Seanan McGuire (seanan_mcguire) wrote,
Seanan McGuire
seanan_mcguire
  • Mood: cheerful
  • Music: Hairspray, "Nicest Kids in Town."

One month in the wild. Where are we now?

As of today, Rosemary and Rue [Amazon]|[Mysterious Galaxy] has been out in the wild for an entire month. It's been spotted in chain stores and independent booksellers, in airports and at train stations, in basically every state in the United States and in countries around the world. We are officially well and truly past the point where my publisher can go "ha ha, tricked you" and order up a bonfire. (Not that I ever really thought that they would, but if you've ever met me, you know that I can be twitchy on an Olympic level.)

I have not yet seen a stranger reading one of my books in a public place, which is probably for the best, as I'd either start to hyperventilate or give myself brain-freeze trying to decide whether I should go over and offer to sign it for them. This doesn't stop me from watching the reading material of the people around me.

Most of the people I know have either purchased Rosemary or swear that they're going to do so Real Soon Now, Honest. (Since I don't intend to check their bookshelves for proof, these assurances are sort of pointless, but they're also really funny, so I'm willing to roll with it.) My mother has probably purchased five or more, but she's my mom, so it's okay.

The page proofs for A Local Habitation have been reviewed and returned to my publisher, which means we're on-track for book two. I'm super-excited. I'm also plinking away at book five (The Brightest Fell), which is rapidly becoming my favorite in the series to date.

Because it's an anniversary, I feel like I should do something to celebrate. So, because it makes sense, I've decided to give away a copy of Rosemary and Rue. Here's the plan:

1) Comment here, telling me why I should give you a copy of Rosemary and Rue. Do you want it for you? Do you want it for your school bake sale? Have you just been dying to test the aerodynamics of a paperback book fed through a wood-chipper? (Actually, I probably won't give you a book for that last one, but I'd love to come over and watch the experiment. With someone else's book.)

2) That's all.

I'll pick a winner tomorrow. Be detailed. Be creative. Detail and creativity count. So does bribery, but that's a distant third.
Tags: giving stuff away, rosemary and rue, toby daye
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autographedcat

October 1 2009, 16:38:05 UTC 7 years ago

I would probably use it as the prize in an Aphelion contest.

seanan_mcguire

October 1 2009, 16:44:45 UTC 7 years ago

I can't tell if that's an contest entry or a reason you don't want a free book, honey.

autographedcat

7 years ago

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liamstliam

October 1 2009, 16:38:24 UTC 7 years ago

The Borders in Saratoga Springs, NY, had four or five copies on the shelves and a bunch more on the "These are cool new books, buy them!" rack.

Alethea and I told two of the sales folks they needed to read it.

We were polite.

seanan_mcguire

October 1 2009, 16:44:59 UTC 7 years ago

Awwwwww, thanks, honey. :)

liamstliam

October 1 2009, 16:43:18 UTC 7 years ago

I would like a copy to give to my baby girl who is currently doing her student teaching in second grade and has discovered she has no personal space and could greatly use the enjoyment of reading the book while listening to her favorite filk artist (you).

seanan_mcguire

October 8 2009, 18:03:04 UTC 7 years ago

Much as I adore your most glorious (and corn-bread-consuming) spawn, I am out of books. But she shall have another album before too much longer!

liamstliam

7 years ago

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seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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liamstliam

7 years ago

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phillip2637

October 1 2009, 16:45:20 UTC 7 years ago

You should not give me a copy because I have one that is the next thing in my "to read" pile. Instead, you should take the copy that I would otherwise have convinced you to give me :-) , sign it, draw a pumpkin inside the front cover, and put it into the next InterFilk auction you're near.

seanan_mcguire

October 2 2009, 16:24:07 UTC 7 years ago

That is very sweet, but I will do my own donating to Interfilk, I promise. :)

mabfan

October 1 2009, 16:47:08 UTC 7 years ago

I would like a signed copy of the book for myself. The best reason I can give for why you should send me one is that in my capacity as a Library Trustee in Brookline, I made sure that our local library would stock the book. (As it turns out, other libraries in the network are also stocking the book; see http://library.minlib.net/search/t?SEARCH=Rosemary+and+Rue&searchscope=1 )

all_ephemera

October 1 2009, 17:24:37 UTC 7 years ago

Oh! Hey! Your network is close to my network! Hi Minuteman, NOBLE here!

mabfan

7 years ago

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all_ephemera

7 years ago

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mabfan

7 years ago

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mabfan

7 years ago

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all_ephemera

7 years ago

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mabfan

7 years ago

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seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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mabfan

7 years ago

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apocalypticbob

October 1 2009, 16:52:08 UTC 7 years ago

If given a copy of the book, I would donate it to my local high school library. Their budget isn't phenomenal, as we are a high poverty area, and there are a lot of students I think would really enjoy it. The Twilight phenomena sparked an interest in reading, and there were long waiting lists for those books. Now that that series has ended, I'd like to see them have more books that would keep that love of reading alive, and I think they would enjoy Toby.

seanan_mcguire

October 8 2009, 18:04:11 UTC 7 years ago

I hate hate hate that libraries are in such a budgetary bind. It's just insane. :(

I have already given my library copies to my high school library, which is also in dire straits. This is crazy, I swear.

apocalypticbob

7 years ago

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bercilakslady

October 1 2009, 16:57:49 UTC 7 years ago

No need to send it here, but happy monthiversary. :)

For your "my friends are strange" file: I'm storing a copy so that when my currently six week old niece grows up she can have a first edition copy of R+R. No, I don't think that's odd.

seanan_mcguire

October 2 2009, 16:40:29 UTC 7 years ago

Awwwww, thank you! And also, yay.

Deleted comment

seanan_mcguire

October 8 2009, 18:13:27 UTC 7 years ago

Because you can buy her one for Christmas anyway, I shall regretfully not award you one this time, but thank you so much for participating.

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hms42

October 1 2009, 17:16:56 UTC 7 years ago

I'd want a signed copy to donate to interfilk at a convention you will not be at. (I am planning on purchasing a few copies as holiday gifts (signed, of course) at OVFF from Larry Smith. The extras will hit interfilk tables next year.)

seanan_mcguire

October 2 2009, 16:41:09 UTC 7 years ago

I'm not looking to give to Interfilk today, largely because you and I will both be at OVFF (and you can suss donations there).

all_ephemera

October 1 2009, 17:20:56 UTC 7 years ago

OK, here's a story. I used to live in a town where the people were such morons, they refused to vote for an override that would keep our local library open. The library lost their accredidation, and now if you live in this town you can't get books from any other library in the area.

I love books. I love reading. I will read the back of a shampoo bottle if I'm in the bathroom and I have nothing else to read handy. (My bathroom usually has 3 books in it, to my husband's constant annoyance.) I was devastated that I couldn't go to other libraries, because our local library was small and pitiful and their idea of "urban fantasy" was the third book in the Anita Blake series, but they didn't want to get any more of them because they had dirty sex scenes. *facepalm*

My husband and I decided that, among other things, the lack of a decent library sucked, so we moved to a town that had a Real Library - one with lots of books! Open at normal hours! The availability of books from other libraries in the system! It's been heavenly.

However, this library does not have Rosemary & Rue, and it should. If I win your giveaway copy, I will give it to my new local library, as thanks for being a good library and being open hours that I'm not at work, and because new people need to learn about your work.

The End (and now you see why I am not a writer)

mabfan

October 1 2009, 17:33:06 UTC 7 years ago

A similar thing happened with one of the libraries in the Minuteman network. Their town cut their budget to the point that the library had one staff member and was open one afternoon a week. They figured that residents of the town could get items from other network libraries. Needless to say, the other libraries in the network were not too keen on that...

I'm glad to hear you're now in a town with a good library.

seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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bkwrrm_tx

October 1 2009, 17:23:36 UTC 7 years ago

OOooh, me me me...

Oh. Reason. Right.

I want a copy of Rosemary and Rue because I'm poor and can't afford to go buy one, but I put in my request at the library but *they* didn't buy it, so then I put in an Interlibrary Loan request but evidently everyone *else* is reading it and I HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT YET AND I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO READ IT.

A lot. Really.

And I don't even own a wood chipper. I do have a Siamese that likes to chew on paper, but I promise to protect Toby from the slobbery monster.

Honest.

seanan_mcguire

October 8 2009, 18:40:48 UTC 7 years ago

I really don't have the finished copies to give away. But if you promise to buy one when you can, I can send you one of my remaining ARCs.

bkwrrm_tx

7 years ago

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seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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bearhand

October 1 2009, 17:42:40 UTC 7 years ago

"I need some helped here, MATT!" Charlie screamed as the zombie gripped his head and strained its thinly muscled arms to bring Charlies' head closer to its rotten teeth. Matt pushed himself off the floor, bruised and battered, and grabbed the first thing he touched, which was a book. He stood and swung the book two-handed at the flesh eater that was trying to eat his friend. The book connected with a wet, PLAP!, which didn't even seem to irritate the fetid creature.

"That's not helping," Charlie shouted as he held the creature away from his face. Matt re-gripped the book and swung even harder, this time connecting the side of its head and finally getting some of its attention. But the zombie being of the mind that a Charlie in its grasp was worth more than a Matt swinging a loaded book, returned its attention toward the smaller, probably tastier man.

"Still not helping," Charlie screeched louder as the zombie pulled him closer.

Matt dropped the book, snaked his arm under the rotten, slimy chin, and twisted and heaved, snapping the smaller creatures neck, causing it to die yet again, maybe, before dropping it to the floor.

Matt reached down beside the now dead undead and picked the book back up and ignored Charlie's angry glare.

"You were trying to kill it with a book?" Charlie stated incredulously as he walked up to his zombie hunting partner.

"It was the first thing I grabbed as I got up," Matt explained.

Charlie looked at the book in Matt's hands and asked, "What is it?"

"It's a book," Matt replied.

"I KNOW it's a book," he retorted, "I meant, who's it by?"

"Some chick named Seanan McGuire," Matt answered.

"What's it called?"

"Rosemary and Rue", Matt responded.

"What's it about?" Charlie asked, curious.

"Don't know yet, haven't read it," Matt answered.

"You going to take it home and read it?" Charlie inquired.

"Yeah, I think I will," Matt said as he and Charlie walked out of the room, looking for more zombies.


Since Matt already found his copy, I'd like to get a copy of my own. Zombie gore, while appreciated for the realism is not required, but will not be turned down.

seanan_mcguire

October 4 2009, 17:52:28 UTC 7 years ago

Okay, first winner, because dude. I will refrain from zombie goring up your book, however, because it would make the pages all sticky. Go by my website and drop me your address through the contact form, please?

kyburg

October 1 2009, 17:43:28 UTC 7 years ago

Would you consider sending elfwench a copy? Between three chronic diagnoses (Aspergers, Crohns & something that mimics Freidrich's Ataxia, but the MDA folks aren't sure what yet) and her advanced age (she's exactly one year older than me) - OH and that fall that shattered her leg last fall - she's unemployed and considered unemployable. (Their loss.)

She still has an incredibly active internal life and works very hard.

For you, I have this for you. (Ghad, I hope that link works.)

miintikwa

October 1 2009, 19:11:18 UTC 7 years ago

I second the request for elfwench. She's a fantastic person, and she deserves a shiny. *nod*

seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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kyburg

7 years ago

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seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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kyburg

7 years ago

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alchymyst

October 1 2009, 17:54:28 UTC 7 years ago

Happy one month anniversary! :D
I don't need a copy, I have one (and I even entered it into my LibraryThing catalog -- proof of it being on my shelf! :)).

idancewithlife

October 1 2009, 19:41:36 UTC 7 years ago

You reminded me that I was so busy reading R&R that I forgot to catalog it into my database. Done now. I took great delight in knowing it was the first of many such entries, and in noting that it was an author signed first edition :-)

seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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cleothyla

October 1 2009, 18:50:22 UTC 7 years ago

I'll just wait until you come back up here to get my copy signed. I just wanted to tell you that I saw two copies of Rosemary and Rue at my local library and was just pleased as punch. Congrats!

seanan_mcguire

October 4 2009, 03:42:23 UTC 7 years ago

YAY!

melissima

October 1 2009, 19:15:14 UTC 7 years ago

Hi!

I would like a copy of Rosemary and Rue to send to my kickass almost-21-year-old daughter for her birthday in November, alongside the awesome pumpkiny halloween pez dispenser and collection of various and sundry cheap but hopefully cool things I have thrown into her birthday box. She's a rock star who totally deserves awesome presents even though her mom is broke and out of work. ;-)

If somebody gives me gainful employment before or after her birthday, I will *buy* R&R, and I will pass that extra copy to another deserving but broke person to read.

(I also asked Berkeley Public Library to buy R&R, because I want to read it myself.)

seanan_mcguire

October 8 2009, 18:55:35 UTC 7 years ago

I lack the finished books to hand about, but I can send you an ARC to give to her, if you think that would bring her joy. If so, please email me through my website, including your LJ handle and why you're mailing me (I am blonde, I forget).

melissima

7 years ago

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eoforyth

October 1 2009, 19:20:02 UTC 7 years ago

"I have not yet seen a stranger reading one of my books in a public place"

But have seen a stranger reading one in a private place?


I'd try and beg a book to slip into my eldest daughter's 'To Be Read' pile (she's 12, old enough to appreciate the good things in life), but there are far more worthy/imaginative/pleading comments already :)

seanan_mcguire

October 4 2009, 03:42:57 UTC 7 years ago

No, I haven't stalked any strangers home to see what they were reading. It's an interesting idea, though...

(No, bad author. No stalking.)

xjenavivex

October 1 2009, 19:31:09 UTC 7 years ago

I want one! I want it to review. I also plan to pass it off to my oldest step-daughter (if she doesn't snatch it from the to-be-read pile when she sees it). She reads everything she can get her hands on. I know she will love this one.

seanan_mcguire

October 4 2009, 17:57:19 UTC 7 years ago

I lost your address before I could send your ARC. Can you send it again?

xjenavivex

7 years ago

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kyrielle

October 1 2009, 20:25:02 UTC 7 years ago

I won't try to claim a free copy - I have my copy (and only that one; the others have all been given away to their respective recipients). But I will take this opportunity to make happy noises about the page proofs, and about The Brightest Fell, because more Toby is good.

seanan_mcguire

October 4 2009, 03:43:21 UTC 7 years ago

The Brightest Fell is getting SO MUCH BETTER as I deconstruct it. It's scary!

lit_mischief

October 1 2009, 21:01:24 UTC 7 years ago

You know, I bask in your book-related glory regularly anyway, but here's why you should give me a copy (hopefully with a pretty signature on it, maybe even with a little personalization):

NaNoWriMo is coming up at the school where I work, and at this point, it appears that something on the order of fifty kids are going to at least make a stab at it. FIFTY. Color me shocked. Shiny prizes and bribes to keep going - like copies of amazing hot new author Seanan McGuire's book - for good behavior, participation, reaching word counts and jumping high and looking pretty...I'm already on the hunt.

seanan_mcguire

October 7 2009, 19:51:44 UTC 7 years ago

I shall be sending you bookmarks and various other things shortly!

You should give me a copy because...

netdancer

October 1 2009, 21:06:44 UTC 7 years ago

On the harder, prosac side I cannot afford to buy any books, of any kind. This gives me a case of heartache as I am and have always been a reader. There is just no money there now, not until I magically am healed by Faeries so I can work againm or I get Disability, which seems almost as likely as the Faeries scenario sometimes.

On the non-hardship side? I may be one of the few people who remembers roleplaying with Trinity. I don't forget things that touch me, and I had a very great deal invested in Adrian.

My memory of you is long and deep and I can remember you coloring on construction paper on my living room floor in the house we no longer live in. Going with you to the local gameshop. Shenanagins in Indy. :>

I want it for me, oh yeah, but I won't be selfish, I'll let the people I love most read it too.

Re: You should give me a copy because...

seanan_mcguire

October 7 2009, 19:52:37 UTC 7 years ago

I am very not flush with actual copies of the book. But if you send me your mailing address through my website contact form, I might could find you an ARC (with the standard "please buy a copy when you can" rider)...

Re: You should give me a copy because...

netdancer

7 years ago

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silvertwi

October 1 2009, 21:09:03 UTC 7 years ago

You should give me a copy because I really want Rosemary and Rue, but my budget for books is now nil because I started college. Said college has a fantastic game of Zombies vs. Humans going on right now. It is epic. Unfortunately, this wanna-be-Human didn't notice the game until registration had closed. Thus, she sadly isn't playing, but R&R would go a long way towards cheering her up.

P.S. Zombies vs. Humans is a game played with nerf guns, marshmellows, and bandanas as ammunition for the humans to keep the zombies away and save themselves from turning into zombies. No candy corn, that would probably hurt. It is totally awesome.

bearhand

October 1 2009, 21:45:52 UTC 7 years ago Edited:  October 1 2009, 21:46:35 UTC

Are they fast or slow zombies? And it sounds like a fun game, especially if the zombies have to be in zombified make-up.

silvertwi

7 years ago

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seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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supersniffles

October 1 2009, 21:21:04 UTC 7 years ago

If you give me a copy of Rosemary and Rue, I will return your copy of The Flaxen Femme Fatale. (Just kidding!!! I will totally give you back the Femme Fatale as soon as I finish reading it. But I'd been meaning to post and remind you that I had it, in case your were looking for it, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity!)

seanan_mcguire

October 7 2009, 19:52:57 UTC 7 years ago

Thhhhhhhppppppt.

Silly one.

slweippert

October 1 2009, 21:22:11 UTC 7 years ago

I will give it to my mom for Christmas. She reads (and loves) Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison and Jim Butcher so your story is perfect for her. She'd love it to and I'd expect go find the sequel like she did with those authors. :D

P.S.

slweippert

October 1 2009, 21:26:21 UTC 7 years ago

I have my copy already and I liked it. I want to give my mom a new unread copy, y'know? Especially since mine isn't signed.

seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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slweippert

7 years ago

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seanan_mcguire

7 years ago

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tibicina

October 1 2009, 21:34:00 UTC 7 years ago

I mostly want a lending copy. (My copy is currently lent to Ryan and I don't have a spare copy to lend to my mother. And I'd kind of like /my/ copy to stay looking nice.)

seanan_mcguire

October 4 2009, 17:58:39 UTC 7 years ago

I love you dearly and I wish I could give you a book right now. But I promise to always sign your books.
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