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
Okay, so I have become instantly enamored with a book dating app, Booky Call. Yessss! So enamored that I asked them if they would do up a dating profile for Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1) and they said yes! (Booky Call swiped right on Dowser 1! Whoot!).
Anyway, ahem. Before I get too riled up – you NEED to read the write-up the BookyCall Matchmaking Specialist did for Dowser 1. It is freaking perfect!! – here is more pertinent info about how to get some of this going on in your life.
And now I sound like a dealer rather than just an addict.
But I guess you already knew that about me.
Here’s the link for Dowser 1 on Booky Call.*Note* you have to be on your mobile phone to click through. It doesn’t work on a desktop because it takes you straight to the mobile app. Then I BELIEVE you have to download the app to test it all out (trust me, it is worth it). Here’s the link again (in case you want to copy/paste): https://links.bookycall.com/o8rNo3SKKRrzeJzSA
Or you can do it is reverse (download the app, then search for Dowser 1)(see photo below):
Extra, extra: I’m also going to be hanging out at BookyCon on Nov 12, 2022 – the world’s largest metaverse book festival. I have no other info except you sign up here.
Oh, I’ll post this all on my social media pages as well, in case you want to hook up your friends – ahem, I mean share. Of course, I mean share!!? Share with other book addicts … lovers.
So … I shot a bunch of videos on Sunday that pretty much just consisted of me annotating a copy of Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1) and … well, filming it. I plan to cut up the video and make a bunch of promotional reels, etc, with it (with quotes, music, etc) to post to various social media sites. But now I am left with an annotated copy of Dowser 1.
So … I was wondering if any of you would like it for your shelves?
Yes?
Okay!
To make sure that this goes to a true Dowser series fan, otherwise, I put a lot of time into it and shipping is expensive … comment below with your favorite Jade quote or moment or scene from the Dowser Series and WHY it’s your favourite.
Any entries NOT following the entry requirement will not be counted. I might actually delete them just to keep my numbers accurate for the random number generator. I’m sure you understand why it would be better for the annotated copy to find a home with someone who actually wants it. For anyone new to the series, and/or the Adept Universe as a whole, the first book is currently free to download on all retailers. YAY!
Comments on other social media sites will not be counted. Just comment on this blog post to enter, thank you very much!
And I’m keeping the giveaway open for a week to give everyone time to enter. That means that even if you haven’t read a single Dowser book yet, you have a chance to download Dowser 1 for free – or get any Dowser book from your library – read and enter! Whoot!
I WILL NOT be doing a lot of physical giveaways this year, just FYI. Shipping from Canada (and even through Canada) has become crazy expensive.
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.
ETA, May 28: I’ve added another nineteen sets of Adept Universe stickers to my store. $10 CDN, plus regular lettermail. Click the previous link for more info and/or to purchase. Please don’t ask me why I can’t manage to do the math on these and at least stock rounded numbers. LOL
Adept Universe stickers: 16 designs from the Dowser, Oracle, and Amplifier Series, plus a random postcard.
The sticker designs are from a variety of books, including Kandy’s T-shirt designs, Rochelle’s butterfly tattoo, and a few of the Amplifier oracle card images. Don’t ask me why the Cake in a Cup logo isn’t included, I honestly thought it was and just noticed it wasn’t! Also, I’m pretty sure I meant to order more stickers but only an extra six sets just showed up … so … yeah … hopefully they don’t sell out.
I’ll put a random postcard in the envelope to help protect the stickers during shipping, about twenty of the envelopes have ‘collectible’ Dowser series recipe cards in them (with the cream-coloured book covers) so you are very welcome. LOL
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.
Okay (if you saw me freaking out about this over on Facebook) the quiz app/software had an update available this morning, and miraculously the quiz that I spent far too much time putting together a few weeks ago now works!! YAY!
And the final (of three) holiday giveaways – a Dowser Series swag box! Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate! Michael and I will be nibbling on warm blueberry cinnamon buns as this post goes live (aka for breakfast), and later there will be champagne-basted roast turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, and gravy!! Mmmm, yum!
Three Dowser series autographed paperbacks, nine recipe cards, a vintage postcard, and five stickers.
Are you interested in winning three autographed Dowser series paperbacks (the second trilogy to be specific), all nine Dowser Series recipe cards, a vintage postcard (the last of its kind), and five random Adept Universe stickers?
Yes?
Well, then! All you need to do is COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER.
Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. 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.
Just in case you ever wondered what the editor aka SFG aka Scott Fitzgerald Gray does for you specifically, my lovely readers, I stumbled across this seven year old Facebook post that exemplifies his power for good perfectly:
A screenshot of MCD’s Facebook post about adding a final scene to Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic (Dowser 2).
And how was the book going to end (had SFG not intervened)?
[massive spoiler for Dowser 1 below, just in case you haven’t read it yet!!]
I gazed at the golden god of a man across from me. My mind was reeling and my thoughts unfocused. He looked maybe thirty-five if I attributed the crinkles around his eyes to age, rather than to sun and laughter.
He let me look at him. His sword had returned to wherever he pulled it from. His arms were at his sides, palms open to face me … in surrender or acceptance?
“I have my mother’s eyes,” I said, releasing the breath that had been blocking my ability to speak.
“Yes,” Yazi, the warrior of the dragons, answered. “But every other inch of you is me.”
He was right. I was his spitting image.
Half-witch, half-dragon. Well, that was one mystery solved.
I smiled, hitting him with one of my best efforts ever.
REMOVED FROM SALE – SEPT 8, 2021 – ALL ORDERS PACKAGED AND READY TO BE DROPPED IN THE MAIL
Nine Dowser Series recipe cards. Dowser 1 autographed.
As requested and promised, I’ve made 75 sets of the Dowser Series Recipe cards available in my ‘store’. $16 CDN+ lettermail. Click the previous link for more info and/or to purchase.
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 for readers who have requested them.
