Lovat is for Lovers
What is murder, monsters, and madness in the face of true love anyway? There’s a shiny new die cut sticker available in my shop. I think you’ll dig ’em.
Behold the GLEAM UPON THE WAVES Sticker Set
While the news on the pandemic front has been positive. We’re still a ways away from in-person conventions and meetups. That doesn’t mean I’m slacking when it comes to swag. Like the titles before it, Gleam Upon the Waves will have its own swag pack, which I’ll eventually give away at conventions and over on my store. I’m excited to share it with you. First up: the new stickers.
These will be 1.5″ vinyl like the others. I’m really pleased with how well they turned out. And those Clark Ashton Smith fans out there will appreciate my not-so-subtle reference. Bookmarks are still in production (trying something new), but I should be able to share the new button real soon.
15 days, roaders!
New 2016 Stickers
I ran out of stickers (and buttons, actually) at Norwescon, which is great. I love that people love my swag, it’s why I make it. Plus, it allows me to expand the world of The Bell Forging Cycle beyond the page.
However, I felt a few of the stickers were looking a little dated. They just weren’t as cool as the others, so since I ran out, I used this opportunity to refresh a few of the sticker designs. For those who aren’t familiar, stickers are available in my free swag packs, or you can get them by purchasing any book from my store, and of course all are available for free at conventions (along with a bunch of other stuff) as long as my stock holds out.
Let’s take a look at the new designs!
The Stars Were Right Sticker Set
There have been two new updates with The Stars Were Right set, the St. Olmstead sticker has been completely redone and now includes the logo’s lockup. I’ve also added a new skeletal maero hand, taken from the mysterious Fig. 12. It’s very metal.
Old Broken Road Sticker Set
The Old Broken Road sticker set got a pair of updates as well. This is the first time everyone is getting to see the City of Syringa seal. As with Lovat, Syringa is built upon the site of another city and there’s a reference to it in their seal. I’ve also included The City of Lovat Caravan Authority badge, the same mark that officially recognizes the Bell Caravan patches. Since Old Broken Road is about caravans I felt it was fitting.
Red Litten World Sticker Set
The Red Litten World sticker set is only six months old, so it doesn’t have any updates for 2016. But I love it, and its awesomeness is a big reason why I felt like I needed to update the previous sets. Plus I wanted to include it in this post so you can see all sets side by side.
That’s the update for the stickers this year. The outdated images on my store should be updated sometime this weekend. Remember, I give away these stickers and more in my free swag packs, just hit the Free Stuff page and learn how you can get your hands on ’em. (All I ask is you pay for shipping.)
Thoughts? Judgments? Hatred? Why not leave a comment below and tell me what you think?
The Red Litten World Swag Packs Are Now Available
A while back, I mentioned that the some of the free tchotchkes I make up for my book launches and conventions was starting to arrive. Well, on Thursday the last of it showed up in the post. That means Red Litten World swag packs are now available! Swag packs can be acquired at conventions, by purchasing signed copies of my books from my store, or ordered individually. They’re technically free, the dollar I charge at my store is to cover the cost of shipping. Or, you can send me a SASE I’ll happily send ’em to you. (Details on the Free Stuff page.) Let’s take a look at Red Litten World‘s swag…
The Red Litten World Bookmarks:
Each pack includes three bookmarks unique to Red Litten World. There’s the title bookmark featuring the lettering of Jon Contino and the Gustave Doré etching. The gargoyle bookmark features a quote from Wal taken from the book. Finally, there’s the Cedric’s sign a new location that will be revealed in the book. (There’s a fun animated version of this over on Tumblr.)
The Red Litten World Stickers:
Behold! The first colored swag for The Bell Forging Cycle! It’s not that I am averse to color, a lot of the black and white tone I set here and over on Instagram is really just a branding decision. (Also, black and white just looks sharp.) The Red Litten World title sticker is straight forward. I thought the “i got fed at Ced’s” was too fun not to do. (I’ll go into its design in a moment.) The story behind the elephant sticker is a secret. To find out more you’ll just have to read the book. Finally, there is the seal of Lovat which is a symbol that get’s stamped on Caravan Employee Registration Packets and other official city documentation.
The Red Litten World Button:
I love buttons, and the “i got fed at Ced’s” message works so perfectly in this format. I wanted it to have 70s vibe to it, mimicking the buttons and slogans that were popular during that era. The font is Caslon Black, which was designed by David Farey in the 90s and is influenced by a Caslon similar to the one used on this Carole King album. Design-nerd explanations aside, it’ll look groovy on your jean jacket.
I’m really happy with this whole set, the stickers might be my most favorite sticker set of the whole series. I like expanding the universe of The Bell Forging Cycle in weird and interesting ways and I think these little items go a long ways towards that goal.
What do you think? What’s your favorite? What’s your least favorite? Are there any other cool little giveaways I should try? Leave a comment and let me know!
Red Litten World is now only 10 days away! Remember, eBook readers, can pre-order it today for Kindle, Kobo, or Apple iBooks and have it delivered on launch day. I’m also running a giveaway where you can win one of five signed trade paperback copies of Red Litten World, details on how to enter here. Also, make sure to follow me on Instagram as I continue the Red Litten World Instagram Countdown.
Free Stuff Update! Improving The SASE Experience
I give away con swag for free, and I want to give it to you. For a while now many of you patient readers have been sending me little folded envelopes with a stamp in the mail. I’m happy to get them, but the process has bothered me. It seems a little slow and antiquated. Surely there is a better way to harness the power of the wondrous internet to get this stuff to you!
So, today I launched a swag section in my store. I’m currently charging a $1.00 to ship swag packs anywhere in the US. That should cover everything and expedite the process significantly. For now, only The Stars Were Right swag packs are live, but on the 14th when Old Broken Road launches, I’ll have Old Broken Road swag packs available. (I’m really excited about that one, new button, three new bookmarks, and new stickers. It’s very cool.)
Keep in mind, any time you buy my books direct from me, not only do I sign it, I also include a full swag pack. I might not be as cheap as Amazon, but I do include a lot of fun stuff.
So, yeah, I think the swag section is a pretty solid improvement. If you don’t have a credit card, I’m still happy to accept SASEs (address is on the Free Stuff page.) Just trying to get as much free stuff into your hands as quick I can!
New Swag Packs Are Available
Did you know I am happy to send you swag for free? Well I am! As of last night I am now offering new swag packs with goodies based on The Stars Were Right and my upcoming sequel Old Broken Road. This is the stuff I give away at my booth at cons, things like: bookmarks, stickers, and buttons. Each swag pack comes with:
- TWO 1″ buttons
- THREE bookmarks
- A set of FOUR stickers
I’ll send all this to you for free. All you have to do is send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
K. M. Alexander c/o FreeSwag
P.O. Box 28805
Seattle, WA 98118
For now, let’s keep this U.S. only, unless you’re willing to pay for international postage both ways, I have no problem dropping it in the mail. I just know it can be expensive.
I check my P.O. Box once a week, so it won’t be long before I get your goodies in the post. You can find out more on my Free Stuff page, and check out the free downloadable Old Broken Road backgrounds as well. Who doesn’t like free stuff?
K. M. Alexander 
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