ILONA ANDREWS

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author

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No More Authorlords

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Dear Book Devouring Horde,

The Authorlord thing started as a joke, and we were never 100% comfortable with the nickname. Several times people had a problem with it, because they thought it was required and we demanded to be called that. Every time this happens, we have to explain that no, this is a joke, etc.

Today is the final day of our Authorlord reign. Have some tea, talk among yourselves, and please pick a different nickname. If you see suggestions you like, +1 and we will put it to the vote.

Love you,

Former Authorlords

Update: Comments are now closed due to high volume of responses. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Please see the next post for the updates.

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Comments

  1. I’m sorry, but I had a heartattack when I saw the notification for this post.

    I thought you were retiring from writing!!

  2. *gasp of relief* I thought you were quitting writing entirely!

    Hmm. New nickname…*thinkthinkthink* I got nothing. You are just Ilona Andrews to me. Usually with some sort of ‘awesome, great, love the books, go read now’ appended when I’m mentioning you to others *shrug*

    • OMG, don’t scare me like that again, please! I though you guys were retiring from writing! ?
      I’m awful at coming up with nicknames, but I’m sure some people in your fan base already have ideas ❤️❤️❤️

    • If we’re the Book Devouring Horde, aren’t you the Book Enablers? Or Book Providers if you don’t like the enabling part 😉

  6. Ilona and Gordon is fine with me, but I’m sure someone highly creative will come up with something. Also, I’ve never thought of you by that nickname. It’s cute and all, but it’s not just something I used, and you two just aren’t the kind of people to demand to be addressed by a certain name. Hope all is improving after what’s passed in the last few weeks!

  9. Usually rejecting the nickname is the very thing that makes it stick. That said, you are time time thieves for stealing so much of mine.

    • “Time Thieves” has a good sound to it. Although there are other authors that fit this nickname just as well.

  11. That headline was Not a good start to my morning! But, okay, I get the reasoning. Not how I ever thought of you two, though, so that’s fine. I think of you as a team–The Andrews– like I think of Barb and JC Hendee as The Hendees.

    • Well, that headline certainly got everyone’s attention. So relieved you’re still with us.
      We could always promote you from lordhood to godhood; then you’d be the Authorgods. My other thought was Writers of Marvelous Deliciousness, which we could shorten to WMD. But it does imply that you write cookbooks, which would be welcomed by your Orro fans but a bit misleading.

  12. As long as you continue to write books that inspire us to be the “Book Devouring Horde”, we will call you whatever you want!
    I too never called you Authorlords in my head, just chuckled whenever I read that.
    I hope you write stuff that makes you happy as well.

  14. Hmm, too long though, Servants/Devotees of Calliope, Erato, Melpomene and Thalia (Aspect of CEMT?). Or Conduit of the muses?

  16. Someone earlier mentioned Time Thieves then someone else said they always think of you as a team.

    How about Team Time Thieves? You could be Triple T (TTT) for short?

  17. Dynamic writing Duo?
    Wonder Spouses?
    The Great and Powerful Andrews?
    Living Creativity Engine?
    ( I am terrible at this but that was a fun experiment.)

  18. Awesome Writer Duo. or AWD for short 🙂 which would confuse ppl as it could be all wheel drive for when you both kick into gear in a fight scene.

  21. That post title gave me palpitations!

    When I talk about y’all, I call you “my favorite author” and they know of who I’m talking about.

    That doesnt work as a nickname to replace the other, but I cant wait to see what is suggested.

  23. Well, since no “Lords” I guess “Supreme Ruler” or “Grand High Poohbah” are also out. ? Looking forward to what people suggest.
    I also second, third…15th, the momentary panic. Pre morning caffeine that’s just not correct!

  25. I have a Personal Writing Deity, (though if he doesn’t finish book three soon, his cult may die out.).
    If Lords is out, I guess Deities really won’t make the cut, huh?

  26. I don’t think a nickname will be forthcoming today. We are all trying to recover from various states of stress at the post name…the horror we felt at having no new books from our beloved Ilona and Gordon…
    I know my heart stopped at a sudden and unexpected declaration that had me thinking I was doomed.

    I’m just going to keep reminding myself to breathe….breathe more wonderful books are coming…they are gonna keep writing for now….the world has not ended….breathe.

    Your humble BDH member.

  27. This suddenly reminded me of a dialogue between Curran and Kate when Curran mentioned himself as ‘Lord’ then Kate just rolled her eyes in Magic Bites??

    My comment: Hmm, another nickname besides ‘Authorlord’ or whatsoever that has no ‘lord’? How about… ‘Your Majesty’?

    My (actual) comment: Just kidding. I’m sorry I just can’t resist..??? I really have no idea yet. Maybe need to wait for others to comment

  28. This will probably be a no, but what about Author gods? I know you don’t view yourselves as such but your fans know it’s just a joke.

  30. Heart resumed beating OK. I can think of one dreadful one – ILGOR – sounds like a character!

  33. I am one of those people who always had a problem with it. As an aside, you guys write such self-aware stories and i read your blog from time to time, and i never thought you ever demanded to be called that.

    That said, the name IS obnoxious. And i feel some people on the facebook page has gotten to the point that you guys can do no wrong. That’s wrong. I say this with 100% confidence: thinking and encouraging a person that they can do no wrong is WRONG. And i feel the use of the name has encouraged people to be this.. raving… fandom whatever thing.

    Case in point? Somebody commented over the link of this story on facebook, “why do people fucking ruin things?”. Uhm. I guess only one way of thinking is accepted there? It’s getting to be very uncomfortable being there.

    This is the turn in the road when good writers can turn bad, because they get deified, and you guys write a lot about the fallibility of deification so i don’t have to reiterate.

    I love your writing. I love your stories. I bought each one of your books since Kate 2, pre ordered the future ones, and I went and bought the rest of your backstories, whatever i could get online. I think your books taught me a lot about being an adult and teaching me to think logically. My life feels a little greyer when i think i wont get Hugh 2 til next year. If that’s not love, if that’s not a huge fan, i don’t know what is.

    But even loving your stories like this, i still think the name AuthorLords is. Just. So. Not . You. And everytime i read it, i feel hives coming on.

    That said, whatever some people call you, as long as you keep churning great stories, I’ll keep buying.

    • If you don’t like being there, don’t be. Joining a fan group isn’t a requirement. But Anna, I do not need you to police how we conduct ourselves in public or how other fans conduct themselves in public. I have hundreds of people who explain to me what I do wrong in my fiction and daily life every week as it is.

      • +1 to Anna.
        I have the freedom to look away from what annoys me online but I stick around here because I enjoy your updates, life tidbits and most importantly, fiction. But this whole ‘nickname’ thing is a bit weird to me as well and asking your fans to re-name you with you getting final say on the fawning favorite nickname is a bit…over the top.

        It’s interesting how you characterize one person saying ‘urk, I agree, Authorlords sucks and this is all a bit much sometimes’ as policing how you and everyone conducts themselves in public but openly ask for and welcome 200 comments contemplating your wonder as ‘author hordes’ and ‘book lords’. Ya gotta take the good with the bad as you shouldn’t police your fans if we aren’t exactly what you want us to be as well.

        That said, PLEASE take care of yourself and family and do not worry about this very unimportant stuff such as nicknames and fandom trappings. 😀

        • “But this whole ‘nickname’ thing is a bit weird to me as well and asking your fans to re-name you with you getting final say on the fawning favorite nickname is a bit…over the top.”

          Why does a nickname automatically have to be fawning? If the nickname is IA, would that be over the top, too?

          It is the nature of the fandom to nickname itself and writers of the content they enjoy. The good news is, that you, personally, don’t have to be part of fandom. Being a fan vs just being a reader brings no special benefits. We have no street teams, gate keepers, levels of participation, certificates, badges – with the exceptions of Facebook which issues them by some arcane algorithm – and we do not place any one reader of the blog or member of the fan group above others. The exception being moderators, who have special status because they volunteer their time. So joining a fan group or calling yourself a fan is completely voluntary and doesn’t distinguish one in any way.

          “It’s interesting how you characterize one person saying ‘urk, I agree, Authorlords sucks and this is all a bit much sometimes’ as policing”

          Except that’s not what was said. What was said was:

          “Case in point? Somebody commented over the link of this story on facebook, “why do people fucking ruin things?”. Uhm. I guess only one way of thinking is accepted there? It’s getting to be very uncomfortable being there.”

          The Facebook fan group is moderated by volunteers. They are going through the rapidly incoming comments on two threads and are moderating as fast as they can. Anna above nitpicked a single comment out of 100+ comments before it could be moderated, ignored the other comments which said mostly variations of “Bummer” and “Oh well, let’s pick something else” and “I never liked the nickname either,” ignored my participation in the thread, and made a sweeping conclusion on the base of that one comment that “I guess only one way of thinking is accepted there?”

          Anna’s comment is designed to inflame. It’s not fair to moderators, it is unfair to us, and to the other readers. It implies that we all created a hostile environment, when we are actively making sure that everyone is treated well.

          Your comment is also designed to inflame. You imply that we require that people fawn over us when the post specifically asks that the fandom stops using a term we are uncomfortable with on the basis that it might be misconstrued as fawning.

          Flame wars have never been tolerated on this blog and they won’t be allowed.

  34. Preceptors! Or maybe Marshals (both have a nice ring, and have the added bonus of being from your books).

    Although, I must admit, the Grand High Poohbah comment someone jokingly made had me laughing way too hard. I think I need more coffee 🙂

  35. – Beloved Wordsmiths, BWs
    – Purveyors of Romantic Adventures (this sounds a little dubious out of context though)
    – Official Chefs to the Horde

    Also, please don’t give me heart-failure before my first coffee!

  37. Our fearless leaders. Naaa
    Our fearless writers. Ehhh

    Maybe something in Latin…
    Timere Partum
    (Translated: fearless creative)

    IA works for me tho.

    Fun to think about. ?

    Happy writing and living life. No matter what we call ya, know we love you both. Cheers!

    • +1 to IA or I&G or anything like that.

      Yes, I am aware I have +1’d several things. Nowhere did it say I only have to vote once.

  39. Hm… if you aren’t lords anymore, how about barons? I like Authorbarons.

    (I’m kidding… mostly)

  40. I don’t believe in nicknames, you are simply know as you are. You are a talented team that make amazing stories. I look forward to everything you write including the blog! A rare commodity in today’s society. We are all here proud of your already combined name for we buy/rent your books!

  41. I have no problem with authorlords, because I think it’s humorous and actually, quite appropriate in the best of ways.

    I appreciate you so much. Please, never retire.

    And I yearn for the day you can have a signing up north. I live in Wisconsin, and I would drive to Chicago or Minneapolis to see you. Please consider ?

  43. If we’re the Book Devouring Horde, aren’t you the Book Enablers? Or Book Providers if you don’t like the enabling part ?

    • Also, I don’t see a need for a nickname unless you want it. Ilona Andrews or Ilona and Gordon work just fine!

  44. I thought about other instances in which aristocratic titles were abandoned and looked up what happened after the French deposed of the nobility: The Reign of Terror. Probably not what you were looking for. And The Artists Formerly Known As Authorlords (TAFKAA) is quite a mouthful. Just no. Even though I’ve been giggling about it for the last five minutes… forget about that.
    So I abandoned that whole train of thought and looked up synonyms for wordsmiths: word slingers, ink slingers, scribes, scripters, scribblers, originators. I realize there must be something better out there but maybe these help someone come up with the perfect name. 🙂

    P.S.: Everybody else already said it, but I have to add my voice to the choir: Don’t scare me like that!

  45. We could copy the artist formerly known as Prince and change it to a symbol / icon – perhaps a sword as a pen after all words are mightier than the sword but your characters still kick butt with one 🙂

    Seriously though, jokes and nicknames – and especially jokey nicknames – do wear thin after a while so a change would be good to one you two don’t have to explain. I’m not a linguist or a creative type though so I will leave the suggestions to people with those types of skills.

    • Synonyms for storyteller
      storyteller. author, relator, fabler, narrator, minstrel, teller, bard, poet, biographer, chronicler, raconteur, anecdotist, teller of tales, spinner of yarns, fabulist, fabricator, prose writer.

  46. I love y’all’s work but am an erratic reader of the blog, etc. I think I didn’t realize this was a thing people called you, much less that there was associated friction.
    I always use the full pen name, sometimes tacking on the universes you write if memories need a jog.

    Write-wrights?

  47. I personally think that whoever has a problem with it should get stuffed and no longer be on this blog. With that said do not scare the faithful like that again. So for my entry, it is The WORDSMITHS, although you will always be my Authorlords.

  48. When I saw the captioned I smiled. People seek leadership, especially when they seek balance in their life.
    When the attributes of integrity, honesty, love, a strong sense of right and wrong are fitted into strong writing and presentation, people worship.
    It is evident from all you have written whether it is a blog, story, comment or even when interviewed you do not seek godhood.
    Whether it was a joke or a sincere acclamation to the strength of character you embody, some of the people who follow you seek that sense of spirituality, strength and moral guidance you provide.
    This current action speaks of your wholeness of spirit, intent and understanding that you can love and admire an author, yet you do not need to worship them to be a part of the community they have created.
    Joy to you and all that follow you. May the new nickname capture the joy, fun and wisdom we all share in being in this community together and enjoying your works.

  49. I.A. makes me think of AI and the out of this world dynamic, intelligent offerings you provide us

  50. House Andrews?
    Author-Khans?

    I’m terrible at these things. But I’m hoping whatever is picked is a play on something from the books. I love our nickname, the book-devouring horde!

    I’m also very happy you’re not retiring!

  51. Word-smiths is a nice one.

    I first heard it coined in the early 80’s by a comic book writer named Chris Claremont. It’s nice, neutral, and still underscores the fact that building worlds and stories is forging process of blood, sweat, and tears.

    Much love, hope the shenanigans ease,

    MB

  52. Going out on a limb here, I think you should go with “we” or possibly, “us”. If you go with anything else, Lord knows (sorry) that someone will complain about it.

  53. I’d suggest Executive directors of the Universe but that is already taken by me. We’re doing very well thank you. How about the kind writers?

  54. Could we not be the Wonder Twins? Given that Jayna can transform into any animal real or imagined while Zan can turn into a puddle of water, it seems appropriate.

  55. Sorry to hear that, though of course I respect your choice. You give us much happiness, and you should have a name you’re comfortable with and enjoy.

    Only ones I can think of at the moment are the Gordons and the Iggies. Maybe some other fans will have suggestions. I hope you find a name you both like.

    -Ed

  57. Word slingers or like previously stated Word smiths…

    No matter what you are called on the blog, I will adore your writing in the formal books and the informal blog.

    Sending good feelings y’alls way!!

  59. Ack, apologies. I meant that to say The Andrews and The Iggies. Hope someone suggests a better option.

    -Ed

    • Worldsmiths is my favorite. I like Wordsmiths, too, but since y’all create such cool places for our minds to gather in I’m suggesting Worldsmiths.

  61. I always liked AI. Works everywhere except Fantasy/SciFi groups were they think it means “artificial Intelligence”. lol

  62. I was never a fan of that nickname. Mainly because my brain couldn’t pronounce it for some reason. It always came out “Arthur-lods”, which made my brain twitch and my face giggle. That being said, I’m NOT voting for Arthur-lods. I only refer to you two as “My favorite Authors.” Here are a few options just for kicks and tickles.
    I & G
    DJ Magic Writes A-lot
    Happy fun time party pants
    IGA
    Thats all I’ve got for now. Honestly, Ilona Andrews works just fine.

    • Not IGA…. That’s the name of a grocery store. I’m not sure if it’s still in business, but there are those who might remember it. 😀

    • +1 for DJ Magic Writes-a-Lot
      OR
      +1 for Horde Lord’s

      While I love the term Author Lords, if you are not comfortable with it, you don’t need to be called that…. that said, I like either of the above nicknames.
      While I love House Andrews/Gordon, I don’t want your work to be confused with another author’s, so I vote no for those.

      • Sorry… Horde Keepers, not Lord.. then you would have the same type of problem all over again

  64. I always thought authorlords was cute. However, I never thought I was required to call you that and generally just think of you as Ilona Andrews or the authors who ruined bad books for me.

    I can understand how some might be offended by the term, but I’m a bit baffled that someone who is offended by it is reading your books. /shrug

    How about Benevolent Booksmiths

    • I agree. I liked authorlords. It made me laugh. I am sorry (and bummed) that were those that felt they needed to challenge this and make it into something it wasn’t. I wish I could come up with a great name for you. The house thing is great, but what happens when you stop writing the Hidden Legacy?
      Sadly, I think whatever name you come up with, someone is going to take offense. Instead of taking it as a joke, they will believe you filled with hubris (as was done in this case).

      Side Note: I thought maybe ‘Angels of Darkness’ was going to be a series? I thought I read that somewhere.

  65. I like” wordsmiths “ as your descriptive nickname. It speaks to your high craft level in storytelling.
    Sorry the previous nickname made you cringe( nicknames are like that!)
    AL buried in cement to float to the depths of the Marianna Trench)

    • My issue with “wordsmiths” is all of the other excellent authors deserving of the title. “Authorlords” was at least a unique name limited to this blog. Wordsmith (n)/wordsmithing (v) are terms already used elsewhere.

  71. Nickname option: The Raconteurs
    Definition (so if you don’t know you don’t have to look it up): A person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly.

    • Ok I can not drive the site. I was 1 + for House Andrews.

      Love all the books. Hope kids all get better!

  76. Dear Authorlords:

    With things the way they are nowadays, I believe that no matter what nickname is picked, it is going to offend somebody or something somewhere in the world. People seem not to get jokes anymore, and find ways to get or be offended by anything and everything. I would offer my most wonderful suggestion to replace “Authorlords”, but it might offend a puffin. Best wishes for a great replacement nickname for “Authorlords” and hope this time around at least you guys are 100% comfortable with it.

    Book Devouring Horde Top Member

  77. No name comment from me. You guys keep writing, I’ll keep reading. 🙂 Just take time for yourselves and ignore the outside noise.

  78. Technically since we’re the Book Devouring Horde, you should be the Khan and Khanum of the Horde. But I have a feeling the same type of people who have an issue with the Authorlord joke would not get the Khan and Khanum joke.

    Therefore, I agree with Book Cooks or Wordsmiths. OR CRAZINESS, the Architects (because there is no way Cones of Dunshire is as good as your books, sorry Ben Wyatt).

    • +1
      That’s got it! It’s true to the canon, and frankly, as we all know the Horde needs a strong leadership. Battle trained, hard-headed, fanged uber-warriors seems about right.

  79. Oh my gosh I guess I don’t pay much attention to nicknames. I’ve never really noticed the author lords thing. Well whatever people call you is fine or however you sign your posts! I tend to just think of authors the way their names appear on the books.

  81. I hope all goes well with Kid 1.
    Call yourselves Whatever you want. I realize the name was a jike, but in todays enviroment, it seems that no one can take a joke and no one seems to have a sense of humor.

  82. Since we are the Book Devouring Horde, I like Horde Keepers. But whatever is decided…We will still be your loyal subjects. =)

    Good Luck with the MRI! I hope you guys get some news you can act on.

  83. If we are the Book Devouring Horde, perhaps you could be the Horde Herders, or Horde Lords, or Horde Enablers.

  85. Because the thought made me laugh, I might as well share:

    The Authors who say Ni!

    (But my actual vote still goes to Team Andrews, as Lisa Pepper suggested.)

  86. How about Horde House? HH for short. Characteristics:. Many clever beings (BDH) brought together by a love of story under the wise guidance and nefarious plotting of the authors.

    • Or House Horde? The BDH will call you whatever you want… My Dad used to add “just don’t call me late for dinner!” That about sums it up.

  87. I would like to propose some play on your initials IA…
    Interstellar Authors
    But you also write fantasy
    Incredible Authors is to close to author lords I guess.
    Innocuous, indubitable, invinsible, indomitable
    Is there a scrabble king/queen out there who knows fancy I-words? Off to check the dictionary

  88. Wishing you the best! <3

    Personally, I think you both have lovely names, and I'm happy to call you whatever you'd like to be called.

    I hope everything goes well with the MRI, and sending warm, happy thoughts your way.

  89. I like both the previously mentioned Horde Keepers and House Andrews.

    There is a disadvantage to both thou.
    HK: it sounds like your job is to mind us, the BDH (we are keeping the title, right?), when in fact it is our solemn duty to mind and devour everything you write (we are human locusts in a way, lol)
    HA: outsiders might assume it’s a game of thrones reference.

    That said, either one sounds awesome to me.

    Good luck for your kid’s MRI, never fun if it’s a closed one.

  90. Since we are a Horde I think it would be appropriate to use Khan and Khanum… since they (and we) were your invention. Regardless, we love your work!

  91. I got nothin’ that isn’t on the comments already. (Though I did have a mental picture of “Fearless Leader” from Rocky and Bullwinkle for just a minute…)
    Pick something you can live with. We are stubborn, but not stupid. The BDH will call you what you want to be called, and you can correct those of us who forget. I always thought the “AL” nickname was ironic, not literal. Nevertheless, when you say “Don’t call me Chief!” – you got it.

    Hope the prognosis is good after the MRI and you kid is feeling better soon.

  92. I have recently had a full head and cerebral spine MRI with and without contrast. It took a total of 1.5 hours. The tech apologized profusely that it took so long. My witty comeback was that I am the mother of two small children. I never get to lay still and zone out the world. I guess possibly having a stroke is all I needed to do to get 1.5 hours to myself. (ba-dum-ching!) I am 1.5 months out from the initial episode, still have headaches but not as severe. Today I also get to see a neurologist so maybe someone can explain what the heck happened. I totally get the anxiety of the unknown for my own health. I also get the anxiety of knowing they are looking for patterns of brain damage to understand what has been happening to me. I cannot fathom the idea of going through this for my own children. I find hope that we have the ability to diagnose and treat so many ailments. I will be thinking of you all and drinking herbal tea, sending calm vibes out.

  93. I think that you both have perfectly fine names, and that’s that. Although the title of this wa rather terrifying! Glad you are continuing on!

  94. Has to be some form of IG ( for Ilona and Gordon).

    For “I”, “itinerant” seems appropriate, but I can’t come up with something clever for the “G”.

    Greatness? Givers? Gabbers? Gangsters? Gastropods?

    Heh. Itinerant ganstas. Lol

    Will someone better than me, please take over.

  95. I like House Andrews +1
    I don’t know if this was said earlier but…what about ‘Word Keepers’ or ‘The Seeker of words’?
    Much appreciation, hope all goes well.

    • Not all meanings of the acronym SoW would show our appreciation. *grin*
      +1 for House Andrews

  96. If you don’t like HordeKeepers (suggested above), then an alternative could be HordeSitters. It’s close to babysitters. 😉

  98. Off topic: every time I comment, I get an error screen*. I hit back, reload, and my comment is there, but is anyone else having this issue?

    *Error 1101
    (Lots of small text numbers)
    Worker threw exception

    (Description of what happened)

    • Exact copy, minus varying font sizing:

      Error 1101 Ray ID: 4ff936cb2e56cbc0 • 2019-08-01 16:33:29 UTC
      Worker threw exception
      What happened?
      You’ve requested a page on a website (www.https-proxy.com) that is on the Cloudflare network. An unknown error occurred while rendering the page.
      What can I do?
      If you are the owner of this website:
      you should login to Cloudflare and check the error logs for http://www.https-proxy.com.

  99. I guess it never bothered me ….. several of the suggestions listed work but it’s up to you guys! But I’m perfectly happy with your names since that’s how I think of you guys.

  101. It seems to me that the easiest thing would just be to call you by your names and forgo the nicknames entirely.

  103. I am so relieved. When I first saw the title of this post I thought that you were announcing your retirement from writing. I will gladly use any title that you are comfortable with. Just please please do not quit writing.

  106. Feeders of the Horde?
    I like Book Cooks! Makes me think of Orro!
    The Inncleaners? (you clean up after Dina & Assoc. often enough!)
    Tamers of the Horde? (we do get a little rowdy sometimes.)

  107. I’ll call you what I’ve always called you, my most favoritest authors ever! I’ve been reading you since before e-books, love your worlds!
    Sending you well wishes on your kiddos MRI!

  108. This seems as good a place as any to ask the question that has been driving my inner grammarian bugnuts: when I refer to Ilona Andrews (or James SA Corey, or any other one-named writing team), am I referring to “his/her” books* or am I referring to “their books”. The first is technically grammatically correct (“Ilona Andrews is awesome, I can’t recommend her books enough”), (singular/singular agreement) but the second is factually correct (“Ilona Andrews is awesome, I can’t recommend their books enough”) (singular/plural disagreement).
    ____
    *”his” or “her” according to the gender of the chosen name, although I have been shifting my language to the gender-neutral “hir” in cases of a known mixed-gender team.

    • Hundreds of years of singular they FTW, which makes the whole disagreement thing kind of moot?

      – language descriptivist

      (That being said, if our hosts don’t like it, I respect their choice of pronouns?)

    • You can use “they / their/ them” for gender neutral single or plural. I admit, it makes my grammarian heart cringe, though!

      English has already lost our 2nd person singular (familiar), “thou / thine / thee”, which spawned “y’all” as a (regionally scorned) substitute plural. I would prefer adding “hir” (what’s the nominative, he or she, for that?), or “zhi / zhir”, but it seems like linguistic trends go the easy way and “they / their” seems to be gaining in usage.

      • Regionally scorned? where? Not in the south. I use it and it’s preferable to yous guys as used by relatives in the north (in my humble opinion LOL). I admit, I’ve only recently started using it in writing (my grammarian mother is probably rolling over in her grave). And thanks, but I don’t want to go back to thou, thine and thee – smacks way too much religion for me, I’m afraid. Have used they/their all my life (60+), so it’s a surprise to hear it called a trend. Learn something new every da.. day, as a friend says, not always happily.

        I’d always taken Authorlords as an “in” joke. So surprised to hear anyone thought it was required. Ah well. Some folks are just a wee tad too serious. I’ve no suggestions as to a substitute nickname, as I’m with someone else’s idea – refer to our authors by their names!

  109. Writing Super Heroes
    Super Duo
    The truth is I will call u whatever u want as long as u continue to write!!!!!

  110. Can’t we just tell the people who don’t get that it’s a joke to remove the stick from their arse? I’ll keep the kiddo in my thoughts, I know how hard it is when your child is ill.

  112. UFA Urban Fantasy Andrews
    Unique Fabulous Authors
    There are so many ways to refer to this writing duo! Whatever is decided. I will continue to recommend the excellence that is the combination of two worthwhile individuals. Thank you for all your work, and please continue as life permits. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for Kid1.

  113. Oh goodness, when I first saw the title I thought you were somehow not going to be writing any more. Would have had to go out and buy some pearls so I could clutch them! I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this, and I’ll certainly be happy with whatever you’d like to call yourselves. 🙂

  114. I see your Wordsmiths, and raise you Worldsmiths for these two amazing world-builders.

    Zen hugs to the Andrews family. Humans, get a sense of humor already. I’m sure you can find one at Baha-Char.

  115. If we’re the Horde, it follows you’re the Khanums!
    I thing a huge majority of us never minded what everyone else called you, as long as they called it with love. It’s nice to have a sense of community with like minded people, sharing inside jokes and symbols that bind you together.

  117. Enablers of the Book Devouring Horde?

    Just keep writing. I will call you whatever you want as long as you keep on doing what you do so well.

  120. Whaaaaaaaat? No more Authorlords? Daaaaaaaarn, that is so sad.
    Feels like an end to an era. T________T

    Did some people really think that was like, smt official and demanded?
    Sigh T____T
    It was done purely out of fun, respect and ease of the term and also our love & admiration for Ilona & Gordon as authors who create stories we love to read.

    How am I supposed now to write in my reviews…and talk with my mates on Goodreads about Authorlords…the “Authorlords” term for ease of use & endearment always managed to slip into conversations…this will be difficult T___T
    But if it creates discomfort you guys, ok, it’ll go 🙁

    • I saw a post on the Ilona Andrews Fans page yesterday that questioned the title, which is what I think prompted this response (because of the timing). Personally, my response when I saw that was “you’ve got to be kidding!” But, some people have no sense of humor. I agree, that person should hop over to Baha Char and pick one up (I wish).

  121. Hope all goes well with Kid1. Can’t believe how some people can get their knickers in a twist over silly things. No matter what we call you, you’ll always be “the Authorlords” to your devoted followers.

  122. I guess this is as good a time as any to ask it: if “Authorlords” era has come to an end, I had another one I frequently used as a term of ease and endearment – “IA gods”.
    The two were basically my main “nicknames” if you will, when referring to the author duo of Ilona Andrews.
    …can we still use “IA gods”?

  124. Well, I suppose that also leaves out Divine Authors, (DA). Hmmm, Magnificent Duo (MD) or Writers Extraordinaire (WE) No matter, the BDH will find something. Too bad there are so many people without a sense of humor. Good luck to you and Kid1, there is an answer out there.

  126. Granters of Words, Appeasers of the Horde, Purveyors of Worlds, Authors Extraordinaire, the Fantastic Fantasy Fiction Duo – please welcome Ilona Andrews! [cheering]

    (In my mind I am imagining Paul Bettany in Knight’s Tale delivering the introduction for Heath Ledger)

  127. To quote someone from the other side of the fence: “Why do people f*cking ruin things?”

    I really like Authorlords and see it as a fun way to show our appreciation towards you and when you used it, I considered it being used tongue-in-cheek.
    The name emerged by chance and somehow stuck. For me it was a way to write “Ilona and Gordon” as one word, also it has only two syllables, so my lazy brain reads “Authorlords” quicker.

    So far, I do not like most of the suggestions, mainly because they feel forced and artificial.
    House Andrews would be appropriate, but you guys are not a house! So Authorkhans has my vote (probably not in the running, due to it being the title of a ruler, which would probably be even worse than Lords, but it has two syllables, so my brain likes it).
    The Horde Keepers is probably mostly correct in this case but could be shortened to Keepers, which, again, is probably not appropriate.

    I am annoyed that people seem to complain so much that you are forced to change your interaction with your readers and your creative processes (no funny nickname, no Julie books). On the other hand, if you guys do not like “Authorlords” and want it changed, that’s a different matter.
    But then I wouldn’t let people vote on the next nickname. Who knows what might stick? 😉

    PS: I am *really* baffled by the type of complaints you guys get and the gall of some people.

    • Honest to God, yes. I have never figured out complaining to the authors about the work they do and that I, the reader, obviously enjoy, or why the h… am I buying it? It really got my goat, to hear about the complaints over FREE Innkeeper work back last year. All I could think at the time was, are they kidding? This is not only free, meaning it’s NOT paying the bills, but a labor of love and all you can do is complain? It boggled my tiny mind. I’m still not over that. My prayers at the time were all in the vein of, please, please don’t cut all of us off due to a few idjits.

  130. I couldn’t handle a cardiac MRI (claustrophobia). Good luck and I hope you learn something useful. We will call you whatever you’re comfortable with. When I was in college, we called everyone’s parents Mom and Dad; it simplified things. The dad who eventually became my father in law loved it.

  131. i am for Horde Feeders.
    If i have to introduce myself i can say. Hello im …. i belong to the Devouring Horde Group and i am an IA addict!

  132. It’s not really a serious suggestion but how about a group/band name of ‘Sod The Telly’? because I’d rather read your books than watch TV, also it sounds a bit like создатели. (создатели is Russian for the creators).

  133. You guys are our Fearless Leaders, boldly taking us through strange and unusual worlds…which we would never have found had you not led the way. You guys are, in a manner of speaking, our Innkeepers, as you are the ones opening a portal, or gateway to elsewhere. You say you didn’t really care for the nickname “Author Lords”, but that begs the question: What would YOU prefer to be called?

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