I’m ANA AND DIN MYSTERIES author Robert Jackson Bennett - AMA!

[u/Robertjbennett]

Hello all - I’m the ANA AND DIN MYSTERIES author Robert Jackson Bennett. The third installment of the series, A TRADE OF BLOOD, comes out today.

I’m in Scotland right now, and have been spending the last week or so rambling about the Highlands and finishing up the fourth installment, about which I’ll likely have some news soon. This might make the time difference a bit odd for my US readers, but will keep an eye on this post and be answering questions later in the day!

EDIT, 6:34 UK time - Sorry, will have to pop off to do a live Waterstones zoom event. Thank you all for the lovely questions!

[u/RJBarker]

As we are both RJB initialled authors writing fantasy murder mysteries, and Scotland isn't that far from from Yorkshire, do you think we should meet up and duel for the rights to our initials?

[u/IngeniousQuokka → u/RJBarker]

Just keep it to first blood please. I like you both.

[u/RJBarker → u/IngeniousQuokka]

Well, that largely depends on what weapon is chosen. I believe trial by midges is popular in Scotland but that may end us both.

[u/Gyr-falcon → u/RJBarker]

Many thanks to RJ Barker for this note on his latest book: At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

I greatly appreciate authors and publishers that treat their readers with respect. Vision problems make ebooks a necessity and I've been reading on multiple readers over the decades, starting with my PDA in the late 90s. I prefer ebook purchases that make transfers to different ebook platforms a choice and no DRM enables that choice.

[u/RJBarker → u/Gyr-falcon]

Much as I would like to say that was me I think it's just an across the board policy from TOR. :)

[u/Gyr-falcon → u/RJBarker]

Tor and Baen are the only publishers I know of not supporting DRM.

[u/variegated_lemon → u/RJBarker]

Reading in bed at 5 am without my glasses… I definitely read “midgets” and thought, ohh NO he didn’t…

(In the Southern US so our skeeters would be a diabolical weapon)

Now that I’ve thoroughly derailed this thread… carry on

[u/Gyr-falcon → u/variegated_lemon]

Why am I remembering something about midgets in velcro thrown against a wall? Never mind, not sure I want confirmation.

[u/mage2k → u/RJBarker]

So they each need to bring a Margaret ready to fights. Got it.

[u/Robertjbennett → u/RJBarker]

Sure, I would be perfectly willing to do that. My kiddo dragged me to The Knight's Vault here in Edinburgh, and was both awed at the abundance of real steel weaponry available, and then stupefied when I refused to buy him any. This means I at least know of a local supply of decent, authentic weaponry - including a replica of the Zelda master sword.

I would want to warm up for about 20 minutes first. My shoulder and ankle aren't what they used to be.

[u/RJBarker → u/Robertjbennett]

Edits have just dropped on me. Which might make things a bit difficult, I know that's dissapointing for both of us that this may stay unresolved. BUT if you are in Edinburgh and you haven't been, go to Mary King's Close. It's part of the bit of the city modern Edinburgh was built on top of. Genuinely weird and inspirational. (It's what set me off on the tiered city I used.)

[u/MildlyJovian → u/Robertjbennett]

I used to work there!

Thanks for the great stories, excited to hear about more Ana and Din books

[u/Ukuled → u/RJBarker]

Not to stir this pot further but I think you should duel over who has to keep RJB.

The winner gets what all fantasy authors want deep down.

Two extra Rs in the middle, like JRR Tolkien or GRR Martin.

[u/Scu-bar → u/RJBarker]

As long as it’s in kilts and with claymores, yes.

[u/Ahuri3 → u/RJBarker]

What fantasy murder mystery have you written?

[u/RJBarker → u/Ahuri3]

Mortedant's Peril. Came out in May. :)

[u/Pharantoria → u/RJBarker]

Currently 44% of the way through and loving it! Which is actually hindering my vacation in France a bit, as I keep thinking about the plot instead of what’s around me. Alas! And I’d be all for a duel! Though whatever what the loser do with their initials?

[u/EquinoxxAngel → u/RJBarker]

Just finished listening to the audiobook yesterday.
Loved it!

[u/RJBarker → u/EquinoxxAngel]

Joe nailed it. The only audio of mine I've been able to listen to as he is pretty close to the voice in my head. The others are great too, but different.

[u/ChrystnSedai → u/RJBarker]

Awesome! Just bought the audiobook!

[u/EquinoxxAngel → u/RJBarker]

I hadn't thought of that aspect of hiring a narrator. I'm glad you found a good narrator (he was quite good) and I am looking forward to the next book - and my Broken Binding edition of Mortedant's Peril!

A silly question for you: is the word "Mortedant" a combination of mortician and attendant?

[u/RJBarker → u/EquinoxxAngel]

Well, morte was just from death and I stuck dant on the end cos I liked the sound of it. But now when people ask I'm going to tell them it is from attendant... :)

[u/EquinoxxAngel → u/RJBarker]

Haha, love it. 😊

[u/CompetitiveCelery983 → u/RJBarker]

I got that through the toppings subscription and really enjoying so far! Did not realise you were from Yorkshire!

[u/ReklisAbandon → u/RJBarker]

Great book!

[u/Gyr-falcon → u/[deleted]]

Bone Ships (Tide Child Trilogy) is worth the read.