Conduit 1: limited-editions?

ETA: Sept 28, at 9:27 a.m.: Okay, I think this project is a go! Obviously I’ll leave the interest form open a bit longer so I can get a good sense of the numbers (specifically for a paperback) b/c the price per unit lowers (obviously) the more I order. I’ll aim to have the preorder up for the beginning of November. I’ve answered some of the questions I’ve seen through the form below.

I’ve gotten the story notes back from the editor (aka SFG) for Conduit 1, which allows me to take a look at my schedule – and everything that needs to be done to release the book – so that I can (eventually) put up a preorder.

And, because it is a brand new universe and I’m in a super indulgent mood, I have a lot planned for this book launch. Instead of just letting it build over time, apparently, I want all the maps, artwork, and extras all right away!

This got me thinking (as did my post about AI yesterday and also how much readers are enjoying purchasing the audiobooks directly from me) about delaying the release slightly. I avoid releasing in December anyway, and honestly, releasing at the end of November might be doable but also really stressful. If I delay, I can offer my core readership limited edition paperbacks and eBooks.

Limited edition paperbacks and eBooks are totally just a treat for my readers and not at all an attempt to justify just how much art (etc.) I’ve already commissioned. 😜

Anyway! I have no idea if enough of you are interested (specifically in the autographed paperbacks) to justify the extra time on my part and to reduce the printing costs to a somewhat reasonable amount. Hence the interest form I’ve spent the entire morning putting together! 😂

Normally, I wouldn’t want to divert sales from the main retailers. I’ve spent a good amount of focus in the last few years trying to ‘hit’ lists (and therefore gain more visibility on the retailers). But I’ve decided that 2024 will be a year of focusing (even more) on my core readership, and hoping for, but not worrying about ‘marketing’ to draw in new readers.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT CONDUIT 1 INTEREST FORM

Quick ideas (some info doubled on the google form):

How will the limited edition differ from the regular paperback? The limited editions of Conduit 1 will be autographed and contain extra art (maps, illustrations, etc) plus an appendix with character bios/bible, timeline, etc. No gold foil (it is expensive and easily marked up (?) ), but the cover design will still be slightly different, specifically the back cover will likely be a quote, not a synopsis and MCD’s bio, etc. The quality of the printing is also just nicer than the regular paperback, with thicker paper and MCD being seriously picky about any damage, etc. 😂 Also possibly in full colour (see the option on the form). Also possibly with the interior of the paperback cover printed. See Google form for approx. pricing, etc.

How will the limited edition eBook differ from the regular eBook? All the extras as listed above, except with a digital autograph, plus all interior art will automatically be in colour (as long as your eReader is colour). Same price (even with the extras) but MCD sees more of your $$ (as with the audiobooks). This book will be delivered through BookFunnel and can be read in their app (or web browser) or sent to your personal device of choice.

How will the audiobook differ from the regular audiobook? It won’t be, except it will be exclusive for at least two weeks (if not longer) and way less expensive. The audiobook will be delivered through BookFunnel and can be listened to in their app (or web browser) or sent to your personal device of choice.

So! If you’re interested please fill out the form (linked above). Let me know if you have any questions that haven’t been addressed here or in the form.

Fun?

Fun!

Questions (as of Sept 28 am):

What bundles will be available? eBook/paperback, eBook/audiobook, eBook/paperback/audiobook, paperback/audiobook. Because there will be multiple offers available at once, please, please, read carefully when the time comes to preorder. I can refund, of course, but I actually still get charged the credit card fee when I do.

The ‘extra postcards, art, stickers, etc’ ‘Add On’: can be purchased separately for anyone also grabbing an eBook or audiobook, or added to a paperback box (to combine shipping).

International shipping? All shipping other than Canada (which already has crazy expensive shipping) is international for me. And I promise to try to find the best rates I can – trackable for the paperback, letter mail for the ‘postcard’ bundle.

Would the eBook be downloaded through BookFunnel? Yes. But it can be transferred to a device of your choice!

Would the audiobook be downloaded through BookFunnel? Yes. But it can be transferred to a device of your choice!

Can I buy multiple paperbacks? If you want to buy multiple paperbacks (i.e. combine shipping) you’ll have to send me a note and I’ll have to get up a private buy link (after double-checking shipping rates).

Are you doing limited-edition hardcovers for the Conduit Series? Not anytime soon. I might be persuaded to do another Kickstarter for the upcoming tenth anniversary of Oracle 1, but let me just get through the first Kickstarter first! 😁

Okay! I think I’ve covered all the questions so far!

I think this is going to be so fun!!

Just me and 183,000 other writers.

The database* used to train many generative AI platforms has been made public, so authors/writers can now see whether pirated copies of our books were used in order to train the AIs.

Spoiler alert. FOUR (4)❗️of my books were used. That’s easily three years of my life (+$ for art, editing, etc), not including all the years of experience (writing, filmmaking, etc) and education that came before the actual conceiving and writing of those particular books.

I’m just … a little sad, I guess.

I keep my prices low and I publish wide and in multiple formats for accessibility. I make my ebooks free for libraries and put them in subscription services like KoboPlus and Scribd to help those who choose to pirate out of financial hardship.

But using my work without permission to train AIs to write, to somehow mimic the act of storytelling?

It’s just … done, I guess.

It’s done.

Just yet another thing taken from me without thought, another violation, only this time of my mind and the precious little time I have to create. Another little death. Four of them, in fact. And not the good, endorphin-releasing kind.

Just me and 183,000** other writers who struggle, fight, to get the words out of our heads and on the page, then often fall even further apart as we edit and smooth it all for publication (yet another well-documented battle).

There is nothing to be done.

Because it’s already been done.

But I thought you might want to know about it.

Thank you to Lisette from the FaRo Discord who drew my attention to the article and the database linked below.

* Database: https://full-stack-search-prod.vercel.app/

** Article: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/09/books3-database-generative-ai-training-copyright-infringement/675363/

MCD: FAQ: Fall/Winter 2023 schedule

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR MCD, PLEASE SCAN THIS POST FIRST. If you can’t find the answer below please feel free to drop a question in the comments.

Updated November 23, 2023

CURRENT RELEASE

Endings and Empathy (Amplifier 6), eBook, paperback, and audiobook all available

ALL AUDIOBOOKS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE, including Dowser 7, 8, and 9

UPCOMING RELEASES

(in order of release, with updates)

TBR (Conduit 1)

Release date (on all retailers): January 25, 2024
Limited edition preorders are now available (and will be released a few days earlier)
Cover reveal: November 29, 2023
Influencer PR Boxes and eARCs sign-ups for a Release Day Promo Blitz are available via R&R Book Tours

Soulmates, Doorways, and Other Unruly Magic (Dower 9.5)

Release date: June 2024 [Kickstarter backers already have their exclusive copies].
Available for preorder.

Secret Audiobook Project:

Release date: midDecember (TBC)

CURRENTLY WRITING

[title to be revealed] (Conduit 1.5)

Projected release date: early Spring 2024
First draft in progress
A prequel series of shorts/novelettes, releasing after Conduit 1 because they’re riddled with spoilers, and for the first time at least, should be read out of order.

[title to be revealed] (Archivist 3)

No projected release date.
Currently in brainstorming stage.

CURRENTLY IN THE STORE/DIRECT SALES

T-shirt/logos/etc.

Audiobooks

THINGS OF INTEREST

All of the Dowser Series Tenth Anniversary rewards, except the annotated copies, have been shipped/emailed!

ALL LINKS OF INTEREST IN ONE PLACE

Freebies and Extras (including various downloads and character illustrations/bios). Just FYI the cookbook and all the ‘extras’ will be given a major overhaul/trim in early 2024.

Adept Universe Reading Order (including full printable list). This info can also be found at the front and back of every book.

F.A.Qs

[slowly adding to these]:

Question: Do you ever offer ARCs or books to BookTok/Booksgram/BookTube Influencers?

A: MCD Starter Pack: Current Call for Influencers (Google Doc)

Question: What are your favourite books/favourite series?

A: Blog post: MCD’s completely incomplete list of favourite books.

Question: Places to go when visiting Vancouver (as related to the Adept Universe series/books):

A: Blog post: A Guide to Vancouver according to the Adept Universe

Question: What are your favourite/go-to Dim Sum dishes?

A: Blog post: MCD’s Dim Sum picks.

WHERE ELSE TO FIND/CONTACT MCD

Do you have any burning questions? Post them below and I’ll try to answer!

Direct sales: audiobooks

As of February 16, 2024. These are the audiobooks currently available to purchase directly through MCD:

Dowser Series

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1)

Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic (Dowser 2)

Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic (Dowser 3)

Shadows, Maps, and Other Ancient Magic (Dowser 4)

Maps, Artifacts, and Other Arcane Magic (Dowser 5)

Artifacts, Dragons, and Other Lethal Magic (Dowser 6)

Champagne, Misfits, and Other Shady Magic (Dowser 7)

Misfits, Gemstones, and Other Shattered Magic (Dowser 8)

Graveyards, Visions, and Other Things that Byte (Dowser 8.5)

Gemstones, Elves, and Other Insidious Magic (Dowser 9)

Oracle Series

I See Me (Oracle 1)

I See You (Oracle 2)

I See Us (Oracle 3)

Reconstructionist Series

Catching Echoes (Reconstructionist 1)

Tangled Echoes (Reconstructionist 2)

Unleashing Echoes (Reconstructionist 3)

Amplifier Series

The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0)

Demons & DNA (Amplifier 1)

Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2)

Mystics and Mental Blocks (Amplifier 3)

Idols and Enemies (Amplifier 4)

Instincts and Impostors (Amplifier 5)

Recon Misson: Bee (Amplifier 5.5)

Endings and Empathy (Amplifier 6)

Archivist Series

Awakening Infinity (Archivist 0)

Invoking Infinity (Archivist 1)

Compelling Infinity (Archivist 2)

Conduit Series*

Awry (Conduit 1)

Coming in 2024

Misplaced Souls (Misfits 1)

Click here for the reading order of the Adept Universe, including downloads, etc.

*The Conduit Series is set in a new universe (name TBA). More info can be found on the main page for Awry and will soon be expanded upon.

Teaser Tuesday on Hiatus

In case you missed my other announcements, I’m deep into a social media/email break/embargo while I get Conduit 1 off to my editor (aka SFG) for story editing. The first (full) draft is finished – yay! And the book is currently 100,099 words. Which is a little insane because I’m only four chapters into a smoothing pass and the editor hasn’t even weighed in!

The book/series/universe is getting slightly overhauled as I smooth it all and will be even more so when the editor makes his suggestions (which typically call for more words), so it is unlikely that I will continue posting a weekly Teaser Tuesday. I will, as always, share excerpts, but all my focus will now be on getting Conduit 1 ready for publication while I write Conduit 1.5 (selected shorts/novelettes) and brainstorm Conduit 2.

Thank you so, so much for your encouragement with this new story – new universe!! I hope to have the complete book in your hands as soon as possible (depending on the editor’s and the cover designer’s schedules). I’ll post a preorder as soon as I can guarantee publication.

And there will be art and character illustrations and other fun extras. I hope to get those all commissioned over the next month or two.

Farmers’ Market dahlias and Conduit notebooks (purple ink for Zaya!)

I still have some bookplates available, but only for a few more days. Again, other than the still pending Kickstarter fulfillment, it is unlikely I will offer autographed paperbacks for the rest of 2023. I have some fun plans for 2024 (🤞 ) but those will revolve around curated book boxes.

I will be focusing on digital/downloadable giveaways for the rest of 2023, and into 2024.

Fun! Fun!

Bookplates now available!

Updated: Sept 18, 2023

I’ve made some MCD bookplates available in my store. Whoot! Newly designed by Amanda at Eternal Geekery! This is the best way, if you collect paperbacks or even if you want one for your eReader case, to get an autograph from me. Shipping is crazy expensive from Canada (and printing is also much higher now) and bookplates are the most economical way for me to ‘sign’ your books!

Also, I apologize in advance, the printing/shipping costs were slightly higher than I anticipated so the price is slightly higher than I mentioned when I conducted my poll a couple of weeks ago. Also, I’m not offering sets of ten because that went over the 30g allowable for the lowest stamp price (it was close but I don’t want to risk it). If you want more than five, you’ll have to buy another set separately (sorry again!) so I don’t have to fuss figuring out how to combine shipping.

The letter mail rate works out to $0.92 CDN, $1.30 USA, and $2.71 INT. It should be added to your total based on your address. As long as I have that all properly sorted on my end. 😂

Click here for one bookplate: as pictured above, plus a random postcard and a sticker to prettify the envelope. $6 CDN + letter mail.

Click here for five bookplates: as pictured above, plus a random postcard and a sticker to prettify the envelope. $14 CDN + letter mail

Note: same caveats as always: please remember I’m not a store. I’ve simplified the shipping, etc, as much as possible. For example: set shipping rates, no tracking, no extra sets, no special orders. Please remember I’m trying to write as much as possible and these are just meant to be fun extras. The prices are set in Canadian currency (which means some of you are getting a great deal!) so a different charge might show up on your credit card statement. Also, I believe there is a 5.5%+ $0.30 charge for certain payment methods.

Fun! Fun!

Note: If you get a postcard you already have, another reader might be interested in swapping. I suggest starting a thread in the reader-run Facebook Group.

Note 2: If you’re missing audiobooks to complete your Adept Universe collection, you can find links to all those currently available on this blog post (scroll down).

Note 3: For USA and UK readers, all the available T-shirt designs can be found under the T-shirts and Other Deadly Merch tab (at the top of the page or click the previous link). As well as ready-to-download logos for anyone who wants to print their own merch!

If you have other Merch design requests, let me know in the comments!

Look at me being all good about promoting myself! 😂😂😂

F.A.Q: Dim Sum

An email from Barb that is currently sitting unanswered in my inbox (sorry, Barb!) has prompted this addition to my slowly growing FAQ posts. And yes, if you haven’t yet noticed over on my various social platforms, I freaking adore dim sum. I adore it so much that I wrote it into Artifacts, Dragons, and Other Lethal Magic (Dowser 6). (Click here to read the scene/excerpt).

Vancouver, BC has a number of great dim sum places, and the menus all differ slightly, but here are some of my and Michael’s favs.

MCD’s Dim Sum Must Haves:

Steamed prawn dumplings
Streamed scallop dumplings (hard to get/find these days?)
Pan-fried shrimp and chive or green onion dumplings (some have pork!)
Deep fried squid
Deep fried garlic shrimp spring rolls
Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) in garlic (it’s normally served with oyster sauce)
Sauce: a touch of soy sauce

Michael’s Dim Sum picks:

Sticky Rice Wrap (often with pork, scallop, and shrimp)
Pan-fried Taro Root Cake
BBQ pork pastry
Anything new of the menu that looks tasty (MJH is always will to try everything once).
Sauces: mustard and/or hot sauce (add a touch to a dumpling, etc).

Other traditional picks (not necessarily personal favs but options) (Also MCD doesn’t eat pork):

Rice rolls (all different kinds. A little ‘starchy’ but MCD will order prawns or scallops)
Baked BBQ Pork Buns
Pork/shrimp Shu Mai (dumplings)
Veggie Dumplings
Bean Curd rolls (usually they have pork, but I’ll order if I can find a veggie or seafood option).

What have I missed? What are your go-to dim sum dishes?

To bookplate or not to bookplate

I just spent way, way too much time trying to post this poll over in my reader-run Facebook group, just to never have it show up. Sigh. Anyway! Reposting it here instead. – MCD

***

Wow! MCD posting a poll?! How unusual??!! 😂

I’ve finally hired a new graphic designer/PA (Amanda from Eternal Geekery)(Whoot!) and the first thing she is working on for me (us?) is a new bookplate design – an author bookplate, not a series-specific bookplate.

So, therefore, I’ll be ordering more bookplates (yes, finally). I vaguely remember (sorry) that some of you wanted more bookplates? But it’s also possible I’ve scratched that itch with the recent giveaways?! Anyway! If you would vote below, then I’ll know if I need to order more or less. Thank you!

I think I usually charge approx. $1 a bookplate, plus a random postcard (so the bookplates don’t get damaged in the mail). I use the letter mail rate for shipping.

Voting below does NOT obligate you to purchase. I’m just looking for raw total numbers.

Direct Sales: Dowser 4, 5, and 6 audiobooks

You can now grab the second trilogy of Dowser Series audiobooks directly through MCD (via BookFunnel), narrated by Erin Moon. YAY!

I’ve also listed ALL the audiobooks available directly from me at the bottom of this post. And if you missed why I’m implementing direct sales with audiobooks, please read this blog post.

Dowser Series audiobooks (via MCD):

Shadows, Maps, and Other Ancient Magic (Dowser 4), narrated by Erin Moon. Length 8.04. $10CDN

BUY DOWSER 4 DIRECT FROM MCD

Maps, Artifacts, and Other Arcane Magic (Dowser 5), narrated by Erin Moon. Length 8.26. $10CDN

BUY DOWSER 5 DIRECT FROM MCD

Artifacts, Dragons, and Other Lethal Magic (Dowser 6), narrated by Erin Moon. Length 10.50. $10CDN

BUY DOWSER 6 DIRECT FROM MCD

All available audiobooks via MCD

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1)

Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic (Dowser 2)

Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic (Dowser 3)

I See Me (Oracle 1)

I See You (Oracle 2)

I See Us (Oracle 3)

Catching Echoes (Reconstructionist 1)

Tangled Echoes (Reconstructionist 2)

Unleashing Echoes (Reconstructionist 3)

The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0)

Demons & DNA (Amplifier 1)

Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2)

Mystics and Mental Blocks (Amplifier 3)

Idols and Enemies (Amplifier 4)

Instincts and Impostors (Amplifier 5)

Recon Misson: Bee (Amplifier 5.5)

Endings and Empathy (Amplifier 6)

Awakening Infinity (Archivist 0)

Invoking Infinity (Archivist 1)

Compelling Infinity (Archivist 2)

Coming soon:

Dowser 7, 8, and 9 – October 2023

MCD’s Coconut Macaroons, etc

[Updated July 23, 8:41 am – added missing cooking times to recipe]

I just had virtual coffee (via the SFWA auction I mentioned some time ago, like a month ago? Who knows? What is time??) with Anetia and Barb (my two other readers were MIA 😰), and for fun, I typed up the recipe of the treat I was eating during our chat. I thought I’d share the recipe here as well (also as kind of an apology for being a bit ‘sensitive’ over on Facebook yesterday).

How’s that for a lot of brackets stuffed into one paragraph??!! (Do you think I can manage a few more?) 😜

Without further ado, here are my treats this weekend: