Cerulean Tour Update (And I Need Your Help!)
Given the continued spread of COVID19, Tor made the difficult (but very correct) decision to postpone the book tour for Cerulean and shift certain dates on my tour to digital events, instead. To be more specific, they recommended all authors postpone their tours to make sure we’re safe, along with our readers. I thought hard on it (why meeeeeeee, he wailed into his dog), but ultimately agreed. It’s not just myself. They’re doing this for all authors. I know one of the venues, Powell’s, announced Thursday that they’re canceling all speakers/authors through April.
To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement. The last two years have been building to this moment for myself and The House in the Cerulean Sea and right when it’s in my grasp, the world has other plans. And it’s not just me. Dozens of people at Macmillan and Tor have worked their butts off to ensure Cerulean is a success. I know they’re just as upset as I am. I spoke with them Wednesday night and while bummed, they’re ready to work through this. I appreciate each and every one of them more than I could say, especially having to deal with me (again: why meeeeee).
Here’s the thing: I’ve worked too damn hard to let Cerulean fail. I spent yesterday licking my wounds doing my best to manage my anxiety (a bitch of a thing that I’ll never be free of), but now I’m ready to fight for my book as hard as I can. The book will come out on Tuesday, March 17 (it can’t be postponed, not this close to the launch), and I need your help.
I believe The House is important. I believe in its message of kindness and hope now more than ever. And though I know things are scary right now, I don’t want it to get lost in all the noise. A little selfish, I know, but I’m very protective over my work. The very real fact remains: traffic in bookstores where awesome booksellers are handselling my book will go down. People won’t go out much. The timing is fucking ridiculous, but this is the hand we’ve been dealt, so we’re going to make the most of it. After all, if people are stuck in their homes, it’s the perfect time to read! After you’ve washed your hands and apparently hoarded toilet paper, you freaking weirdos.
BUT!
We’ve got some cool stuff planned that’s still in the works, so I can’t speak much on it. But first, the book launch.
From TOR: In the interest of public health and safety concerns due to COVID-19, this event has been changed to a virtual event. Please join TJ Klune via Instagram Live at 6:30 PM -7:30 PM for a Live Reading of HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA followed by Q&A with readers. Signed copies will be available at B&N on 3/17/20 and fans who purchase from the store will receive an exclusive magnet, and collectible button inspired by the characters from the book.
Instagram: bnfredericksburg
Twitter: @BNfburg
(I’m going to work on something for Facebook users too, in the Klunatic FB Group. If you haven’t joined there, know this: it’s probably one of the nicest places on the internet. No drama, no assholes, just awesome people who like to read. Consider joining: Klunatics FB Group)
So here’s where you come into play.
Please pre-order the book. It’ll be available in ebook, hardcover, and audio. You can preorder it here: Cerulean pre-order. Pre-orders really, really help. If you can, please share the pre-order on your social media.
If you like the book, please consider leaving a review. If you like the book, please consider talking about it on social media, with your friends and family. Be the book pimps you guys have been so often for me. I wouldn’t have achieved as much as I have without all of you. Word of mouth has been my greatest asset, and I need to prove to Tor that their investment in me wasn’t without merit. Let’s show them that queer books—not just mine, but every queer book they’ve published—are necessary and vital. I am grateful for all the support you’ve shown me thus far. I’m asking to help me go just a little bit further.
(And if you don’t like the book, that’s okay! I know that readers are—and rightfully so—subjective with their opinions. What works for one reader doesn’t have to work for another.)
I don’t know what this means for the future. Chances are, if things stay as they are (or, unfortunately, get worse) this will affect The Extraordinaries as well. Yes, I’ve never toured before like this and my books have done just fine, but this is supposed to be bigger than what’s come before. I want to make people happy with my words. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
I’m sorry about all of this. I wish it didn’t have to happen. I know many of you were just as excited as I am. I hope that is still the case. Let’s show everyone that my amazing readers—the aptly named Klunatics—are a force to be reckoned with.
Thanks,
tj
Comments from old website:
Brandon Bowen
I’m bummed, my husband and I were hoping to meet you in San Diego.
Cristie
For those of us who pre-ordered signed copies from one of bookstores on your tour--do you know if we will still be receiving a signed copy? I want the book no matter what, but was really hoping to get a signed copy to add to my collection of all your books.
Tammy
I received an early copy for Christmas from my daughter who’s hears me rave about TJ all the time and all I’ll say is it’s absolutely wonderful. I’m sorry the tour was cancelled. Also can I assume the Instagram reading is 6:30pm eastern time?
Java Jones
Like (Can't get the damned heart thingie to accept my "like".)
Honey, I pre-order all your books as soon as they're available to do so. Definitely looking forward to this one!
Dianne Hartstock
We got you!
Angela Mohn
We're almost 3k strong, Boss, and we will help you, promote you, and buy and gift and promote your books until the second coming of Teenaged Jesus. That got gross. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.
Sue Eaton
We got you. Already ordered and can't wait to read it. I already talk about how much I love your books to literally everyone. Why you, you cry, it's because you are amazingly talented, your books make us laugh and make us cry, we love you and this book is going to be a bestseller. The Klunatics will always be there and support you. You've got this
Rachael Cathcart
Pre-Ordered!!! I can’t wait to read and I know myself and many Klunatics will be shouting and waving this book in the air (the virtual air since we all have to hide at home now) for all to see!!
Debra Topf
Of course all version already preordered and I can always be counted on to talk you up! This will be a bright spot in a dark sea for so many. Best of luck!
Anise Upshaw
I have been with you since your first book. Not stopping now. Already pre-ordered and will help you launch next week. Good Luck.
Becka
Just preordered yesterday! Can't wait for it to come out!
Cj Robinson
I got you, dude! I've pre ordered
Isabelle
We’ve got you!
Lisa
I preorder everything you write as soon as the links are up anyway, never shut up about the books and tell everybody who’ll listen whether they want to or not to read. So business as usual. ❤️
Javi
KLUNATIC 5EVAAAAAA!!!!! Let’s pre-order the shit out of this book!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Milly Smith
<3 we are with you TJ. Klunatic 5eva xx
