A call to arms

The characteristics of the New Zealander are not naturally attuned to marketing. We are more bent towards egalitarianism, which is nice, but it also means ‘tooting your own horn’ is not generally looked upon as a good thing.

However in all my years podcasting, and with the example of those that have gone before me into print, I have learned that not to talk about projects is to have them wither on the vine. That’s something I don’t want to happen to Geist.

I am proud of this book. My editor Danielle at Ace said it combines romance, epic and supernatural fantasy, but written with a modern sensibility. Who am I to argue.

Sorcha Faris is a Deacon of the Order, and has vowed to stand between the citizens of the Empire and the geists, evil spirits from the Otherside that terrorize and possess the living. When her partner is critically injured, it’s up to Sorcha to investigate a surge of geist activity, with the help of a seafaring prince who bears a terrible curse- an ancient geist that resides within him.

So here is my call to arms to those who enjoy my writing, friends, fans, and heck even family.

Geist is coming out at the end of October, but now is the time to act to secure the future of more books in the Geist universe. I have a contract for Spectyr, but the whole scope of the story will take two more books to reach fruition.

Now is the time when Ace will decide about the third book. Now?? I can hear you say- but it does actually make sense. Before the book is even published is the time when Ace will begin to have an idea of the demand for Geist, and decide if they want to support the story with more novels. Booksellers are picking which books they will stock right at this very moment.

So what I need is for them to have Geist top of their mind. I need them to order the Books of the Order.

So dearest Americans, here’s something you can do to help me, and my books. It’s pretty simple really- just email, phone or visit your local bookstore (indie or chain store doesn’t matter) and ask if they are going to stock Geist by Philippa Ballantine- coming out at the end of October. (Others can help by ordering via Amazon or Barnes and Noble)

It’s a simple, yet effective way for you to let them know there is a market for the book, and that people are excited enough to ask before it is even out.

Now, if you’ve read my work you probably have a good idea what to expect, but right here is a sample chapter of Geist- the very first. So dive right in, meet Deacon Sorcha Faris and then contact your local bookseller (or for the really keen booksellers)

Phew! I managed to get through that. Thanks so much for your support through the years- it means a lot and constantly amazes me.