim, my mane is fluffy and soft and difficult to complain about. And I did in fact successfully find my way to Indian food for lunch - a prospect which I'd feared lost when the tire turned out to be punctured. All in all, things could be worse.
Hey, look - links!
My apologies. They've been piling up:
The Lost Ent-Wife reviews Clementine - I'm always happy to see this one get some attention - and to with regards to the certain-to-be-asked questions about its trade paperback status, please allow me to direct you to this FAQ.
Paul Goat Allen at the B&N Book Clubs tackles Ganymede - And frankly, this kind gent is so charmingly effusive that I almost feel it's too immodest to post this link. Note that this did not quite stop me.
Once Upon A Time takes on Boneshaker - Choice immodest quotes which I hope might prompt readers to take a stab at this book: "Boneshaker is a cleverly weaved nail-biting story full of intricacies and hidden history....It is a fantastically written piece of fiction. It's atmospheric, chilling, and dark."
Wag the Fox reads Those Who Went Remain There Still - This is a horror novella released a few short years ago through Subterranean, and though it's out of print, you can pick it up in ebook and audio form.
* Like the late, great Mrs. Parker once said - the two most beautiful words in the English language are "check enclosed." Especially when you're a writer, and you get paid very intermittently, and you know such mail is coming. One of these days. *sigh*
But so little of note has occurred! And mostly it's been minor gripey stuff that doesn't much bear a dry retelling, such as: how I had plans to be lazy and goof off today but those plans collided with a flat tire; sulking about how nothing interesting has arrived in the mail as of late*; high-tensile woe re: news which cannot yet be shared, dagnabbit; and angst with regards to the secret day-job, which might turn out to be a case of "biting off more than I could chew."
And in a cruel twist of fortune, I have a whole tub of hot butter rum mix ... but am out of rum. Only a zen-like state of apathy can save me now.
But on the upshot, I got my roots touched up today, and in the wake of the new dye and a gentle trim, my mane is fluffy and soft and difficult to complain about. And I did in fact successfully find my way to Indian food for lunch - a prospect which I'd feared lost when the tire turned out to be punctured. All in all, things could be worse.
Hey, look - links!
My apologies. They've been piling up:
The Lost Ent-Wife reviews Clementine - I'm always happy to see this one get some attention - and to with regards to the certain-to-be-asked questions about its trade paperback status, please allow me to direct you to this FAQ.
Paul Goat Allen at the B&N Book Clubs tackles Ganymede - And frankly, this kind gent is so charmingly effusive that I almost feel it's too immodest to post this link. Note that this did not quite stop me.
Once Upon A Time takes on Boneshaker - Choice immodest quotes which I hope might prompt readers to take a stab at this book: "Boneshaker is a cleverly weaved nail-biting story full of intricacies and hidden history....It is a fantastically written piece of fiction. It's atmospheric, chilling, and dark."
Wag the Fox reads Those Who Went Remain There Still - This is a horror novella released a few short years ago through Subterranean, and though it's out of print, you can pick it up in ebook and audio form.
* Like the late, great Mrs. Parker once said - the two most beautiful words in the English language are "check enclosed." Especially when you're a writer, and you get paid very intermittently, and you know such mail is coming. One of these days. *sigh*
October 19, 2011
The sweeter the wine - the harder to make the break
When you're a writer getting ready to read or sign at a bookstore, there is no sweeter phrase to overhear than, "Holy crap - we need to go find some more chairs." So ... yes. Last night's event went quite well. We had a great crowd, and many books were bought/signed, and many lame jokes were told but people laughed, and lots of wonderful questions were asked.
Yes, I shared some secrets. Vaguely. And carefully. But if you were there, you know what I mean. [:: wink wink nudge nudge ::]
Thanks so much to everyone who came out to see me, and thanks also to the fine folks at Third Place Books - most notably Steve, Vlad, and Annie ... a wonderful woman whose name I have been appallingly remiss about remembering. If you'd like to see some pics from last night, this nice person on Facebook has uploaded a few. And here's a bonus shot (taken by yours truly) of me and Steve.*
Anyway. Today marches onward. I had one phone interview an hour ago, and two more Important Phone Calls before business hours run out. Time to log off and get my notes/thoughts/ideas together, so I don't sound like an ill-prepared moron later on.
* For those of you who complain that I never smile in pictures. Well, that's why. I look like a psychopath.
Yes, I shared some secrets. Vaguely. And carefully. But if you were there, you know what I mean. [:: wink wink nudge nudge ::]
Thanks so much to everyone who came out to see me, and thanks also to the fine folks at Third Place Books - most notably Steve, Vlad, and Annie ... a wonderful woman whose name I have been appallingly remiss about remembering. If you'd like to see some pics from last night, this nice person on Facebook has uploaded a few. And here's a bonus shot (taken by yours truly) of me and Steve.*
Anyway. Today marches onward. I had one phone interview an hour ago, and two more Important Phone Calls before business hours run out. Time to log off and get my notes/thoughts/ideas together, so I don't sound like an ill-prepared moron later on.
* For those of you who complain that I never smile in pictures. Well, that's why. I look like a psychopath.
October 18, 2011
Nice surprise
Ladies, gents, and all other fine persons of quality - Dreadnought is going to the Czech Republic! Boneshaker's publisher, Titan, has picked up the rights to the sequel and away it goes sometime next year (I believe). Many thanks and kudos to my awesome agent, as per always!
(When I just now updated my bibliography page, I realized that my books have been translated into nine[!!!] languages. If ever there was a time and place to deploy a googly-eyed emoticon, I do believe this is it: O_o Holy crap, you guys...)
(When I just now updated my bibliography page, I realized that my books have been translated into nine[!!!] languages. If ever there was a time and place to deploy a googly-eyed emoticon, I do believe this is it: O_o Holy crap, you guys...)
And left from my dreaming was a feeling of unnameable dread
Tonight - at Third Place Books (the Lake City Way location) - you can catch me reading/signing sharing secrets starting at 7:00 p.m. Yes! Secrets! The same secrets I might've hypothetically whispered to the nice people in Portland last week. It's a bit odd to have secrets that can be shared in person (if vaguely) though not on the internet, but it beats not being able to share the secrets at all.
I swear to God, I've been on the verge of exploding for weeks.
Also, I would like to point out that this is essentially the last local event on my schedule - with the exception of a trip out to Bainbridge Island in November. I'm not sure how "local" Seattle people consider Bainbridge, as it takes a ferry and some driving to get there; but if you miss the Third Place event, that's your only other option to catch me ... for what might prove to be quite some time.
After my tour next month, I've kept the rest of the winter essentially free - well into spring and through the summer with just a small handful of exceptions. There's quite a lot going on in my life for the next five or six months, a great deal of which I've not mentioned online and don't plan to for a bit. I'm not trying to be cryptic; I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row before I start talking.
So there you have it - tonight, yours truly, Third Place, 7:00 p.m. Come on out! I'd love to see you.
I swear to God, I've been on the verge of exploding for weeks.
Also, I would like to point out that this is essentially the last local event on my schedule - with the exception of a trip out to Bainbridge Island in November. I'm not sure how "local" Seattle people consider Bainbridge, as it takes a ferry and some driving to get there; but if you miss the Third Place event, that's your only other option to catch me ... for what might prove to be quite some time.
After my tour next month, I've kept the rest of the winter essentially free - well into spring and through the summer with just a small handful of exceptions. There's quite a lot going on in my life for the next five or six months, a great deal of which I've not mentioned online and don't plan to for a bit. I'm not trying to be cryptic; I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row before I start talking.
So there you have it - tonight, yours truly, Third Place, 7:00 p.m. Come on out! I'd love to see you.
It's awards season, so here comes the shameless self-promotion
Hello everyone! It's awards season and this is my job, so please click through and take a peek if you are so inclined. Don't worry - it's short! I only published a couple of things this year, and I in
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