A River Runs Through It

Just a reminder that today is the last day to order an autographed copy of Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games from River Run Books (603 431-2100). All details are here.
Also, just to clear up any potential confusion, note that River Run isn’t a comic store. They don’t carry Locke & Key #1 Welcome to Lovecraft – Special Edition (as far as I know). They do carry Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft. The former is a single standalone issue; the latter is the first Locke & Key collection and covers 6 issues in all.
Thanks for supporting the comic, guys… and for showing some love to a very cool New England indie bookstore.



September 23rd, 2009 at 10:38 am
Finally I got it done! My life is such a hurricane right now I almost forgot to order. Thanks for the reminder Joe. And may I say that the young lady who helped me on the phone was so nice!
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I called on Monday and was once again very pleased with the service River Run Books provided. I want to thank both Joe and the fine folks at River run Books for making this possible! It is too bad that Gabe isn’t from the area and can’t also sign the books, but such is life!
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Hell yes. I’m glad I checked the website today. Two signed volumes of L&K down… River Run rocked once again. Thanks, Joe, for setting this up.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
NO, thank you Joe for making this possible. I would like to echo what BB said about the extremely nice people at River Run.
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
They are very helpful at the bookstore. I ordered online not knowing that it was shipped from a different location. Being shipped from some other location, it would not be signed. I called and they gave me several options to help me out. I called today and ordered a second copy so I can have a signed copy. I decided to give my extra copy as a gift, so it will not be wasted. Great bookstore. I am sure that Mr. Barnes and Noble would not have gone out of the way to help me.
September 24th, 2009 at 1:20 am
I totally missed the deadline by mere hours! Do you think they have any spares are willing to sell? I was really looking forward to having another signed locke and key!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Dustan, I would just try calling them (603 431-2100) to ask. If they say yes great, if they say no accept the answer. Good Luck.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Can anyone here tell me if the new ebook site of http://www.DarkCastle.com is legit? It appears that they are still finishing the site, but the premise looks interesteding. Let me know if any of you have heard of whomever is backing DC…thanks.
- RR
September 24th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I would also like to say that the people at River Run are very helpful and are very nice. They even went to the bother of taking a book the the post office to get it weighed, just to confirm the shipping rates to Scotland! Fantastic service. Thanks also to you Joe for taking the time to sign the books.
Slainte!
September 24th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I ordered an inscribed copy just under the wire (i.e. on deadline day). Nice people there at River Run. Thank you, Joe, for signing these books for us.
September 28th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Finally got my copy at Water St. phew…now, to get it signed
September 29th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I only found Volume 1 actually. The others were nowhere in sight. I did however see that movie, A River Runs Through It, 3 times. I didn’t read the book though. River Run is also a song by Carly Simon that was featured in a Melanie Griffith movie.
I just met Margaret Atwood, and I bawled my head off like I was at a wedding or something. Nobody does it better. (another Carly Simon song)
September 30th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I’ve been checking Joe’s site twice weekly for this notice up untill a month or more back when my Mom had an accident. Between hospital runs/sleepovers and such today was pretty much my first day on line (other than email) since her accident. My Mom”s progress although slow is a bit better every day. That is ALL that matters. As a Joe Hill fan I’m just dissapointed as I bought Volume One this very same way and wanted 2 to match. Keep on rockin Joe and I’ll meet up with you at a signing with Volume 2 well in hand! Count on it.
September 30th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Hey Rob…so sorry to hear about your mom. I’ve been going through a family crisis myself and it was just pure luck that I happened to check the blog on the last day. Did you try calling RR? Maybe they’ll get some extras signed by Joe. We used to do that in the bookstore where I used to work. It wouldn’t be personalized but it would be signed. Good luck!
October 1st, 2009 at 6:25 pm
PS…When anyone receives their signed copy, come back and let us know. I’m getting anxious!
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:55 am
Will do Betsy!
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 am
I’ve been asleep at the wheel lately.
October 3rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
River Run left me a message this morning saying my book was in…!
October 5th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
wow…
head games is even better than welcome to lovecraft
didnt think that this is possible
PS:
i found one detail in the hardcover version which wasnt in the regular issues of head games, a detail which may be very important for crown of shadows
why wasnt it in the regular issues?
October 5th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Does Neil Gaiman help write this? Don’t know if I spelled his last name right.
I want to know, so I’ll have something to add to the conversation with this new guy where I work. Another computer person, but he was going on about Neil Gaiman like I’ve never seen. I thought I was going to have to treat him for heart attack, he was that excited when he talked about it.
He showed us a book by Neil Gaiman called ‘American God’ or something close to that title. He has another novel by this author but, for the life of me, I can’t remember it. The only reason I remember the first title is b/c he got so excited talking that he became lost for words. He was like a car that’s running along just gr8 and suddenly blows a tire at 70 mph.
He’ll buy anything with Neil Gaiman’s name on it, so I thought I’d tell him about Locke & Keye. Then I couldn’t remember Gaiman actually helped write it. I’d hate to disappoint such a positively dedicated fan.
I don’t wanna find out what he might do.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Received my books from River Run today. The glossy paper really showcases Gabe’s art. Thanks to all involved!
October 6th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Picked up my book yesterday from River Run! Thanks again Joe!!
October 6th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Arrived today…now to read it all over…
October 7th, 2009 at 10:07 am
So Joe,
My big fantasy right now is that your productivity gets a sudden ramp up. As a writer, I get it. But I also get that one goes thru peaks and slumps. My crystal ball tells me (okay, it’s not so much a “crystal ball” as it is a murky puddle after a recent shower) that your next peak is as close as the next time your fingers hit the keys.
Right now there are only two awesome writers out there: one is you and the other is … well, I forget who the other is. The imagination is, of course, a pet that craves lots of attention. Just a wink of encouragement for you.
But for the moment — as a satiation for your faithful — why don’t you look into some kind of countdown widget to the release of HORNS? That would be, ah, the ticket.
Mr. Faithful himself,
John Liptow
October 7th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
any word on when we can place a order for a subscription of CROWN OF SHADOWS at the IDW site.
October 9th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Theres more to the picture, than meets the eye..
“Hey Hey! My My! Rock and Roll will never die!!!!!”
Love my new books!!! Thank You So much! Now I’ve
hatched a plan to display my older copy of ” HSB”
at work to show the battallions going to “The Sand box”
as they call it. The new autographed book stay home under
lock and key right beside Locke and Key!)
The store next to mine sells your books, and the troops
buy lots of them to read during their tour’s.
Leigh Clement
October 9th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
My HEAD GAMES was here waiting for me when I got back into town. I have to say I feel a little guilty…RR only charged me $6 for shipping and it cost over $7. I’d like to send them the extra, but not sure how. Maybe I should call them?
But most importantly, I want to thank you, Joe, for the truly lovely and funny inscription you wrote in my book. I was quite touched by it and I wish I had the words to explain what I’m feeling about it. Coming across such kindness and generosity in this hard old world renews my faith that it really does exist! Add to that the gift of your stories–the absolute pleasure I get from everything you’ve created…well, that makes you just about perfect.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Joe! My L&K books arrived from River Run today. Thank you SO much for my very own key!!! This has instantly become my number one, most touching, personalized book I have.
Thanks again, I can’t wait for the next arc to begin. Keep up the great work. And Gabe, too. You guys make for an amzing team.
Best,
~Tim
October 9th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Nils…(are you Swedish?),
What was the detail you saw in the HC of “Head Games” that you didn’t see in the comics? You WILL drive me crazy if you don’t tell. I feel stupid that I didn’t catch it.
I just re-read “Head Games” and I have to say that it is even better the second time! I love the architectural drawings of Key House and the background of the “Known Keys”…oh, I can’t wait to find out what the “Omega Key” does!!! (I want one, Mr. Skelton!) And thank you Gabriel for the step by step process of how you work with Joe. I found that fascinating and have been very curious about it. Geez…I am almost freaked by how much I am enjoying this series! I have been trying to read other comics, but none can compare to the dynamic duo of Hill/Rodriguez! Honestly, L&K would make a wonderful novel, but the combination of words and pics in this series makes for a very special kind of magic. Mark my words…this comic series is what they call an “instant classic”. I truly believe it will be the new standard for comics for years to come!
And thank you to IDW and Mr. Rydell for not only publishing L&K, but for making it so beautiful! I really appreciate the love and care you put into this wonderful story. I would have bought it anyway for the story & pics, but I am so grateful for the absolute committment you have to making L&K such a beautiful keepsake!
So…how much longer before CoS comes out???? The suspense is killing me!!!!
October 9th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
BTW…ARCs of HORNS???
October 12th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Betsy Boo, I have seen a few ARCs of Horns on eBay. Most claim to be signed, but not from a reliable source, and are too pricey.
October 12th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Betsy Boo
Can you give it a rest please or start your own website
This is Joe’s blog, not yours.
October 12th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Nils,
I think I know the detail you’re talking about. It wasn’t in the original comic ’cause I goofed and forgot someone needed to be wearing the crown in that particular moment. So we put it in there for the hardcover.
Warren,
The blog is mine; the comments thread, however, belongs to everyone who wants to comment, as long as they express themselves in a considerate, reasonably thoughtful way, and don’t exhibit trollish tendencies. If you don’t like Betsy’s comments, you’re free to skip or skim, or not read the comments threads at all.
October 13th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Wow. Sorry to offend you Warren. I do try to stay on point and only comment about how much I enjoy Joe’s work. Ever since I read HSB I have been truly excited about finding a new author whose work I love. It doesn’t happen very often. I get the feeling you’re telling me to “get a life” which even though rudely put, has some merit.
Thanks Joe. You are very kind. But if you ever think I’m over-stepping I hope you will kindly let me know.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Betsy Boo. I thought I would present an alternate view from that expressed above. I enjoy reading these threads to see what people are thinking and hopefully gain insight that I did not have previously. Please continue to contribute, the more people contribute the more there is to learn from. Thanks!
October 13th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
You are a very sweet person, Martin. Thank you. Most of Joe’s fans are!
October 13th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
A little info: I think that some of the orders went out on Oct 5th( called them. They have to be some of the nicest people). SO, for me getting the cheap postage, i still have some time to go. lol
October 13th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Got mine from River Run. Shipped on October 2nd, arrived today. Here is hoping for issue 3 having the same deal.
October 13th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Yeah. Kayne West was kicked off of Hill’s site years ago for just that reason…
October 13th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Hey!! BUZZy, where you been.lol
October 14th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Hey Guys,
Just got my signed Head Games today, LOVE IT, thanks Joe you’re the best. Im beyond excited for Horns.
October 14th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Hey Mark, Mary, Betsy, Hill, and all the other great regulars on this site! I just have been busy moving back to America and re-settling into things. Plus I haven’t seen Joe post anything new so I’ve been laying low.
October 14th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Welcome home Buzzy!
October 15th, 2009 at 4:12 am
Received my signed Head Games today and with another nice doodle. Thanks Joe and all those at River Run Books!
October 15th, 2009 at 10:13 am
just look at the scene when joe ridgeway remembers the tempest.
if you havent find it yet, look at the guy who might be rendell locke and compare him to the comic one.
PS:
oh, i am not swedish, i am from germany
October 15th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I might be seeing a certain other author in Toronto, but it’s not confirmed. Still haven’t got the copy I ordered. I wonder what’s taking so long. And I get to meet Gwynn Dyer next week. I love him. Yay.
October 15th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Thanks Nils and Joe! I will pull out my comic and my HC and compare. BTW, I love Swedes, but also Germans. I am both, plus Irish and Cherokee. Just your average American Mutt!
My apologies to Mr. Ryall. I spelled his name wrong in my previous post. Sorry Chris! IDW is great!
October 16th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
GO Betsy Boo!! You leave such warm messages! I feel very much the same way as you had expressed in your previous posts about the awesome work of our host lifting your spirits in this cold world! And when the ice came to freeze you out, Joe himself stood up with fire on your behalf to melt it away! I will pull out my comic and HC too and see what Nil’s good eye’s caught.
Irish and Chippewa are some of my own ancestors. Us Muttler’s like the best stuff! I enjoyed HSB alot, now that I have my signed copy
(and a cool P.M. like yours!) I have one to spare. I first displayed it at my workplace, thinking that my neighboring bookstore had it for sale.
They Dont! Well Horns to them! Then what did I buy there? Oh yeah, I cut a deal with the cashier ( a constant reader ) who kept badgering me to read Koontz ODD THOMAS. In His 60 yrs.he had never read a single Stephen King book, of which they have plenty.
So I cut him “the deal” Let him choose any S.K. and now he’s the gunslinger Dujour. (I’ve not read it so now I gotta listen to him…..)
I wonder why they dont have Joe Hill’s books nor Tabitha King’s!
I’m still going to display HSB and at some point I will know to whom
I will gift it to. (That would be the Chippewa part of me to call it)
Have a great weekend everybody. I’ll be at work! I Love my job.
October 16th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Yay!!!. I just received my signed copies of HEADGAMES( PM was awesome…had to go show Mary..who is a little sick at the moment.lol).
THank you sir( JOE HILL) for your hardwork and taking the time to do this for your devoted fanbase, we appreciated it so very much…..
October 17th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
“Muttlers”…I like that Grasshopper! And thanks for your support. Yes, Joe is my hero! You know, I did the same thing when I got my signed copy of HSB…I waited until I found someone who I thought would really appreciate it and gave them my first copy. Spread the love around, yes?
(PS…I adore your enthusiasm! You get as excited as I do!)
October 19th, 2009 at 12:57 am
I just picked up the hardback trade today from a local store here in Cincinnati. I read it in one sitting. At one point, I was so pumped and into the story, I knocked over my lamp.
But now I’m done.. and don’t know what to do with myself.
And now the wait for Crown of Shadows begins. Oh. I’m waiting, Joe. I’m waiting.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Thanks Betsy Boo! It’s all true. I do enjoy “spreading the love around!” Giving feels as good as recieving at times. Heres one that fell right into place at work recently: A lady bought a phone card. After dialing for her, I found that the recipient had an away mssg. She told me to keep the card and left. 120 min. of which only 2 min’s we used!
I’d tucked it away,weeks go by. Even sold a few not thinking of it (being a busy brain) Then this man, abt. 35 y.o. denim jacket and backpack bought one and went to the payphones, came back 10 min. or so later. This time I paid closer attn. that he seemed rather worried as he fished a small wad of one dollar bills from one pocket and change and lint from the other. In that instant I remembered the card I’d squirreled away!! “Somebody left this here. and I’m thinking it’s for you!” His posture straightened up taller, and He said “Thank-you, That’d never happen in New Jersey! ”
“Glad to help” I answered and off he strutted, waving goodbye with the card..looked back at me with a big smile and called out “You Rock!” And I did Rock and Roll on my way home that eve. Happy that the card got to who needed it the most! Truly!
p.s. origin of the word “muttlers”: Catering to my dog’s needs (yrs. ago, shes gone now) I’d often said that I was “A Mutt’s Butler”
and “Penny” the dog’s nickname became “Muttlers”!
Keep on enjoying life Betsy Boo! I’ll be back in a few days, see what cheer I can spread at work this weekend! ..
October 24th, 2009 at 8:33 am
You DO rock, Grasshopper! That story made me feel damn good…thanks for sharing it!
November 4th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
i actually just ordered mines on chapters.ca – Canada .. i finally got some money due to my birthday being in two days !!!!! I canttt waittt to read it… i would have rather waited for the hardcover though … locke and key has proven to me to be a good comic collection – should atleast collect it right … right? lol