The Merry Blacksmith Press

2012 looks like it’s going to have a few interesting titles. We’re still talking to a few people so some projects can’t be announced just yet, but here’s a glimpse of some upcoming books for 2012.

Chicon III: The Proceedings. This is a special 50th anniversary edition of the proceedings of the 20th World Science Fiction Convention. Back when Worldcon had only a single track of programming, proceedings such as this were possible, and popular for those who couldn’t attend. Enjoy a transcript of every panel and speech from Chicon III just in time for Chicon VII 50 years later! We’re working with Earl Kemp and George Price to put this special edition out in time for this year’s Worldcon, and will feature an introduction from Chicon VII Guest of Honor–Mike Resnick.

Past Masters by Bud Webster. Bud’s at it again, sharing with us insightful and informative writing about classic science fiction and fantasy titles and authors–complete with biographical and bibliographical information on such past masters as Eric Frank Russell, Leigh Bracket, Fredric Brown, H. Beam Piper, Hal Clement, and many more.

Grim Tides by Tim Pratt. This much-anticipated sequel to Broken Mirrors of the Marla Mason series is now in-hand and in-production. “Marla Mason, ousted chief sorcerer for the city of Felport, is languishing in exile on the island of Maui with her best friend, the psychic (and rather hedonistic) Rondeau. She’s making a living of sorts as an occult detective, but for the most part, she’s just marking time. Driven from the city she loves, Marla is adrift, nearly friendless, and stripped of almost all her power and resources. Obviously, it’s the perfect time for old enemies to try and kill her.” Look for Grim Tides in early summer!

Not yet titled:  We’re working on a couple of projects that have not yet been titled. One is a collection of SF/Horror comics by comic book legend Matt Howarth. Among our poetry offerings later this year will be a collection by Chris Calvert. Also coming in early 2013 will be a special book presentation in memory of The Station nightclub fire of 2003 by Marilyn Bellemore. A portion of the proceeds will be given to a victims charity.

And that’s not all. Seriously. We have some fun stuff in the works. Stay tuned.

Not a fan of PayPal? Don’t feel like sending a check? We’re now set up to accept credit card paymentss. Because security is as important to us as it is to you, credit card payments can be arranged on request via phone. Just e-mail us for the details.

Don’t forget to look for us at Boskone and Chicon (and maybe a few others) where we’ll have loads of fine books ready for you to show off to friends and family.

Cheers!

For the next few weeks, we’ll be offering a special bundle deal on poetry books by Jay Walker. Order both Flower and where I’m coming from and get them for only $20 + $2 shipping. That’s $4 in savings, plus we shaved a bit off the shipping costs.

Don’t delay. This is a limited-time-offer.

 
Jay Walker bundle: $20 + $2 shipping

In the southern New England area and looking for a good time? Why not visit Boskone 49, Boston’s #1 regional SF/F con.

The special Guest of Honor this year is none other than John Scalzi–one of the hottest, most talented writers of the past ten years, opinionated raconteur, and current SFWA president. He’s also known for having once taped bacon to a cat.

Other guests include Jerry Pournelle, Daniel dos Santos, Toni Weisskopf, Bruce Schneier, and Trixie Pixie. There will be the usual load of great programming material as well as one heck of an art show and dealers room.

And if you gander about the dealers room this year… you’ll find us! We’ll be bringing along all of our great titles and offering special deals all through the weekend.

When and where?  February 17-19, 2012 at the Boston Westin Waterfront. Check out the Boskone 49 website for more details, and we’ll SEE YOU THERE!

Cover art by Jenn Reese.

Grim Tides, Tim Pratt’s much-anticipated sequel to Broken Mirrors, will begin its on-line serialization on January 2, 2012 at marlamason.net.  New chapters will be posted each Monday and will run for approximately six months. Following that, we’ll be releasing the official trade paperback version for purchase–well in time, too, for Chicon VII.

Grim Tides is the sixth full-length novel in the Marla Mason urban fantasy series which began with Blood Engines and continued with Poison Sleep, Dead Reign, Spell Games, and Broken Mirrors. There is also a short prequel novel about the main character’s early days entitled Bone Shop.

For more information on the Marla Mason series and its availability in print, e-book, and audio editions, visit www.marlamason.net.

A Giant in the House & Other Excesses

Daniel Pearlman is a master of the literary fantastic. His stories expand the imagination as he explores the boundaries of our world and enters the hazy penumbra of perception. These twelve stories are like no funhouse mirror you’ve ever seen before.

We’re very pleased to be able to offer this to you and we are now accepting orders. We’re also going to be extending our great deal on shipping! Any orders placed through this website before January 20 will receive FREE domestic shipping or reduced international shipping. Visit the book’s webpage for more details

We’re getting closer to publication time for this long-awaited collection of cartoon brilliance and some of the finest examples of wordplay and humor ever to exist in the English-speaking world. Timothy C. Lockley has proven time after time his ability to amuse and entertain readers with his unique perspective on modern life, history, technology, religion, pets, and so much more. You’ve seen his work in such places as Funny Times and the Biloxi Sun Herald. His drawing style and sense of humor are instantly recognizable from a slew of publications across the country.

There is only one Timothy C. Lockley. To have more would be unsettling.

Stay tuned for more details as they develop.

In plenty of time for the holidays, we have two new poetry offerings ready for eager readers. First up is our second collection from Jay Walker entitled Flower. This book is currently available and should be up at Amazon within the week.  Check out the order page for more details.

Next up is Child-Eyes by Sarah Desimone with illustrations by Rose Sipperley. This book is heading off to the printer now and is available for pre-order. Physical books should be available by the first weekend of December. Any orders placed in November are guaranteed FREE domestic shipping before Christmas.

Stay tuned for further details as they develop, and don’t forget that a percentage of all November sales (including pre-orders) will go to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training participant Nick Paisley.

Merry Blacksmith friend Nick Paisley is raising funds to help find cures and treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. He is taking part in the The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training and will be running a 26.2 mile marathon in support of the cause and welcomes your support.

The Merry Blacksmith Press will donate 15% of all profits from the month of November to Nick’s fundraising efforts. You can help us by either checking out some of our fine titles, or going directly to Nick’s fundraising page to contribute more directly.

Thanks!

6:00 pm tonight, at the Brown University Bookstore, as part of the Speculative Fiction Fest, Daniel Pearlman will be reading from his newly-published collection, A Giant in the House & Other Excesses. This book will be available for purchase from either the Brown University Bookstore or the author himself, as well as a few other books. He will also be holding a book-signing following the reading. Also reading and signing will be friend-of-Merry Blacksmith author Paul Di Filippo.

Come check it out. It will be a fine night.

Cheers!