Richard Roberts's Blog, page 4

Weird Silence

To all of you wondering why I haven't had anything to say, and why there's been no sign of pre-orders or release dates:  I have heard absolutely nothing about my book from my publisher since I finished it.  I have no idea what is going on.

WHO'S A GERTY GIRL?

I don't know if my beta readers even want a thread to discuss spoilers, but here's one in case.  Or you can just use it to tell me how much you liked the book!  YAY ME!

Funny Story, I Wrote A Funny Story

So, the closer I get to the end of a book, the more I withdraw from society.  You may have noticed!

And this means, yes, the manuscript of Please Don't Tell My Parents You Believe Her is done.  I have even sent it out to an unanticipatedly large number of people who requested to be beta readers.  Several of them comment here, and I'm not sure if they'll want a special thread to discuss the book, or what.

Currently there is no release date.  I'm waiting on my publisher to get back to me with their plans.  I'm guessing January or the beginning of February, with pre-orders up as soon as they can get cover art.  My publisher gets weirder and weirder, though, so I guarantee nothing.

This is the last book for Penny Akk.  Her story is told, and I don't like stretching things out endlessly!  The Supervillain world, however, is not even close to finished.  My current plan is to write books in new worlds alternately with books in the Supervillain world.  So, next I'm going to finish A Sidekick's Tale (that needs a new title SO badly) and then I'm tossing around something for Mirabelle.

Gifts For Your Good Intentions

I know the contest thing is pretty crazy.  The biggest problem is that my reach in direct communication with fans is tiny, and not many people will be in a position to do anything.  But for those who donate their time and effort, rest assured, I will be putting a considerable time and effort - possibly thousands of dollars worth - into making a story to reward you.

ICKY CAPITALISM OUT OF THE WAY.

Check it, fan art!  Someone paid an artist (Jonas) to draw the Inscrutable Machine!  Twitter link in the picture.


Even more fan art!  I'm not sure if this technically counts.  An artist (Mari) was drawing stuff, and asked for suggestions, and liked Bray's description!  Again, Twitter link in picture.  ATTRIBUTE YOUR ART, CHILDREN.


I take no responsibility for adult art that might or might not appear on either account.  I am linking because that is what you do to not be a poopy head to artists.

Okay, one more thing.

I have, as you know, pondered how much  I can preview the next book without ruinous spoilers.  I have decided to give you this chapter.  It introduces Gerty Goat, is fun, and contains hints rather than anything definite about anything that happens.

Gerty Goat Visits Happy Days Toys For Children

 Read or do not read, as suits you!  Dropbox sucks these days, so the link might be weird.

The Unexpected Contest

The Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm A Supervillain series is being considered for a television show.  Animated, I think.  Odds are still low, but they have become seriously real.  Active discussions are going on.

One thing that makes a big difference is sales.  That the book had a great launch is important, but another surge while discussions are going on would increase my odds considerably.  With that in mind, my publisher has decided on a contrast, and I have agreed to support it.

Here it is:  They want publicity.  Whoever can produce the best publicity event gets a cameo appearance in the last book.  I don't mind putting in a cameo at all, but I'm a lot happier with the second part.  Everyone who my publisher thinks even provides a worthwhile effort gets a copy of a Penny Akk story that will not be released otherwise.  I'll write that one when I finish book five, currently in progress.  That, at least, makes me feel like I'm providing value and not ripping my fans off.

If you do anything, feel free to let me know so that I can pass your actions on to my publisher for judgment.  You can also contact Curiosity Quills directly.  @CuriosityQuills is their Twitter address, and works pretty well.

Good luck, folks!  If the show happens or I hear it's abandoned, I'll let you know.  You proooobably won't hear anything soon, because the more serious things get, the less I'll be allowed to say.

Which Leads Us To The Next Question

How much and when do you guys think I should post chapters of the next book?  I'm well into it now.  Normally I post quite a bit, just because I enjoy seeing people read.  With the massive cliffhanger, I'm less sure this time.

IT'S OUT! WOO!

I told you I'd keep this post updated.

Please Don't Tell My Parents I Have A Nemesis is out on Amazon!  You can click on the image below to get to it!  WOOOOOO!  Everybody I gave an advance copy, go leave a review, and I hope you liked the book and it's a good review.  Reviews are gold for writers, and why my publisher told me to hand out early copies.

Paperbacks and an audiobook are contracted, but heaven knows when they arrive.  I don't think recording on the audiobook is started, and there was a lot of last minute fuss, so I figure paperbacks will take at least a couple of weeks.



See you soon with more info, I hope!

And while we're at it, Cover Art

I'm sure we've all wanted this, although not as much as you guys wanted the advance review copies.

Behold the cover art for Please Don't Tell My Parents I Have A Nemesis!



Last I heard, the book comes out on the 27th.  I will edit this post to keep that information current with what is shared with me.  When the book is put up on Amazon, I will edit this post so the image links to the sales page.

And The SPOILER Thread!

I am supplying this thread for anyone who finishes the book and wants to discuss it with the other advance reviewers.

THIS THREAD WILL BE FULL OF SPOILERS.

Well. Ain't you little buggers lucky?

I finally got the cover art.  It's almost set to go.  But with it, I got a request from my publisher.  They would like me to find 20 people to receive free electronic copies, so folks will be ready to post reviews as soon as the book launches.

Do I have any takers?  You may have to leave me an email address, unless somebody has a really smokin' idea how to do this to maintain everyone's privacy but also not yell 'COME AND GET IT' to the world's book pirates!

EDIT - If you want anything other than a .mobi, you'd better specify when you ask!