“I don’t have the authority,” she said, actually quivering. She didn’t seem to know where to look, flicking her fear-widened eyes between Christopher, Aiden, Daniel, and me.
“Asked and answered, Socks,” Christopher said mildly.
“Yeah, but you’re so pretty clairvoyant,” Becca cooed without looking up. “Emma gives off a more I’ll-rip-out-your-heart-and-eat-it vibe without even trying.”
Christopher snorted.
“That would be a highly ineffectual way to murder someone,” I said stiffly.
Everyone gathered laughed quietly.
Not including the healer.
Which was fine, because I really hadn’t been joking.
#QuickFAQByMCD: the preorder will be available just as soon as all the scheduling is confirmed (likely late March 2023). And yes, this is the final book in the Amplifier Series.
The Tenth Anniversary Dowser Series Kickstarter campaign just rolled over $35k (YAY!!) and in doing so unlocked the third stretch goal aka the second free audiobook (for tiers 2 and up)! To celebrate I wanted to share the video (below) because I’m insanely excited that Erin is lending her voice and talent to the Dowser Series!
First a tiny bit of background. Just in case you didn’t know, I’m getting the Dowser Series audiobook rights back from my publisher over the first six months of 2023. So I need to rerecord those six and finally record the last three (which is part of the reason I’m doing the Kickstarter). I’ve been working with Julie at Whole Story Studio with the Amplifier and Archivist series. When I mentioned the massive project that is the nine dowser audiobooks to Julie, and my concern about finding the perfect narrator, she brought me Erin Moon.
And Erin is freaking perfect for Jade.
Erin is also freaking perfect for me (and us!!) because she drops the best treats in my inbox. For example, below is seven minutes of her recording the first page of Dowser 1 in her booth. Her process is incredibly focused and intense. And her Jade is playful and just … well, I’ll let you see (listen?) for yourself!
Sound on!
Bonus: Erin is sharing other bits of her process and narration over on her TikTok. And, as she just informed me in another tasty inbox tidbit, she is GOING LIVE on TikTok from 12noon-1 PST every day next week (Jan 16 – 20) as she narrates Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic (Dowser 3)!! Squee!!!
Okay! My lovely readers blew past the first stretch goal of my Tenth Anniversary Dowser Series Kickstarter campaign in less than two hours (because you all rock) leaving me scrambling to create graphics and polls I hadn’t thought I’d need right away. (A lovely ‘problem’ to have!). So this poll was originally meant to entice readers toward the first stretch goal, not to simply be a means of selecting the characters that Nicole Deal (who also does the illustrations for the Archivist Series) is going to draw for us, but … here we go!
What characters do you most want to see nestled in the pages (full colour in the eBook, paperback, and hardcover!) of your limited edition tenth anniversary copy of Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1)? [The Jade illustration is already done!]
Pick your top five! And I’ll send that list to Nicole along with descriptions, etc, so she can get started!
Remember, the limited editions of Dowser 1 are exclusive to the Kickstarter, click here for more info. The illustrations themselves are exclusive until mid2024.
And! Don’t miss the cupcake poll. Dark Chocolate Raspberry is in the lead, and you all know the disaster that was me baking with blackberries (aka Kandy’s birthday cupcakes) so I’m sure raspberries will be a breeze (😭).
UNLOCKED! Five extra character illustrations to be added to the limited editions of Dowser 1!
One of the hallmarks of the Dowser series books is that Jade is generally baking or test baking cupcakes that reflect her mood. So, naturally, the upcoming novella (Dowser 9.5) that I’m writing for the tenth anniversary of the Dowser Series will feature a brand new celebratory cupcake. Yay!
Which means that – before June 18, 2023 – I have to develop a recipe, test bake it until I’m satisfied, write up the recipe, take pictures, etc. But! As part of the (early) anniversary celebrations (which I launched this morning via Kickstarter), I thought my lovely readers would like to vote on what kind of cupcake they think Jade should be baking in the book. See the poll below.
The recipe itself will be part of the Anniversary bundle currently available via my Kickstarter campaign. And warning (!), the Kickstarter will be the only way to get this recipe unless I eventually put it in the free (PDF) Dowser Series Cookbook (no sooner than mid2024).
I will email Kickstarter backers – every tier includes the novella, eCard, and recipe – about a week ahead of time with a list of ingredients. So that, if they are so inclined, they can bake the same cupcakes as Jade is baking in the story WHILE READING THE NOVELLA!!
I mean, I thought that would be super cool. Hopefully, I’m not the only one.
There will also be fun live events and giveaways, etc, for the anniversary on June 18, 2023.
And without further ado, the cupcake poll (you’ll note a distinct chocolate theme since I’m the one test baking😂):
You’ll note I wasn’t more descriptive because I reserve the right to interpret as my tastebuds will. Yum!
[My apologies, I don’t know how to get rid of those weird grey squares/rectangles above and below the poll! But the poll itself is functional, so I am posting!!]
I thought I’d do one main Kickstarter post, so I can link back to it as I explain things in more detail in connected posts over the next 21 days. I apologize in advance about the amount of blogging I’m about to do (if you get emails from me) but I promise it won’t stretch beyond the Kickstarter!
Jade aka the Dowser herself (as she appears in Dowser 1) outside of her bakery, Cake in a Cup. Illustrated by Nicole Deal.
Essentially Kickstarter is a funding platform. It helps a creator cover their EXPENSES (i.e. money already spent or needed to be spent to create the product). You select a tier and ‘pledge’ that amount to support the campaign. Warning: you cannot pledge multiple tiers. Though I suppose you could do so with multiple accounts. If the main funding goal is achieved, then you receive the item you pledged by the date listed (hopefully!). After the initial goal is met, there are often stretch goals (‘free’ extras/rewards) that come into play. Which people who have already baked the project (at a certain level) receive without spending any more money.
Why run a Kickstarter for Dowser 1 in the first place?
For me, a Kickstarter functions partly as a preorder – I don’t run a store, so I can’t ‘carry’ stock. A Kickstarter lets me know what my readers are interested in so I can order the minimum amount. Yes, I will not be ordering extras. The only way to get any of the limited editions of Dowser 1 is to pledge/back the item you want via the Kickstarter campaign. The new Dowser series novella, aka tier 1, will be available on all retailers in mid2024. It will not, however, include any of the extras: the Anniversary eCard, the new recipe, etc.
A Kickstarter also functions partly as a way to help creators finance special editions or new endeavors, etc. In my case, I’ve requested the audiobook rights for Dowser 1 – 6 back from my publisher and I am in the process of recording all nine audiobooks with a new narrator: Erin Moon (she rocks!). I’m offering the audiobooks in the stretch goals section, so hopefully we reach some or all of those!
Tiers
The tiers are explained in detail on the Kickstarter page but I will provide more detail/pictures over the next 21 days. When I write the corresponding posts, I will link them back here:
limited-edition paperback, bookmark, and bookplate. Autographed.
eBook/paperback combo
limited-edition hardcover, bookmark, and bookplate. Autographed.
eBook/hardcover combo
eBook/paperback/hardcover bundle
annotated hardcovers (sorry, these were gone before I managed to get this post written)(b/c my readers freaking rock!)
name a background character in Dowser 9.5
name a supporting character in Dowser 9.5
name a main character in Dowser 9.5
Stretch goals
More to be added (hopefully!!)
Five more character sketches by Nicole Deal – goal ACHIEVED in under two hours (again, because I have crazy cool readers).
Dowser 1 audiobook, narrated by Erin Moon – UNLOCKED!
Dowser 2 audiobook, narrated by Erin Moon – UNLOCKED!
Dowser 3 audiobook, narrated by Erin Moon – UNLOCKED!
Add-Ons
I have also made the second and third Dowser series trilogies available in audiobook format as Add-Ons. What does that mean? You can purchase (at a discount) Dowser 4, 5, and 6 and/or Dowser 7, 8, and 9 in audiobook directly from me (via the Kickstarter campaign). YAY! See this blog post for more details and delivery dates, please. I also have added instructions on how to claim this deal in the blog post.
We are barreling toward 2023 but instead of a year-end wrap-up, I’m feeling the need to write down everything that I already have scheduled in 2023 all in one place. Yes, already scheduled. Like, I really can’t get out of it at this point. 😂
Notes of interest (with more details and timing/dates below):
The first six Dowser series audiobooks, narrated by Caitlin Dunn, will no longer be available (one a month, starting in January with Dowser 1). I’ve requested the rights back from my publisher and I am having all new Dowser series audiobooks recorded with narrator Erin Moon (who is from Vancouver! Fun! Fun!). See the schedule and the upcoming Dowser Series Anniversary Kickstarter project for more info.
The Dowser series book covers are being ‘tweaked’ in anticipation of the upcoming tenth anniversary for Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1). The current covers will only be available until the beginning of June. The trim size of the paperback will not change, but if you like all your paperbacks to match I thought I better give you a head’s up!
Here’s a sneak peek at the cover for book one:
Book cover by Damonza.com
Endings and Empathy (Amplifier 6) is the final book in the Amplifier Series. Michael just read the third draft and gave me a teary thumbs up and so much praise I just had to stuff my face with all the holiday treats in the house and hang on for the overwhelming ride. So … the book is off to the editor and hopefully coming your way in March. And I hope you like it as much as my Michael did.
The Archivist series is continuing/ongoing – yay! – I’m proof ‘reading’ the first audiobook this week (last week of Dec 2022) with my notebook for Archivist 3 in hand and I know exactly what Dusk (and Sisu, and Kellan) will be conquering next.
I’m working on a new series for 2023/2024. Well, two new series, one is a space opera and one is a NEW urban fantasy (not set in the Adept Universe. Well, not exactly). Unfortunately, I can’t write both at once, so I think the sexy, sexy space opera will win out for 2023. We shall see!
A Tenth Anniversary Kickstarter for Dowser 1! The campaign will go live on January 10 2023 for a limited edition hardcover, paperback, and eBook, plus a brand new Dowser Series short featuring Jade, Kandy, and Kett. The actual anniversary is June 18, 2023 but it will likely take longer for the hardcovers to be printed, etc. Lots of stretch goals, including the all-new Dowser series audiobooks. More info coming (practically daily) through January, including cover/art reveals and polls.
Spill the Tea 2023! Join Hailey Edwards and Meghan Ciana Doidge for afternoon tea in Vancouver BC, Canada on Saturday, May 27, 2023! FUN! FUN! Tickets now available! Click here for more info.
The Dowser Series turns ten! At 12:05 am on June 18, 2023 everyone who participated in the Kickstarter (all tiers) will receive a brand new Dowser series novelette, a new recipe, and an anniversary eCard. And, of course, knowing me, other ‘things of interest’ because I’m always ‘adding on.’ 😂 I will send the ingredients list for the new cupcake ahead of time (or you can bake one of the other Dowser cupcakes, or even your own cupcakes, or buy some cupcakes, etc). And on June 18 there will be at least one live event, plus a massive giveaway, etc, etc.
Why a Kickstarter? I’ve been planning to request the rights back to the first six Dowser audiobooks for a number of years now (for many reasons, mostly because I prefer to be in control of my own work). When I realized that the rights reversion for the audiobooks lined up with the tenth anniversary of publishing Dowser 1, I thought it might be super fun to celebrate en mass. A Kickstarter is sort of like a preorder, special editions are crazy expensive, and the re-recording of the audiobooks is also crazy expensive. So why not see if my lovely readers were interested in a new Dowser novelette and/or a special edition? And, at the same time, helping me fund the audiobooks?
I’m insanely nervous about it, of course.
If you miss the Kickstarter, I will make the Dowser 9.5 novelette available on all retailers sometime in 2024. Please don’t miss the Kickstarter if you want – at minimum – Dowser 9.5 right away. I will not have the time/energy/bandwidth to accommodate individual requests. Thank you in advance.
ALL LINKS OF INTEREST IN ONE PLACE
Freebies and Extras (including various downloads and character illustrations/bios).
Adept Universe Reading Order (including full printable list). This info can also be found in the front and back of every book.
FYI: graphic doesn’t currently include Amplifier 5 or Amplifier 5.5
*MCD note* no release date for Amplifier 6 yet, but likely March 2023 b/c of the upcoming holidays and my Tenth Anniversary Kickstarter for Dowser 1 in Jan 2023.
I’m exceedingly delighted to introduce Siiri Scott as the voice of Samantha (aka Zans aka Tek5) in Recon Mission: Bee (Amplifier 5.5))! Siiri instantly (and seemingly effortlessly?) captured Samantha’s particular combination of sass and neediness, and I’m so glad that she lent her talent to bringing Amplifier 5.5 to audio. I hope you enjoy the listen!
Also, a thank you to Julie at Whole Story Studios, who matched Siiri to Amplifier 5.5 (and me!), then produced and engineered a stellar audiobook. Not only did Julie make my workload exceptionally lighter, but she produces gorgeous audiobooks. [Side note: Tia Rider, who narrates the Amplifier Series, also works with Julie!] Spoiler alert! Julie and I have two more major audiobook projects in the works for 2023!!
I’m giving away ten download codes (USA or UK Audible)!
To enter: let me know one (or some) of your fav audiobooks in the comments!
Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. Only entries that follow the stated requirements will be valid. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than to contact the winner. No purchase necessary. The comments are moderated. I will approve your entry just as soon as I have a moment to do so.
I am chuffed to announce the epically brilliant Tia Rider has once again lent her understated, dulcet tones to the Amplifier Series, bringing a more emotional Emma – and Instincts and Impostors (Amplifier 5) specifically – to audiobook.
I’m giving away ten download codes (USA or UK Audible)!
To enter: let me know why you love listening to audiobooks in the comments!
Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. Only entries that follow the stated requirements will be valid. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than to contact the winner. No purchase necessary. The comments are moderated. I will approve your entry just as soon as I have a moment to do so.
Guess what finally made it all the way to the West Coast of Canada?! Instincts and Impostors (Amplifier 5) paperbacks! Whoot! The Amplifier 5 paperback also includes Recon Mission: Bee (Amplifier 5.5), which is why they are more expensive than my regular paperbacks (but way better value than having a separate paperback for a 22k novella).
Interested in winning an autographed paperback of Instincts and Impostors (Amplifier 5)(pictured above)?
YES?!
Then, please comment below and let me know who is your favourite AMPLIFIER SERIES character and why!
Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. Only entries that follow the stated requirements will be valid. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than to contact the winner. No purchase necessary – all my books are available for free via your local library. The comments are moderated. I will approve your entry just as soon as I have a moment to do so.
Giveaway closes THURSDAY, OCT 20, 2022 at 8pm PDT.
The Amplifier Series is set within the larger Adept Universe but can be read separately. The main series starts with Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1) but there are two prequels (bundled together) as well. Click here for the full/recommended reading order of the Adept Universe.
