Downer publishes his book! - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 02-06-2012, 01:57 AM

Narrforc has finally gotten around to releasing his book The Followship of the Ring (being the First Part of The Lord of the Grins) as a kindle book. Available now from all good Amazon sites for a very small price ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Followship-R...8514491&sr=8-3 for Uk & http://www.amazon.com/Followship-Rin...8514643&sr=8-6 for US). And if you don't own an actual Kindle remember you can download the free kindle application from Amazon. Mark has been working on this book for the best part of a decade and it's really nice for his friends to see his work finally available.

Mithalwen · 02-06-2012, 11:19 AM

It is being delivered to Lady Mondegreen (which is what I call my Kindle) as I type...

Inziladun · 02-06-2012, 12:20 PM

We have a Nook, not a Kindle.

How does one get the app?

Mithalwen · 02-06-2012, 12:30 PM

I have looked at the Amazon.com site and it seems similar to the .co.uk
Go to the Shop by departments and then Kindle and there should be options for free reading apps

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...cId=1000493771

narfforc · 02-06-2012, 02:36 PM

There are a few errors which I hope to put right in the next few days.....but I hope you enjoy it, because it get's really deeply funny later on. The Two Townies is a much bigger book, and The Retinue of the King has to be split in two... this creates a four book trilogy.

Wait until you meet Earmore Eadache son of Earnaught, and his sister The Lady Earwax The Milk-maid of Bovine in The Hall of the Golden King, which in the tongue of The Ruminates or Riders of Ridicule, is Milkingshed in Udderas,

davem · 02-06-2012, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by narfforc

There are a few errors which I hope to put right in the next few days.....but I hope you enjoy it, because it get's really deeply funny later on. The Two Townies is a much bigger book, and The Retinue of the King has to be split in two... this creates a four book trilogy.

In case anyone doesn't realise edits made to kindle books by the author are automatically downloaded to the kindle book you bought

Mithalwen · 02-06-2012, 03:53 PM

I did think it was a fat lot of good telling me now......

davem · 02-06-2012, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

I did think it was a fat lot of good telling me now......

It's just minor grammatical errors we both missed while proofreading and preparing the ebook Also, I had to take Mark's original file, convert it into a different file type in order to turn it into an ebook (.epub file) and then convert that file into a .mobi file format version to upload to kindle. I suspect that errors may have occurred during the conversion process - or were possibly due to drunkenness.

davem · 02-06-2012, 04:49 PM

And of course, the other good thing is that if anyone spots any errors we miss you can let us know and we can fix them

Mithalwen · 02-06-2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davem

Also, I had to take Mark's original file, convert it into a different file type in order to turn it into an ebook (.epub file) and then convert that file into a .mobi file format version to upload to kindle.

Nods as if I understand any of that.... but I wish who ever prepped the free classic I downloaded yesterday would do some corrections .. not everyone has Project Gutenberg standards *sniff*

davem · 02-07-2012, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Nods as if I understand any of that.... but I wish who ever prepped the free classic I downloaded yesterday would do some corrections .. not everyone has Project Gutenberg standards *sniff*

It's just that Amazon use a file type (.mobi or.azw) which isn't the industry standard (.epub) - so that you don't go buying books from other suppliers like Waterstones, Smiths or Barnes & Noble, etc. Problem is the program I use (Sigil - which is free to download) for creating ebooks produces them in .epub format so they have to be converted on another program Calibre, into .mobi to upload to Amazon. You can lose commas, speech marks & stuff, or be so concerned with the little things like that that you end up not spotting things like 'that very next day' not being corrected to 'the very next day'. It's all minor stuff like that which Mark is sorting. He missed some things as well because he's so focussed on getting part two ready. We did put a lot of effort into getting it right, and they're the kind of thing you find in a lot of paper books - but at least we can correct them and you'll get the corrected text sent through as soon as it's done.

Estelyn Telcontar · 02-07-2012, 04:19 AM

Is anyone else smiling over the fact that davem's signature contrasts vividly with the subject of this thread and his involvement in the project?

I am amused. Nevertheless, I applaud both of you for bringing this book to the light of the public eye and for the work you put into it. This just may be the straw that breaks the camel's back of my resistance and gets me to buy a Kindle...

Galadriel55 · 02-07-2012, 06:28 AM

All hail Narfforc and Davem, the Lords of the Grins!

Way to go!

Like Esty, I don't have a Kindle...

Quote:

Is anyone else smiling over the fact that davem's signature contrasts vividly with the subject of this thread and his involvement in the project?

Mithalwen · 02-07-2012, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davem

It's just that Amazon use a file type (.mobi or.azw) which isn't the industry standard (.epub) - so that you don't go buying books from other suppliers like Waterstones, Smiths or Barnes & Noble, etc. Problem is the program I use (Sigil - which is free to download) for creating ebooks produces them in .epub format so they have to be converted on another program Calibre, into .mobi to upload to Amazon. You can lose commas, speech marks & stuff, or be so concerned with the little things like that that you end up not spotting things like 'that very next day' not being corrected to 'the very next day'. It's all minor stuff like that which Mark is sorting. He missed some things as well because he's so focussed on getting part two ready. We did put a lot of effort into getting it right, and they're the kind of thing you find in a lot of paper books - but at least we can correct them and you'll get the corrected text sent through as soon as it's done.

You say that and I still hear lalalalal Amazon lalalalala Barnes and Noble lalala Amazon...

My problem with my other e book is that Chapter 1 has become Chapter L !!! and they haven't taken the zero-tolerance approach to extraneaous spaces PG insist on... and they haven't removed the page headings so the chapter title and page number interrupt sentences !!! But I have waited decades to get my hands on this particular volume so I will forgive it.

davem · 02-07-2012, 10:13 AM

It was a learning experience for me. Sounds like the ebook you bought was done with zero concern for the reader's experience. We both put real effort into getting it right and making it as' professional' looking as possible. I think Mark can rightly feel proud of what he's produced, and I hope as many people as possible give it a go. And remember, you don't need a kindle- just download the free app

Mithalwen · 02-07-2012, 01:56 PM

To be fair it didn't cost me anything but it has clearly hasn't been through the rigourous procedure that PG use for their e publications.

davem · 02-07-2012, 02:36 PM

And please remember everybody-you can download the free Kindle app to your computer or smartphone and a free sample of the book if you don't want to risk your hard earned cash.

Mithalwen · 02-07-2012, 02:59 PM

However since it is less cash than my daily paper I felt that would be churlish....

Faramir Jones · 02-10-2012, 01:58 PM

My (belated) congratulations to you, narrforc!

Pervinca Took · 02-11-2012, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davem

you can download the free kindle application from Amazon.

I went on Amazon, found The Followship Of the Ring, but couldn't find the free Kindle application or how to download it.

Mithalwen · 02-11-2012, 12:47 PM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/feature.h...rd_i=341677031

That is the page for the UK site.

Pervinca Took · 02-11-2012, 01:16 PM

Thanks, Mithalwen! Downloading now.

Cycling Nazgul? Great parodists must think alike. (Viz: "The Trouble Of The Rings").

I'm sure Bilious was called Bulbous in an earlier draft?

Enjoying it, though. Very nice work.

davem · 02-11-2012, 03:40 PM

We're at work on part two, The Two Townies, at the moment & hopefully that won't be too long appearing. Mark wants to sort out a new cover, blurb page & map. Also, we'll try harder with the punctuation

I've just sent Mark the ebook in kindle compatible format and we're both checking it over-along with one of his friends wot teechus inglish so we're living in hope. Please bear with us re the slight imperfections in the text of Followship-hopefully they don't spoil your enjoyment of the story and Mark is sorting them and will upload the corrected version soon.

Long term the plan is to put out a second, third, and at the very least, an anniversary edition, each with minor changes of no real significance but motivated by a very real desire to get fans to purchase another copy of what will effectively be the same book.

narfforc · 02-11-2012, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pervinca Took

I'm sure Bilious was called Bulbous in an earlier draft?

Yes you are quite right he was, but as you will read in His Stories of Muddy-earth of how the names change like Oddo Baggytrousers from Foodo Binbags....

narfforc · 02-11-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davem

We're at work on part two

Are we!!!, I'm working on The Shamarra Trilogy of :-

The Swearword of Shamarra
The Gallstones of Shamarra
The Washing of Shamarra

and as we discussed:-

Potty Harry and The Goblins on Fire
Hairy Pothead and The Prisoner's on a Razor-ban

I am of course also working on:-

Unfinshed Tales
His Stories of Muddy-earth volumes 1 to 12.

02-06-2012, 01:57 AM	#1
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	Downer publishes his book! Narrforc has finally gotten around to releasing his book The Followship of the Ring (being the First Part of The Lord of the Grins) as a kindle book. Available now from all good Amazon sites for a very small price ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Followship-R...8514491&sr=8-3 for Uk & http://www.amazon.com/Followship-Rin...8514643&sr=8-6 for US). And if you don't own an actual Kindle remember you can download the free kindle application from Amazon. Mark has been working on this book for the best part of a decade and it's really nice for his friends to see his work finally available. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

02-06-2012, 11:19 AM	#2
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	It is being delivered to Lady Mondegreen (which is what I call my Kindle) as I type... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-06-2012, 12:20 PM	#3
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,037	We have a Nook, not a Kindle. How does one get the app? __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

02-06-2012, 12:30 PM	#4
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	I have looked at the Amazon.com site and it seems similar to the .co.uk Go to the Shop by departments and then Kindle and there should be options for free reading apps http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...cId=1000493771 __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-06-2012, 02:36 PM	#5
narfforc Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Muddy-earth Posts: 1,297	There are a few errors which I hope to put right in the next few days.....but I hope you enjoy it, because it get's really deeply funny later on. The Two Townies is a much bigger book, and The Retinue of the King has to be split in two... this creates a four book trilogy. Wait until you meet Earmore Eadache son of Earnaught, and his sister The Lady Earwax The Milk-maid of Bovine in The Hall of the Golden King, which in the tongue of The Ruminates or Riders of Ridicule, is Milkingshed in Udderas, __________________ [B]THE LORD OF THE GRINS:THE ONE PARODY....A PARODY BETTER THAN THE RINGS OF POWER. Last edited by narfforc; 02-07-2012 at 06:41 PM.

02-06-2012, 03:53 PM	#7
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	I did think it was a fat lot of good telling me now...... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-06-2012, 04:49 PM	#9
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	And of course, the other good thing is that if anyone spots any errors we miss you can let us know and we can fix them __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

02-07-2012, 04:19 AM	#12
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Is anyone else smiling over the fact that davem's signature contrasts vividly with the subject of this thread and his involvement in the project? I am amused. Nevertheless, I applaud both of you for bringing this book to the light of the public eye and for the work you put into it. This just may be the straw that breaks the camel's back of my resistance and gets me to buy a Kindle... __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

02-07-2012, 10:13 AM	#15
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	It was a learning experience for me. Sounds like the ebook you bought was done with zero concern for the reader's experience. We both put real effort into getting it right and making it as' professional' looking as possible. I think Mark can rightly feel proud of what he's produced, and I hope as many people as possible give it a go. And remember, you don't need a kindle- just download the free app __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

02-07-2012, 01:56 PM	#16
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	To be fair it didn't cost me anything but it has clearly hasn't been through the rigourous procedure that PG use for their e publications. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-07-2012, 02:36 PM	#17
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	And please remember everybody-you can download the free Kindle app to your computer or smartphone and a free sample of the book if you don't want to risk your hard earned cash. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

02-07-2012, 02:59 PM	#18
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	However since it is less cash than my daily paper I felt that would be churlish.... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-10-2012, 01:58 PM	#19
Faramir Jones Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lonely Isle Posts: 706	Congratulations! My (belated) congratulations to you, narrforc! Last edited by Faramir Jones; 02-10-2012 at 02:01 PM.

02-11-2012, 12:47 PM	#21
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/feature.h...rd_i=341677031 That is the page for the UK site. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-11-2012, 01:16 PM	#22
Pervinca Took Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Treetops, C/O Great Smials Posts: 5,035	Thanks, Mithalwen! Downloading now. Cycling Nazgul? Great parodists must think alike. (Viz: "The Trouble Of The Rings"). I'm sure Bilious was called Bulbous in an earlier draft? Enjoying it, though. Very nice work. __________________ "Sit by the firelight's glow; tell us an old tale we know. Tell of adventures strange and rare; never to change, ever to share! Stories we tell will cast their spell, now and for always." Last edited by Pervinca Took; 02-11-2012 at 01:45 PM.

02-11-2012, 03:40 PM	#23
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	We're at work on part two, The Two Townies, at the moment & hopefully that won't be too long appearing. Mark wants to sort out a new cover, blurb page & map. Also, we'll try harder with the punctuation I've just sent Mark the ebook in kindle compatible format and we're both checking it over-along with one of his friends wot teechus inglish so we're living in hope. Please bear with us re the slight imperfections in the text of Followship-hopefully they don't spoil your enjoyment of the story and Mark is sorting them and will upload the corrected version soon. Long term the plan is to put out a second, third, and at the very least, an anniversary edition, each with minor changes of no real significance but motivated by a very real desire to get fans to purchase another copy of what will effectively be the same book. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."