Happy Thanksgiving

A couple of unexpected events happened this week with significant impact to the world of Riyria.

Rise of Empire, the second in the Orbit published trilogy, is now available in print and is appearing on store shelves across the country. How is this possible? How is it that both Theft of Swords and Rise are popping up at stories before the official release date? To be honest I don’t know exactly, but from personal publishing experience, I would guess that arranging for books to hit stores on a precise date must be a bit like herding cats on a time schedule—more art than science. Royce and Hadrian don’t have the influence of a Harry Potter, and probably can’t convince stores to sit on inventory, so the books are made available when they arrive. Better early than late, right? The eBooks are much more a science, far more punctual, a flip of a switch and they go. Either way, the books are out there and that’s a good thing.

And since we are on the subject, it is November 23rd, and that means that today—right now—is the official release of my first Orbit published novel. While the print books came out a bit early, the eBooks have just now been made available for download. So it’s officially. Cue the confetti, streamers and balloons. For those of you who waited all night on the cold concrete at your local bookstore it’s time for the hot soup and a good book.

The third bit of news is that The Library Journal has released its Best of 2011 list and Theft of Swords is on the ten best of fantasy/science fiction, alongside George R.R. Martin. I was pleased, of course, as it meant more libraries would carry the books, but it wasn’t until later that the implications of this hit home.

Here is the list of the other authors on the list:

Debris, by Jo Anderton

Leviathans of Jupiter by Ben Bova

Leviathan Wakes, by James S.A.Corey

The Uncertain Places by LisaGoldstein,

Raising Stony Mayhall by Daryl Gregory

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin

The Unremembered by Peter Orullian

The Quantum Thief  by Hannu Rajaniemi

The Children of the Sky by Vernor Vinge

 Where is Brandon Sanderson? Where is Patrick Rothfuss? Where are all the names of all the authors that came out with books this year that are giants in the field. Okay, so there are only so many slots—ten—but then…why am I there? I think I am going to go with the old Academy Award ploy—that those movies released really close to the judging deadline are more apt to be nominated. Someone just finished reading Theft and had it in their mind when it came time to cast ballots. (Do they even cast ballots?) Poor Pat and Brandon’s books came out too early to be remembered.

That has to be it, right?

In any event, it is good news for those of you who have long lamented the lack of Riyria books in your local library. It is good news for Royce and Hadrian, as they will get to meet lots of new friends, and it shows what Orbit can do that Robin and I couldn’t.

So with all this happening, and in keeping with the holiday spirit, I’d just like to say—thanks everyone.

And happy Thanksgiving.