Superman, Buffy and Freemasons

Off to Cleveland later this week for the final unveiling of the newly restored house where Superman was created. Let me be clear: it is only restored because of you. All the people who passed the news around...who talked it up...who forwarded the video. All the writers and artists who donated stuff. All the Siegel & Shuster Society people who did the true heavy lifting. And all the members of the Invisible Army, who are sneaky and amazing. Love you like family. If I were Oprah, I'd buy you all hovercars.

The ribbon cutting (which I have to miss because of a previous promise to Thrillerfest) is Saturday at 10am at the house, so please do come if you're near Cleveland. Address is 10622 Kimberly Avenue. For me, the real thrill will be Friday night, when we sit down for dinner with the Siegel and Shuster families. Will of course bring back a full report.

Also, the Buffy writing is underway. That is all.

Also also, the fourth geocache has been hidden (for the promotion we're doing with the Freemasons). The clue is here.

New Secret Treasure!

Alright partypeople, the new secret treasures are now hidden (parts 2 and 3) in the team-up we're doing with the Freemasons. If you're saying, "What the hell is he talking about?" go read this to hear more about how you can GPS to find the geocaches that are hidden in the DC/MD/VA area.

As before, each clue overlaps thematically with The Book of Lies. And they're really getting cooler and cooler. Solve the puzzle...get the coordinates...find the goodies. One of them can only be seen at night. Pretty sneaky, sis.

So here you go -- and thanks to Johnny_Cache and Sue Hislop, our masterminds.

Book of Lies: Part 1, Scene 2, Alligator Alley

Book of Lies: Part 1, Scene 3, The Canal

New Cover

Here's the newest foreign cover -- this one for the paperback in the UK and Australia and published by the always classy Hodder & Stoughton (my first editor there was named George Lucas, so he called me on the phone the first day and left the message, "I'm George Lucas and I want to buy your book." Hurm). Clearly, they like the scary little running man over there too.

Hidden Treasure!

One of the things we're doing to promote the paperback of Book of Lies (see, plug right there!) is a collaboration with the Freemasons. Yes. The Freemasons. I love those guys. And after The Book of Fate, we connected in that Mork/Orson way and they started pointing out all these Freemason things that had been running through my books without me knowing it. Was wild.

And so, we're launching a geocaching puzzle.

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt played throughout the world by people armed with GPS devices. The basic idea is to solve puzzles and locate hidden containers, called geocaches, that're hidden all over. You don't need to read the book to do the puzzle. But you do need one of those cool GPS devices (though an iPhone does the trick).

I'm not saying any more, but if you're in (or plan to be in) Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, go to www.bradmeltzer.com (on the homepage) and get ready to find. We hid the stuff, but good.

My Favorite Video Ever

In honor of the paperback publication and the new dog cover, here's a new version of my favorite video we ever made (with a new ending). Jason Sherry is a genius.

Everyody still hates Brad Meltzer in paperback. (YouTube link)

Massive Guilt

I hate telling you this. But if I didn't tell you, then you'd email me and say, "Why didn't you tell me?"

And I'd write, "I didn't wanna bother you."

And you'd write, "Will you please stop with the humble nonsense? We all know you're a narcissist. Besides, you should tell us this stuff."

And then I'd feel all this guilt (even more than the usual guilt I feel).

And then I'd tell you anyway.

So.

Today's the day that The Book of Lies comes out in paperback. Same keen mystery. Same keen ending. Much lower price! And as Facebook friends know, way ultra-keen new cover with foreboding dog image.

So if you'd like to buy it (or just see the cover, or you need a small paper block to balance your couch), click here.

Most important, let me send some true love and appreciation to you and yours. Summer's here and that makes me feel young and spry and ready for a game of red rover (because let's be honest, that's as close to sports as I ever got). So so happy to have you in our lives.

Love and thanks and teddy bears,

B

Germans!

Got a new publisher in Germany, who just sent me the scariest coolest cover.
I'm now scared of myself.

New Cover, New Song

Here's the sneak peek of the new cover for the paperback (coming out at the end of the month on May 26th). Trust me, I was surprised as you were at the image. I do like it. Skeevy. And I guess they wanted to ride the power of the dog, and so we ride...

Also, as some true love from me to you (and in honor of Buy Indie day), here's a nice little video that walks the line of schmaltz but still makes me do the smile:

UK Pub Date And Watchmen Reaction

For all those (hi, Cliff!) who wrote and asked when The Book of Lies would be published in the UK, well here you go.

Today's the day -- England, Ireland, Australia and loads of other countries that carry English language books. And we didn't even change all the elevator references to lifts (I used that joke in 1997).

Here's the cover, which I'm fascinated by. Love seeing how other countries interpret it.

Also, after talking to a select few who have seen the movie early, let me pass on the one comment in common: we'll love what they do right. We'll kill people for what they get wrong. That is all.

PS - Also saw a sneak peek of the Zatanna costume for Smallville. Best. Best.

Cause Yourself Blindness!

Just got the below sent to me by the publisher: The Book of Lies is now available for your iPhone. Must admit, haven't tried it yet, since I'm waiting for a new Blackberry (still can't believe with all the stuff we get sent, no one has a connection for me at RIM), so have no idea how the reading experience is. But a free book of your choice to the first person who tries it out and actually reads. As usual, email me through the site and I'll send goodies. If you get no goodies, you weren't first. Or I think you cheated.

Book of Lies For Your iPhone

Have a great weekend all. And to all those with no Valentine (curse it for being on a Saturday night), be mine. My wife says it's cool as long as it's impersonal and internety.

Favorite Tour Interview

This may be my favorite interview from the entire book tour.

Love to KCRW for doing it — it mixes my top 5 songs with 5 points in my life. And you’ll hear how I got a gun pulled on me, and had Blues Traveler play in our kitchen.

Listen (don't just read the transcript) at: http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/gd/gd090128brad_meltzer

Signed Copies

I've been getting lots of requests for signed books for the holidays, so if you missed any of the events for The Book of Lies, here're some spiffy new copies, superly book-plated inside. And all the money goes to charity for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

Good deed. Nice gift. And free sig.

www.cbldf.com/bookoflies

Thank You

After twenty-two cities, a full month of touring, a silly amount of plane flights, and even a hurricane (yep, right at the heart of our Houston signing), I’m finally home, and just wanted to say thank you for what you unleashed. First, of course, I appreciate what you did with The Book of Lies, talking it up to whoever would listen and pushing copies on unsuspecting family and friends. It was one of the most outrageous launches we’ve ever had and I know -- as I’ve always known -- that it only happens because of your neverending help.

But most important, thank you for what you also did to save the house where Superman was created. As you know, the goal was to raise $50,000 just to work on the outside of the house. Instead, we raised $101,000. 101. Thousand. Which now means we’ll be working on the inside of the house as well.

So let me be clear: whatever we accomplished with this book and with the house, you did this. When I was worried about getting the word out there, you stepped forward without hesitation. You are a clear troublemaker and I love you for it. Make no mistake: what you did -- from passing the videos along, to facebooking, to myspacing, to all the rest -- made a huge difference. So thanks for the trust and the faith and of course for putting the word out there from day one.

After seven books now, I have to say, there’s only one thing that’s clear to me: and that is how many people are pulling for us from all sides, from so many different places. Family, friends, readers, booksellers, all the people who you say “You gotta read my friend’s book” to -- it’s the only reason this happens. And maybe it’s because of what we went through this year, maybe it’s because I’m getting mushy these days, but it matters. When you help someone -- it always matters.

I’m signing off and taking a break. But I’m sending so much love and thanks your way.

Butterfly kisses from Florida,

Brad

The White House

I'm typing in the airport, waiting for the return flight from the very last event -- the National Book Festival in Washington, DC. Key highlight (besides the author breakfast at the White House, where all the famous authors try to play it cool as they fill their pockets with White House napkins (The fools! The best stuff is the White House toilet paper!) was all the incredible folks who waited in the sun for an hour to say hi. Love to them.

And then, while I'm standing there in the White House and eyeing the napkin thievery, I finally get to meet Neil Gaiman, who then introduces me to...just, please, wait...Salman Rushdie.

Me, Neil Gaiman, Salman Rushdie. In the White House.

Did the world end and no one told me?

Pics shortly -- and don't forget, Monday is the last day of the auction: and the prices are cheap for that Ivan Reis Superman and Lois drawing (think wedding or anniversary present for someone). Also, the Heroes walk-on and the Siegel shirt are still out there until tomorrow.

Waiting to go home...

So close, I smell it.

LA

LA is sunny and beautiful and filled with handsome people that make me feel extra bald and pasty. But very excited to be on Attack of the Show (AOTS) on G4 today (one of my favorite shows), and extra excited because we're about to grab some In-and-Out Burger. Also, had Scott Brick (our voice on the audio books) there last night, so he made me sound super-baritone (that is a super power).

Three days to go.

Westside

On a plane right now headed to Pasadena and LA, home of Kaysu Ya, my favorite sushi place (which I have the publisher pay for, which is good since I eat it twice a day).

The third week of the Superman auction was amazing, and baseball caps off to Frank Cho, whose Supergirl pin up proved just how much the world loves, in his words, those big corn fed Kansas girls. We raised over $7,000 alone just from that, with a week 3 total of $17,766
.

But this week is the big final one: the walk-on part on Heroes...the Jerry Siegel t-shirt...and have you seen the dozen new items, including George Perez's Batman vs. Captain America donated by Doug Welch.

I know we've put the word out in week 1, but in this final week, I would love if you could help us push the auction and site and video one last time on facebook, myspace or even just via antiquated email.

The site is: www.OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.com

Donations can be made here.

T-shirts can be bought here.

Hello West Coast...

Houston Cancelled And Auction Ending

Just found out that the two events in Houston for tomorrow (Tuesday) have been cancelled due to Hurricane Ike. I hear it's getting better there in some parts, but my publisher is terrified that it's something out of a zombie flick, and so, I'm headed straight to Philly instead. Special apologies to the incredible stores -- Murder By The Book and also Midnight Comics -- who are just some of the nicest around. Both know we'll figure out something really cool to make it up to them.

Also, today is the last day to bid on getting your name in the next novel -- and to bid on the other items in Round 2 of the auction to save the house where Superman was created. And next week...? We get Letterman involved. Plus lots more new items.

Love to all.

Cleveland!

First, just a reminder that you can be a character in my next novel -- and i'll make you someone good too. Plus lots of other items that'll help raise money to save the house where Superman was created. Bid here.

Had our event in Cleveland last night, co-sponsored by the the Ohio Center for the Book and the Ohioana Library Association. Was wild to see so many of Jerry Siegel's relatives there, plus Joe Shuster's, plus the current amazing owners of the Siegel House, plus so many members of the Siegel & Shuster Society. Lovefest? For sure -- and was easily one of the best stops -- especially because I hadn't been there in so long, so got to meet so many people who have been reading the novels for years.

Onto Denver and then the hurricanes of Austin...

New Auction Items

Headed to Cleveland tomorrow. Can't wait to see reactions at the signing based on the e-mails I've been getting from Clevelanders.

Best part of last night's signing in Chicago? My first unrequited crush from elementary school came to visit. I wrote about her in my Terra story. She reminded me why I love old friends -- and why I should have given her a "Great" instead of a "Yuk" in the slam book.

Also, week one of the auction to save the house where Superman was created is officially over.

Insane. In the membrane. I said to my wife that I figured week one would get $10K (being over-optimistic). Shows what I f'ing know.

The closing auctions for week one were as follows:

Winning Bids:
Brian Michael Bendis $5,850.00
Neil Gaiman $1,125.00
Dave Gibbons $810.00
Jim Lee $14,101.00
Allen Bellman $150.00
Dan Brereton $587.88
Travis Charest $7,877.77
Greg Rucka $545.00
Ian Churchill $560.00
Ernie Chan $227.50
George Perez $2,625.00

That's $34,459.15 for week one auctions. And that's not including how many amazing people have made direct donations that came through OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.Com. With so many people donating just $10, $25...that's all we need. We just need more people to do it.

Also, don't forget the coolest T-Shirt that Chip Kidd has ever designed. The official Siegel & Shuster T-Shirt, with all profits going to save the house where Superman was created.

And so we begin the second week of the auction, the one where you can get your name as a character in my next novel.

Let me say, right now, that I'll give you a good spot. You won't be some waiter who disappears after one line (unless you have a really bad name, in which case I'm going to kill you early).

Week 2 auctions.

Also, the best part of this has been the outpouring of new items we've gotten for the auction. So many more coming. But this week, let's throw some love at J.H. Williams III, Jimmy Palmiotti and Mark Waid, who has given us CURT SWAN! (check out the art below)

Plus, just heard from Mark Millar, Jill Thompson, Mark Waid, and so many others. To all creators: we tried to reach out to everyone when we started, but it's clear we didn't reach everyone. We want you! If you have a truly awesome item, please email me through the site or facebook or myspace or anywhere because this is for all of us.

Additional Tour Cities

First, for those who asked specific questions about Brian Bendis and Jim Lee's auctions, answers below... And c'mon, that's gotta make the bidding go higher.

Q:When you say drawn on the cover to an issue of Powers, would it be possible to have "me" wearing a shirt that says my name on it so it's "obviously" me and there's no mistaking it? Also, will we get a chance to own the original art?

A:Yes to both.

Q:How large will Jim Lee's drawing be? Will it be pencil or ink? Can Jim draw Superman and Batman, instead of the winner?

A:11 x 17. Pencil and ink. It can be Batman or any other existing character from Marvel or DC or Wildstorm.

So, the first week of the tour is done. Beyond the highlight of meeting everyone, especially the Invisible Army members, was doing the local TV noon news in Miami with the firefighter band that was playing "Superman" while the Miami Dolphin cheerleaders came over to say hi. I swear, I tried to take a picture. Only in Miami.

We've added two additional cities to the tour. Stop by and say hello if you're in New Jersey (Hoboken, represent!) or Connecticut.

WESTFIELD, NJ
Saturday, September 20 – 7:00 pm

Westfield Library

550 East Broad Street

DARIEN, CT
Sunday, September 21 – 5:30 pm

Darien Library

35 Leroy Avenue