It is the weekend so Mod R is off. You are in my moderating hands. – Ilona
Important merch news first: we will be opening for the vellum preorders on Monday.
Availability
Right now it is US only.
Canada: The cheapest shipping is $20, takes 4 weeks, and there is no guarantee it gets there or in what shape it will arrive. We are hoping to figure out some sort of cost effective option here because the vellum retails for $30 and you would be paying $20 on top of it. Ideally I would love to print vellum, ship it to a Canadian fulfillment center and have them distribute it.
UK/EU: We have the printer in UK, but we are having a difficulty finding the fulfillment center. Most of them want a steady flow of orders instead of a large drop. We are looking into it. Right now my plan is to check with various book box representatives to see if any one them would handle the fulfillment for a fee.
Why the preorder, cousin?
We don’t know what the demand will be. Our printer stocks vellum specifically for us and we need to tell them how much to order. We will not run out. If you want vellum, you will have the opportunity to order.
A funny aside: the preorder wasn’t activating, so I had to enable the site for one hour for the customer support to diagnose the issue. In that time, 6 BDH members managed to sneak in vellum orders. We will honor those orders, and they will go out next week. You guys are not getting the map, though, so if you want the map, email me or comment here, and I will hold your order until the map happens.
How long?
Officially, the preorder will run for 4 weeks and we will mail everything out at the end of that. Unofficially, if we get a lot of orders, we will start filling them as they come in.
What will be in the box?
Everything that was included in the previous trial run and Becka’s map. We have come to an agreement on the fee. The map will be printed on 80# cover gloss. Some of you might remember buying collector editions of computer games and getting a stiff glossy map inside. That’s exactly what we will be using. The advantage of 80# cover is its durability. It can be creased, folded, unfolded, folded again, and it will be fine.
Here is a video explaining the nature of the paper. It is basically soft cover grade.
We will have a sample for you as soon as the contracts are signed and the art file is finalized.
I don’t want the whole pack. I just want one.
Whether it is 1 or 6, the shipping is still $10. You would be better off with an art print from one of the artists. But once we get through this run, we will see about individual item envelopes.
Other merch?
Coming. We are working on stickers, mugs, and placemats.
Hold My Beer Coffee
A little while ago we ran this promo on Instagram
If you give BDH a hand, they will bite your arm off at the elbow. In that fine tradition, we immediately got this response on Facebook.
Behold the ridiculous video. Sound on, please.
::clears throat:: Call me Archmage.
This mug will be available in 11oz only. That is the only size they have,
Personal Things.
Rough couple of weeks for various reasons. Getting older isn’t for the faint-hearted. And this morning, I woke up to a broken pot.
One of the resident catnip addicts must’ve really wanted the catnip growing in it. I don’t know why but that pot did me in. It was pricy. I informed the cats that they are the reason we can’t have anything nice. They are unrepentant.
You can tell the stress is getting to me, because this is my latest blanket.
Like what is even happening here. It is hella pink.
The book is at 213K.
First
Saturday Certified 🙂
Cats are always unrepented. And especially in search of catnip. The mug looks amazing though.
Archmage, that mug is sooo cool (and the blanket is very pink — so cheery)!
I’m so sorry about the pot! I feel you. My cat killed a lovely handblown art glass vase that I was silly enough to leave unsecured near tile. 🙁
I now secure anything fragile with museum putty, and so far there have been no more catastrophes. I’m still bitter about the vase. Good thing the cats are adorable.
museum putty for the win!
+100
But you ARE the Archmage! You joke about something, we give you all the ‘pretty please’ chalantness with huge, pleading ferret eyes, and then with a sigh you say ‘…ok, fine’ and deliver!
So much magic! Your personal internal pile of wood must be sky high. : )
are you sure, her stack is still so high?
I rather think she has to meditate constantly to get enough for the magic she performs for us
Dearest Archmage,
So glad you wrote (everything, really). I have looked up your mug spell in the grimoire library. Yes, I had to go into that room that is locked, the one where Granny Ruth uses spiders to guard not only the door, but the grimoires themselves. I used up my twenty minutes, but did find the answer. Yes, Pink is a side effect of the mug spell. Weirdly enough, by expressing the Pink you will enhance your spell casting talents. It is also a beautiful color that imparts that beauty on the user. Congratulations! You can expect great things to come your way.
Sincerely yours,
(redacted)
+ 🙌🏼 what (redacted ) said
I have watched the mug video a few times now, and hyperventilate from the excitement each time… 😂
Alas I live in Canada. I shall w*it with hope!
Many hugs about the pot! I have the majority of my plants hanging from the ceiling because of my kitties.
You know that a percentage of FB users will see the video of the magical mug and not read a thing about it. Then they will decide that you PROMISED them it would be color-changing and they are now disappointed and heartbroken and feel lied to because they could “only” get the (gorgeous) non-magical version in the store.
As a proud card-carrying (not really, but you know we SHOULD have cards) member of the BDH, I just want to say that I know we are … kind of a lot sometimes. Sorry. It’s a good thing you love us! 🙂
By the way, when is the audio version of Beast Business getting here— we were promised this and have been waiting for YEARS. I feel some kind of way about this! (Too soon?)
Please keep in mind the BDH loves you, too!
Please remember that we also love you for yourselves, not just your word output. Treat yourselves to something stress relaxing.
The ONLY way I can have a catnip plant is to make it a hanging plant. And watch my cats sit under it and sniff.
Let me guess, it was probably Tuna. I had an indoor/outdoor cat – she wrecked everything if she wanted out & I said no.
I hope you can convince Tor to keep everything you wrote.
That mug is fabulous, I don’t think I’ve seen a better use of colour changing on heating!
And gentle supportive hugs, cups of tea, skeins of scrummy yarn etc
Ok that was a funny Facebook response! I might have to buy the mug tho I’ve put a moratorium on mug buying. Cats are never repentant, sorry for the pretty pot loss and the mess. Pink…….yeah that’s not a favorite, but it’s still lovely work. Hang in there!
Dear Damaes,
you can reach the 250k words, you are soooo close!
For a challenge however, nothing less then 300k would be acceptable ( and me and the whole bdh would be very very thrilled !).
I would even encourage you to hit the 500k ( and now I will hide before you can murder me too #NotATorch)
Definitely a +1000!
They have a 3rd book to write. I’m sure they will hit 500k, if not more.
Thank you, Ilona, for the post! Your slice of life posts are always interesting… Sorry about your flower pot incident. The mug is truly amazing! YOU are truly amazing! The blanket is beautiful! Are the flowers your design like the sunflowers? We will take all the words because you and Gordon don’t do bloat. Every word always matters to progress your stories… We will read them all. Del Ray put ‘Alchemised’ out there with 1000 pages. We will take Maggie 2 whatever the length.
Sending peace and healing energy to you and yours! Being chronologically advantaged should come with a warning label.
May everyone’s weekend be filled with safety and peace!
I’m sorry you’re stressed and that your pot broke. I’m… not sorry about the length of the book. I look forward to the day I can give you my money for it.
Ditto!!!!!!!!
+1
+1
+1000000000
+1000
+∞
+1
I was waiting for someone else to say it!!!
Darn cats.
also, the blanket is lovely. The pink will mellow with washing.
Tell the kitties that there will be rippercushions!!! Alarm set for Monday to order. I am chalant.
Just another pushy customer, I really want the vellum art, but it would be great if there was a picture of Maggie included. The other artist’s drawings were wonderful but the shipping from overseas got too rich for my blood. I suppose it’s fair as shipping from the US overseas is also ridiculous but I really wish a complete character set was available, it just loses something without the main character being illustrated also. Maybe there could be an add on, pretty please? Okay, whining over, thank you for all you do, your books have gotten me through some really hard times and I really appreciate it.
Luisa’s vellum is in the works. 🙂
Yay!!!
Screaming ensued!
Yay!! This makes me so happy!
YAY!! I prefer her version of Everard. Dreamy!
I love this blanket. I too am not a fan of pink, but I currently only have light colored kitties, so it’s light colored blankets for now (to better hide the fur). It also reminds me of my last remaining blanket that my mom made. Its from the 70’s, so it is bright, eye hurting orange, with lime green leaves on a black background. It’s a lot. I love it.
That blanket sounds COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
squeeee the mug looks so cool!!! can’t wait for the store to open.
Yeah, those mugs will totally sell out. Just saying.
+1
Pink is supposed to be calming. I once read an article referencing how a police station had great success in soothing violent and over-wrought suspects by placing them in a pink room for 15 minutes. HOWEVER, they found that if they left them in the same room for an hour, they became suicidal. Soooo……take a lot of tea breaks. okay?
OMG this is hilarious!
Thank you. It’s nice to be appreciated.
😆
A chock full blog! Vellum, informational (card stock, who knew), sadly funny (catnip burglars), beautiful 🌸 blanket and amazing merch (duke’s mug). Thank you!
So sorry about the pot. Everything smashes on my tile floors. The mug gives me goose bumps, and sometimes we all need some pink in our lives.
I love the color change mug. I had forgotten those even existed. I had one years ago.
Archmage, your powers are unparalleled 😉
I have to admit, it’s a very cool mug.
I’m sorry you have unrepentant cats- which is pretty much just cats normally- but I do like the blanket!
When I saw the first mock pic of this mug and read “The Sleepless Duke wants to take care of you WITH COFFEE” . I was all . YES> YES HE DOES. I was then a little disappointed the cup didn’t actually say that lol
Hahahaha, I love the mug video! Now, if it were real, please just make the green parts glow – I need to be able to admire that handsome mug even when there isn’t hot stuff boiling over!🤣 While we’re asking for the impossible, can we switch in a different quote to go with it? I love the first time he commits himself to her, tho she doesn’t quite recognize it for what it is: “You have me, Maggie… I’ve decided to walk this path with you. As long as you will have me by your side, I won’t allow anyone to harm you.”
Seriously, I love the things you do for us. All the vellum, all the merch, all the SNIPPETS, and of course, ALL THE PAGES! I don’t even have a hardback and I want the vellum – I’m hoping for an Owlcrate copy at some point. (Anybody want to sell theirs? Or let me come and read it one afternoon? I’m in the Tucson area, and willing to drive to Phoenix!)
Anywho, please know that your physical and mental health comes First, the book writing is second and all the other stuff is just frosting on the cake! We deeply appreciate all that you do for us Horde-ers, don’t let us drive you crazy. We love you and all that you do. (Bigger is Better, Tor!)
I’ve seen Owlcrate editions for sale on Mercari. Most are unreasonably marked up, but there are the random ones that pop up for a good price. They go quickly though. (I’ve bought quite a few things from there and have had good luck. The seller doesn’t get the money until you say you got it and don’t file a complaint, or 3 days pass, so there’s some safety built in.)
What do you mean, the mug in the video is not real? But it looked so pretty. I want it to be real so much.
OMG, I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting for the merch. It is so pretty. And I need new laptop stickers because my ferret heist stickers peeled off. BUT…….i live in Australia. Any hints on when Aussie BDH members can get their hands on vellum and other pretties?
My cat is definitely the reason I can’t have nice things. Anything fragile that I want to display has to live in the barrister bookcases. I gave up on indoor plants of any kind, including cut flowers, within a few months of adopting him. He even managed to knock over and break the wooden base of an oriental style lamp, one of a pair from my grandmother’s house. It’s repairable, but just jury-rigged for now because he’s almost certain to knock it over again one day.
Gotta love the mugs! My family has the ones from a vet school where the silhouettes of animals disappear, leaving their skeletons on view. With enough uses, the silhouettes fade permanently. I wouldn’t complain if I had to look at Ramon all the time however.
Not generally a fan of pink, but some pinks are nicer than others, and that blanket is lovely. The tactile and visual comfort of working with that yarn must be amazing. I hope you find some downtime to enjoy soon.
I have never actually cried out in wonder at a mug before. Not even close. My husband asked me what I was watching – I said he wouldn’t get it. Perhaps I underestimate him.
Archmage of archmages!!!!!!
*prostrates self at feet of said archmage*
Love your tidbits of life and thank you for your mad magical skill. Thank you for all the world building! Know we don’t know each other, but I am all about you and yours having a healthy life!
I don’t know if I even dare ask if the second Maggie book is finished:) Should we do the auction thing? “we’re at 213, who will bid 214, thank you ma’am, 214, who will give me 215, oh, the gentleman at the back says 250, who will give me 251′ etc, etc.
Or we can just do the prize winning guess at actual ‘end’ word count with the winner getting (for instance) the Sleepless Duke mug!
I love this idea.
I understand the pain of cattiness. My most recent episode of cat violence took out my “do you wish to discuss “ mug. Yes, my mini higgra took out my dushegub!
I love this book so much and can’t wait for the second one, the longer the better. (Sorry, not sorry)
I bought the UK blackwell’s version with the sprayed flowered edges, which I love. But now it seems the vellum pages won’t fit? I’m tempted to buy them anyway, but any plans for a version that fits? Just checking.
I love your blogs! Thank you for giving so much to the Horde!
That mug video is awesome Lol!
I think the blanket looks lovely, but I don’t mind pink.
I wish you could ship to Canada, but given the state of Canada Post, I wouldn’t trust anything getting here either.
oh well.
Good luck with all the words!!!!
BRAVO!!!! I’ll have to get many to satisfy my cup volume, lol.
The mug??? Maybe!
Beautiful blanket. It will be comforting if you can keep the cats off it. Sorry about the pot, though.
Archmage Ilona, you are amazing!!! That mug is awesome!
As is the new word count – squeeee!
Small request: would it possible to have the “assassins have failed” mug (latte size – gosh I guess it’s not a small request 😬) with the stelka instead of the cute kitty? 😘
Such a pretty blanket.
Um….🙋♀️ (raises hand sheepishly) I was one of the 6 that put an order in.
I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize that it wasn’t live. I was just checking to see if any merch was out, saw it there, and thought maybe you hadn’t announced it because you didn’t want to be flooded with orders right away. Oops. (insert Homer Simpson backing into the bushes saying “my bad” gif here)
Please hold mine for the preorder with the map, as I would love to have a copy of Becka Moon’s beautiful artwork as well. But if that’s too much trouble, go ahead and do it whenever is easier for you. Thank you very much and much appreciation for all that you do for us! 🤗
Sending hugs for your catnip pot.
Hopefully, you are not prescient for a pink blankie in either kid’s near future (unless desired of course, by either kid).
The boys left me the pots, but *ate* 2 thriving large pots of golden pothos. The pothos had survived multiple hardships, including the previous cats.
My guys are “teenage” (14 months) Maine coon cats and currently weigh in at 20+ pounds each. They will probably keep growing for another year or possibly two.
Their current project involves chewing away the packing for two heavy hand-blown vases.
I haven’t found a good way to display the glass I have, but I am looking hard…
I love the cup and the video! Thanks, Archmage, we appreciate your hard work and talent.
As was mentioned above, a barrister bookcase is a fantastic way (along with museum putty) to cat-proof objects. I got mine just 2 months ago from Chairish, a fun resale site.
I adore Maine Coon cats (had one beauty, but I can’t seem to find another adoptable one). I was told to not be surprised if they grow until 4 years old. What treasures!
Trying to wait chalantly for the store to open so I can get my velum order along with the cup, though it will have tea or hot chocolate instead of coffee. Thank you for the extra scene snippets (though I’m wishing I could have gotten the Owlcrate edition).
Thank you! The pink blanket is beautiful. We CAN be p@tient, especially when it comes to our favorite House, so please, please, please take care of yourself. I know that moment when 1 broken pot or tipped me over to full burnout and we don’t want that happening to you!
Love the mug, the blanket looks really good.
Sneaky BDH member of that North here! Kiri in Maine—one of the few who slipped an order through! Yes, I would very much like the map! I LOVE maps! Oooh, how exciting! 💜💜💜
Also, pink is springtime! Pretty!
And THANK YOU ARCHMAGE for the holy magic mug of Everard! 💜💜💜
The blanket is seriously FINE!!!!!!!! It reminds me of LOVE!!!!
My cats will not abide indoor plants to live.
I took my catnip from the high kitchen window out to the porch with the other plants to water it and forgot to put it back. My cat ate the entire plant and pulled the roots out of the dirt and ate those too. She was stoned for a week.
I always enjoy your slice of life posts. And I am very impressed with your business integrity as shown most recently by your dealings with the Becka Moon oversight. Both of you please look after your health, even if that requires you to make violently pink blankets…
A few random thoughts:
1. I still have one of two Star Trek mugs I bought in the early 1980s or thereabouts. The best they could do then was a white mug with a small two-coloured scene on it. The one I still have shows the Enterprise transporter room and as the mug is filled with hot liquid, Kirk, Spock and McCoy “beam” onto the transporter pad. The other one showed the Enterprise in space and as the mug heated, a Klingon warship “decloaked” firing a phaser torpedo.
The Sleepless Duke mug is multi-coloured and more elaborate. If I can get one in Canada somehow, I will.
2. Sorry about the unrepentant cat. (But there IS no other kind.) On my parents’ first Christmas with their new Siamese cat, he climbed to the top of the Christmas tree, overbalanced it, and rode it down to the floor, smashing all the glass ornaments. That was around 1960 and our entire family still wire the tops of our Christmas trees to wall hooks. Oh yes, and all ornaments below the one-metre mark on a family Christmas tree are unbreakable so cats can steal them without getting glass shards everywhere.
3. I believe 213K words might be considered a decent start to your next small tome….
#3😂
Archmage! You mad geniuses! I cackled when I saw the video you just shared. I will be buying all the things. Thank you Overlords!
BDH we are beloved! 🥳❤️
Have you considered the Japanese way of repairing broken pottery? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi
You’re knitting looks lovely!
Oh, Ilona…I’m so sorry you have had a rough couple of weeks and are so stressed. [virtual hugs, tea, and cookies sent your way.] I hope things get better soon. I totally understand the ‘getting old’ comment too. I had the flu this week, and I don’t remember ever feeling this bleeechy (even with COVID!)
Also, you are so right about cats being unrepentant. When mischief ‘mysteriously’ happens in our house and I accuse my two goobers (brother and sister) they just yawn at me, then point a paw at their sibling and look the other way. 😂
Btw, the mug is gorgeous! I’ve been told that I do not need to buy another mug. Methinks I have been misinformed!
213K😀 oh my sweet goodness
Sorry about the pot!! Jedi Hugs! Sometimes we are so close to the edge and have been holding it all in so hard that we don’t realize quite how close we are and thus don’t do the self caring things. I wish you time & NRG for the self caring things!!!
Ps. SQUEEEEEE!! That mug is INSANE!!!
This humble BDH member bows before the Archmage. We do not deserve you, mighty wordsmiths and sorcerers. lol 😉
Going feral while waiting for the merch to be available in Europe
I love that blanket! What a beautiful color combination. Sorry about your pot.
Please when will the orders open Monday? Last time I was at work and it opened and closed before I could check mail. Thank you
I am sending a lot of support. <3<3 Prolonged stress is vicious and it takes the smallest thing to fall apart. I am currently focusing on the cross stitch. Hoping that one x at a time and I will make it to being regular stressed not overstressed.
I actually laughed out loud at “6 BDH members managed to sneak in orders”. Of course they did!
I’m one of the sneaky 6! If you need to cancel my order to decrease stress I am ok waiting 🙂.
Dear Archmage,
The Sleepless Duke is going to remind me to take my BP meds every morning, so THANKS for thinking of my health! (Based on my fast pitter patter while watching his face appear, I may have to switch to decaf, but THAT MUG would almost make me not care)
Thanks for all the generous updates. You are so kind to share with us.
The word count is thrilling ….and yes, the blanket is pink, but it reminds me of cool spring mornings and delicate pink dogwood blooms, which I LOVE!
Excited that shipping to Canada becomes a possibility! 🤞🏻
Really pretty blanket! The older I get the more I appreciate pink, although as a child I couldn’t stand it. And that’s a nice soft shade, not too bright. Someone will be very happy snuggling under that blanket.
Will the mug play that music when the hot water hits it? 🤣
love the daily posts but I need to know what’s happening with the Inkeeper Series. I’ve reread it many times and need to know how it ends. thank you.
I think the authors said earlier that they have to finish things they are contractually obligated to write, like Maggie #2, before they can return to Innkeeper.
I love the Innkeeper series too, so, for now we just have to focus on rereads and enjoy new books when they arrive. Have you read all the other Ilona Andrews books? I’m currently rereading the Hidden Legacy series.
The Broken Binding might be an option for distribution in Europe. They have already done that for books by some indie authors / smaller companies.
And can we be certain that it will become available here? I could ask a friend to receive it for me, but I’d rather not because who knows the condition when it has to be shipped internationally. Still, better that than no vellum.
I really like that crochet project. It reminds me of my mom who would have loved it too. I laughed like a maniac the first time I saw the cup advert knowing what the BDH reaction would be. You do make life interesting for yourself. (:
Ok I neeeeeeed that mug. But I’m in Canada …. Help!!!!!
Also do you take commissions on your blankets because ….wow!!!! 🥰
As someone who loooves pink, the blanket is gorgeous 🙂 and it looks so soft!
Great newsletter! Sorry about your ceramic container. For your lovely things, we recommend “quake wax.” It’s not going anywhere if you use that stuff. One package of it with little effort will stick down a lot of breakables where they stay until you remove them. I’m with you on the getting older. It happened almost overnight, visually with the skin changing and health concerns with my husband and now I’m halfway through having the first of two Total Knee Replacements. Long recovery time per knee. I miss hiking. At least there are many good books to be in, of which yours are the most favorited. Thank you.
I love me some statistics, 213K . Which book of yours has the highest sell count do the Kate books and Innkeeper books, etc. fight amongst themselves for highest Horde count? so I’m a weirdo you can’t tell me the rest of the Horde aren’t weirdo’s like this too. Sean and Dina probably have to make iron clad guest contracts when inviting say Kate and Karat for a cup of tea at the same time. or Hey Imagine Hugh and Arland getting a bit twitchy at once. tho I suspect Sean might enjoy that for about 5 minutes. okay maybe 10.
Hugh and Arland. Ahahahaha!! Yeah, Sean would definitely enjoy watching that, and maybe serve them coffee, just for giggles!!
Happy Caturday!
I believe I was one of the sneaky six who got in a vellum order 😊
I would love a map and w*iting is not an issue. Thank you so much for the option and honestly, I just thought it was my lucky day to have been able to click order!
Your crochet and knitting skills are amazing!
The man on the coffee mug looks just like the actor, David Giuntoli, on “Grimm”, which is a great series that I’m re-watching now. So handsome!
I told my family(they are grown it’s just me and the cats) someone is going to break in, I’ll yell at the cats to knock it off, turn over and go back to sleep. I’ll be robbed or dead🙀😹😹. Unless the cats attack them, it’s actually a possibility🤔
If your delicate items are placed on a surface that won’t be harmed by earthquake putty, that is the best stuff for locking down items against feline misbehavior. If the surface is wood and it’s inexpensive or old and you don’t mind there possibly being a mark on the wood under the putty, then go ahead and put it there because it will still stick forever. Otherwise do not use it.
Quake Hold Ready America Matte Cream/Neutral Removable Museum Putty 1 lb 1 pk Mfr# 8811 – Ace Hardware https://share.google/mnK58XGgx76RlhJsM. For $5.99
Hugs! Darn pets. Can’t live without them but they are hard on things.
Love the slice of life post, sorry about the pot … sigh.
Just waiting p*tiently for Aussies to be allowed to buy, buy, buy the merch.
Love the mug, Archmage you are the best. Sorry about the catnip pot, my dogs are also flower pot destroyers.
Deep breathes . As you well know, cats are rarely, if ever, repentant. Their first thought is “why are you looking at me?”
Yes, kitties can be all the bad words, that is why they have middle names.
I exclaimed with great delight and was so Chalant when I saw the mug video on the Insta, that my current lap kitty left in a snit. She forgave me when I explained it meant ‘books, tea, and kitty time’ in the future. Gizmo is not too sure what ‘future’ means, but she definitely understands BTK time.
Well dang, Archmage Andrews. That mug is amazing.
Big hugs for the daily trials, we are in your corner and support you all the way! I hope you get a nice long vacation when you hit a good break point.
>> “I informed the cats that they are the reason we can’t have anything nice. They are unrepentant.”
Sounds like cats. My dog too.🤣
“I informed the cats they are the reason we can’t have anything nice ….” Yes! I have had that conversation. followed by guilt at their startled look from the crash they caused. And buying of cheap plastic pots which I am morally opposed to.
love the mug by the way, but … cats.
OMG! I can’t wait for that mug. Also, what a lovely blanket! Makes me wish I had more time to learn how to crochet/knit with needles. Ah well, will stick with my knitting looms for now. 🙂
Coffee mugs with the Sleepless Duke for the win!! Regular or color changing!! (Although I am a tea person, and also use mugs for large rations of cranberry juice.)
You are the best archmage ever !
✨️❤️♥️♥️♥️✨️
OMG. I need that Everard mug.
By the way, the mug is likely hand wash only. I had a similar mug given to me without that warning, and I ran it through the dishwasher twice and ruined it. Don’t be like me.
the cup is awesome!! The last thing I need is another coffee cup, but thats a must have!
I almost missed the book being at 213K because I was too busy staring at the gorgeous Duke on the gorgeous mug.
Almost.
Love the mug, Archmage! Would especially enjoy it with the words re sleepless duke wishing to take care of me with coffee, as someone said, but also it works well as-is.
Love the wordcount- I will joyfully read whatever you write. Please carry on.
Naughty cats! Lucky for them they are adorable. I think beautiful crochet is a very healthy response to stress. Wishing you all the best, Ilona!
As I am not from USA the only part that I really screamed about was the one mentioning the length of the next book….so, how long do we need to wait for it? Please let it be this year and not 2027 because I can reread and relisten to TKWNK over and over but I still crave the next one!!!
Anyhoo, I will be ordering the Velum goodies once there will be an availability in Europe (preferably from an EU member country as ordering from UK implies a lot of tax 😢).
And now, cats will be cats (which is more accurately said and true than “boy will be boys”(<-hate this saying)) and no matter what we communicate to them will just fly over their heads 'cause they do know better than us, puny humans 🤭.
As I am not from USA the only part that I really screamed about was the one mentioning the length of the next book….so, how long do we need to wait for it? Please let it be this year and not 2027 because I can reread and relisten to TKWNK over and over but I still crave the next one!!!
Anyhoo, I will be ordering the Velum goodies once there will be an availability in Europe (preferably from an EU member country as ordering from UK implies a lot of tax 😢).
And now, cats will be cats (which is more accurately said and true than “boys will be boys”(<-hate this saying)) and no matter what we communicate to them will just fly over their heads 'cause they do know better than us, puny humans 🤭.
It feels important that you know that my cavalier-chihuhua puppy, Maggie, is snoozing on my lap while I read Magic Rises, drink iced tea, and listen to an ambient sound mix called “Dark Faerie Tales”
We tame the chaos however we can
love the blanket!!!
Thanks for sharing.
Cats are like young children. You have to put everything away in a secured space to keep anything nice. Kids can be taught, cats never can.
Laugh-crying at four weeks shipping to Canada. How do I volunteer my guest room as your northern fulfillment center?
We love you Ilona!
Had some craziness myself recently!
Your stories always pick me up!
I got drenched by hand sanitizer that fell off the wall in an amtrak bus bathroom last week. It was everywhere! When I told the driver he said I was probably the most sanitized thing on the bus.
Pink is the color that is most calming. I heard that at one point pro football teams were painting the opposition’s locker rooms pink.
Love the blanket!
Carrie
Love the blanket, bad kitties get no more catnip, and all bow to the Archmage who brings the BDH all the precious! Thanks for all your hard work. We appreciate it!
For people wanting merch but despairing over shipping and tariffs, see this ad in the latest Innkeeper listing:
Resourceful Ku with invisible motorcycle and Earth delivery and messenger experience, willing to deliver packages. Prefer payment in plants or chance to fulfill epic quest and return home a hero. Contact Wing at (redacted contact info).
Nice!
lol, nice mug! go BDH and “Archmage”! Getting older really isn’t for the faint-hearted (in solidarity!)…. it’s amazing what can suddenly break us, for unexplainable reasons…. hang in there….*hugs*
beautiful blanket and yes, it is hella pink! Not my color but still beautiful…
Unrepentant cats, or as we call them: cats. Sigh. Good thing they’re cute.
I wonder what stitch you crocheted the (yes, very pink) border? It looks lovely. I have a blanket I’m making for my nephew and it will have a relatively simple border, but I haven’t actually done a border before. Any advice much appreciated!
Also, I broke the news to my husband that we will b getting a mug that we don’t really need. He asked if I planned to use the mug or if it was going to b part of a collection. I was excited to learn that the latter was an option! Possibly it became an option because after reading This Kingdom and seeing the awesome video, he realized he needs a mental construct to deal with the inevitable mug purchase. Also, he is slowly becoming one of us-he said once he finishes his current book he will start his second read of This Kingdom. Ha!
We appreciate the current word count so much! W*iting is hard but knowing that we will b rewarded helps the BDH stay fluffy during our long vigil. Also, I think it would b good if whoever picks the new BDH email password does NOT write it on a sticky note stuck to the bottom of the keyboard, aka the first place Steve looks.
For the Horde!
Oh, and for the record, I’m almost sure the sadly broken vase is NOT because a breathing artifact and/or certain members of the BDH were attempting a sneak peek at the work in progress. With the cats’ innocent look being easily mistaken for their unrepentant look. Nearly certain. Ok, it’s possible, but really, who can say?
(Doing my best to look innocent.)😺
Dear Archmage Ilona, I hope you feel better today about the broken pot and unrepentant kitties *hugs*
The wordcount and mug are pure awesomeness – the BDH appreciates all you do. We can’t help getting a little enthusiastic, no? *grins at 6 managing to pre-order the pre-orders* It means we love it 🤗
I am making grabby hands at whatever version of the mug you could send in my direction, along with vellum, stickers, map and other merch – even the pretty pink blankie if it needs a new home 🥰😁 (Also I am currently torturing myself by p*tiently w*iting for your store to open now it’s Monday, just to look at all the things I want but can’t have yet until you ship internationally😅).
So, I know you are very on top of your health and don’t want to overstep but I feel like you guys are just a couple years older than me and peri is sending me into the weirdest spirals. I lost it over a blanket that was knocked on the floor and people (who will remain nameless) walked by it and didn’t pick it up. I don’t know if they even had a free hand to pick it up but I suddenly wanted to kick everyone out and go live alone in the woods. This is not like me. I am very easy going and have never felt rage like I have in the last year or so.
All I am saying is to give yourself grace. Sometimes the smallest thing just isn’t small in the moment and it tips us over the edge. Getting old is definitely hard.
You’re not alone. That insta-rage is its own new experience. You’re not losing your mind, it just feels like it at random, unpredictable moments. All I can say is that it will (eventually) get better. And don’t hesitate to see the doctor if u need relief, they really can help. Yep, it’s good to find some alone time when needed. As Robert Frost says, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep…”, much like the Sleepless Duke.😺
HAs are magic. Knew it! bummer about the pot. Kitties have no regrets. thanks for sharing! Might need a new mug.
augh right into the water fountain too.
archmage, you got this!
Kintsugi your cherished pot, don’t chuck it, please! I understand that it might be outside of your wheelhouse, but the recrafting can make for a rewarding item. First saw of this procedure on NHK Core Kyoto.
If you think it beyond what you could do, certainly someone you know probably could remake your pot.
Our household KNOWS that fragile and cats don’t mix. The first year we were in our current home, my husband tried to Surprise me with a Christmas tree, all decorated with little pretty glass ornaments, that he put up when he got home from night work, before going to bed; Cue the cat MI team!
What I found in the morning was part of the tree still bearing a few ornaments, some displaced branches (fake tree) and the scads of remaining ornaments scattered throughout the living room, a few in the kitchen, a couple in the bathroom.
I had to explain to hubby, that with cats, Christmas trees are open invites to a playground of temptation, which is why I stopped putting one up. This was before the internet videos demonstrating just that, some 20 plus years ago.
I believe the ringleader was the youngest, the black cat Raven, who was less than a year old, though I wouldn’t have put it past the dogs ‘helping’ the cats with the distribution of the ornaments. Thankfully they were compact enough to not break, but as one or more have resurfaced over the years, we might not have found very last one, yet, still.
It still bears reminding to my husband, that if he sees/wants a trinket, he’s the one who has to figure Where to keep it secure, though I like the idea of using the Museum-Quake putty, and will mention it to him.
Saw that I was of the same mind as an earlier posting person, to Save your pot! Hope the trash hasn’t been taken yet!
Holy amazing archmage that mug is so awesome. Can’t wait to order one.
I feel for you havig your beautiful pot broken. My last cat, a tabby, was not interested in catnip but he loved to sleep in my lavender bush and if he got a chance he would break into my kitchen cupboard, steal any packets of herbs, spill them on the floor and roll in them blissfully. The blanket is pretty. Some one will love it.
The mug made me laugh hard at an ungodly hour of night.
I know *exactly* what you mean – can’t have nice things due to having cats that cand/will go everywhere, regardless of being told that they can’t!
Two potential ways to outwit the feline menaces:
1. I got a pack of two cutting mats from the Dollar Tree and placed two wide swaths of double sided tape on them; placed the sticky mats on my back kitchen countertop and stovetop – the two areas I absolutely do NOT want them to go, for fear of them hurting themselves or my having to hover over a still-hot electric stove.
2. There’s sticky/but removable stuff you can use to keep fragile things in place on a shelf – one is called Museum Putty/Wax.
We can’t *make* cats do anything. We’ve got to think of ways to make *them* not want to do it! XD
BTW, loved loved loved the snippet – tyvm, author overlords! 🙂
Send me a photo of the pot. How big is it? Does it need drainage?
Pot Head (as in Pottery)
LOL, I’ve noticed from all the comment just how much the BDH is like cats. Incorrigible but you’ve still got to love us!
That mug is glorious!
oh my gosh that mug!!!!
yes mage Andrews…. I will buy your mugs. No, I don’t have space and I was saving my non open space for an inheritance mug… maybe I need to look for something else with the inheritance artwork.
Unusually, I’ve also been making pink things lately … is that a stress response?
Late but, virtual hugs Ilona. I know the ‘this random thing got broken and now my feelings have tied me to a rollercoaster by the ankles’ thing far too well for an apparently sane and emotionally mature woman.
I would say I hope the cats learn some respect but, you know, cats.
years ago my husband and i decided we’d been adults for a while now and we could have glassware. we had two cats. we went back to plastic after they destroyed the last glass and haven’t tried again
Ahhhh totally want a mug that says “So Kair Toren.” Favorite line in the book. So good.