Jeff VanderMeer

Every year for the past half-decade, young writers ages 13 to 17 have come from as far away as Japan, Canada, Germany and France to the Shared Worlds Science Fiction and Fantasy camp in South Carolina, to work with professional writers on creating the students’ own fantasy worlds and developing stories set in those worlds. Now, an international group of guest writers who are instructors at Shared Worlds are coming to Malaprop’s for a Fantasy and Science Fiction extravaganza featuring short readings, amusing anecdotes, information about the camp, and much more! Shared Worlds founder and co-director Jeremy L.C. Jones will host the event and will be joined by writers Nathan Ballingrud, Tobias Buckell, Will Hindmarch, Karin Lowachee, Naomi Novik, Ann VanderMeer, and Jeff VanderMeer. Nathan Ballingrud:

Tobias Buckell: Caribbean-born author Tobias Buckell currently lives in Ohio. He has written a New York Times bestselling Halo novel and several critically acclaimed science fiction novels, including Crystal Rain and his latest release, Arctic Rising.

Will Hindmarch: Chicago resident Will Hindmarch is a highly respected game creator who has worked for, among others, White Wolf and Green Ronin. Hindmarch has also published fiction and poetry.

Karin Lowachee: Born in South America, Karin Lowachee grew up in Canada and worked in the Arctic. Her first novel, Warchild, won the 2001 Warner Aspect First Novel Contest. She has been a finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award and won the Prix Aurora Award. Orbit Books published her latest, The Gaslight Dogs.

Naomi Novik: A New York resident, Naomi Novik is the author of the bestselling Temeraire dragon fantasy series, optioned by Peter Jackson. She has won the John W. Campbell Award and the Compton Crook Award. Her short fiction has appeared in several anthologies.

Ann VanderMeer: For five years Ann VanderMeer served as editor-in-chief of Weird Tales magazine, winning a Hugo Award for her efforts. In addition, she has edited ten anthologies over the past four years, including Best American Fantasy, The New weird, Steampunk, Steampunk Reloaded, The weird, and The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities.

Jeff VanderMeer: Critically acclaimed writer Jeff VanderMeer has won the World Fantasy Award twice, once for his fiction and once for his editing. He has also been a finalist for every major award in the science fiction and fantasy fields. His latest novel is Finch, latest anthology is The weird, and latest nonfiction book is THE STEAMPUNK BIBLE. He also writes reviews for the New York Times Book Review, Los Angeles Times, and the Guardian. He is the co-director of the unique Shared Worlds teen science fiction and fantasy writing camp.

Location: Street: 55 Haywood St City: Asheville, Province: North Carolina Postal Code: 28801 Country: United States (added from IndieBound)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Finch.; Will Hindmarch, and special guest J.M. McDermott

Part of a five-week tour all across the country, Jeff VanderMeer’s in-store appearance coincides with the release of his new noir fantasy novel Finch. The novel has gotten rave reviews from the likes of NYT Bestsellers Stephen R. Donaldson, Tad Williams, and Richard K. Morgan, and even inspired a soundtrack by rock band Murder by Death. Mystery icon Ken Bruen says of the novel, “Rarely has a novel got it all. Think Cormac McCarthy, via David Goodis, with an amazing nod to Lovecraft.” Publishers Weekly writes, “his deft mix of genre-blurring style with a layered plot make this a joy to read.” Others have compared Finch to the work of Martin Smith Cruz, William Burroughs, and John LeCarre. From the award-winning, bestselling author of the cult classic City of Saints & Madmen. Also available: Jeff’s Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer, the first book to blend traditional career and creativity advice with the best ways to thrive in our new internet-based world. note: First 25 people to buy a copy of Finch will receive a free Murder By Death CD. (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Finch.

Some Assembly Required! A night of readings and dangerous spontaneous storytelling with critically acclaimed novelist Jeff VanderMeer, noted podcaster Mur Lafferty, and special guest Natania Barron, creator of the Aldersgate Cycle. Buy VanderMeer’s novel Finch and get a free copy of rock band Murder by Death’s soundtrack for the book (while supplies last). Afterwards, join Jeff, Mur, and Natania at the bar across the street for a less spontaneous libation. Note: First 25 people to buy Finch get a free copy of the Murder by Death CD. (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer.

Part of a five-week tour all across the country, award-winning writer Jeff VanderMeer’s in-store appearance coincides with the release of his new Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer, the first book to blend traditional career and creativity advice with the best ways to thrive in our new internet-based world without losing your mind. Funny, blunt, practical, and humane, Booklife is the perfect gift for you or the writer in your life. Says Publishers Weekly, “With anecdotes from VanderMeer's own life as a writer, reviewer and blogger, as well as input from agents, editors and publicists, this guide will surely help writers traverse the often difficult journey from first draft to finished product.” Come out to meet the author and talk about the writing life. How can a Booklife help you? A writer for the New York Times Book Review, Huffington Post, and Washington Post, VanderMeer is the best-selling author of cult classic City of Saints & Madmen. Jeff’s new novel Finch, a noir fantasy thriller that’s gotten rave reviews from the likes of NYT Bestsellers Stephen R. Donaldson and Tad Williams will also be available. (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Finch.

Part of a five-week tour all across the country, Jeff VanderMeer’s in-store appearance coincides with the release of his new noir fantasy novel Finch. The novel has gotten rave reviews from the likes of NYT Bestsellers Stephen R. Donaldson, Tad Williams, and Richard K. Morgan, and even inspired a soundtrack by rock band Murder by Death. Mystery icon Ken Bruen says of the novel, “Rarely has a novel got it all. Think Cormac McCarthy, via David Goodis, with an amazing nod to Lovecraft.” Publishers Weekly writes, “his deft mix of genre-blurring style with a layered plot make this a joy to read.” Others have compared Finch to the work of Martin Smith Cruz, William Burroughs, and John LeCarre. From the award-winning, bestselling author of the cult classic City of Saints & Madmen. Also available: Jeff’s Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer, the first book to blend traditional career and creativity advice with the best ways to thrive in our new internet-based world. (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer.

Come to the Malaprops Cafe and sit and talk with critically acclaimed Jeff VanderMeer, author of the perfect holiday gift for the writer in your life: Booklife: Strategies and Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer. Part of a five-week tour all across the country, award-winning writer Jeff VanderMeer’s in-store appearance coincides with the release of his new Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer, the first book to blend traditional career and creativity advice with the best ways to thrive in our new internet-based world without losing your mind. Funny, blunt, practical, and humane, Booklife is the perfect gift for you or the writer in your life. Says Publishers Weekly, “With anecdotes from VanderMeer's own life as a writer, reviewer and blogger, as well as input from agents, editors and publicists, this guide will surely help writers traverse the often difficult journey from first draft to finished product.” Come out to meet the author and talk about the writing life. How can a Booklife help you? A writer for the New York Times Book Review, Huffington Post, and Washington Post, VanderMeer is the best-selling author of cult classic City of Saints & Madmen. Jeff’s new novel Finch, a noir fantasy thriller that’s gotten rave reviews from the likes of NYT Bestsellers Stephen R. Donaldson and Tad Williams will also be available. (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Finch.

Part of a five-week tour all across the country, Jeff VanderMeer’s in-store appearance coincides with the release of his new noir fantasy novel Finch. The novel has gotten rave reviews from the likes of NYT Bestsellers Stephen R. Donaldson, Tad Williams, and Richard K. Morgan, and even inspired a soundtrack by rock band Murder by Death. Mystery icon Ken Bruen says of the novel, “Rarely has a novel got it all. Think Cormac McCarthy, via David Goodis, with an amazing nod to Lovecraft.” Publishers Weekly writes, “his deft mix of genre-blurring style with a layered plot make this a joy to read.” Others have compared Finch to the work of Martin Smith Cruz, William Burroughs, and John LeCarre. From the award-winning, bestselling author of the cult classic City of Saints & Madmen. Also available: Jeff’s Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer, the first book to blend traditional career and creativity advice with the best ways to thrive in our new internet-based world. (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Finch.; Ekaterina Sedia

Part of a five-week tour all across the country, Jeff VanderMeer’s in-store appearance coincides with the release of his new noir fantasy novel Finch. The novel has gotten rave reviews from the likes of NYT Bestsellers Stephen R. Donaldson, Tad Williams, and Richard K. Morgan, and even inspired a soundtrack by rock band Murder by Death. Mystery icon Ken Bruen says of the novel, “Rarely has a novel got it all. Think Cormac McCarthy, via David Goodis, with an amazing nod to Lovecraft.” Publishers Weekly writes, “his deft mix of genre-blurring style with a layered plot make this a joy to read.” Others have compared Finch to the work of Martin Smith Cruz, William Burroughs, and John LeCarre. From the award-winning, bestselling author of the cult classic City of Saints & Madmen. Also available: Jeff’s Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer, the first book to blend traditional career and creativity advice with the best ways to thrive in our new internet-based world. (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Booklife: Strategies & Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer.

What are the benefits and dangers of a confusion between the private creativity and the public career elements of a writer’s life caused by new media and a proliferation of “open channels”? What protective measures must a writer take to preserve his or her “self” in this environment? In addition to the guerilla tactics implicit in storytelling through social media and other unconventional platforms, in what ways is a writer’s life now itself a story irrespective of intentional fictive storytelling? Examining these issues leads naturally to a discussion on the tension and cross-pollination between the private and public lives of writers in our transmedia age, including the strategies and tactics that best serve those who want to survive and flourish in this new environment. What are we losing, and what do we stand to gain? (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)

Jeff VanderMeer reads from Finch.

Which came first; the story or the illustration? When you think about the illustrated stories that you’ve read, whether they have been in the form of a graphic novel, a picture book, or comic strip–you might ask yourself this question. In an exploration of the collaborative process between an illustrator and author, Plymouth State University presents Illustrating VanderMeer: a glimpse into the collaborative works of Author, Jeff VanderMeer and Illustrator, Eric Schaller, October 15 – November 23 at Lamson Library. Join us on November 23rd from 6pm – 7:30 pm for an event in the Commons Cafe, where you will have the opportunity to meet the author and illustrator and hear VanderMeer talk about, read from, and sign his recently published books Finch and Booklife. The PSU Bookstore will make copies of both books available for sale at this event. (JeffVanderMeer)… (more)