New Year's thanks

It's New Year's Eve, and while others are thinking of fireworks, parties and drinking more than they should, I wanted to take a few minutes to thank some people. 2014 was the year I finally achieved a great goal in my life, and it wouldn't have been possible without these fine folks.


First, thanks to Marina and Jason Anderson at Polgarus Studio, who handle the formatting for my books and do a great job of it (even if it's 2015 already where they are). Thanks to Keri Knutson at Alchemy Book Covers, who does such fine work designing the covers; the font still sends me over the hills and far away.


Thanks to the crew at KBoards, and especially at the Writers' Cafe sub-forum, to Harvey, Ann, Betsy and all the contributors. And all the people I've met through there who have helped out in many ways: Heidi, Cora and Jessica at the Speculative Fiction Showcase. K.J. Bryen at Take The Plunge. Patty Jansen and the Mad New Year's Sale. Julie Ann Dawson, for reasons to be revealed on Sunday. The amazing Kate Danley. The folks at BookSignals.com, and at SciFi Fantasy Freak. Everyone who's taken part in the Character Blog Hop.


Of course, I need to thank Willow! Her cover art is wonderful, but I'm still amazed that she finds time to help promote the books as well. I was expecting great art when I started working with her, but I never expected to find a friend and supporter as well. Many thanks, Willow! (And wait until you see her cover for the third Monkey Queen book! Even if you don't wear socks, I guarantee it'll knock them off!)


But my biggest thanks go out you, the fans and readers. I still get a thrill every time I sell a book or find out that someone's read something I've written. Telling stories is my favorite thing, and I'm grateful to share them with you. I hope you enjoy them, and I hope you'll stick around for 2015 – it'll be a big year for Michiko and Beth, with lots of laughs, thrills and adventure ahead! Thanks for reading.

Mad Science Fiction and Fantasy January Sale!

Are you looking to fill up your Kindle, tablet or smartphone with some fun, exciting reading to start the New Year? Well, have we got a deal for you! More than four dozen authors are taking part in a Mad Science Fiction and Fantasy Sale! Their e-books will be available for just 99 cents at Amazon.com, and marked down at other Amazon sites!

 
This sale is officially just for New Year's Day, but many of the authors have already marked their books down, so you can start shopping now! Here's a link where you can see all the sale books; click on the covers to visit their Amazon pages and read their previews: http://pattyjansen.com/blog/mad-science-fiction-january-sale/

And yes, one of those books is the first Monkey Queen adventure, Of Introductions And Abductions! If you haven't read yet about how Michiko and Beth first met and teamed up to save the world (well, rescue a friend), now's your chance to get it on sale!

Sundays will never blog the same

First, a reminder: From now through New Year's Day, you can get the e-book of the first Monkey Queen adventure, Of Introductions And Abductions, for just 99 cents at Amazon.com! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2 It's also been marked down at all other Amazon sites; check the "Christmas Gift To You" post, or search your local Amazon store.

Also, this is part of a multi-author promotion, with many fine novels being marked down to 99 cents; we'll have more info on that later this week.

Some thoughts and spoilers on The Hobbit: Battle Of The Five Armies after the cut.

SciFi Fantasy Freakout!

We wanted to take a moment to thank SciFi Fantasy Freak, who are featuring the second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, as a new release in their daily newsletter! You can get on their mailing list for daily updates by signing up at http://scififantasyfreak.com/

A Christmas Gift To You!

Don't forget that today is the last seasonally-appropriate day (until Black Friday 2015, anyway) to read "Best Christmas Ever!", the short story about Michiko and Beth's first Christmas as roommates, right here on this blog! Find out what presents they got each other, what's been keeping Mec the gremlin busy, and what song (okay, two songs) Mandy is not allowed to sing at work! Click here! http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/christmas-ever-new-monkey-queen-short.html

And now, a special announcement: We'll be taking part in a multi-author promotion for New Year's Day, with many fine books being marked down to 99 cents US on Amazon.com, and similar reductions at other Amazon sites. We were originally planning to launch the markdown on New Year's Eve...

But then we remembered that it was Christmas.

From now through New Year's Day, if you haven't read the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, you can get it for 99 cents at Amazon.com, and on sale at all Amazon sites worldwide! Fill up that Kindle with the first adventure of Michiko and Beth, and if there's room after that, go back for more with their second book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle! Here are the links:

Amazon.com - $0.99! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2


Amazon Canada - $1.15! http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

 Amazon France - EUR 0,89! http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon United Kingdom - GBP 0.77! http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Netherlands - EUR 0,89! http://www.amazon.nl/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Germany - EUR 0,89! http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Spain - EUR 0,89! http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Italy - EUR 0,89! http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon India - 63.00! http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Mexico - $14.45! http://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Brazil - R$ 2,63! http://www.amazon.com.br/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Australia - $1.22! http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Japan - 118 yen! http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Merry Christmas!

No plugs, no links, no excess. Just a simple "Merry Christmas"! May all of you have the Best Christmas Ever!

Read it in the Sunday Blogposts

Quiet Sunday here, getting ready for Christmas. We will have a special Christmas Eve post, and if the stars align properly, several announcements to make between now and New Year's.

For now, we wanted to remind you that there's still time to get into the Christmas spirit (or break out the Christmas spirits) and read the Monkey Queen short story "Best Christmas Ever!" http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/christmas-ever-new-monkey-queen-short.html And as a bonus treat, after the cut, we're featuring three videos with songs referenced in the story! Merry! Happy!

Monkey Queen paperbacks!

So, I finally received my first non-proof shipment of paperback copies of the first two Monkey Queen books. Whee!

If anyone reading this is interested in getting copies without going through Amazon, drop me a line at Monkey Queen Books (at) gmail dot com. I'll only accept PayPal, and shipping outside the US will not be cheap, but I'll be glad to help you out, and there may even be a signature in there somewhere...

The big day is here!

Happy Beethoven's Birthday everyone!

("Fur Elise", from A Charlie Brown Christmas, as played by Schroeder. Or the Vince Guaraldi Trio, if we have to be technical.)

The past few weeks' worth of related posts were meant in part as a bit of a jab towards the "War On Christmas" folks. I celebrate Christmas and say "Merry Christmas", but I respect that there are many other traditions in December. I'm grateful for all good wishes, no matter how they're expressed, and I hope I'll remember to respond in kind.

More importantly, it's been a tribute to Charles Schulz. Peanuts, at its peak, is my all-time favorite newspaper comic, and influenced me in many ways. Though I have to say that Schroeder may not have the right idea in this strip. Of course, that could just be because of who made the suggestion:

I, personally, think it's a fine idea! I would like to offer all the readers of this blog, regulars, casual viewers, and first-timers alike, a kiss right "squack" on the nose from yours truly to celebrate Beethoven's Birthday!

However, there is a catch:

(Should you feel that said kiss right "squack" on the nose should have been delivered directly from yours truly instead of through a representative, feel free to comment or contact the management directly. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. :D )

Bonus: Here's a somewhat trippy series from the movie A Boy Named Charlie Brown, featuring Schroeder (or, if we have to be technical, Ingolf Dahl) playing the second movement of Sonata Pathetique.

And One More Thing:

This is almost enough (almost) to get me (and Beth McGill) over what happened with poor Osgood:

Blogtiful Sunday

First, a reminder: If you haven't read the new Monkey Queen Christmas short story, "Best Christmas Ever!" you can do so by clicking here! http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/christmas-ever-new-monkey-queen-short.html If you like it, feel free to leave comment, share on your favorite social media, and spread the word!

So last night, a somewhat nearby game store that had held a Kickstarter drive to finance an expansion held a celebratory free concert (thank you, EndGame Oakland!). They had given out the first tickets to their backers, but when those had been snapped up, they invited the general public to attend, and I jumped on it...

And that's how I finally got to see the Doubleclicks.

That's Aubrey Webber on the cello on the left, Angela Webber on the ukelele on the right, and Max the cat keyboard in the center. Max, alas, was only on one song, the Doctor Who theme as arranged for cello and cat keyboard, but did splendidly as usual. The show was awesome, with lots of old favorites and new, and they even performed "Happy Holidays Too", the song that made me a fan. Jokes were told, audiences were bantered with, CDs were sold (and bought), and a great time was had by all! Can't wait for their next appearance; by then, let's hope the EndGame cafe is open! And if you want to find out more about them, head on over to http://www.thedoubleclicks.com/

Oh, and we also have our last reminder, before the big day, of the real reason for the season...

Goldurn legal disclaimers...

Amazon paperback sale alert!

We interrupt our run of holiday reminders with this plug: Amazon is holding a sale on paperback books! From now through Sunday, December 14, you can get 25% off the cost of any single paperback book, up to $10.00 off! Just us the code "BOOKDEAL25" at checkout! Full details here: http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=bk_hdibs_bd25_so?ie=UTF8&node=10510039011&tag=viglink20273-20

And, if we may, you can use that code towards the cost of either the first or the second Monkey Queen book! Of Introductions And Abductions (book one): http://www.amazon.com/Of-Introductions-And-Abductions-Monkey/dp/1501085735/

The Brigadoon Boondoggle (book two): http://www.amazon.com/The-Brigadoon-Boondoggle-Monkey-Queen/dp/1503193888/

Holiday Reminders: Electric Boogaloo

It's getting closer - the real reason for the season:

(And Snoopy's so excited, he's walking on air...)

Holiday Reminders Unleashed!

Yes, we have three, count them, three reasons for the season for the price of one today!

And at the risk of sounding cheesy: Ebooks make great Beethoven's Birthday gifts! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGC39JQ

Goodreads giveaway: We have a winner!

Congratulations to Goodreads member Uofivet08, who was the winner of the "Third Proof" copy giveaway for a paperback copy of the second Monkey Queen novel, The Brigadoon Boondoggle! Your prize will be sent out on Wednesday. Thanks for everyone who entered, and don't forget, you can buy Monkey Queen paperbacks on Amazon and e-books wherever fine e-books are sold!

Holiday Reminders Strike Back

Yes, we took a few days off. Blame the egg nog. In any case, it's time for another reminder of the reason for the season:

I would like to point out that Snoopy has the right idea...

another Pleasant Valley Blogday

You know, considering how much Michiko and I both love the Monkees, maybe I should have used that post title sooner. Anyway, it's been a quiet week, but we wanted to remind you that the Goodreads giveaway we're running ends on Monday, so if you're a Goodreads member and want to win a paperback copy of the new Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, enter now! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/117671-the-brigadoon-boondoggle-monkey-queen-book-two


If you've read the Christmas short story we put up a while back, "Best Christmas Ever!" thanks! Feel free to leave a comment, even if it's just to say "hi". If you haven't, grab some peppermint bark candy and get to it! http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/christmas-ever-new-monkey-queen-short.html


And we'll have more "reason for the season" reminders coming soon, but the Doubleclicks would like to also remind you that we're just ten days (as I write this) from another reason to be filled with holiday cheer...

Speculative Fiction Showcase, round two!

Hey! The second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, is being featured today on the Speculative Fiction Showcase blog! You can check it out here: http://indiespecfic.blogspot.com/2014/12/monkey-queen-book-two-brigadoon.html Cora, Heidi and Jessica do a great job running this blog, and they've been very supportive of our books, so thanks! If you're a reader of fantasy, science fiction, horror, paranormal and the like, add them to your everyday reading! http://indiespecfic.blogspot.com/

Goodreads Giveaway, Round 2! And more!

It was a bit delayed, but for those of you who frequent Goodreads, we've just kicked off our giveaway for the third proof copy of the new Monkey Queen novel, The Brigadoon Boondoggle! (The first stays with me. The second's whereabouts are unknown. Dang robot space cats.) Entry closes Tuesday, December 8, so enter now! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/117671-the-brigadoon-boondoggle-monkey-queen-book-two

Also, thanks to SciFi Fantasy Freak for featuring the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, over the past weekend! Find out more about them and sign up for their mailing lists at http://scififantasyfreak.com/

And Willow, our cover artist, has started a fun thread on DeviantArt where she's encouraging people to share their art! There's some wonderful work on display there, so if you like fantasy art, check it out! http://willow-san.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-of-awesome-art-497259090 And if you haven't already, poke around her extensive gallery!

Sunday Will Never Blog The Same

Busy Sunday, so let's get this ball rolling! First, if you've been following our Character Blog Hop posts over the last two weeks, this week we hand off to Jessica Rydill, who introduces us to her character, Annat Vasilyevich! http://livinginthemaniototo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/meet-my-character-annat.html Annat's first e-book, Children of the Shaman, is free through Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Children-Shaman-Journey-through-Shamanworld-ebook/dp/B00IBPNKWG For more on Jessica, drop by http://livinginthemaniototo.blogspot.co.uk/

Hey, have YOU read the new Monkey Queen short story, "Best Christmas Ever!"? If not, scroll down to the next post! It's more fun than a sappy holiday romantic comedy movie marathon! No, really, it is.

Our thanks to the gang at SciFi Fantasy Freak for featuring the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, as a new release the past three days! To find out more about them and sign up for their mailing list, head over to http://scififantasyfreak.com/

And after some setbacks, the paperback edition of the new Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, is now available through Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/dp/1503193888

Thanks again to Willow, Keri with Alchemy Book Covers, and Marina and Jason with Polgarus Studio for all their fabulous work. You've all made this writer doubly happy.

"Best Christmas Ever!" - a new Monkey Queen short story!

Just in time for the holiday season, we (we?) here at Monkey Queen Books are pleased to unwrap a brand new short story! Join Michiko, Beth and their friends after the cut for their... "Best Christmas Ever!"

Son of Holiday Reminders

Yes, it may be Publication Day, but some things might be considered more important than that. After all, the media may be choosing to focus on the Black Friday frenzy, with their message of "Buy! Buy!" But we here at Monkey Queen Books remember the reason for the season:

It's Heeeeere!

We've done it! The second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, can now be bought and downloaded worldwide! Wheeeee! Thank you all for your support, and don't forget to drop by our Facebook event later today! I'm looking forward to chatting with you and sharing a Christmas surprise!

Monkey Queen Book Two: Where To Order!

Though the second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, is still not available to buy everywhere as this is being written, it will be as of mid-day U.S. time Friday, November 28! So as we did with the first book, here's a post with every single ordering link I can find bunched into one place! We'll add more links, including those for ordering the paperback edition, as they go live.

And this is the cover you'll be looking for, with amazing art by Willow!

For U.S. readers:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGC39JQ

[6/7/15: Edited as we switch to Kindle Unlimited and being exclusive on Amazon.]

Outside of the U.S.:

Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Mexico: http://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Brazil: http://www.amazon.com.br/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon France: http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Netherlands: http://www.amazon.nl/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Spain: http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Germany: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Italy: http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon India: http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Japan: http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0


And if you somehow missed the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, you can find it at all these stores as well!


Cover art, as always, © 2014 by Willow. All rights reserved; used with permission. http://willow-san.deviantart.com

Reminders! Be reminded!

Don't forget that we'll be celebrating the release of the second Monkey Queen novel, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, with a Facebook event this Friday, November 28, publication day! 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Pacific Time, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Eastern Time, 20:00-22:00 (8:00 PM-10:00 PM) CET. https://www.facebook.com/events/307787436094267/ It's open to the public, and there will be a Christmas surprise!

By the way, I do understand that some people will not be spending any money on that day to protest the over-commercialization of Christmas and, increasingly, Thanksgiving. I sympathize, believe me. But if you plan on joining this movement, I would like to remind you that you can always preorder now and read it on Black Friday instead of shopping...

Another Holiday Reminder

As Wil Wheaton pointed out on his Tumblr, when someone wishes you the greetings of the season, be it "Merry Christmas", "Happy Hanukkah", "Happy Holidays" or whatever, it's always polite to respond "And the same to you", or some variation. Honor the thought and sentiment and respond in kind.

And don't forget to do the same for this important holiday:

Character Blog Hop: Meet Beth McGill!

Welcome (again!) to this week's installment of the Character Blog Hop! You can find out more info here at the Speculative Fiction Showcase blog:  http://indiespecfic.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-meet-my-character-blog-hop.html And here's last week's installment if you missed it: http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/character-blog-hop-meet-michiko-monkey.html

This week, I volunteered to jump in with a second installment due to a last-minute cancellation. I'm still busy getting the second Monkey Queen book ready, so Michiko asked a favor of her new partner in adventure. The results are after the cut.

Thursday Willow reminders

Two reminders: Willow's Facebook contest is ending Friday, November 21! Like her page, share her post and leave a comment, and you could win one of three posters featuring her wonderful art - Avatar (the Last Airbender/Legend of Korra), Doctor Who (featuring the Tenth Doctor), and Spirited Away! More details here! https://www.facebook.com/willousan

And for our European readers - don't forget that Art To Play is this weekend, September 22 and 23, in Nantes, France! Willow will be there, and she'll have merchandise for sale! Tell her Michiko and Beth sent you, and I'll be even more surprised than her! For more info: http://www.art-to-play.fr/ or https://www.facebook.com/art.to.play.nantes

Oh, and in case you missed it, I have a new book coming next week. Really. http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/monkey-queen-book-two-preorder-links.html

Update - paperback edition of Monkey Queen Book Two

Due to a error in the proofing process, the release of the paperback edition of the second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, will be delayed. There is no confirmed release date at this time, but it probably won't be until early December. The fault is mine (Robert's), and I do regret and apologize for any problems this causes anyone.

This will not delay the release of the e-book! Preorders are rolling along, and the book will come out as scheduled on November 28.

Feel free to email me any questions, or leave a comment on this post. Thanks.

Google+ must hate me right about now

We're doing something different and fun on November 28, to celebrate the release of the second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle! We're hosting an event on Facebook, and it'll be open to everyone! Take a break from Black Friday madness and chat with author (and guy who writes this blog) Robert Dahlen! There may even be a Christmas surprise! 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Pacific Time, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Eastern Time, 20:00-22:00 (8:00 PM-10:00 PM) CET. Save the date and this link! https://www.facebook.com/events/307787436094267/

And Willow, who draws the amazing covers for the Monkey Queen books, is having a contest on Facebook! Like her page, share her post and leave a comment, and you could win one of three posters! Enter by November 21! More details here! https://www.facebook.com/willousan

Character Blog Hop: Meet Michiko the Monkey Queen!

We're doing something a little bit different on the blog today. We're taking part in the Character Blog Hop, where writers take turns introducing (or interviewing, if they enjoy tempting fate) one of their characters. Last week, it was S. Elliot Brandis, whose interview with The Android went...a bit awry. You can read it here: http://selliotbrandis.com/an-interview-with-the-android-or-the-meet-my-character-blog-hop/  Find out more about his books at http://www.amazon.com/S.-Elliot-Brandis/e/B00KC82Y54/ , and follow him on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/selliotbrandis

This week, it's my turn. I've been rather busy lately, with the launch of preorders for the second Monkey Queen novel...so someone volunteered to help me out. Michiko? It's all yours after the cut.

another Saturday blog

We've got a special blog event coming up Sunday, so today will be the catch-up post I usually save for Sundays. If you haven't already, scroll down the blog to get more info on the second Monkey Queen novel, The Brigadoon Boondoggle! We've got sneak peeks, preorder links and more!

And for our European readers -- Monkey Queen cover artist Willow will be appearing at the Art to Play festival in Nantes, France, next weekend, September 22 and 23! She'll be with other members of her BD/comic team Collectif Pin Up, and she'll have merchandise for sale! For more info: http://www.art-to-play.fr/ or https://www.facebook.com/art.to.play.nantes

A Holiday Reminder

We're taking a (very quick) break from promoting the upcoming release of the next Monkey Queen book to remind all of you that, with the holiday season coming up, we need to wake up! Ignore the messages we're getting from the media! Put that all aside and remember what the true reason for the season is:

Monkey Queen Book Two: preorder links!

We'll have a more extensive list up later, but for now, here's a quick list of where you can get your copy of the second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle! Preorder now, and download November 28! Brighten up your Black Friday! There will also be a paperback edition, and we're hoping for more details on that next week.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGC39JQ

 [6/7/15: Edited as we switch to Kindle Unlimited and being exclusive on Amazon.]

Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon.co,uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon.fr: http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon.au: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00PGC39JQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

And don't forget you're looking for this gorgeous cover by Willow!

Cover art © 2014 by Willow. Used by permission. willow-san.deviantart.com Go browse her gallery already!

Monkey Queen 2: more previews!

So, you've already read Chapter One of the new Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, and you can't wait to read more? Well, that's what we're here for! (That, and the dark chocolate-covered potato chips. My gosh, they're yummy. If they could just add peanut butter, we might have the world's most perfect snack food. We've gone off the rails again, haven't we?)

Head over to the Monkey Queen Books page on Facebook, and you'll see a short excerpt from Chapter Three! In Beth's dream, a most unusual meeting takes place... https://www.facebook.com/monkeyqueenbooks

And over at DeviantArt, there's a scene from Chapter Four, in which Michiko meets her new neighbors! http://robbrain.deviantart.com/art/Monkey-Queen-Book-Two-Sneak-Preview-493927311

And don't forget - we always welcome your comments, regardless of where you leave them! Feel free to speak up, ask questions, or even tell us that we're nuts for liking dark chocolate-covered potato chips more than fudge-coated pretzels! And thanks for reading!

Monkey Queen 2: preorders open on Amazon!

Excited yet about the second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle? Well, preorders are now open at Amazon! Get it early, and download it on November 28! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGC39JQ I'll be putting up a post by the end of this week with many, many more links for non-U.S. customers and those of you who prefer other ebook stores.

Many thanks to Keri Knutson with Alchemy Book Covers, and Marina and Jason Anderson with Polgarus Studio, for getting the cover design and formatting (respectively) done so quickly! And so well to boot!

And special thanks to Willow. She worked her fingers off to get the cover ready in time so I could get the preorder up when I wanted, and took time away from other projects to do so. Willow, if you're reading this, you're the best!

Will you be blogging after Sunday, or go home on Monday?

First and foremost, if you missed it earlier, last week we announced the publication date for the second Monkey Queen book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle! This post has a sneak preview of the first chapter and a look at Willow's awesome cover art: http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/monkey-queen-book-two-coming-november-28.html

Speaking of Willow, today is the last day of the sale at the Society6 web store for Collectif Pin Up, the BD/comic artist group that includes Willow and other talented artists! $5 US off and free worldwide shipping, but you have to use this link! Hurry! http://society6.com/pinup?promo=CZ4GRW3YD8H

Some thoughts on Doctor Who: "Death In Heaven" after the jump (SPOILERS):

Monkey Queen Book Two - cover update!

So, when preorders begin for the second Monkey Queen novel, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, what should you be looking for?

How about this gorgeous cover!

Thanks to Keri Knutson at Alchemy Book Covers for the excellent design work, and thanks again to Willow for her awesome art!

Cover art © 2014 Willow. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://willow-san.deviantart.com.

Willow on sale!

I may need to rephrase that post title, but first, a reminder - if you haven't read the previous post already, scroll down or click to see the announcement about the release of the second Monkey Queen novel, The Brigadoon Boondoggle! Coming November 28! You can see Willow's cover art, along with the first chapter! Check back soon for ordering info!

As for Willow being on sale: Actually, her art is. She and her friends in the BD/comic team Collectif Pin Up have a web store at Society 6, and right now, you can get $5.00 US of your purchase AND free worldwide shipping there! That includes Willow's jaw-dropping Spirited Away print, her really cute Toothless and Hiccup coffee mug, and more! To get the special, you have to click this link: http://society6.com/pinup?promo=CZ4GRW3YD8H6 Ends November 9, so shop now! Don't wait!

Finally: Holy cow, it's autumn.

Monkey Queen Book Two coming November 28!

Yes, it's Major Announcement time! We are pleased and excited to announce that November 28 will mark the official release date for Monkey Queen Book Two: The Brigadoon Boondoggle!

"I have to help them. All of them. It's why I do this."

Michiko, the hero known as the Monkey Queen, and her partner in adventure Beth McGill thought it would be easy. They've become good friends since they started working together, why not become roommates? Of course, that was before the kitchen fire. And the broken bedroom door. Not to mention the cranky guinea pig.

But they have bigger problems ahead. A shady real estate deal has left two new groups of Emigres arguing over a meadow. Other Emigres are vanishing without a trace. And enemies old and new lurk in the woods, in the shadows, even in dreams.

Can Michiko and Beth stop the darkness...or will they be the next victims?

Here's the completed, and gorgeous, cover art by Willow!

And below the cut is the first chapter! Enjoy!

Cover art in progress preview - book two!

This is not the Major Announcement I keep promising. However, this is too cool not to share, and Willow gave me the go-ahead. And it is sufficiently spooky for this time of year. So, here's a preview of the cover art for the second Monkey Queen book!

The best part? This isn't even the finished art! (© 2014 Willow, all rights reserved, used by permission.)

good causes

Instead of regular Tuesday blogging, I wanted to direct your attention to what may be the best Kickstarter project you'll back all year: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carmeneckard/almost-maiden-save-maiden-high-schools-almost-main Help a high school drama class in North Carolina put on a play about love.

And Neil Gaiman would like to talk to you about Syrian refugees. He said this video will break your heart and put it back together. He's right.

I don't want to go until I've blogged it all out

It's a quiet Sunday here, and there's not much to report Monkey Queen-wise, but I did want to mark the passing of Jack Bruce. I was a fan of Cream's studio stuff, but it wasn't until I started hearing their concert versions on internet radio last year that I realized how awesome they were live. And Jack Bruce made it go, anchoring the bottom, providing the underrated vocals and writing most of the non-cover songs. Thanks, Jack. Here's a sample, and while I'll understand if it's not to your taste, I hope you start downloading or YouTube surfing if it is.

I blame Slugworth

Why the Oompa-Loompa did no one tell me about this? What is wrong with you people?

I'm not angry. I'm just terribly, terribly hurt.

No longer surprised.

Edited 10/26: All ten are now spoken for, so sorry if you missed it. If you're wondering what you missed, it's below the cut.

Sunday will never blog the same

Just to let regulars and random viewers know - we are hoping to make a Major Announcement sometime in the next two weeks or so. It's been a bit delayed, but trust us, it will be worth the wait.

And just a quick reminder for those of you who drop by without leaving a comment (which is always encouraged and welcomed):

I have a stainless steel spork. I will not be ignored.

25 years gone

Note: This post has very little, if anything, to do with what I write. If that bothers you, feel free to skip ahead.

October 17, 1989. I've taken time off work to watch the first game of the World Series, the first one for the Giants in 27 years. I've settled in on the couch in the little room I've rented in an apartment in San Francisco's Richmond district, TV and snacks at the ready.

Then, I feel the shaking. Instinct kicks in and I move to the doorway of my bedroom, figuring it will stop in a few seconds. It doesn't. It's the Loma Prieta earthquake, later measured as 6.9 on the Richter Scale.

A large, heavy wooden bookshelf takes up most of the wall space between the wall and the room's only window. When I say large, I mean at least six feet high. There is a board underneath the front of the shelf to keep it leaning back against the wall. It holds my comic collection, and lots of other things. And as I watch from the doorway, the quake brings it down, the top hitting the couch I had been sitting on.

As the shaking stops, I survey the damage and somehow wrestle the shelf back into place. I crawl over spilled boxes and damaged comics to get to my portable radio. I turn it on and hear about the Cypress Structure, the Bay Bridge, the fires in the Marina, the scope of the quake.

And as I start to clean up the mess, it hits me. If I hadn't moved when I did, if I had stayed on that couch, I'd have been under that shelf, injured or worse, with no one else in the apartment to find me and no phone.

There are many reasons why I'm glad to be telling the stories of Michiko and Beth and sharing them with you. And one of them is the fact that I had the sense to do something wise when the quake hit. It's the fact that I'm even here at all to tell the stories. And I'm grateful for that chance, more than words could possibly say.

Behind the scenes: How Michiko got her scarf

A new behind the scenes post! This one's also long, so more below the cut.

Sunday morning bloggin' down

Not much to discuss today. If you're new here, welcome! Catch up on the old posts, leave a comment, pass around the triple chocolate chunk cookies (but leave the haggis potato chips for John Barrowman).

If you're wondering what all the fuss is (or will be) about, here's a link to Amazon.com for the page for the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions. Click on the "look inside" button to read a lengthy preview, and check out how the expanded view on the cover makes Willow's awesome art even more awesome. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2

[6/7/15: Edited as we switch to Kindle Unlimited and being exclusive on Amazon.]

And I leave you with this link to the Dork Tower webcomic; in this strip, John Kovalic reminds us that writers write...among other things. Have a great week. http://www.dorktower.com/2014/10/07/writers-write-dork-tower-07-10-14/

A quick Halloween joke

What happened to the pizza guy who took too long to bring Hannibal Lecter his thin-crust pepperoni and fava bean pizza?

He was de-livered.

eBookSoda!

Just wanted to thank eBookSoda for featuring the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, on their website and emails today! Find new, exciting and overlooked books at their site, and sign up for their mailing list! http://www.ebooksoda.com/

Behind the Scenes: The secret origin of Beth McGill

I've always tried to come up with my own visual looks for my characters, instead of basing them on people I know. It gets a bit tricky sometimes, having to remember which faerie has the curly blonde hair and which has the glasses with the big round frames, but I'm happy with the process overall. However, there are exceptions to almost everything, and the biggest by far was Beth. More below the cut.

How space and time were nearly shattered on Saturday

It was a moment that no one had expected to happen, at least as suddenly as it did. But then, there was the rift in the space-time continuum! A tear in reality so epic that it threatened the very fabric of existence! A peril so great that it took fifteen Doctors, a Heterodyne, two wizards named Harry and a dog with a time machine to fix things! And along the way, all photographic and other evidence mysteriously vanished! Only one thing is left, to remind those in the center of it all of what took place...

(That, and a lot of very happy memories. Willow, I'm glad we were able to spend some time together, and I hope that we'll meet again someday!)

Speculative Fiction Showcase!

Today, the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, is the featured new release at the Speculative Fiction Showcase blog! Many thanks to Heidi, Cora and Jessica for spotlighting our book, and for a nifty blog! If you like your fiction on the speculative side - fantasy, science fiction, horror, paranormal, or just weird - stop on by for features, author interviews and more! http://indiespecfic.blogspot.com/

Smashing Sunday update

We've got two new sites where you can buy the e-book edition of the first Monkey Queen adventure, Of Introductions And Abductions!

[6/7/15: Edited as we switch to Kindle Unlimited and being exclusive on Amazon.]

And we're still marked down at Amazon France! Normally €2,68, currently €2,26! I know we do get some French visitors here, so I hope that if you want to download this e-book, you do it while the price is still low (and e-books make great gifts)! Merci! http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

A few weeks back, I linked to a beautiful drawing of the cast of Miyazaki's classic movie Spirited Away by Willow, our Monkey Queen cover artist. Now, you can get a print of that drawing at the Collectif Pin Up store at Society6! http://society6.com/pinup/spirited-away-zu8_print#1=45 Also, there's a coffee mug featuring Willow's cute take on Hiccup and Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon. http://society6.com/pinup/toothless-and-hiccup_mug#27=199 Shame it's not self warming. :) Anyway, more of Willow's work (and her Collectif Pin Up teammates) can be viewed at the Society 6 store, and as always, see much more of Willow's art at http://willow-san.deviantart.com

And finally, a look at what this blog's writer needs to help him get through a weekend of writing, editing and pre-formatting:*

*And that's iced coffee in that mug. I'm a member of the "don't drink and write" school.

KBoards Book Discovery Day!

Today, the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, is featured as part of Book Discovery Day on the KBoards blog! http://kboards.blogspot.com/  Find us and other exciting releases at today's post, http://kboards.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-discovery-day-friday-sep-26.html  and bookmark their blog to keep up with great new and overlooked e-books! Thanks to Harvey and the KBoards crew for letting us be a part of this.

And you shop all the time at Amazon.fr and you still haven't downloaded your Monkey Queen e-book? We forgive you. Just head here and get it while it's still on sale! Normally €2.68, but you can get it now for just €2.26! http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Gentle reminders

Thanks to everyone who's bought and downloaded the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, so far! If you haven't, this blog post from last Friday has every ordering link I could find: http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/09/publication-day-complete-ordering-links.html If you have, thanks, and feel free to leave a review or say something in the comments!

If you're wondering what the fuss is about, you could scroll down and read Chapter One, but the Amazon.com link has a longer "Look Inside" preview. Just click on Willow's wonderful cover! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2

And I have no idea why this happened or how long it will last, but the e-book is still at a special price at Amazon France! The list price there (and the price in other European Amazon stores) is €2.68, but you can get it for just €2.26 at this link! http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 Save a few cents and get it now!

And finally, while I have no official position about the recent vote over Scottish independence, I will point out that there are people I know who are happy that their supply of this will not be interrupted:

Big Sunday update

Lots happening this Sunday! First, don't forget that the first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions, is now on sale everywhere! The post below this one has all the ordering links you need, but I wanted to alert you that the e-book is at a special price at the Amazon France store; the list price (and the price in other European Amazon stores) is €2.68, but you can get it for just €2.26 at this link! http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0 Or, just search your Amazon for "Monkey Queen"!

I know we're getting a lot of visitors here, so feel free to leave a comment if you'd like! Your input is welcome, even if it's just to say "more penguins" or "less penguins".

Quick plug: Willow, who did the awesome cover for the first Monkey Queen novel (and, of course, is at http://willow-san.deviantart.com/ ), is among the many contributors to Rose au Coeur, an art book designed to raise awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer. Find out more at their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/roseOcoeur, and donate at their crowdfunding site, https://www.leetchi.com/c/projet-rose-au-coeur There's only a week left to meet their €1000 goal, and every bit helps, so please donate if you can. Thanks.

And finally: What the well-dressed authors will be wearing this season.

And what the well-dressed but somewhat crazy authors will be wearing this season.

Publication Day! Complete ordering links here!

The first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, is now available for download and purchase worldwide! Thank you to everyone who put up with all my posts the last 24 hours as the e-book edition rolled out! This post is to put every purchase link there is in one place for everyone's convenience; if you've already got your copy, carry on, and we'll get back to random weird photos and penguin videos later. For now, get a Hawaiian pizza Michiko and Beth style (double pineapple, and all the ham on one side), rev up your e-reader of choice and enjoy!

For U.S. purchase - e-book editon:

Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2

[6/7/15: Edited as we switch to Kindle Unlimited and being exclusive on Amazon.]

For outside the U.S. - e-book edition:

Amazon France - on sale as of this writing! http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

 Amazon Mexico http://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Canada http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon (still-) United Kingdom http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Germany http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Spain http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Italy http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon India http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Brazil http://www.amazon.com.br/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Australia http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Japan http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0


For U.S. purchase - print edition:

Amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1501085735

Createspace  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1501085735

For outside the U.S. - print edition:

Amazon France http://www.amazon.fr/dp/1501085735

Amazon U.K. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1501085735

Amazon Germany http://www.amazon.de/dp/1501085735

The last links!

The first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions, is now available to buy and download worldwide! The last links are live!

Amazon Mexico: http://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

And Amazon.com, for the US and all regions not covered earlier: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2

Thanks to all of you for putting up with these posts all day! Now go! Read!

And Brazil!

For you folks who aren't into Amazon, the first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions, is now available for download from these fine e-book vendors:


[6/7/15: Edited as we switch to Kindle Unlimited and being exclusive on Amazon.]

And if you're on the Amazon, or chillin' in Rio, you can download now from Amazon Brazil! http://www.amazon.com.br/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Blimey!

I suspect that the good people of the United Kingdom have bigger things on their mind tonight, but if they need a break from the Scottish drama, they can now download their e-book copies of the first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions, from Amazon.co.uk! http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Sale at Amazon.fr! Ordering open for continental Europe! And India!

Ladies, gentlemen and guinea pigs, we are live in continental Europe! Order your e-book copy of the first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions, now and download right away! No more preorder waiting! Here are the links:

Amazon France, and we're on sale there for some happy reason! http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Germany: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Spain: http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Italy: http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

And because we didn't want to leave them out, we're now live at Amazon India: http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Australia and Japan ordering open!

I know I'm posting a lot today, but there's a good reason for it. Tomorrow is the official publication day of the e-book version of the first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions, but as clocks strike midnight around the world, the e-book goes live on various Amazon sites! If your Amazon store of choice is one of these two, you can download the e-book now!

Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon Japan: http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00NAKJUG2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Book Spotlight feature!

Hey! We're the featured book of the day at the Louisville Books Examiner Book Spotlight page! http://www.examiner.com/topic/book-spotlight You've probably seen all this already, but if you haven't, our page is http://www.examiner.com/article/book-spotlight-of-introductions-and-abductions-monkey-queen-book-one ! Many thanks to Dana Michelle Burnett for setting this up!

Goodreads giveaway winner!

Congratulations to Jemilla Cook, who won the Goodreads giveaway for the last proof copy of the first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions! Your book is being mailed today, Jemilla! Thanks to everyone who entered, and keep checking back at Goodreads for future contests!

Interview up!

We're getting closer to the publication date, but I wanted to alert you to this: Fellow indie author K.J. Bryen has interviewed me for her blog, Take The Plunge! Find out about my influences, which fantastical universe I'd live in, and something embarrassing and writing-related I was doing when I was eight! Read the interview here: http://plungingintothenovel.blogspot.com/2014/09/im-pleased-to-welcome-robert-dahlen.html , and follow K.J.'s blog at http://plungingintothenovel.blogspot.com ! Thank you for having me at your blog, K.J.!

And if you read all the way down to question 7, and then the comments, you'll be among the first to see an unofficial announcement...

Sunday update

No big news to share today, but preorders are still open for the first Monkey Queen e-book, Of Introductions And Abductions! Publication date September 19! Scroll down for the preorder links.

If you can't wait, you live in the U.S., you can now order the paperback edition! http://www.amazon.com/dp/1501085735 If you have Amazon Prime, order today, and you can get the paperback before the e-book comes out!

Willow pointed out to me that Amazon.fr is still listing the paperback as out of stock. I apologize if I gave anyone the impression it was available there, but it should be by the end of the week. It is available through some European Amazon stores right now, including Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk. That Amazon.fr link is http://www.amazon.fr/dp/1501085735 

There's still time to enter the Goodreads giveaway for the last proof copy of the first book! The contest closes in three days, so sign up now! http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/107775-of-introductions-and-abductions

And finally, as we approach Halloween, a reminder: It doesn't matter what flavoring you try to add to it...

...Candy corn is still candy corn. And friends don't let friends eat candy corn.

Reminders and updates!

Since we're coming up on two big events, and since both of these have additional developments, I wanted to put up this reminder post. I will be nowhere near either, alas, but I hope you can be!

First, don't forget that Willow, who did the wonderful cover art for the first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions, will be appearing at the Festival Harajuku in Paris (yes, the one in France) this coming weekend, September 13 and 14! Look for her at the Collectif Pin Up table (#9). She'll have merchandise for sale, including the new fanzine 101010, which will feature the first chapter of her BD (graphic novel) The Journey Of Earth, and other work from the Collectif Pin Up crew! (And if you can't be there, print copies in French, and PDFs in French AND in English, will be available for online ordering soon!) Get more info at http://festivalharajuku.org/ , and as always, see more of Willow's work at http://willow-san.deviantart.com/ . And if you do go, tell her that Michiko and Beth sent you.

And John Kovalic has now raised over $12,000 for his Bike the Barns ride, to help raise funds to help needy families in the Madison, Wisconsin area buy healthy, locally-sourced produce! Not only will he will be riding the entire 60 miles with Cthulhu tentacles strapped to him, a duck on his head, and a Republican Dalek drunk-tweeting his ride (don't you just love oddball stretch goals?), the great swag you can now get includes limericks by famous authors. Including Neil Gaiman and Patrick Rothfuss. And those two will be set to music by the Doubleclicks! Have I mentioned how awesome the Doubleclicks are? Anyway, you can only get these if you back the ride, and more importantly, it's for a great cause. Get more info and back him at http://bikethebarns.dojiggy.com/ng/index.cfm/13552/regPages/pledge/kovalic , read his webcomic Dork Tower at http://www.dorktower.com/ , and follow his Twitter feed at @muskratjohn . And the Republican Dalek's at @RepublicanDalek .

Goodreads giveaway!

If you saw Wednesday night's point, you may have noticed that there were three proof copies. One is staying with me. One will be [MESSAGE DELETED BY IMPERIAL CENSORS].

But that third and last copy is now up for grabs on Goodreads! Head over there and enter now; the giveaway closes on September 18! And if you're nice, I may even autograph it for you! http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/107775-of-introductions-and-abductions

Updated preorder, and ordering, links!

Well, I wasn't quite expecting this to happen so soon, but Amazon acted fast after I approved the proof. So, believe it or not, here's the link for U.S. readers to buy the paperback copy of the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions! http://www.amazon.com/dp/1501085735 If you prefer hard copies to tablets, or you just don't want to wait until the e-book edition debuts on September 19, feel free to order now!

And to my surprise, French readers can order their paperback copies now! http://www.amazon.fr/dp/1501085735 They're still in English, but the shipping will be much cheaper here!

And CreateSpace also has a store where you can buy the paperback. https://www.createspace.com/4986899

And here are the UPDATED e-book preorder links!

Amazon -- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2

Don't forget and don't wait - order today!

 [6/7/15: Edited as we switch to Kindle Unlimited and being exclusive on Amazon.]

Proof copies and singing the unsung

Well, look at what showed up today! The three proof copies of the first book! Aren't they pretty!

I'll put up ordering links for these when they become available, but I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the people who helped make this happen. I've learned my limitations, and so I enlisted help to make this book a reality. (One of them is, of course, cover artist Willow, but I think regulars on this blog have her web site memorized by now, so...)

I already mentioned Keri Knutson at Alchemy Book Covers. She designed the cover from my suggestions (and a few tips from Willow), and I love the job she did on it. You can see her work at http://www.alchemybookcovers.com/

I haven't mentioned Jason and Marina Anderson at Polgarus Studio. They did the formatting of the interiors for both the e-book and print editions, and it looks great in both formats. You can find them at http://www.polgarusstudio.com/ . I wish I could take a better photo, but you can see their work here:

My thanks to Willow, Keri, Jason and Marina. As you can see below, you have made an author very very happy.

Cover art © 2014 Willow, used by permission. http://willow-san.deviantart.com . I tried, I really did. :)

Wow.

 I really shouldn't be posting these things while I'm at work, because I should actually be, you know, working, but I had to share this. Willow (who did the awesome cover etc.) just finally finished a print of the art she was working on for Festival Harajuku, and if you're a fan of Miyazaki (I am) and want to see her take on Spirited Away, head for this link: http://willow-san.deviantart.com/art/Spirited-Away-481158526 Then, see how long it takes to get your jaw off the floor. Mine's still there...

Two Not-All-That-Quick Plugs

No additional developments to report, though I should have big news for those of you who prefer print to touchscreen later this week. However, there are two things coming up next weekend I wanted to promote, even though I won't be at either one.


Although most of this blog's readers are from the U.S., I know there have been a few folks from Europe reading this, and some of you might be in the area, so: Willow, who did the wonderful cover art for the first Monkey Queen novel, Of Introductions And Abductions, will be appearing at the Festival Harajuku in Paris this coming weekend, September 13 and 14! Look for her at the Collectif Pin Up table. She'll have merchandise for sale, including the new fanzine 101010, which will feature the first chapter of her BD (graphic novel) The Journey Of Earth! Get more info at http://festivalharajuku.org/ , and as always, see more of Willow's work at http://willow-san.deviantart.com/ . And if you do go, tell her that Michiko and Beth sent you. And post her reaction in the comments. :)


And also on September 14, John Kovalic (the mastermind behind the great Dork Tower webcomic, and artist for Munchkin and many other games) will be taking part in the Bike the Barns ride, to help raise funds to help needy families in the Madison, Wisconsin area buy healthy, locally-sourced produce. He's raised over $9000 as I write this, and as a result, he will be riding the entire 60 miles with Cthulhu tentacles strapped to him, and a duck on his head. (And a Republican Dalek drunk-tweeting his ride. Really.) (Though I was hoping there would have been a “Duck chases him for 60 miles swinging an axe, with 'Yakety Sax' Benny Hill music in the background” stretch goal. Maybe next year.) Anyway, you get some great swag for backing him, and more importantly, it's a great cause. Get more info and back him at http://bikethebarns.dojiggy.com/ng/index.cfm/13552/regPages/pledge/kovalic , read Dork Tower at http://www.dorktower.com/ , and follow his Twitter feed at @muskratjohn.

new preorder links!

So, just to remind you, you can preorder the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, at Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2 Coming September 19!

But I can hear a few of you say, "I'd like to buy your book, but I hate Amazon and everything it stands for! In fact, I'd like to throw Jeff Bezos off a cliff! What do you have to say about that?"

Well, we here at Monkey Queen Books do not, in any way, condone throwing Jeff Bezos or anyone else off a cliff. One, it is illegal pretty much everywhere, and we don't think they'll let you read e-books in jail. Two, love him or hate him, he is the man who spearheaded the digital publishing movement, and without it, you might not even have Monkey Queen stories. And three, Jeff Bezos probably has a bunch of drones pre-programmed to rescue him just in case he ever gets thrown off a cliff. Dude is crazy prepared.

So, instead, stick it to the man and get Of Introductions And Abductions at these sites:

[6/7/15: Edited as we switch to Kindle Unlimited and being exclusive on Amazon. Apologies to those who wanted to stick it to the man.]

Amazon preorder is live!

"So," you may be saying, "this Monkey Queen book looks like a cracking good read! But when and where might I be able to download it for my favorite electronic reading device, old chap?"

Well, aside from wondering why you're talking like someone from a P.G. Wodehouse story, I have good news: You can now preorder the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, from Amazon! Just follow this link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2 ! The book will come out on September 19, but feel free to order your copy any time! Woo-hoo!

Tuesday non-update

Well, there's nothing new to report, but hang loose -- we're still hoping for big news by the weekend. Until then, have a cute penguin video. Because penguins.

The Doubleclicks at PAX 2014 - complete show

No big news on the book front today, but sit tight--there will hopefully be something this coming week. In the meantime, if you missed the live stream of The Doubleclicks' Friday night Pax show, it's up on YouTube, so I'll stick it up here so you can watch away. It's not their smoothest performance, but they were still as fun as ever. (Content warning: One bad word during the last song.)