Siri Pettersen's Blog, page 9

News and excuses!

Hi, everyone! I have news and excuses! First of all: No, I’m not lost (physically), dead (hopefully), or quitting social media (sadly). There was just this wooshing sound as a month flew by, while I was:

1: WRITING, obviously. And tomorrow I’ll be sharing THE TITLE of my upcoming book, the second in the VARDARI trilogy. It’s not scheduled for release until next year, but if I don’t reveal something soon, I fear the pressure will cause my brain to implode. I really love you all for asking «WHEN?!» and I’m working on it, but at least you’ll get the title, and I’m thrilled to hear what you think of it! Sound good?

2: TREASURE HUNTING: My grandmother is not well, and she’s nearing 100, so I went up north to help my mum. (The photo is from the gorgeous shore, right by the house) And when the going gets tough, the tough start house cleaning! My amazing mum is just a liiiittle bit of a hoarder, so you wont believe the things I found. Everything from my first writings and drawings, to old Macs, untouched by human hands for 25 years. I kid you not! More on that later.

3: RELEARNING TRAVEL: We just came back from a short trip to Stockholm, the first time I’ve been abroad since the pre pandemic age. Our goal was to eat all the food in Sweden, a quest in which we were tremendously successful. There will likely be pictures, not of food, but at least of the famous Vasa ship.

I missed you all, and I know I’ve also missed some fanart fridays. I promise to make it up to you, as I’ve seen some fantastic art lately. I wish you all a super evening, and I’ll see you tomorrow for the title reveal! :)

The Iron Wolf is nominated for the Finnish Star Fantasy Award!

Not dead, I’m writing! Just popping in to share great news: The Iron Wolf is nominated for the Tähtifantasia Award in Finland, the annual prize for best foreign fantasy book! I’m touched that they say The Iron Wolf - or Rautasusi over there - is «a skillfully written fantasy adventure with an unpredictable plot. The northern setting impresses both young and adult readers.»

Finland, you are fantastic! My deepest thanks to all my Finnish readers, you are all hotter than saunas! And thank you to my amazing publisher, Art House, and of course to my exceptional translator, Eeva-Liisa Nyqvist.

The Award was founded in 2007, by Helsinki Science Fiction Club, and is highly valued among fantasy enthusiasts. The winner will be announced this summer. My heart-felt congratulations to all the nominees:

Susanna Clarke: Piranesi
N. K. Jemisin: The Fifth Season
TJ Klune: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Madeline Miller: Circe

US Release Day!

Here we go! Today is the release day for The Might, and I am very proud to say that Kirkus called it a «fantastic follow up to The Rot… A satisfying, powerful conclusion.» It’s been an incredible journey, and the feedback from American readers has been truly heart-warming! I am especially happy that so many fall in love with Hirka and Rime, and that they feel The Raven Rings is a unique story. Thank you so much to you all! And yes, this is the final book in the series, but no, it’s not the last book… The Iron Wolf is coming. Thank you so much to my hard-working crew at Arctis Books USA and Grand Agency , for making this dream come true! And my deepest thanks to my amazing translators Siân Mackie and Paul Russell Garrett.

«Are you ready for The Might? The thrilling conclusion to Siri Pettersen's Raven Rings Trilogy! Hirka has been sent to the world of the blind, a powerful and immortal people whom she has been taught to fear since infancy--who now see her as their only chance to reignite a thousand-year-old war. The blind will use Hirka's ability to travel between worlds to return to Ym, the land where Hirka grew up and where the blind were betrayed all those years ago. And this time, they will prevail…»

The winner of The Raven Rings Prize is H.L. Phoenix!

I am thrilled to announce that the first Raven Rings Prize goes to Helge Lee (H.L. Phoenix) creator of the graphic novel «Arkin - Guardian of the Light», a portal fantasy for young readers. Launched last year, but I’ve seen what’s coming. It’s huge, ambitious, and tremendously well executed.

It’s easy to praise the level of expertise. «Arkin» is gorgeous, world-class illustration. Captivating and emotional, like beloved animated movies. The concept is clear, with solid, visual identity. Light branches through the pages like veins, creating a vibrating, beckoning world that makes your jaw drop. It’s alive. Sensual. A story you can hear as much as read.

But «Arkin» is so much more than beautiful, it’s a life raft. Vulnerable and naked. It explores weighty topics, yet manages to lift you up, and that’s precisely where it hits me the hardest! It goes to the very core of what fantasy can be: Stories that provide meaning, in meaninglessness. Hope, when it seems hopeless.

We despair of the world’s lack of empathy, of cynicism. «Arkin» is an antidote. These are books that will help young readers cope with the unbearable, and ignite their will to fight. These are books that can save lives. For many, «Arkin» will not be just a story - it will be THE story.

Mentoring is a part of The Raven Rings Prize (the learning has been mutual) and when you offer your time, it better be to someone you can bear. I hit the jackpot. Helge is one of the most extraordinary people I’ve had the fortune to meet. Smart, creative, and dedicated, with a big heart. Gratitude is his superpower, born from loss. He is humble and ambitious, a tough combo to master. But above all, he has a truly exceptional work ethic.

I founded this prize to promote writers with impressive work and drive. That’s Helge on level 0, on his lowest setting, on a really bad day. On his best, he created the story that made me remember why I write fantasy.

«Arkin» has the potential to generate new fantasy lovers all over the world! Dear Helge, thank you for what you are doing for Norwegian fantasy. It’s my enormous pleasure and privilege to be a part of your journey.

Why love will endure

My quiet is the same as yours. I’ve felt frozen by the state of the world. Heartbroken. Helpless, like an out-of-tune instrument, too tightly strung to make sound, let alone create anything resembling beauty. My gut has begged me to speak, but what could I possibly contribute under the circumstances?

It took me a while to remember that I’m a storyteller. I have readers in Russia, in the US, all over Europe, and I have an obligation to you, now more than ever, to tell stories. And there have been stories over the past few days unlike any I’ve ever seen. Stories of extraordinary courage, creativity, and compassion beyond imagining. I know you have seen them too.

So this is what I know in my heart to be true: For every firestarter, there are tens of thousands fighting the flames. For every destroyer, there are a million rebuilders. It may not look like it now, but love outweighs hate, by billions.

And while we’re fighting or sobbing, beauty goes on where we are not looking: An old man is mending the boat his father made, seashells crunching under his boots. Monks start chanting as the light of the rising sun floods through the temple gates. A scientist bursts into tears as she gets one step closer to curing the disease. An artist accidentally burns his pottery into something even more gorgeous than he imagined. A dog is chasing a pair of knickers that the wind tore from the clothes line. Kids are putting letters the wrong way round as they learn to spell. Someone is forgiven. A bird stirs its wings in the breeze. A train is perfectly on time.

These things are happening, right now. Even in hard times, there is far more love and beauty in the world than our hearts can hold. It’s where remarkable courage comes from. It’s why we care so deeply. It’s why we struggle. And it’s why you don’t have to carry it all on your shoulders, all the time.

You see, love is never alone. So sleep for a while, and someone will keep watch. Sit, someone will stand for you. Cry if you need to, because right this moment, plenty are being brave. And tomorrow, you are too. This fact can not be broken or destroyed. That’s why love will always endure <3



Why love will win

My quiet is the same as yours. I’ve felt frozen by the state of the world. Heartbroken. Helpless, like an out-of-tune instrument, too tightly strung to make sound, let alone create anything resembling beauty. My gut has begged me to speak, but what could I possibly contribute under the circumstances?

It took me a while to remember that I’m a storyteller. I have readers in Russia, in the US, all over Europe, and I have an obligation to you, now more than ever, to tell stories. And there have been stories over the past few days unlike any I’ve ever seen. Stories of extraordinary courage, creativity, and compassion beyond imagining. I know you have seen them too.

So this is what I know in my heart to be true: For every firestarter, there are tens of thousands fighting the flames. For every destroyer, there are a million rebuilders. It may not look like it now, but love outweighs hate, by billions to one.

And while we’re fighting or sobbing, beauty goes on where we are not looking: An old man is mending the boat his father made, seashells crunching under his boots. Monks start chanting as the light of the rising sun floods through the temple gates. A scientist bursts into tears as she gets one step closer to curing the disease. An artist accidentally burns his pottery into something even more gorgeous than he imagined. A dog is chasing a pair of knickers that the wind tore from the clothes line. Kids are putting letters the wrong way round as they learn to spell. Someone is forgiven. A butterfly stirs its wings in the breeze. A train is perfectly on time.

These things are happening, right now. Even in times like these, there is far more love and beauty in the world than our hearts can hold. It’s where remarkable courage comes from. It’s why we care so deeply. It’s why we fight. And it’s why you don’t have to carry it all on your shoulders, all the time.

You see, love is never alone. So sleep for a while, and someone will keep watch. Sit, someone will stand for you. Cry if you need to, because right this moment, plenty are being brave. And tomorrow, you are too. This fact can never be burned or conquered. That’s why love will win in the end <3



The Iron Wolf is nominated for «fantasy book of the year»!

Oh my DEAR Polish readers, you are amazing and I love you! THE IRON WOLF has been nominated for «fantasy book of the year» at Lubimyczytac and I am super happy and proud! My Polish is …. rusty, but I think you can vote for your favourites here, to the end of the month. My deepest gratitude to you all, to my publisher and my translator Marta Petryk! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The Raven Rings Prize!

I founded a Prize! Ha ha, no really! And you are all guilty of aiding me! Today, I can finally launch my «secret project», and it’s with my heart on my sleeve, swelling to near explosive levels, that I can finally announce The Raven Rings Prize!

One year ago, I asked you how I could give back for the extraordinary amount of love and goodwill my books have received, and you replied. Holy mother, how you replied! I got hundreds of tips and comments, and it’s been an ember in my brain ever since. Why? Because I have a burning desire to promote Norwegian fantasy, at home and abroad. Because I want to make a difference to emerging, Norwegian writers who have created something I really want to see more of. I want to give someone the opportunity to follow a dream.

What I didn’t want, was a contest, nor would I ever presume to find the «year’s best» in any shape or form, nor create a prize that publishers would have to pay to take part in. No… I had to do this like I do everything else - straight forward and personal, by giving what I can: A financial contribution, mentoring, and promotion.

The Raven Rings Prize took shape, the only one of its kind in Norway. Call it a grant with an added bonus. A third dose, a career boost for fantasy seeds with impressive quality and drive. The Prize is for 50K NOK in its first year, and the first winner will be announced this spring. My goal is a yearly award, but the frequency and scope will vary as we learn from experiences, because hey, I’ve never done this before, and if the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that sh*t happens.

Am I nervous about what this will require of me? Hell yes! But The Raven Rings Prize is my answer to that annoying question: What would you do if you had no fear? (I know, I love-hate that question, because once you have the answer, there’s no turning back.)

I emphasize that this is a Norwegian Prize, limited to writers in Norway only. More details can be found here. You have my deepest gratitude for all your incredibly valuable input. Really! You have been a part of the creation of this, and I love you for it. This means so, SO much to me, and I hope it will mean a lot to others as well.

The fanart you loved the most in 2021

Here is the fanart you loved the most in 2021, and goddammit, you guys are good! Every year, you have me in tears as I go through your astonishing artwork from around the world. The remarkable talent and the insane amount of passion you burn is truly humbling, challenging the capacity my heart has for pure joy. I am deeply grateful, beyond words. How can I EVER repay you for giving life to my books?

Here are your favourites (in random order) from the top left:

Hirka & Kuro, by Börner Ärin, Germany

Naiell, by Ksenia, Russia

Juva cosplay, by Ginny. Germany

Juva and the wolf, by Mari, Germany

Ilume cosplay, by Valerie, Czech

Raven Rings Tattoo, by Charlotte, Norway

Urd, by Von Madhatter, Italy

Author portrait, by Aria (6), Norway

Hirka & Kuro, by Malin, Norway

(All the artists with accounts have been tagged on Instagram, so please pay them a visit :))

The Christmas Bragathon!

Aaaaaand we’re now reporting live from the shameless event known as The Christmas Bragathon! Competition is sharp this year, but I’m armed with coffee and going for the podium! 2021 has been sick (…), with much to be thankful for. I’ve met new people that I know will be life-long friends, and there’s not enough gratitude in the world for that. But let’s save the mushy part for last, and dive into the book stuff:

OVER 300 000 SOLD!
I was stunned when my agents told me we had sold more than a quarter million copies of The Raven Rings, and we have now rounded 300 000. I can hardly believe it, and I’ve had to believe some weird sh*t lately!

LAUNCHING IN THE US
The Raven Rings launched in the US, to praise from some of the most important actors in my field. Laini Taylor made me tear up with her review: «I loved it deeply from the first to the last word, and was instantly and thoroughly immersed.» Publishers weekly really stunned me: «Blood magic, blackmail, and battle rock a rich world of fading magic to its core in this internationally bestselling Norwegian epic fantasy […] This series opener will captivate lovers of Bardugo’s gritty situations and Pullman’s wide mythic worlds.» I’m not gonna drag you through the rest of it, but it’s fair to say I had a really great day!

LAUNCHES IN EUROPE
The Iron Wolf’s been busy, launching in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Poland, Italy, Denmark and Czech, with Russia and US to come. Denmark impressed me with their awesome outdoor campaign, and a remarkable review in Berlingske, calling it «Perfected Norwegian fantasy» and «Completely terrifically told.» The paperback edition was released in Norway, and my children’s book, Bubble, launched in The Faroe Islands. 

THE TREASURE BOX
Germany launched the limited edition, high quality Raven Rings slip case, and it is gorgeous! All three books, in a sleek black design, plus a special «making of» booklet. I love special editions, because they mean people care beyond the fact that it’s books. It means the stories matter to them, and I would fail miserably if I tried to express how grateful and proud that makes me.

HAND-PAINTED ART EDITIONS
Odin’s Child was in the March Librarian Box in the US, and they actually hired someone to effing hand paint over two hundred books, with black, gold-shimmering edges. They did The Rot in October, in a dramatic red, and no picture can do them justice. Gods, I love special editions!

A DOCTORATE IN THE RAVEN RINGS
Early this year, Dr. Cecilie Takle at the Department of Linguistics and Nordic Studies, defended her dissertation «Honor Codes in Siri Pettersen's The Raven Rings» for the degree of philosophiae doctor (Ph.D.) I did not see that coming… 

DESIGNING FOR CHARITY
This cause was too good to refuse: Apple juice from Oslo, made by youth - for youth. Twelve artists create their own labels for Lif Laga, and the profit goes to youth with disabilities. Of course, my contribution had to be a tribute to fairytales and fantasy, with a red riding hood theme.

EVENTS IN 2021?!
It’s been heartbreaking to have to miss some of the biggest book fairs, but I did squeeze in many digital events, like Lanufestarit in Finland, Booktarg and Empik Book fair in Poland, as well as live interviews and podcasts. Stalkers can find them here..

NEW SERIES - NEW FANART
Vardari enjoys a new creative boom from European readers, and some of the things you have done are mind-blowing. To see it all, I encourage you to browse the galleries, they go all the way back to the beginning, and it’s astonishing.

WHAT’S NEXT?
I plan to start 2022 with some fantastic news that means a lot to me. Yes, there will be a release date for Vardari 2, but this is about something else. This is a complete love project, and I’m positively itching to tell you about it! 

Until then: A million heart-felt thanks for everything that you do for me, for reading, loving and sharing. I hope that you are fully aware that none of this could ever have happened without you, and I can never thank you enough for hanging out with me. I love you all, and wish you a beyond brilliant Holiday <3