Feedbackery

by rsbakker

Definition of the Day – Novelist: a creature that lives in a deep, narcissistic hole.

Having a book come out is like a season, and a strange one at that. One of the things that characterizes the season is Google and the constant trolling for new reviews. Ordinarily I avoid vanity Googles because of the way it messes with my head, and during the Season, I’m always reminded of why that’s the case.

The great temptation is to use this blog as a platform to vent and gloat, to hold up those comments that prick for ridicule, and to wave those that thrill like a flag. As a place to pass judgment on the judgment of others. We’re hardwired to throw words at words for our own advantage, to call attention to those that promote, and to bury those that condemn – and I feel the instinct as keenly as anyone, I suppose (especially when it comes to strawman distortions of my views!).

But it’s a mugs game, ultimately. It really strikes me this time around how its a matter of averages, the way your words pop into the heads of others, the kinds of flavours they have, be they shitty or sweet. The novelist – or the blogger – has precious little control over how their words strike individuals – pretentious or profound, arrogant or self-effacing, humourless or witty – so they have to aim at populations and keep their fingers crossed. It all feels so bloody random to me anymore. The only constant is the tendency to make universal yardsticks of our idiosyncratic responses.  Seven billion centres of judgmental gravity, and counting. 

The only thing that really matters is that Vancouver beat Chicago – and with Luongo in net, no less! 

Yes. Playoff hockey, man. Now that’s a season.

Like, frick, man…

by rsbakker

Definition of the Day – Markets: the form of bureaucracy that most efficiently serves the rich.

So, officially The White-Luck Warrior should be available across the USA today, and as far as I know Amazon has begun shipping. Unfortunately, several thousand copies have yet to be shipped, including those destined for many Barnes and Noble outlets. What’s worse, B&N online doesn’t even have the book listed yet. I thought I should post this in the hope of saving some of you the frustration of a(nother) fruitless commercial expedition.

Sorry guys.

Making Raves

by rsbakker

Aphorism of the Day: Success is something everyone but you gets to decide.

Been busy wandering the Thousand Thousand Halls.

Although not reviewed, The White-Luck Warrior found its way into this past weekend’s The Globe and Mail (which is Canada’s newspaper of record, for those of you stuck in less commodious parts of the world). This is big news simply because any fiction without a Midlife Crisis, Sordid Affair, and Ambivalent Protagonist that gets mentioned in The Globe and Mail Book Section is big news. My wife seems to think this act robs me of the ability to bitch and grouse…

Far more important community-wise, both Adam and Larry, definitely two of the most respected voices in the fantasy blogosphere,  have posted their e-verdicts. The Beast seems to be garnering some genuine raves.  If the Whore is kind, perhaps it’ll make some waves as well.

If not, my guess is that The Unholy Consult ultimately will, whether I sustain the same level of execution or not. It’s the story that’s in charge now. There’s a reason this project has tyrannized my imagination for 25 years.

The First of the Judging Eyes

by rsbakker

Aphorism of the Day: A fatalist is just a cynic with humility.

Here’s a link to the first The White-Luck Warrior‘s first post-pub review: The Seattle-Post Intelligencer. Be sure to skip to the bottom of page three if you want the verdict without the spoilers.

The Beast has spent the better part of two weeks comfortablely in Amazon.ca’s Fantasy Top Ten. For whatever reason, The Judging Eye triggered nothing approaching the kind of pent up demand that The White-Luck Warrior seems to be enjoying. I personally blame it on the difficulty of The Thousandfold Thought. I think it strained the tastes of a lot of readers, enough to convince them to ease into the next tub of trilogistic water I draw.

And, just because things good and bad always seem to come in batches, I’ve been hearing murmurs from Hollywood once again. I’ll fill you all in on the details if the volume approaches ‘rumbling.’  Apparently all we need is an investor with several million dollars… Anyone?

Otherwise its been the silence of reading. I feel as though I’m broadcasting on so many frequencies with this book that I have to be jamming the ears of some readers. But everything I’ve encountered has been positive so far–extremely so. Even if I manage to convey a mere whiff of the meta-epic awesomeness I’m trying to convey, I’ll count myself successful.

I’ve been living with this story for some 25 years now, and I find myself periodically amazed at how far I’ve come – as well as how much you all have let me get away with! Only three books to go. Bloody fucking amazing – that’s what it is.

So close to the end, and still so much shit to throw at the narrative fan. Things are going to get real hairy from here on in. We’re gonna need therapy to sort it all out, you and me.