On Wednesday, May 28 (tonight) at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST my publisher is hosting an on-line chat for the release of my second novel, Skinny Berry.
For those unfamiliar with my work, I think it is a bit of a mix between John Grisham, Michael Crichton, Carl Hiassen and Ayn Rand (if only she were progressive).
This particular novel is a fictional look at the potential problems with the introduction of genetically modified organisms into our food supply. My publisher will be giving away a few copies of the book during the on-line chat, so if you haven’t bought the book yet, this might be a good chance to get a copy at the rock bottom price of $0.
I was very pleased with my first book signing last week. It turned into something of a town-hall meeting on these issues, which was all I could have really hoped for in writing the book. Lots of voices in my own community. Just regular people. Talking about their food supply. Very interesting.
So, while I’m aware that I won’t get to see many of you in person at any book events, I am happy to have one event where we might at least say hello in the virtual world. Perhaps we’ll see you there.
But if you’re interested in GMOs, or just shooting the shit for that matter, and aren’t too busy, maybe we’ll see you tonight.
Got a back-cover blurb for us?
This is what my copy says:
Tom Hughes is in no condition to take on a new case. Since his wife died from a tragic asthma attack, his life has been a blur of bourbon-soaked depression. When he closed the doors on his personal injury practice, small-town rumors about his drinking swirled through the local courthouse. But when Ike Stiles is cast as the underdog in a David versus Goliath legal battle, Tom is forced back into the courtroom to defend his old friend.
The organic Stiles Family Berry Farm has been genetically contaminated by a mysterious new product from the Enhanced Foods Division of GenAgra. The corporate giant is perfecting its genetically modified Skinny Berry–set to become the next great American weight-loss fad. GenAgra stands to reap millions in profits. Only Tom and Ike stand in the way. When his rag-tag legal team links the Skinny Berry to an emerging public health crisis, Tom’s case suddenly controls much more than the fate of one family farm.
But before Tom can save Ike’s farm and expose the truth about the Skinny Berry, he will have to overcome all the power that corporate profits can buy. Through their marketing guru, Al Bullard, GenAgra’s influence forces Tom to endure a gauntlet of government resistance, academic opposition, a hostile media, and an adverse legal system. GenAgra has never been beaten in the courtroom. Can Tom’s unlikely case prevail against the corporation’s win-at-all-cost tactics? Will he stop the spread of a man-made medical disaster?
Haven’t read it yet, thought I would over last weekend, but still busy with another book.
I had a great time at the chat yesterday. Did you get my mail right afterward?
I’m looking forward to my copy. If I had it now it would have to wait in line, though; yesterday I got a copy of Cory Doctorow’s new young adult, Little Brother, which I highly recommend. I stayed up way too late last night reading through to about chapter 7, and had to force myself to put the book down at 12:30 so I could get a little sleep. š
Ah, there’s the reply in my mailbox.