My friend Kristie, whom I’ve known since about 1987, just sent an iPhone photo of Bitter Seeds lurking in the wilds of Roseville, Minnesota. This hometown photo means a lot to me, because I used to spend a lot of time at this particular Barnes & Noble back when I was a graduate student living in the Twin Cities.
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Bitter Seeds on io9! And a Reader Photo, and a Strange Encounter.
Well, it’s launch day + 1 for Bitter Seeds, and I’m still recovering from the excitement and terror of yesterday. Thank you to everybody who has spread the word– I love you all. I’m also deeply grateful to everybody who has expressed interest in my lonely little novel. I’m touched and moved by your kindness and generosity. I can only hope my novel proves worthy of your enthusiasm.
I’ve just discovered that io9, uber-clearinghouse of all things awesome and science-fictional, has included Bitter Seeds in its roundup of noteworthy April book releases! Thanks, io9!
I’ve posted a review and roundup of launch-day news below the cut, and the first photograph of Bitter Seeds in the wild.
LAUNCH DAY! Bitter Seeds in the Big, Wide World
At long last, Bitter Seeds is officially released today. And I am terrified.
Hello and welcome to readers from Boing Boing and John Scalzi’s Big Idea feature! (And very sincere thank yous to Cory Doctorow and John Scalzi for kindly featuring my book on its launch day.)
Bitter Seeds has been getting great reviews. To celebrate the release, we’re running a contest/puzzle/game called Chronicle of Sorrows. I’ve posted about it here, here, and here. First prize is a signed ARC of Bitter Seeds!
I’m also doing a giveaway on Goodreads right now. One lucky winner will receive a signed hardcover of Bitter Seeds. So far, over 500 600 700 800 900 people have entered the contest. Wow!
I’ve posted a list of online retailers here, should my poor little book strike your fancy.
The 34th Annual Jack Williamson Lectureship
It’s April, and that means it’s time for the Williamson Lectureship! The Portales News-Tribune has the scoop here.
I’ve posted before about Jack Williamson and the Lectureship held in his honor. The Lectureship always delivers a grand time, so I’m excited to get to visit my friends in Portales over the next few days. This year is a little bit different, because I’ve been asked to deliver the keynote address during the Friday luncheon. I think I’m more nervous about this public-speaking arrangement than I was about my thesis defense. In general this is something at which I’m fairly competent, but I feel extra pressure to repay the Lectureship Committee’s kindness and generosity with a first-class effort.
More information below the cut.
Fantasy Book Critic Weighs In!
Fantasy Book Critic has posted a new review of Bitter Seeds. They’re calling it “hands down the best debut of 2010 so far.” It’s early in the year, so my poor little book is sure to be eclipsed a few times between now and December, but I’ll take it!
Other choice excerpts below the cut.