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Announcing: THE OLDEST TRICK, releasing on July 14th!
So, by now you’ve heard me jawing about my two novels (The Iron Ring and Iron and Blood) which, together, really comprise a single novel. That single novel was the one I originally submitted to Harper Voyager and now, after being apart for so very long, they are together again at last! This is my vision as I originally intended it – the director’s cut, if you will (though, really, it isn’t any different than the other two books, just presented back-to-back in one volume).
To avoid any potential confusion, you will note that the cover artists have combined both covers into one bold, yellow vision.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my book has been reunited with itself and now you can read the entirety of The Iron Ring and Iron and Blood in one volume under its original title, THE OLDEST TRICK!
(pause here for applause.)
(c’mon – just one golf-clap! humor me!)
Okay, anyway, here’s the blub:
Compiled for the first time, The Oldest Trick comprises The Iron Ring and Iron and Blood in the Saga of the Redeemed
Tyvian Reldamar gets betrayed by his longtime partner and left for dead in a freezing river. To add insult to injury, his mysterious rescuer took it upon himself to affix Tyvian with an iron ring that prevents the wearer from any evildoing.
Revenge just got complicated.
On his quest to get even, Tyvian navigates dark conspiracies, dodges midnight assassins, and uncovers the plans of the ruthless wizard Banric Sahand. Tyvian will need to use every dirty trick in the book to avoid a painful and ignominious end, even as he learns to work with—and rely on—his motley crew of accomplices, including an adolescent pickpocket, an obese secret-monger, and a fearsome gnoll.
The extra good news is this: those of you tired of shelling out $5 for the two separate books can now purchase this single volume for a mere $4! That’s a 20% savings, folks!
Pre-order now:
And everywhere else fine e-books are sold!
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Why yes, there is! I have been told by my editor that this, sleek, attractive compendium of derring-do and things fantastic will be available in paperback! Yes, no more fuddling with those bizarre, complicated e-reading mechanisms! No, actual trees will be slaughtered and mashed down into paper just so you may flip about the pages of Tyvian’s world to your heart’s content!
(note: all paper will very likely be recycled. No actual trees were harmed during the production of this message)
Now, I don’t know just when the paperback version will be out – “a few weeks after the 14th” is what I was told – but it is coming, and it will be glorious.
AND ALSO:
Did you see how I’m now listed as an AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR? Do you wonder why that is? Why, because I won an award, of course! The Writers of the Future Award to be precise. Read my award winning story (and many other such stories) here, in this year’s anthology!
How Much Yelling Equals One Book Sale?
Yes, even this guy. He probably writes YA.
Ever been on Twitter? I have. I bring from it a piece of somewhat depressing news:
Every single human being on Earth is trying to sell a book.
Yes. All of them.
And they want you to know about it. Yes, all of them. They tell you all the time: buy my book! Buy my book! I wrote a book, do you want to buy it? Observe this banner – it has my picture and is asking you to buy my book! Will you buy it? Have you bought it yet?
…
What about now? Have you bought it now? It’s been five minutes since the last time I asked you – plenty of time to buy the book. Did I mention it’s on Amazon? B&N? iTunes? Kobo? No? It is. All of them. Other places, too. I’ve been sticking them on seats at my local McDonalds. Want my business card? It *also* tells you to buy my book.
HEY! Look at the sidebar of this here blog! See those book covers? You can CLICK ON THEM! They will take you a place where you can buy my book, which is something everybody should do. Preferably now.
Hey, Habershaw – Lay Off! How Else Can You Do It?
Maybe I need one of these?
See, that’s just it – I have no idea. I, also, have books to sell. I’m trying to sell them. However, joining the shout-out party over on Twitter doesn’t seem to get me much of anywhere. Or maybe it does. It’s hard to tell, honestly. I’m just one more voice in the roaring crowd of authors, all pushing the same product to, it seems, an audience made up of largely other authors pushing their own books. Facebook? That’s just a giant collection of friends of mine – marketing there doesn’t get me much further than my home town, family, and old coworkers.
It’s a daunting prospect, really. How can you tell the difference between a good book and a bad one, anyway? Who even has time to read even a tenth of the books that people are writing? Nobody, that’s who. I have trouble keeping up with the books my friends are writing, let alone everybody else’s.
So, I plug along. I’ve got this little blog here, which shoots out to about a thousand people (apparently), which ain’t bad. I try to be interesting, rather than just a bullhorn of “BUY MY BOOK”-isms over and over again. Does it work? Hell if I know. I’m selling books, yes, but not exactly at a blistering pace. I think maybe I need to shake-up my strategy. Maybe I ought to be more aggressive and in-your-face about buying my books. Maybe I should plug them like crazy and see if that helps.
I will tell you this, though: if you do read my book (any of my books), REVIEW THEM. I will never, ever get noticed if that doesn’t happen. Reviews = visibility on Amazon (and everywhere else), and Amazon visibility = sales. If an author you like wrote a book you enjoy, review it, dammit. It doesn’t need to be much, but it needs to be something. Five words. One sentence and a couple stars – that’s it. It helps a LOT (seriously).
Publicity News
In the vein of this article, I’ve got a few announcements:
1) Iron and Blood, the sequel to THE IRON RING, is currently available wherever fine e-books are sold. It just received its first review and it was five stars. FIVE STARS, PEOPLE. Get reading, dammit.
2) This week represents a final push to make Writers of the Future Volume 31 a bestseller. We’re really close, actually – we just need to sell a few thousand more copies this week. Do your part to make history! Buy it now! My story and all the other stories contained in this anthology are GREAT! I promise. Buy you a cookie if I’m wrong, pinky-swear.
3) Tomorrow (Thursday), I will be on the Citywide Blackout radio program on WEMF. I will be interviewed from 8:00pm to 8:30pm EST and, as this radio station streams online, you can listen in from anywhere in the world. I recommend that you do, as I am a fascinating person with a silky smooth voice. Well, probably. I hope. Anyway, I’ll be talking about Writers of the Future, my own fantasy novel series (The Saga of the Redeemed), and probably writing in general. It should be tons of fun!
It’s RELEASE DAY!
Yes! Finally, Blood and Iron, Part 2 of the Saga of the Redeemed, is released today!
Do you know how hard it is living with all these spoilers in my head? It’s really hard. Every time somebody would walk up to me and start talking about what they hope/think will happen to Tyvian, Artus, Hool, and so on, it was all I could do to keep from yelling “NO! THAT’S NOT WHAT HAPPENS AT ALL!” or “HOW DID YOU GET INSIDE MY BRAIN, YOU FIEND?”
Now you can all buy it and see for yourself. Please do!
This one doesn’t end with a “To Be Continued.” I promise. (Oh, and Book 3 comes out in the fall)
Found wherever fine e-books are sold!
Oh, and if you haven’t read The Iron Ring, please go do that first – it will all make waaaay more sense then.
IRON AND BLOOD: Thrilling Conclusion to THE IRON RING, Releases Tuesday!
Haven’t read it yet? Now has never been a better time!
THE IRON RING introduced you to a world of industrialized magic, sorcerous enlightenment, and a seedy underworld of smuggled monsters, alchemical narcotics, and mirror-armored wizard/cops. You met Tyvian Reldamar – criminal mastermind, smuggler, and impeccable dresser – and watched him writhe in frustration as some fool’s idea of an external moral compass in the form of a plain iron ring was bolted to his hand. Struggling through the desolate winter countryside, a street urchin and a vengeful mother gnoll in tow, he tried to evade capture from the Defenders and secure vengeance upon the partner who betrayed him – that wretched, ink-thralled mercenary, Zazlar Hendrieux.
And then the book ended…
Frustrating, I know. If it’s any consolation, I was frustrated too – my publisher wanted it that way – but now, oh boy, do I have good news for you!!
IRON AND BLOOD, Book 2 of the Saga of the Redeemed, is releasing on June 2nd and (checks watch) that’s only four days away, friends!
Yup, in only four (4) days you’ll get to find out what happens!
(WARNING: Mild spoilers below if you haven’t read Book 1)
Pre-order now! It’s almost here!
Will Hool be reunited with her lost pups?
Has Artus survived the night?
Will Myreon manage her escape?
Will Tyvian realize Carlo’s betrayal in time?
What horrible plan does Sahand have cooking, anyway?
Can Tyvian juggle all the threats that surround him to achieve revenge?
Is the ring actually making him a better person AND can he ever get it off?
Well, you folks have only four days to wait until you can find out.
I’m really excited! Are you really excited? I hope so! Finally, after a long, long wait, everybody will finally get to see this story wrapped up as I intended it to be.
Oh, yeah, and there will be third book coming out soon, too.
In Other News
I will be signing books at the Prudential Center Barnes and Nobel tomorrow, Saturday May 30th, from 2-4pm. Most of my family and many of my friends came to the last one, so I’m relying on people I don’t know personally to come and keep me company. I promise I’m nice. And not entirely unattractive. No, seriously. I mean, I could stand to lose a few pounds and I haven’t hit the gym too often recently, but still. I’ll shave, okay? Deodorant, decent shirt, the whole nine yards.
Anyway, see you there, okay? I’ll sign your book. Maybe it will be worth money someday. Or maybe you’ll be able to trade it for something useful in a post-apocalyptic scenario of your choice. You never know, right?
My Favorite One-Liners
Maybe I should have baked cookies?
Ding-Ding! The contest is over everybody! THE CONTEST IS OVER! SETTLE DOWN!
(looks around, sees there are only three people here)
Oh. Oh, I see. (puts away microphone)
Well, I can’t say competition was fierce, exactly, but here are the big winners of my little book giveaway:
1) TR Napper (who is a friend and wonderfully talented SF writer in his own right–check him out here)’
From Empire Strikes Back:
Leia: “I love you.” Han: “I know.”
2) Maryam
From Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
“If you weren’t afraid, what would you want to do to me?”
“I’d pull your eyes out of your head…”
“That’s sweet.”
“…and put them in my own skull, and look around, so I could see the street the way I used to when I was your age”
3) Eenand
From Fahrenheit 451
With school turning out more runners, jumpers, racers, tinkerers, grabbers, snatchers, fliers, and swimmers instead of examiners, critics, knowers, and imaginative creators, the word `intellectual,’ of course, became the swear word it deserved to be. You always dread the unfamiliar.
I will be in contact with you soon to discuss getting you your e-book. Thank you for playing!
Now, since we’re on the topic of one-liners, I figured I’d share a few of my own favorites. Enjoy!
From Casablanca (I could pick any dozen from this movie, but still):
Ugarte: You hate me, don’t you Rick?
Rick: I probably would if I gave you any thought.
From Pirates of the Carribean:
Norrington: You must be the worst pirate I’ve ever heard of.
Jack Sparrow: But you have heard of me.
From Commando:
From The Princess Bride:
Life is pain, Highness. Anybody who says differently is selling something.
From The Wheel of Time:
Rand al’Thor (after crushing the crown of Cairhien in his bare hands before the newly crowned Queen) Anything done (uses the Power to reform the crown in his hands) can be undone.
From Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch:
I wouldn’t shit on his head to give him shade from the sun.
I could keep going (like, forever), but that’s enough for now. Back to Actual Writing!
Publicity News
- Tonight, at 6:30 pm, I will be doing a reading of The Iron Ring and giving a presentation on world-building in scifi/fantasy novels at the Adams Street Branch of the Boston Public Library. The event is free and I’ve been made to believe there will be refreshments.
- On May 30th, from 2pm-4pm, I will be signing copies of The Writers of the Future, Volume 31 anthology at the Prudential Center Barnes and Nobel in Boston. I will bring candy.
- Don’t forget to preorder Iron and Blood, which comes out on June 2nd (less than a month away!).
More Audio Samples for Writers of the Future Vol 31
The artwork for “Switch” by the incredibly talented Daniel Tyka
Hi, everybody! So, yes, I’m acting like a broken record about the upcoming Writers of the Future Anthology (Volume 31), but that’s only because it’s crazy awesome and you should all get it. Not for my sake, either – my fellow winners are an amazingly talented bunch and you should get in on the ground floor here. I’ve got two for you today.
First is Steve Pantazis’s story, “Switch,” about a cop addicted to a high-tech new drug trying to solve the murder of a kid who was high on the self-same drug – a drug that accelerated the human mind to its highest potential. This is a dark, gritty tale long on style and suspense and you’ll get a kick out of it. Also, the world is the same as Steve’s novel Godnet, which means the world-building is top-notch (and I’m a sucker for good world-building, let me tell you).
Next…well…next is Sharon Joss’s story, “Stars That Make Dark Heaven Light.” She is the grand prize winner this year, and it is very much deserved, as this story is a simply magnificent tale of growing up, finding your place, and learning to love. Oh, and aliens and genetic engineering, too. Great, great story that you simply must read. For now, listen to the first bit:
Elsewhere Among My Very Talented Friends…
Liana Brooks’ novel The Day Before is out now from Harper Voyager. It’s a time-travel science fiction mystery, so check it out!
Steampunk author Beth Davis Cato has a new short story out: The Deepest Poison. If you liked The Clockwork Dagger, you should check it out!
And as For Me…
Iron and Blood, the thrilling second half to The Iron Ring is released in a little over a month. Pre-order now! Also, keep an eye on this space: I’m going to be announcing a giveaway contest soon, just as soon as I come up with a cool idea for one. I will also be at the Barnes and Noble Prudential Center in Boston MA on May 9th from 2pm-4pm signing copies of the Writers of the Future Anthology. W00t!
Exciting times, no? Go forth! Support authors! Read much!
I’m Off to LA!
Hello, loyal readers!
(cue theme song to The Great American Hero)
Just dropping a brief note for you folks here: tomorrow morning, bright and early, I’m off to the City of Angels for the Writers of the Future Workshop and Gala!
What does this mean for me? Well, I’m going to be hob-nobbing with the scifi and fantasy elite and getting an award for being awesome.
What does this mean for you? Well, no blog posts for the next eight days, at least. In the meantime, busy yourself by purchasing Book 2 of the Saga of the Redeemed, BLOOD AND IRON, on pre-order. Also, do it now – it seems that Harper Collins (my publisher) and Amazon are about to get in a bit of a squabble, so best buy while the buyin’ is good!
Anyway, wish me luck! I’m off to meet my destiny!
COVER REVEAL: Iron and Blood, Part 2 of the Saga of the Redeemed
I’ve just gotten the cover art for IRON AND BLOOD, part 2 of the Saga of the Redeemed, to be released on June 2nd.
Check it out:
Sweet, no?
Now, no doubt some keen-eyed readers have noted that it says “part I” up there. Yes, yes – very good, Poirot, have a cookie. I assure you that they have fixed that.
Besides, technically this is just the conclusion to THE IRON RING, which kinda, you know, ended in the middle of things (you noticed that, right? Because I’ve been hearing a lot about that, let me tell you.). Anyway, I’ll let the back cover of Book 2 here do the explaining:
Part II of the Saga of the Redeemed picks up right where The Iron Ring left off …
After Tyvian Reldamar gets double-crossed by his business partner, he is affixed with an iron ring that prevents the wearer from any evildoing. Not one to be deterred by this set-back, he quickly puts into motion a plan for revenge—one that will use every dirty trick in the book.
But things are never simple for mastermind Tyvian, especially not after he uncovers a sinister plot: evil wizard Banric Sahand is planning to decimate the city of Freegate. Now Tyvian must learn to work with—and rely on—his motley crew of accomplices including an adolescent pickpocket, an obese secret-monger, a fearsome gnoll, and a Mage Defender…who is also trying to get him arrested. Time is running out for Tyvian’s plan for revenge—while the fate of the city hangs in the balance.
Release day is June 2nd. Preorders are already available. Get excited, people!
Auston Habershaw 