Quest: The Clans of Arcadia Dragon's Name Velorum

Piracy Kills: George R.R. Martin and The Collision of Fire and Ice

Today I was Googling my book, and I found yet another site that was giving away free copies. To date they have given away over 6-million copies! I did the math. That's over 15-million dollars. Sadly, we struggle to make ends meet, and pirates steal what I need to make a living. Make me so angry.

I am trying to have a positive attitude about it. After all, on this site, I found that my book is listed beside George R.R. Martin's book, A Dance with Dragons, and I've almost got as many downloads as his book. (I don't imagine he'd be happy his book is being illegally downloaded either.) So, with that said, I guess I am in good company. I have decided that makes my book a non-seller best seller. I have to try to get a positive out of this huge negative.

I have so many thoughts when it comes to book piracy. Part of me wants to think of it as free advertising. The other part tells me that it's no different than a library. Yet, the part that keeps shouting at me tells me, "You need money to pay health insurance, and the electricity bill and to buy food -- and they are stealing it."

I've heard the arguments. Some people say that books should be free. But, where does that leave the author, who has sweat and tears in a manuscript? The Collision of Fire and Ice took me eight years to write. Where is the justice? I honestly finally understand the anti-piracy warnings on music and video. People work hard. They deserve to be paid.

Anyway! Sorry, about the rant. It's just when your family needs and pirates take, it is infuriating! With that said, have you read The Collision of Fire and Ice? I'd love for you to check it out. If you read it, please leave a comment on Amazon.

Thanks!

Arwen

Great Dragon Books: Christopher Paolini: Eragon

Have you read Eragon? If you haven't ever been introduced to the first book in the Inheritance Cycle, pay close attention. Eragon, is a fantastic dragon book that leaves readers wanting to read more.

I love Lord of the Rings, and this book is somewhat similar. Except, that it is easier to read. Any YA fan that likes Tolkien should check out Paolini. I actually own signed first editions of all four books, and they are some of my favorite possessions.

A few years ago, my husband, kids, a friend, her mother and her children all loaded up in the car and we took a road trip to get these books signed. It was a lot of fun, and each of us walked away with a signed book.

Christopher Paolini was very kind, and spent a little bit of time with each of us as we went through the line. He also encouraged me to keep writing. I thought that was a really great thing for someone to do. So, if you're new to Eragon, check out this book and know you will love it.

--Susan

About Eragon:

"Perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings, the New York Times bestselling Inheritance Cycle about the dragon rider Eragon has sold over 35 million copies and is an international fantasy sensation.


Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire."