Signed Books from Awesome Authors

 

This is a Worldbuilders Blog.

Okay. Before we look at today’s books, I’m going to tell a little story. Because that’s what I do.

The truth is, yesterday I was right on the edge of burning out on the fundraiser. I was running on about two hours of sleep, worried about the holidays, and stressed because I’m behind on about fifty different things.

I don’t talk about it a lot, but it takes a lot of frantic behind-the-scenes juggling to make Worldbuilders happen, and even with the great team that helps run things, it can get a little overwhelming at times.

So there I was, exhausted, trudging through an interview I’m doing with Fantasy Lit about the fundraiser, the calendar, and what Heifer International is all about, when I draw a blank, and can’t remember if a flock of chicks costs 20 bucks, or 30.

So I wander over to Heifer’s website, into the “Gift Catalog” section, and I see that they’ve added stuff since I’ve been there last time. You can still give money for goats and baby ducks, but now I see “The Gift of Clean Water – $300.”

I click on it, and I see this picture.

And I just start to cry.

Now I’d like to claim it’s because I was worn down and low on sleep. But that wouldn’t be the truth. Ever since Oot was born, I’ve become incredibly soppy, and I cry the drop of a hat whenever I’m confronted with stories about kids.

My mom used to be like that. We’d see a telephone commercial where a kid calls home for Christmas, and she’d get all weepy. I’d roll my eyes at her and say, “It’s a *phone* commercial, mom.” And she’d laugh, saying, “You don’t know what it’s like.”

Now I know what it’s like.

I mean, look at that kid. He’s like, “Yeah! Clean water! This is AWESOME!”

And you know what? It is awesome. It’s the best thing I’ve seen all day.

There’s something else I haven’t seen on Heifer’s page: “Family Farm Care Package – $72.”

So I click on it.

The description reads:

“This gift will help a struggling family boost the productivity of their farm and increase their income. Training in soil conservation, irrigation and marketing will be combined with seeds, saplings or livestock so smallholder farmers around the world can transform their failing farms into dependable livelihoods”

I probably spent half an hour wandering around the Heifer site, looking at pictures. Afterwards, I didn’t feel burned out at all. I felt excited about getting back into the fundraiser.

So I figured I’d share some of the pictures with you. Just to remind you what we’re *really* doing here. When you donate on the Worldbuilder’s Team Page, you’re not just signing up to win some cool books. You’re making the world a better place.

And if you’re wondering, a flock of baby chicks is only $20.

Ah fuck. I’m crying again.

Let’s look at today’s books so I can get control of myself, okay?

*     *     *

Today we’ve got another batch of books donated directly from the authors themselves.

I love it when authors send us books, because they always show up signed. And sometimes, as we can see below, they show up signed PLUS…

  • A first edition copy of The Night Circus. Signed and doodled by Erin Morgenstern.

I’ve never met Erin personally, but she was cool enough to send along some first-edition hardcovers of her bestselling debut novel: The Night Circus. What’s more, she clearly cares about the cause because she took the time to doodle a little kitten sitting on the text of the copyright page, stars doodled all over the place, plus her beautiful signature and a rubber stamp of the circus tent.  It’s awesome.

“Erin Morgenstern has created the circus I have always longed for and she has populated it with dueling love-struck magicians, precocious kittens, hyper-elegant displays of beauty and complicated clocks. This is a marvelous book.” – Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler’s Wife

  • Auction: A first edition copy of The Night Circus. Signed by Erin Morgenstern. Includes pen drawings and a rubber stamp from the author.

Because Erin was nice enough to send us a couple of these, we figured we’d put one up in an auction, too.

“Brilliantly detailed worldbuilding and complicated characters makes this an engrossing read.” –Laura Anne Gilman

“You know you’ve always wanted to read about an angry vampire slicing other vampires in half with a katana. Don’t deny it. –  Heather Watson

  • A hardcover copy of Wheel of the Infinite. Signed by Martha Wells.

“The vividly imagined Celestial Empire’s peril is made all the more dramatic by the characters’ sarcastic, reasonable conversations, and by their very human responses to inhuman dangers; there is real reading pleasure here.” – Publishers Weekly

  • A set of The Cloud Roads and The Serpent Sea. Signed by Martha Wells.

“Wells merrily ignores genre conventions as she spins an exciting adventure around an alien hero who anyone can identify with.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  • The Wizard HuntersThe Ships of Air, and The Gate of Gods.  Signed by Martha Wells.

“A vastly entertaining and refreshingly different fantasy adventure with a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.” – Locus

“James Calbraith’s writing is reminiscent of a classic, epic fantasy – immersive, and detailed to the letter. The real-world cultures he draws from are incredibly well-researched and truthful, and yet well-balanced with the fantasy elements he sprinkles in between. An intriguing and impressive series.” – Ben Galley

“Durham has created a richly detailed alternate reality leavened with a dollop of magic and populated by complicated personalities grappling with issues of freedom and oppression.” – Publishers Weekly

  • A set of Never Never StoriesMillion Writers Award: The Best Online Science Fiction and Fantasy, and Million Writers Award: The Best New Online Voices.  Signed by Jason Sanford.

“If you’re new to [Sanford’s stories] then this is a very highly recommended collection indeed.” Jim Steel

  • 2 copies of Henry Franks.  Signed by Peter Adam Salomon. Each with a signed promo postcard (leaning against the book).

“Salomon’s Frankenstein homage churns through its often confounding but highly unnerving plot like a slow nightmare–readers won’t be entirely sure they even want to know how it ends. The scenes are clipped, the dialogue spare, and the prose rewards meticulous reading, making this debut the thinking teen’s horror choice of the year.” – Booklist (starred review)

  • A giant set of Black Jewels Books: Tangled Webs, Shalador’s Lady, The Shadow Queen, The Invisible Ring, and Twilight’s Dawn.  Signed by Anne Bishop.

“Bishop will draw you into her world like a spider and never spit you back out — it is like an addiction. I am not a re-reader, but I re-read this book simply because I love her characters and the depth she gives them — along with the mystery she is able to weave around each — leaving you guessing until she’s ready to tell you what she wants you to know.” — SFRevu

  • 3 copies of Bridge of Dreams.  Signed by Anne Bishop.

“With a well-paced mystery, likable characters, and fascinating world building, this is a fun read.” —Booklist

This is a collection of three short stories by Anne Bishop, James Alan Gardner, and Anthony Francis.  So much bang for your buck!

Pat’s Note: This is an ARC for Written in Red, so not only is it a bit of a rarity. But this is a pre-release ARC, which means that if you win this book, you’ll get a chance to read Anne’s newest book before it hits the shelves. Then, if you’re in the mood, you can go taunt people on goodreads about your insider status. 

“[Bishop’s] worlds are so fully realized and three-dimensional, they jump right off the pages.” – Fresh Fiction

  • A set of The Winds of Khalakovo and The Straits of Galahesh.  Signed by Bradley P. Beaulieu.

“Well worth exploring… Beaulieu [depicts] a strange culture [with] a remarkable fantasy/magical reality feel.” – Glen Cook, author of The Black Company

  • A copy of Shadow Ops: Control Point. Signed by Myke Cole.

Despite the fact that Myke is a relative newcomer to the publishing world, he’s made a bit of a splash, with Fantasy Faction listing his next book as one of the 10 most anticipated books of 2013.

I read his this book, his debut novel, about a month ago and really, really enjoyed it. It’s well worth your time. (You can see my full review on Goodreads if you’re interested.)

“Blackhawk Down meets the X-Men, Military Fantasy like you’ve never seen it before!” – Peter V. Brett

  • Auction: A copy of Shadow Ops: Control Point. Signed by Myke Cole.  Comes with a challenge coin.

Those of you who watched the Author D&D video may also recognize Myke’s name. He was the GM, and he did an awesome job wrangling all the other authors.

As a cool promotional item, Myke as donated a Challenge Coin with this book. He describes them thusly: “They’re somewhere between a medal and a shinier, cooler version of business cards.”

To make sure this ends up in the hands of someone that will love it, we’re going to auction it off.

To bid, head over here.

“At over 600 pages, Epic: Legends of Fantasy will definitely get you your money’s worth and the seventeen stories inside will help satisfy your epic fantasy cravings, or possibly leave you wanting more.” – SFF Chat

This anthology includes works from Sanderson, Martin, LeGuin, and tons of other prolific authors.  I snuck my way in there, too.

If you want this multiple-signed copy all to yourself, head over to the auction and bid.

*     *     *

Every 10 dollars you donate on our Team Page gives you the chance to win one of our fabulous prizes, many of which still haven’t been revealed.

All the auctions Worldbuilders is currently running are over here.

Or, if you want to see the other items that have been donated to Worldbuilders, or learn more about the fundraiser itself, you can head over to the main page here.

This entry was posted in mom, Oot, the longest fucking blog ever, Worldbuilders 2012By Pat25 Responses

25 Comments

  1. chaelek
    Posted December 13, 2012 at 10:08 AM | Permalink

    Now I have to blink back tears. Right in the middle of a lecture I should probably be paying attention to….

    • chaelek
      Posted December 13, 2012 at 10:18 AM | Permalink

      The blogs on prizes are nice, but it’s good to be reminded WHY we’re doing this. Good on yer, Pat. Good on yer.

  2. Maureen
    Posted December 13, 2012 at 10:43 AM | Permalink

    Okay, first, I’m crying. What a wonderful way to get refreshed. Also, I always thought to myself that if I ever won the Golden Ticket, I would ask to help with Worldbuilders in whatever way I could. Be it spreadsheets or order tracking because those are what I’m good at and I’m far away in Marryland. Maybe, hopefully, there are people near you who are willing to help with the administrative stuff, because it sounds like it’s needed. This amazing thing that you have done has grown and taken on a life of its own. I’m probably not saying anything you haven’t already done; but I love this so much I want to see it keep going, and even more I don’t want people to lose their minds trying to make it happen. Ugh. I just hope it works out okay. It’s a great thing. My favorite part of the year.

    Also, Anne Bishop!!!! Squee!

    • Posted December 13, 2012 at 11:12 AM | Permalink

      Maureen,

      If you’re interested in helping, you can always drop a line to our Worldbuilders contact e-mail. I think we’re going to compile a list of potential volunteers to use in the future…

      • Maureen
        Posted December 13, 2012 at 12:41 PM | Permalink

        done and done.

    • Sokol
      Posted December 13, 2012 at 11:18 AM | Permalink

      I was about to reply saying what a great idea, since I can also make Excel jump through hoops, but when I log in, I see that Pat has already directed you to the contact e-mail, so I guess I’ll be moseying over there myself.

      And I will have to save my squee for Erin Morgenstern. “Night Circus” was absolutely gorgeous.

  3. Posted December 13, 2012 at 11:19 AM | Permalink

    The Night Circus is an awesome book!

  4. Cocoa
    Posted December 13, 2012 at 1:13 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for the reminder of what all of this is about – and the reminder that I meant to donate! Heifer Project is one of my family’s favorite charities – I grew up near their farm in MA and have fond memories of volunteering there fairly regularly in elementary and middle school (and slightly less fond memories of being kicked in the chest by a goat that didn’t want to be milked, but it was a small goat *g*)

  5. jayh
    Posted December 13, 2012 at 1:34 PM | Permalink

    I figure a good use for the golden ticket would be to command Pat to take a month away from the book to spend serious quality time with his wife and Oot. That way when people are moaning about “why isn’t the book done yet” he can say, “sorry the golden ticket winner made me take the month off”. Of course I’d never say which month he should take off so he could milk it for a while. ;^P.

    • Posted December 14, 2012 at 10:03 AM | Permalink

      Man. That would be really great….

      • Mark M
        Posted December 17, 2012 at 12:09 PM | Permalink

        As much as I myself and a large number of my friends can’t wait for your third installment, I really hope you find a way to have some “me” time and family time when tings slow down with the fundraiser. Contrary to whatever work ethic is driving you, you do deserve to sit back and look at what you have accomplished professionally and personally and be proud. If I ever had the luck to receive such a golden ticket, I would second Jayh.

        Don’t forget to enjoy the Holidays and that family time.

  6. The Gryffon
    Posted December 13, 2012 at 10:18 PM | Permalink

    I’ve been scrolling and scrolling and I think I found my answer, but just to be sure I want to ask. Could someone tell me if buying something from the tinker’s pack enters you into the worldbuilders’ draw for every ten dollars you spend? I know the proceeds go to worldbuilders but I was wondering if it gives me more chances to win as well.

    • Posted December 14, 2012 at 10:04 AM | Permalink

      Nope. Only donations on the team page enter you into the lottery….

      • The Gryffon
        Posted December 15, 2012 at 6:24 AM | Permalink

        Thanks for the clarification, I appreciate it. =)

      • Mark M
        Posted December 17, 2012 at 12:01 PM | Permalink

        I hope I did this right to qualify for the lottery because I am extremely excited about whole campaign. I took the link sending me to Team Heifer/Worldbuilders and donated. The receipt email says Thank you on behalf of Team Heifer in support of Worldbuilders 2012. Does this sound right?

  7. James F
    Posted December 14, 2012 at 1:39 AM | Permalink

    I always used to get sick of these endless pimps for WB (I wanted updates on the status of the new book). Now I quite like them (and I’m resigned to never getting updates on the new book.) The embiggening list of authors contributing swag is so great, and the cost of what they donate is so tiny compared to what even a modest fiscal contribution from fans can do. I hope this just grows and grows, it’s such a wonderful match of purpose and sponsorship.

  8. Sandhya
    Posted December 14, 2012 at 2:10 AM | Permalink

    I really wish I could think of some way to help, but here I am in Washington state….and there you are..over there. Pat, you cease to amaze me. Do you have any idea the permission you have given so many to show their feelings and express their love? I know I don’t *know* you but, my god, I do love what I know! Thank you for all you give, in so many, many ways.

  9. Posted December 14, 2012 at 9:01 AM | Permalink

    Pat,

    I just want to say that you do more good than you may ever know. I read your books abroad while volunteering in Haiti, what’s more I read your blog. It kept me going and kept me moving. Some days I just didn’t want to get up and get out of the convent. But playing with the kids seemed like the only thing that I could do to help.

    I just wanted to say, thank you. You inspired me like those photos have inspired you. Sometimes we just need… I don’t know, something sane or safe or normal or different to get us out of that funk.

  10. harmonic tremors
    Posted December 14, 2012 at 12:15 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,
    I don’t know what imspires me more – that you’re an awesome writer or one terrific human being. That you’re both, well, all I can say is “shiny”. Or maybe Oot said it best with “fancy.” All I can say is thank you for being an inspiration. You keep a lot of people going.
    Also, HOW COOL to have a book with the author’s doodles in it?? FREAKING COOL. As my little niece used to say, “more do that.”

  11. spiritus mundi
    Posted December 15, 2012 at 12:19 PM | Permalink

    Pat –

    It is small potatoes next to that glorious picture of a child with clean water, but please know also that you have inspired good people to act and support a charity that is doing wonderful things for people in real need. I can only speak for myself, but I had never heard of Heifer International before encountering it on your Blog a couple years ago, and now I look forward every year to adding my small part to the larger good you inspire and deliver.

    Thank you.

    And while I despise excel, personally, I have also added my name ot the list of folks happy to make a contribution beyond teh metaphorical checkbook. (Any chance you need some snappy haiku written – I like haiku.)
    The Name on the Wind
    Hope – ringing clear as water
    in a child’s new smile

    • Sandhya
      Posted December 16, 2012 at 9:17 PM | Permalink

      Excel sheet? where?

  12. Geekgirl
    Posted December 17, 2012 at 7:02 AM | Permalink

    I love this charity, however I’m a wee bit sad that they stopped accepting PayPal as a payment method.

  13. Posted December 19, 2012 at 7:34 AM | Permalink

    *Crying a lot*

    I’m from July, a big Cancerian, emotional and all… and discovered 7 weeks ago that I’m gonna be a dad, so it all plus this post really emotioned me. I’m in Brazil and help just for the help, not counting with the books (I cannot afford too much and I don’t have much luck either lol), I really know that reality and help as I can. But I really would love to do some work too, maybe some international help, even with translators, or just some administrative if needed, do you think there’s some space there? :)

    Ps.: I sent a mail by the contact for

  14. Posted December 19, 2012 at 7:41 AM | Permalink

    *Crying a lot*

    I’m from July, a big Cancerian, emotional and all… and discovered 7 weeks ago that I’m gonna be a dad, so it all plus this post really emotioned me. I’m in Brazil and help just for the help, not counting with the books (I cannot afford too much and I don’t have much luck either lol), I really know that reality and help as I can. But I really would love to do some work too, maybe some international help, even with translators, or just some administrative if needed, do you think there’s some space there? :)

    Ps.: I sent a mail by the contact form about my blog of geeks parents (paisgeeks.com.br), my last post is about Patrick Rothfuss and his fight for a better world with the geeks help! :D

  15. ArtemisValjean
    Posted December 26, 2012 at 12:17 PM | Permalink

    We all have a place to call home, a place to return when everything is going wrong… We also have a book to return when everything is going down, to me that book is your book, I love kvothe story and I can read it again and again just like it was the first time I read it.
    Thanks for writting it.
    Happy Hollidays. A hug:
    Yael
    p.s. We all know that you love books, but do you like video games too?

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