Some of the Best for Last – More Delicious Swag

Did I mention that Heifer International called my house? Yeah. They’re the coolest folks. Apparently some of them have been watching our fundraiser with more than passing interest. They confirmed something I had started to suspect. Namely, that y’all are cool as hell.This is the last treasure post, and we have some lovely stuff. Detailed below, we have another original manuscript, signed books and ARC’s, and some cool swag from Queen of the Geeks, Felicia Day.

I’ve raised the donation bar a couple times just in the last week, and right now it looks like we stand a good chance of actually raising more that 40,000 dollars. Which is awe-inspiring, really.

For the last month, the first thing I’ve done in the morning is check the Heifer donation page. It’s been a great way to start my day. But I’ll be honest with you, there have been a few times in the last week that I’ve woken up, looked at the total, and thought. “This is it. I really shouldn’t match any more. I said I’d keep going until Dec 11th, but I’m sure folks will understand if I stop matching donations a couple days early….”

When I get that feeling, I go look at Heifer’s website. Then I learn things like the fact that half the chickens in Korea are descended from eggs that Heifer supplied after the Korean War.

Or I read about a young man in Uganda who had to quit school to take care of his five younger siblings because his parents died. He got a Heifer, greatly improving the family’s nutrition. And the money they get from selling the surplus milk is helping to pay for school.

And then I think, “I can order Chinese food any time I want, and they bring it to my house. I have a car in reasonably good repair. I have a house that stays warm through the Wisconsin winters. I have a house full of books to read, and all of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD. I am living the best possible life.”

Then I relax, and I realize that nothing makes me happier than raising the donation bar again. And again after that if need be.

Okay, enough touchy-feely. Let’s talk about free stuff.

  • A set of the first three books in Daniel Abraham’s Long Price Quartet: A Shadow in Summer, A Betrayal in Winter, and An Autumn War. Hardcover. Signed by the author.

While I haven’t mentioned these books on my blog, I’ve read them and they’re really good. In fact, these were the first books I ever decided to give an official blurb to.I’d almost forgotten about it. But when Daniel’s books showed up today, I saw that my blurb was actually there, right on the cover. First book: quote from GRRM. Second book: quote from GRRM. Third book? Quote from me. That’s right baby. Me.

So obviously I thought these were great books. But don’t take my word for it. Instead, why not trust bestselling author Patrick Rothfuss when he says, “There is much to love in the Long Price Quartet. It is epic in scope, but character-centered. The setting is unique yet utterly believable. The storytelling is smooth, careful, and–best of all–unpredictable.”

  • An advance reading copy of Jeri Smith-Ready’s The Reawakened, conclusion to the Aspect of Crow trilogy. Signed by the author.

Another one of those cool ARC’s for those of you who are interested in getting a peek at the book before it hits the shelves. Publisher’s Weekly says, “Myth blends with passion in this colorful conclusion to the Aspect of Crow trilogy.”

Award winning author Stephen Baxter calls Mirrored Heavens, “A crackling cyberthriller. This is Tom Clancy interfacing Bruce Sterling. David Williams has hacked into the future.”

  • A copy of Questions for a Soldier, by John Scalzi. Limited edition.

Questions for a Soldier is a limited edition Subterranean Press book set in the world of Scalzi’s first novel, Old Man’s War. Scalzi himself says, “for those of you looking for rare and unusual Scalzi-related curiosities, this is it, baby.”Paul Di Filippo, writing for The Washington Post Book World says, “Scalzi’s imagined interstellar arena is coherently and compellingly delineated….His speculative elements are top-notch. His combat scenes are blood-roiling. His dialogue is suitably snappy and profane.”

  • A set of S.C. Bulter’s Reiffen’s Choice and Queen Ferris, books one and two of The Stoneways Trilogy. Signed by the author.

Children’s Literature says, “Fantasy fans of all ages will be drawn into the world that Butler has created…. If one wanders away from the main characters they will not fall out of the story but will find another story somewhere in the Stoneways or Valing, and that is the mark of a truly great fantasy.”

This husband and wife team just sent me some of their stuff out of the blue. And I’ll admit that when this graphic novel showed up, I invoked my sovereign right of… um… book-lookingness. Anyway, I read it. And it was pretty cool….According to Publishers Weekly, “The tale’s unfamiliar setting and the uncanny events work together intriguingly.”

In a starred review, Kirkus says, “Featuring both an uncommonly well-conceived setting and buckets of high-energy action, Taylor’s debut tale of a thumb-sized devil hunter who comes this close to meeting her match belongs at the top of everyone’s fantasy must-read list.”
  • A copy of Dead to Me, the debut novel of Anton Strout. Signed by the author.

Anton Strout is, among other things, my mortal enemy. However, I’m willing to set aside any personal rancor I feel toward the man in order to accept his generous gift on behalf of Heifer International.

Bestselling author Charlaine Harris gives this review: “Following Simon’s adventures is like being the pinball in an especially antic game, but it’s well worth the wear and tear.”

  • An ARC of Fenzig’s Fortune by Jean Rabe. Signed by the Author.
Jean has donated both a signed ARC, and a signed hardcover to the cause. Publisher’s Weekly says that, “Readers of all ages will find simple pleasures in this traditional hobbit-inspired fantasy.”
  • A manuscript of Steven Savile’s new Stargate novel, Shadows, book one of The Iblis Trilogy. Signed by the author.

I can’t say enough good about Steven. When he heard about the fundraiser, he immediately went out and started beating the bushes for donations. He brought in the folks from Bad Moon Books. He tipped off Kevin Anderson and many others. Finally, he’s donated this lovely manuscript.

Here’s what Steven says:

“Shadows is the first book in the Iblis Trilogy, an SG-1 novel featuring the original team. What makes this manuscript unique is it includes all of the mistakes and material that MGM won’t approve – so there are a good 10,000 words different between it as a first draft and the finished book which is coming out at the end of January. The story itself pits the team against the Goa’uld, Iblis, and features the Mujina, an archetypal monster who can be all things to everyone, the hero and villain their heart most desperately desires.”

(That’s not my thumb this time, folks.
Judging by the grace and poise, I think it might be Felicia’s.)

When I heard from Felicia a couple days ago, I hurried downstairs to tell Sarah.

Me: Felicia Day just sent me an e-mail! She says she’d like to donate a signed copy of The Guild DVD and a Dr. Horrible poster signed by the cast.

Sarah: Well that must make you excited enough to pee.

Which, in fact, sums up my reaction quite nicely.

I made a blog post about The Guild a while back, singing its praises. Later, Felicia and I interviewed each other, each in our respective blogs.

What I’m getting at is that I thought she was cool even *before* Dr. Horrible came out and she worked a deal with X-box to sponsor season two of The Guild.

The Los Angeles Times praised The Guild as “perhaps the smartest (and definitely the funniest) webisodic series of the year.” This year, they’re putting out a new season that’s way more budgety.

If you haven’t heard about Dr. Horrible, then you obviously haven’t been reading my blog for very long. Maybe you have been living under a heavy, heavy rock. Or perhaps you hate everything that is lovely and good in the world.

How much do I love Dr. Horrible? I’ll let this picture from my Halloween party tell the story:

Yeah. The ladies were totally into my Dr. Horrible costume.

So… yeah.
Dr. Horrible was bigger than Lennon, and the poster is pretty cool too. Signed by Felicia Day, Neil Patrick Harris, and Nathan Fillion. This prize is guaranteed to make you excited enough to pee.

That’s all she wrote, folks. Remember you have until the end of December 11th to get in on the action. Tell your friends….

Want to know how to win these and other fabulous prizes while making the world a better place? Check OVER HERE for the blog that describes it all.

Rock on, team geek.

pat

This entry was posted in a billion links, Felicia Day, Heifer International, recommendations, Worldbuilders 2008By Pat39 Responses

39 Comments

  1. Aaron
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 1:30 AM | Permalink

    Ok so yet again the donations are incredible. I have lost track of what I would want to win the most. That being said this is not a knock on Pat but an applause for all of his fans. Pat needs to stop underestimating us for the picture contest remeber he didnt expect to have many entries so he took some of his own shots well we exceeded those by far, buuuuutttt in the Heifer Donation Challenge as pat mentions the bar keeps going up first 5thousand then ten then 20, 30, 35, and now 40,000 incredible. By the way still two days left not that I want pat to go broke but lets see if we can blow by 40.

  2. seemacdee
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 1:32 AM | Permalink

    Out of curiosity, what did the Heifer people say?

  3. Angela
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 1:40 AM | Permalink

    Alright, finals are making me think a trip to the crockery is in order. So, here are my thoughts in whatever disjointed order they choose to issue forth.1. Anton Strout is your mortal enemy? How did that come about?2. I would like a mortal enemy. I couldn’t hate anyone enough for that, but it would make me feel like batman.3. Both you and Stephenie Meyer have an undying love of Joss Whedon. The only logical conclusion, then, is one in which you are magically impregnated by her. From your beard shall spring the next generation of sheer kickassery.pretty sure there was a number 4, but I can’t remember…mmm… chocolate

  4. Purple
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 5:13 AM | Permalink

    Dude, this is epically awesome. Even though I like to complain about being a poor college student, I decided to donate again. Because, hey, I’m doing pretty well, all things considered! (Oh, yeah, and I’d really like to win some of that amazingly awesome swag. XD)

  5. Malikelm
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 6:00 AM | Permalink

    With finals and work the road that is my life has been a steep hill that i trudge through barefoot. This however, is the satchel of food and drink that i dip into every now and again to revitalize myself. This blog is stunningly nutritious,Pat.

  6. marky
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 9:51 AM | Permalink

    You are one funny guy. The Halloween costume really suits you Pat. You pull of the mad scientist look with ease. Well done.

  7. Captain Joe
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 10:09 AM | Permalink

    OHMYGOD>!@#)!@# Pat is Dr. Horrible and that is awesome so is further prizes and Pat is Dr. Horrible and nearly at $40,000 which is incredible and holy heck Pat is Dr. Horrible.Eh.

  8. marky
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 10:16 AM | Permalink

    You pull OFF the mad scientist look with ease. God it’s too early in the morning for spelling well. I need caffeine. And a new brain. One to write and talk for me and one to send on christmas parties.

  9. Captain Joe
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 10:24 AM | Permalink

    Over here its half-seven in the evening, Marky (I live in the future), so that excuse won’t fly with me, my friend.

  10. marky
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM | Permalink

    It was a drunken one last night Joe. I was changing light bulbs and stacking the shelves at 3am this morning, with one of the creators of Dolly the sheep. I even gave the lawnmower a try. Not sure I pulled it off though!

  11. suziko
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 1:35 PM | Permalink

    Ok, I finally donated! I was planning to do the whole “send in a 3×5 card and pick what you want” thing, but I never got around to finding a card of that size so just opted for the lottery, which is kind of more fun anyway. I love Heifer, anyway, so even if I win something I don’t particularly want, I can still feel good about supporting a good cause. You’re a good man, Pat Rothfuss, and I’m proud to be your fan!

  12. Casseopia
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 1:46 PM | Permalink

    I keep meaning to say how awesome I think you are for doing this, Pat. You really have a big heart as well as a brilliant mind. We got to see Dr. Horrible at Dragon*Con and were hooked. Our gaming sessions usually have a “these aren’t the hammer” reference. If anyone has not seen it yet, you’re missing out!!

  13. Sailor Matt
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 1:58 PM | Permalink

    Not having a job has really affected my ability to wake up early and catch these new posts. And what’s become of it? I’ve missed the flighty banter of Cap’n Joe and Marky Moe.The fact that Cap’n Joe lives in the future explains a lot, by the way. I’ll bet he had those pictures for Pat’s last contest taken long before the contest was even announced.OK, now for a vote: shall I 1)play my Nintendo Wii, 2)look for a job on the internet, 3) read pat’s book again, or 4)drink a beer?

  14. mybackstage
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 3:54 PM | Permalink

    Okay, so I’m a procrastinator. I donated through the dedicated page, but I also want to do the “Christmas Gift” option, ordering an autographed book. I doubt I can get the index card and check out by Friday. Will this still be an option if you get it after the 11th?

  15. Anonymous
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 4:13 PM | Permalink

    For the past three years i’ve been living in a perpetual state of poverty, with nevermore than 300 dollars in my bank account on any given day.But the other day I got a refund check from my school due to a backlogged grant that finally went through, and I was the proud recipient of about 4 thousand dollars.So I bought you a pig Pat. I’m glad I could finally donate!

  16. Kyle
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 7:22 PM | Permalink

    Way to go Pat! You’ve upped your donation bar several times, I suppose I can make one more bunp myself and buy another goat.“First book: quote from GRRM. Second book: quote from GRRM. Third book? Quote from me. That’s right baby. Me.”Not to in any way diminish Pat’s awesomeness, but maybe they went with him because GRRM’s quote was cut in two and delayed for three years…Actually, a small part of me is glad for the initial delays, because otherwise I would never have needed to go searching for other entertainment and found the most excellent Patrick Rothfuss.

  17. Pierre
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 7:24 PM | Permalink

    Great way to celebrate the holidays and help make the world a bit of a better place, hats off to you Pat and I am glad to be able to help!(Over 40K BTW)

  18. Anonymous
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 7:49 PM | Permalink

    Woooo lets make pat happy and broke :)

  19. Captain Joe
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 9:02 PM | Permalink

    Sailor Matt said: <>OK, now for a vote: shall I 1)play my Nintendo Wii, 2)look for a job on the internet, 3) read pat’s book again, or 4)drink a beer?<>All banter is witty and appropriate. As for the vote, I suggest a fusion of 3 and 4, followed by a light brunch and a liberal application of 1. For the life of me, I can’t understand why 2 is in the list.

  20. Sailor Matt
    Posted December 10, 2008 at 9:30 PM | Permalink

    Thanks, Cap’n. You made me laugh out loud.As for the job thing… It’s imperative that I find new employment as quickly as possible, otherwise I’m at risk of going back to school, following my dreams, or some other such nonsense.My wife is rather conflicted on the issue. Although a stable income is nice, I’ve been so bored lately that I’ve resorted to taking out the trash, picking up my clothes, and grocery shopping just to fill my time. I’ve asked for World of Warcraft for Christmas, which should easily resolve THAT problem.

  21. David J. Williams
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 12:18 AM | Permalink

    Thanks Pat, delighted I could be of help!

  22. Louise
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 2:59 AM | Permalink

    Whoop, 43,000 – thats a hell of a lot of money to raise in a month! I donated under option one and option two…tho I am wondering if you ever recieved my letter, since the cheque I sent still hasn’t been cashed…the UK isn’t THAT far away.. :S Anyway, congrats Pat, on the donations. And Merry Christmas to you all! Louise xx

  23. Gail
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 3:01 AM | Permalink

    In the few seconds I’ve had the page open, 200 more dollars have come in. (Some of it mine! I’m all about the Dr. Horrible poster. Booya.)Pat, I think no one would be ashamed if you matched “only” 40 frickin thousand…Heifer should give you something awesome. Like ducks.

  24. Kelly Swails
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 3:04 AM | Permalink

    Oh, my God. NPH actually signed it NPH. I think I love that man.

  25. Anonymous
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 3:54 AM | Permalink

    wow.I think it’s time to print a run of “Patrick Rothfuss is my Hero now.” t-shirts.wow. wow.-cameron

  26. Weasel
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 5:37 AM | Permalink

    I haven’t been this motivated to get a job–any job–in a long time. I want to donate lots of money or buy an advance copy (even though, for a WoT fan, four months is nothing…).

  27. pangalactic
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 7:34 AM | Permalink

    Neil Gaiman linked to you on his blog. This means two things; a) you’re awesome and he’s awesome, and b) the donations are about to go through the roof. Just thought I’d warn you.-pangalactic, with still broken livejournal

  28. Kacie
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 8:28 AM | Permalink

    I think that it is crazy that you plan to donate the now over 40,000 dollars, plus send out all that cool swag…Your donation is pretty much equal to my total income for the last TWO years. It is going to take a rather large block of time to actually mail all that swag out.

  29. marky
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 1:03 PM | Permalink

    I’ve asked for World of Warcraft for Christmas, which should easily resolve THAT problem.==================================Matt, I heard you guys over the pond have rehab centres for people who are addicted to WOW. Apparently there’s one in Holland too. So my advice is to read Pats book again, while doing some wii fit. Don’t go near beer. It’s evil and will turn you into a really bad dancer.

  30. Gustav
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 1:33 PM | Permalink

    Dr. Horrible!?*hits the ‘donate button’*

  31. LiquidWeird
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 2:45 PM | Permalink

    This is without a doubt the coolest thing I’ve seen anyone do. Cheers, Pat!Word verification: lambru1. An alcoholic beverage concocted by escaped convicts in hotel bathtubs2. A russian sheep-porn URL3. An evil sheep computer from classic Star Trek

  32. Sailor Matt
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 3:00 PM | Permalink

    Marky said <>Don’t go near beer. It’s evil and will turn you into a really bad dancer.<>@Marky: I’m a sailor. I have to drink beer. It’s in my contract.On an unrelated note, I’ve thought of the grandest prize. Pat calling you up to read you one of the tales of Beedle the Bard as a bedtime story. Ha!

  33. logankstewart
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 6:26 PM | Permalink

    Matt, that made me laugh pretty hard there. And giggle loudly, too. Pretty funny bit there.

  34. gmoke
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 7:40 PM | Permalink

    I hit the contribution button three different times: twice for trees and once for bees.I do trees and bees every year with Heifer and realized, last year, that all the trees I’ve donated have offset my carbon footprint, an idea I’ve sent to Heifer International without response.Please, just make sure that my contributions are manifest as trees, one bundle to be planted in Africa and one in Southeast Asia, and bees. I don’t feel right giving animals for some reason but trees and bees which are real and quiet multipliers.Thanks for doubling my contribution. It’s a great gift and much appreciated.

  35. Captain Joe
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 8:37 PM | Permalink

    Wow, breached $45,000. That is kickass.Marky said: <>Don’t go near beer. It’s evil and will turn you into a really bad dancer.<>You, sir, have offended beer. Also, we clearly have different opinions of what constitutes a bad dancer. Sailor Matt said: <>On an unrelated note, I’ve thought of the grandest prize. Pat calling you up to read you one of the tales of Beedle the Bard as a bedtime story. Ha!<>Matt, you should rule this world.

  36. Hans Gao
    Posted December 11, 2008 at 11:25 PM | Permalink

    Wow. Over 51,000 dollars. You’re amazing, Pat.

  37. chris
    Posted December 12, 2008 at 2:37 AM | Permalink

    someone has been donating BIG!

  38. Antmusic
    Posted December 12, 2008 at 3:02 AM | Permalink

    Awesome amount there. I am proud to be a part of it all! Keep us all informed about Heifer International!

  39. marky
    Posted December 12, 2008 at 8:41 AM | Permalink

    You, sir, have offended beer.===================================Then I shall worship at the alter of beer all weekend for my blasphemy. Dionysos, forgive my petulant nature. I return un to you, my liver.

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