Book release is now so close I can smell it. In fact, my most illustrious editor, Jim Gifford, sent me a nice fresh copy of the book for perusal last week and I did smell it. Ever since I was a kid, I've had this thing for the aroma of fresh text (well, except for those super glossy books that smell like....you know) and I have to tell you that smelling my own writing inside that beautiful blue jacket was an experience at a whole 'nother level. Now fingers crossed that nobody will think to write a review with too many olfactory connotations -- at least not unpleasant ones.
As well as trying to keep my wits about me and to say sensible things at this site that pertain to space, the universe and our placelessness in it (not to mention hang on by my fingernails to the day job), I've discussed from time to time the possibility of giving away free stuff. To wit: we have 10 (ten!) signed copies of this sweet-smelling book that I've written that we are prepared to give away, one at a time, to readers who crack place puzzles of one kind or another. I'll roll them out entirely at my whim and pleasure. Some of them may well involve the use of QR codes and other kinds of e-trickery. All of them will be designed to make you think about where you are, were, or want to be. And they'll all be fun. Somewhere near the end of this grand quest to find ourselves, and thanks to the generosity of my fine publisher, I'll be giving away a grand prize consisting of $100 worth of HarperCollins Canada publications. I'm not sure yet what it will take to win the grand prize. Maybe you'll have to figure out the watermark code on snippet #78. Maybe you'll just have to show yourself to be very, very needy and deserving of some great books. We'll see.
The first installment of the contest is already at play. Apart from one very cheeky young architect who has earned himself a fine Cuban cigar from my private collection because I disqualified him from the regular competition (it's in the back corner of my kitchen cabinet -- a friend gave it to me in 2005 -- I'm sure it's still fine Justin), nobody has ventured an answer yet. What? You don't like books? Take a look here for the code that starts things off.
I'll update this post as I roll out new installments, but if you want to be sure not to miss a trick, you can follow me on Twitter or subscribe to my feed (look for the button on the sidebar).
Have fun. Try not to get lost.
Legal fineprint: You must be a Canadian resident to enter the contest. Sorry. But there's got to be an upside to having to cope with this climate. Free books does it for me.
UPDATE: Ladies and gentlemen -- have cell phones at the ready. A new QR quiz will appear at 930 AM, Thursday April 9. As promised, somewhat more of a challenge. If nobody solves in 24 hours, I'll add a small clue. Free book is at stake. Only shivering Canadians need apply (though the forecast tells me tomorrow's weather will be slightly warmer than the inside of your fridge.)
UPDATE: New quiz launched Monday April 13. Details here.
UPDATE: New quiz launched Thursday April 23. You'll have to act quickly.
QR Code Breaker!
I posted a reply on Twitter, but I wasn't sure if you would get it so I have tracked down your email address.
The map is of Victoria Park in Kitchener to me. Although I am a bit unfamiliar with the building. It has been a while since I was there. Do I win?
Great idea for a contest by the way. Took me a while to find a QR reader for my phone (it is a bit old, and I don't have a data plan).
Hope I didn't ruin anything with the Tweet,
Taylor Ohlsson
p.s. I also emailed you
Posted by: Taylor | April 08, 2009 at 04:15 PM