To help promote the title, we've got an awesome book trailer that Ransom himself helped put together. He flew out to Belgium to shoot in several creepy old houses, bringing back some really fantastic footage. Our friends (and his), Dirty Robber, shot the scenes with Jacob and his grandfather in Los Angeles.
Enjoy!
PS: Want to get into the book a little early? Ransom has been leaking chapters on Mental Floss these past few weeks. Right now you can read up to Chapter 3, free, right here on Quirkbooks.com!
published by Eric Smith on December 15, 2011 - 12:14pm
A few weeks ago, Neil Gaiman made a hilarious appearance on an episode of the Simpsons (pictured above, and as of this post, you can still watch it on Hulu). When Homer and his Ocean's 11-esque assembled crew decide to team up and write a Young Adult novel, Gaiman jumps in to help make it happen. Unfortunately, the publisher tries to alter the story, and the gang of would-be-novelists (and a multiple award winning one) plan a heist to get it back and put the original in stores.
Quote of the episode? Gaiman exclaiming "I've heisted my way to the bestseller list once again. And the most brilliant part is... I don't even know how to read!" Well, either that or Homer hoping they remember to "put in enough steampunk. Whatever that is."
Anyhow, the episode got me thinking about other awesome authors cameos I've caught on the Simpsons. Lisa being dismissed by Amy Tan, Alan Moore with rippling muscles, Michael Chabon and Jonathan Franzen getting into a fight... ah, so many brilliant moments. I've rounded up my Top 10 here (in no particular order), though there are certainly many more. If I missed a favorite of yours, leave it in the comments!
1. Amy Tan: The celebrated author of The Joy Luck Club makes an appearance in the 'Insane Clown Poppy' episode, speaking at the Springfield Festival of Books.
Lisa tries to compliment Tan on her work, to which Tan hilariously responds "no, no, that’s not what I meant at all. I can’t believe how wrong you got it. Just sit down, I’m embarrassed for both of us."
Stephen King also makes an appearance in this episode, cackling madly about a supposedly non-horror title he's hard at work on.
2. Thomas Pynchon: This notoriously reclusive author actually made TWO appearances on the Simpsons. He pops up in the episodes Diatribe of a Mad Housewife (clip above), in which Marge writes a romance novel and he "provides" a quote, and All's Fair in Oven War.
3. J.K. Rowling: I won't lie to you, Quirk fans. I didn't get into Harry Potter until fairly recently, when Broetry author Brian McGackin threatened not to speak to me until I read the entire series. I'm about halfway through Order of the Phoenix as of this posting, and thankfully, Brian and I are on speaking terms once again.
As a result though, this is probably my favorite author appearance on the Simpsons. I rediscovered it while looking up author cameos, and thanks to Brian, I can finally appreciate how funny it is.
It just so happens that we have six, yes you read correctly, six production prints from the Gig Posters: Volume 1 calendar to give away.
These are huge high quality production prints on heavy weight poster paper. That way the poster won’t get too damaged when you drool all over it while admiring the awesome artwork. Featured artists include Feist (pictured!), Beck, James Brown, Juliett & the Licks, Queens of the Stone Age and Danzig
How does one win such a sweet poster you might ask? It’s so easy that a pre-rehab rock star could do it. All you have to do is post a comment about your favorite band. Be sure to include your email address, so we can contact you! We will chose six of you at random and send you one of the posters.
It’s that simple. Then you can gloat to all your friends about how you have some backstage production materials from Quirk.
The App, which is a joint effort with the award winning digital media studio PadWorx, is currently getting a lot of buzz in the press, with stories popping up on DreadCentral, MSNBC's Gadgetbox, MediaBistro and more.
It's an exciting time for us! Right now the App is only $4.99, a special limited time promotional price. Grab it while its hot, zombie lovers.
published by Chris Cummins on October 27, 2011 - 9:41am
We all know that bros can be downright poetic, but are these seemingly unflappable dudes afraid of anything? As it turns out, they are, especially during trick or treat time.
published by Eric Smith on October 26, 2011 - 11:45am
Okay seriously, what is it about repurposed dictionary pages and illustrated art? Not too long ago I swooned over Collagorama’s Dandy Cat prints, and now the comic-book, video-game loving geek in me is losing it over Goblinhut’s Etsy shop, which is full of all my favorite superhero and gaming characters, printed on upcycled dictionary sheets.
Each print measures 10.75” x 7.5” and are made with vintage dictionary pages. According to Luke, the artist behind the Etsy shop, “each piece is made to order [and] every page is unique.”
According to his listings, sales from his Etsy shop help pay for his education. So please, go support this talented guy. His illustrations are fantastic. And make sure you pick up more than just one. All of Luke’s prints are buy two, get one free.
