Published Today: The Tempered Steel of Antiquity Grey

Hi Mech Pilots,

Today is the official publication date for The Tempered Steel of Antiquity Grey.

That’s right. My science fantasy novel is now in fine bookstores. It’s taken a long time and a lot of patience and energy to see this day. All of the printing delays. All of the binding delays. That stupid barcode that didn’t make it on the back of the book. As a matter of fact, I have Darth Vader stuck in my head this morning saying, “This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of Kenobi, and will soon see the end of the rebellion.” Replace “Kenobi” with “delays,” and “end of the rebellion” with “readers actually reading the book.” Good ole Vader, sharing my thoughts exactly.

Anyway, thank you to everyone who has helped spread word about Antiquity’s story, or has read the book, or has reviewed the book. Or all of them put together. It means a lot. I can’t do this without you. A writer and a reader work as one. A book is worthless without a reader. And an author is just as worthless if they aren’t being read. So thank you! One thing you can do: If you review the book now on Amazon or the like — or if you have already reviewed the book — send me an email. I have a SF short story gift for you.

Today, I will be conducting a virtual event with University Book Store to celebrate the release of Antiquity’s hardcover. Terry Brooks will be joining me, which will make it quite fun. Be sure to join the virtual event. It is free to everyone though buying a book from University Books would be an awesome way to support them for offering this event. If you do, I’ll give you a 25%-off discount code for The Signed Page you can use on one book.

And why is Terry joining me? He has always been my friend, my mentor, my cheerleader. Someone wrote me on Twitter this morning and said this about the book, which reminded me how important Terry has been to my professional writing life:

“Just finished “The Tempered Steel of Antiquity Grey”. How to explain in so few characters? It’s exceptional. I hope @ShawnSpeakman will understand/appreciate when I say I can FEEL the @TerryBrooks. Unique story. Well written. Couldn’t put it down. Exceptional. Can’t wait for more.”

As you can see, even the readers see Terry’s influence in my work. I’m proud of that. And honestly, I can’t imagine a better influence on my writing than his. Plus, we all know he has the best readers. Judine says so.

So be sure to register for the event TODAY and join us TONIGHT at 6:00 PM PT.

What else should I share?

Well. Let’s do a giveaway. I have (5) five signed copies of The Undone Life of Jak Dreadth that I’m willing to part with. First, SHARE this blog post on your social media. THEN enter the giveaway below. That easy. I’ll draw winners Friday, January 28th at 11AM PT in a Facebook Live.

Back to work for me. I’m under deadline for that Hollywood novella I owe. See many of you tonight at the virtual event!

With Mech Magic,
Shawn