Hello Masters and Apprentices!
- Hardcovers Shipping This Week!
- Exclusive Letter In Hardcover Version
- Signings / Events
- Reviews
1. Hardcovers Shipping This Week
For the past few weeks, I feel like I have been in a mental daze as I’ve watched RUNE’s official release date quickly approach. But the wait is finally over, physical copies of Rune of the Apprentice are SHIPPING THIS WEEK!
This whole experience has been been both an exciting and terrifying experience. Some of you will be surprised to hear this, but I am actually a deeply introverted person. So going to conventions and meeting new people and sharing such an intimate thing as my first novel has been personally challenging beyond words. (In truth, the only way I could do it was by dressing up in cosplay!) Although immeasurably stress provoking, putting myself out there in such a emotive degree--and risking humiliation, failure, and ridicule--has forced me to grow in ways I never imagined possible. You all have allowed me this opportunity to share myself on such a visceral level, and for that I am eternally grateful. It is my deepest hope that you enjoy the epic journey that is Rune of the Apprentice and take as much pleasure in its world and characters as I have.
In that vein, many of you have already downloaded your ebooks and told me via email and Twitter (@stonejamison) how much you are enjoying the novel--thank you so much for your kind notes! It also warmed my heart to see a new blog review posted by THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS this morning. Words cannot describe the joy I feel when learning of a new set of readers who resonates so deeply with my story and its characters. RUNE was a labor of love and I am filled with gratitude knowing that people are enjoying reading it as much as I enjoyed writing and sharing it with the world. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for making this experience possible not only for me, but each and every reader, too!
(An excerpt of THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS review is at the bottom of this update -- but click HERE to read the full version.)
(An excerpt of THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS review is at the bottom of this update -- but click HERE to read the full version.)
2. Exclusive Letter In Hardcover Version
Sadly, due to logistics outside of our control, we were unable to get the hardcovers signed by launch date. In fact, Inkshares actually had to perform some publishing magic to get the books printed and shipped to you on time.
BUT to make it up to you all, I have personally (at my own expense) designed and printed a special letter to be included in each physical copy of the novel. This letter includes the fateful and prophetic message to RUNE’s main character, Aleksi -- sent by his exiled mentor, Master Rudra. This is the letter which not only spurs the epic journey of Rune of the Apprentice, but also serves as a cryptic guide to our young hero upon his tumultuous adventure.
BUT to make it up to you all, I have personally (at my own expense) designed and printed a special letter to be included in each physical copy of the novel. This letter includes the fateful and prophetic message to RUNE’s main character, Aleksi -- sent by his exiled mentor, Master Rudra. This is the letter which not only spurs the epic journey of Rune of the Apprentice, but also serves as a cryptic guide to our young hero upon his tumultuous adventure.
Embedded within the letter is both guidance and warning to Aleksi, and although confusing (for both him and you, the reader!) it is my hope that having your own physical copy will help you discern, decipher, and be able to find each and every prophetic hint and reference, hidden within Rudra’s message. Seriously, every line of this letter is in direct reference to the events of the book and directly correlate to Aleksi’s trials and tribulations. I think I will run a special giveaway for people who can find all of the references. Think you "catch’em" all?
The only way to get this physical version of the letter is either by pre-ordering the book like you all have, or meeting me in person at a convention or book signing. I have also included a brief thank you note from me at the end, too. I want to mention, I won’t be the one physically folding and inserting these letters into the books being shipped to you this week -- that noble task was graciously accepted by Elena Stofle of Inkshares, who has truly earned over a thousand thank-you’s (there are a lot of books being sent out, folks.) I have been folding my own set of letters in preparation for upcoming signings, and I can tell you this is no small feat.
Which leads me to my next topic...
3. Signings / Events
As a reminder to Boston people, this Saturday at 2:00 pm is the Official launch of RUNE at the Prudential Center Barnes & Noble so please come get your copy signed and/or tell a Massachusetts friend about the event! But if you do not live close to Boston, fear not, we have some other awesome signings scheduled. Here is our ever growing list below!
As a reminder to Boston people, this Saturday at 2:00 pm is the Official launch of RUNE at the Prudential Center Barnes & Noble so please come get your copy signed and/or tell a Massachusetts friend about the event! But if you do not live close to Boston, fear not, we have some other awesome signings scheduled. Here is our ever growing list below!
- Oct 29th, Barnes & Noble Prudencial Center - Boston, MA
- Nov 10th, Proctor Academy - Andover, NH
- Nov 11th, Buffalo Books - Ithaca, NY
- Nov 13th, South Maryland Comic Con
- Nov 18th Bookends & Beginnings - Evanston, IL
- Nov 19th, Barnes & Noble Napersville - Napersville, IL
- Dec 1st, Fort Lee Exchange - Fort Lee, VA
- Dec 9th, Langley AFB - Hampton, VA
- Dec 12th Third Eye Comics - Annapolis, MD
I will be making Facebook events for each of these signings on RUNE’s Official Facebook page HERE so please head on over and hit it up with a "like" so you don’t miss the invite!
4. Reviews
I cannot stress this enough. Rune of the Apprentice and I NEED NEED NEED your review on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble! I know it’s a pain, and most people don’t know what to say--but just stars a few honest words is all that is required and that small time investment from you will help both this project and me tendentiously. You can start posting reviews on all three sites NOW, so once you have read the book, PLEASE click the links below and share your stars and review. And if you have already read the book, please post your review NOW! It really means the world to me and will have a profound impact on the book’s success. THANK YOU!
This has already been a really long update, so I will keep my sign off quick: Words cannot convey the feelings in my heart. I am so humbled to be able to have my book in your hands. It is both an honor and privileged. Thank you.
"With Jamison Stone, you get a writer who clearly understands the epic fantasy audience, yet also must find a way to appeal to readers who rarely explore these kinds of books. I belong to the latter group. The key here is to excel at characterization and plot, as Stone does. In addition, I found that Stone’s writing has an almost poetic allure where there is a beautiful and insightful rhythm to his word choices. Stone’s writing style is quite seductive. Like an artist, Stone uses descriptive words as his brush, meticulously painting each character... I applaud Stone for demonstrating his incredible writing ability, psychological insight and descriptive flair in his first novel. Rune of the Apprentice offers readers a memorable experience." --THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS (click HERE to read the full review.)
