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It’s been two weeks since Geist went out into the world by itself. An exciting, crazy time in any authors time; first New York contract, first dive into the deep end of the pool.

So far I am still alive.

My first actual sighting of Geist was in Barnes and Noble, Union Square, San Francisco. I was spending the day with my agent, Laurie McLean, and she dropped me in. It was surreal and wonderful to see it sitting there- right in among the B’s. I signed those copies (after asking permission of course), and since signed copies in four more stores.

Stories began to trickle in through my various social networks of people finding it out there. It seemed like it was in lots of stores-even in airports.

Two more things bought amazement and excitement to the week.

Jeff Young sent in this picture of Geist in the Barnes & Noble towers.

And then this screen shot from the Science Fiction and Fantasy section of the ibook store. Geist, up there with Jim Butcher’s latest

Then last Wednesday we got the numbers for the first week of sales. I am happy to announce that Geist hit the Bookscan and Barnes & Noble massmarket science fiction and fantasy bestsellers list. UPDATE: This also occurred in the second week on sale!

Also the reviews started to come in, and I find fascinating what people are digging about the book. I have noticed two things out of the reviews so far; Sorcha is a mature heroine (she’s in her late 30s), and the lack of a romantic relationship between two characters. Yep, you heard me right-the lack of romance. Not to say there isn’t romance…but not between who you might think.

Here’s one of my favourite reviews so far.

Although the book is full of exciting action and amazing adventure, the trio created of Sorcha, Merrick and Raed is fascinating and the true heart of the story. Ms. Ballantine does an amazing job with the character development.  The trio each sees things in a unique way, bringing a full spectrum of views in each situation. I enjoyed the give and take that makes this relationship work.

With layer after layer unfolding before me – causing several twists and turns, I was on the proverbial edge of my seat. The book came to a satisfying conclusion, yet it was open-ended for subsequent stories. I for one, cannot wait!  I want to know more about the secrets of the Sensitives. I want to know more about how the bond works.  And I want to know what will become of this amazing trio!

– That’s What I am Talking About

So things have started off well, and I have to thank all those that have talked, tweeted and blogged about Geist. It’s not a hit out of the park, but it is a really great start. For a chick from New Zealand, it has been a heady couple of weeks. And there is more to come.

Geist has until after Christmas to get really well sold. You see in the New Year booksellers will do their returns. So think about Geist as a Christmas present–give the gift of lions, magic and the supernatural.

Today is official (well according to Amazon) launch day for Geist.

I’ve already been sent pictures of it out in the wild among all the other books at bricks and mortar stores. From now on it is up to the world to decide how it does. (Well aside from some marketing by me of course)

There are two competitions on the Geist site that I hope all of you will take advantage of.

And for those that have asked, if you buy the book or not, the really helpful thing you can do is talk about it. Write reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Tell your friends and neighbours.

I hope you enjoy the book. I enjoyed writing it, and this whole thing has been quite the adventure- one that I hope to keep on doing.

For those that have helped me- the acknowledgments of Geist are very much heartfelt.

My box of Geist are waiting for me in America, and I can’t wait to get my hands on them.

I have however seen the very first example of Geist out in the wild.

Those lovely folks over at the SF Signal apparently got their copy. And I must admit it’s pretty cool to see it sitting there with Patricia Briggs and Jim Butcher. Can’t fault that company!

Also over at Good reads you’ll find I have opened up an Author Q&A. For one whole month I will be answering all things writing, podcasting and Geist.

If you’re a member of Goodreads then pop on over and let’s chat.

It was lovely to chat with Ace marketing the other day, and find out how interested they are in getting people to review Geist.

Not just the big players like Locus or Publishers Weekly, but bloggers and podcasters. Times they are a changing I guess.

So here’s your chance. If you have a blog or a podcast that does book reviews, then send the link to your site and the best physical address, and I will pass this information onto Ace.

The email address is pip at this site.

Then you too can let the world know what you think of Geist.