Less than a week!
I’m one of those people that apologizes a lot.
You bump into me—“I’m sorry.”
I get the bigger half of the cookie—“I’m sorry.”
You mention that I apologize a lot—“Yeaaaah. Sorry.”
Ever since I learned that Irish people tend to apologize a lot, I’m much less concerned with breaking the habit. It’s probably some combination of learned speech pattern and intergenerational trauma. But anything that keeps the diaspora connected with Mother Éirinn, we’re not in a hurry to part with.
So I’ll unabashedly apologize while I abashedly send more emails than normal because…
My book releases next week!
This means you have just a few days if you wanted to preorder your version of choice from Amazon. Obviousy, there’s no rush. You could order after it releases. Buuuuut, if you preorder your book and send me proof, I’ll send you a small token of my appreciation! And some of the people who’ve preordered from Amazon, already got theirs?
So, if you want to order in time to get some presents in the mail from me, you have through Monday night!
What’s all the fuss?
Well, besides the fact that this is a (big, big, big) dream come true for me and you love supporting people’s dreams, (obviousy, because you’re here:) people are saying some pretty cool things about Endling. This is good because 1) authors largely feel very awkward talking up their own books and 2) see the above about feeling apologetic for existing, much less marketing my book.
Thankfully, Michael John Petty, Spur Award Winning author of The Devil’s Left Hand and The Beast of Beartooth Mountain (also, the only person I know to have his photo casual taken with Viggo Mortensen) said this:
“Elicia Johnson’s ‘The Endling’ is everything you could wish for in a spiritual, high-concept, steampunk adventure. With vivid imagery, memorable characters, and unique worldbuilding that continues to surprise, this is one novel you’d be a fool to miss out on. You won’t be able to put it down!”
And the dear, dear folks at Descendant Publishing are comparing it to Pilgrim’s Progress and Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and Space Trilogy. 🥹🥹What?! I love them for how kind they are to me!
One thing about pretty much all of my art, whether with words or paint, is that it’s accessible. I try really hard to meet people where they’re at. Originally, I wrote a couple paragraphs about how Endling is a book for a wide audience. Like, how even though it’s New Adult (17-27), it’s clean enough for younger and rich enough for older readers.
But apparently my iPad wasn’t charging, because it died and deleted that part. So instead of rewrite all that, I made a handy flow chart to help you decide whether Endling is the book for you.
Like that? Hahaha. Hopefully, if you’ve hung around this long, you have a good sense of humor.
There were a few more layers I could have added, but you get the point.
What’s next?
Well, we celebrate! If you’re local to me, we’ll toast the release Tuesday at my house. But Sunday afternoon (the 26th from 4-8ish) I’m throwing a real shindig in the foyer of our church. There’ll be snacks and dancing and of course I’ll have books to sell and sign if you’d like. Email or message me if you need more details for that!
I recently went on the Natural Liberty podcast, so I’ll let you know when the episode releases. And in working on scheduling a few more in-person and virtual events. If you know someone with a blog, podcast or bookish business who would like to collaborate, please connect us! And thank you so much to those who already have!
You can expect to hear more from me this month, including begging for reviews after release day. (You wouldn’t believe how much reviews help!)
Thanks so much for joining me on the journey to publication! We’re so close, friends!
I hope you have great adventures, literary and otherwise,
Elicia Johnson
