Priscilla Spencer has been Jim's creative consultant since 2007. In addition to managing content for Jim-Butcher.com and its social media channels, she beta-reads all of Jim's works, serves as a thematic consultant on the graphic novels and role playing games, and illustrates the maps for his books. The whole "Year of Dresden" thing is largely her baby. Her latest claim to fame is directing the official book trailers for Peace Talks and Battle Ground.
In her professional life, Priscilla is a Producer, Writer, Photographer, and Fantasy Map Illustrator working towards a career in producing TV. She enjoys musical theatre, gluten-free cooking, sci-fi/fantasy, and weightlifting. She aspires to travel the world and pet every dog.
Apologies for failing to publish this week’s post on time! A combination of personal obligations and Pandemic Brain effectively sabotaged yesterday’s efforts, but we’re back in business today, and we’ll be back to our usual Tuesday posting schedule next week.
In today’s Drop, we share a new interview with DragonCon Urban Fantasy track lead Carol Malcolm, plus the results of our call for images of your Dresden Files tattoos!
Checking In With Jim
DragonCon’s Carol Malcolm has launched a new author interview series, starting with Jim! This hour-long video includes all kinds of tasty new tidbits, including more details about the next Cinder Spires book and the newly-announced Dresden novel Twelve Months, plus significantly more Brutus and Fenris cameo time than the average Q&A. We recommend!
A Skin Game
In the past several weeks, we asked you to send in photos of your Dresden-inspired tattoos, and you delivered! Thanks to all who submitted their ink–citations below. We also included several we found online that were too good not to show off, so the information isn’t always complete. Fellow fans, if you can fill in any of these gaps, we welcome any corrections at yearofdresden@gmail.com.
Robert Finchum // Mike Shultz, Ink Therapy Tattoo Studio (Plainfield, IN), based on artwork by Chris McGrath and Leo Nickolls.
Andy Tripp // Adam “Birdie” Bethea, Skin FX Tattoo Studio (Monroe, LA), based on artwork by Andy Tripp.
Steven Middlemas // Aryn Fox, Body of Art Tattoo (Dayton, KY)
Kayla Huffman // Artist Unknown
Unknown // Tom Beste, Eternal Tattoos (Eastpointe, MI), based on artwork by Dan Dos Santos.
Ian Cubberley // Artist Unknown
Ryan Smith // Artist Unknown
Redditor Sukidarka // Artist Unknown, based on design by Badali Jewelry.
AnorakNerd2000 // Artist Unknown
Redditor LascielTheFallen
Mollie Thiet // Chris Norden, One Life Tattoo (Brainerd, MN)
Hymn_to_Sanity // Unknown
Alecia Kadera // Unknown
Jon Sparkman // Aaron King, Top Tattoos, based on artwork by Claire Nicole Sparkman.
Jim’s long-awaited interview with The Dresden Files Podcast folks has been rescheduled for this Friday at 11am Mountain Time! A link to the stream will be tweeted when it starts. If you miss it, no worries! We’ll link to it in next week’s Drop.
Fanfic Contest Update
Y’all submitted SCORES of stories, which will take a LOT longer than our previous contests to judge! I’ve recruited a team to help distribute the work. Expect the results to be announced toward the end of the month. Thanks so much to all the entrants and my awesome judges!
And that’s it for this week! Visit Jim-Butcher.com every Tuesday this year for weekly Drops of never-before-seen artwork, microfiction, interviews, contests, sample chapters for Peace Talks and Battle Ground, and other tasty tidbits in our celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Dresden Files. Join our new mailing list and follow @jimbutchernews on twitter to ensure you don’t miss a moment, and check the announcement post to catch up on prior Drops.
Still need a copy of Peace Talks, Battle Ground, or anything else by Jim? Support your favorite local independent bookstore, or order in print, audio, or ebook through the Jim-Butcher.com Store. We believe you may still be able to grab a signed copy of Battle Ground from Mysterious Galaxy and Barbara’s Bookstore (though we STRONGLY RECOMMEND confirming availability of signed stock before placing your order at either place) or a book with a signed bookplate from Worldbuilders.
In this week’s Dresden Drop, we catch up on Adam Mathison-Sward‘s delightful Paranet Pals fan comic!
But before we dive in, we have a couple pressing reminders and one exciting announcement:
Love for Battle Ground
Congratulations, Jim! Battle Ground has been named one of Amazon’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy novels of 2020. Check out the full list. It makes for a fantastic holiday buying guide for all the SFF lovers in your life. Congrats as well to all the other authors who made the cut!
Microfiction Contest Ends TONIGHT
Today is the LAST DAY to submit to the microfiction contest! We gave our fans this prompt: Write about either a birthday OR a holiday in the Dresdenverse. You have until midnight Pacific tonight to enter your <1500 word ficlet to yearofdresden(at)gmail.com.
Read the full rules in our Double Birthday Spectacular post under the “It’s My Birthday Too” subheading. Three winners (one grand prize and two runners-up) will receive their choice of a Mika Kuloda Art Print from Worldbuilders!
Folks have until November 30th to cast their ballots. Regardless of whether you voted in the prior rounds, this is a fresh slate and you can vote again. Check out all the excellent nominees in all categories and make your voice heard!
And now, today’s featured treat:
Palling with the Paranet
For the last several weeks, illustrator Adam Mathison-Sward has been creating a delightfully silly fan webcomic called The Paranet Pals.
Follow Adam on twitter or instagram for more. New installments every Sunday!
And that’s it for this week! Visit Jim-Butcher.com every Tuesday this year for weekly Drops of never-before-seen artwork, microfiction, interviews, contests, sample chapters for Peace Talks and Battle Ground, and other tasty tidbits in our celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Dresden Files. Join our new mailing list and follow @jimbutchernews on twitter to ensure you don’t miss a moment, and check the announcement post to catch up on prior Drops.
Still need a copy of Peace Talks, Battle Ground, or anything else by Jim? Support your favorite local independent bookstore, or order in print, audio, or ebook through the Jim-Butcher.com Store. We believe you may still be able to grab a signed copy of Battle Ground from Mysterious Galaxy and Barbara’s Bookstore (though we STRONGLY RECOMMEND confirming availability of signed stock before placing your order at either place) or a book with a signed bookplate from Worldbuilders.
A quick note before we get into the meat (har!) of this week’s post: Peace Talks has made it into the FINAL ROUND of the Goodreads Choice Awards!
Folks have until November 30th to cast their ballots. Regardless of whether you voted in the prior rounds, this is a fresh slate and you can vote again. Check out all the excellent nominees and make your voice heard!
We know many of our American readers will either not be celebrating Thanksgiving this year or doing so in a more limited way for the safety of their loved ones. With that in mind, we thought we’d fill that culinary void by sharing some fun and delicious Dresden-inspired recipes! And don’t forget to submit your microfictions and photos of any Dresden tattoos. Details below the feature.
Dresdenverse Dining
Need a new quarantine challenge? Recreate some of your favorite dishes from Mac’s and other parts of Harry’s Chicago in the (increasingly stir-crazy) comfort of your own home! Catherine Barson Eastis of The Gluttonous Geek has you covered.
Check out the Dresden dishes on her website, including the debut of a new addition to her Dresden recipe collection, then read our interview with Catherine below!
Priscilla: What inspired you to start creating recipes for fictional worlds, and how long have you been at it? What was your first dish?
Catherine: I had been playing in the kitchen since I’ve had access to the one in my ex-boyfriend’s apartment back in 2009. It was during the recession and we were both underemployed, so I had to get creative with whatever we had in the pantry or freezer. Funnily enough, he and his friends were also the same folks who introduced me to the Dresden Files. Technically my first geeky recipe was when I made a bourbon chocolate cake and decorated it (badly) to look like the Tardis for one of our friend’s birthdays.
Starting six years ago, though, my curiosity reignited when I received A Feast of Ice & Fire, the Official Game of Thrones Cookbook, as a wedding present. Between playing with that, creating my own recipes for our own last-minute premiere feast, competing in local geek bar Battle & Brew’s cookie competitions, and creating recipes for my geek fashion blogger (The Lady Nerd) roommate’s “Dinner and a Movie” segment I was hooked.
The ideas would not stop flowing, and my English major brain could not stop translating story analysis into food. So I did it. I started the blog in May 2015 and premiered with recipes for Borsht and Ratatouille inspired by Red from Orange Is the New Black. I’ve learned a lot since I started with a crappy point-and-shoot camera and an inflated sense of arrogance. I’m honored that ya’ll have stuck around with me on this journey as I’ve worked to develop my art and my role as an artist.
Three of the items used to summon Molly in Peace Talks are Nutella, a Ring Pop, and Dr. Pepper. What food items could Harry use to summon you?
Single malt Islay Scotch whisky, white cheddar or blue cheese, cured meat, shiitake mushrooms, yellowtail sashimi, rosemary flavored anything, and Spaghetti-os. Honestly, though? Putting out a charcuterie board at a party will summon me faster than Toot-Toot on a deep-dish. The Denarians could probably win me over with some really good cheese.
Which of your Dresden dishes was your favorite to create, and which would you most encourage fans to try?
My two favorite to develop were the Kringle Cookies and the Bob the Chocolate Skulls because they just felt snarky and fun — they were probably my least favorite to craft because making anything cold ingredient-based in the South is a nightmare. Curse my warm hands!
My favorite to cook was the Red King Conchinita Pibil because I can just set it to slow roast while leisurely making the mango salsa and sipping margaritas. As far as what to try? Well, that depends on your level of experience and patience.
Are there any Dresden dishes you’d like to tackle in the future?
Last year I went to Chicago to go to all the places and eat all the things I could associate with The Dresden Files. A week was not nearly enough time to sample the diversity this city has to offer! It also taught me that this series’s main character is not just Dresden. It’s also Chicago. The tensions and relations we see between the human and supernatural communities are in some ways similar to the city’s real history of immigrant and racial communities. Their presence, though, makes a city like Chicago and a series like The Dresden Files all that more unique.
With that, I want to figure out some more ways to incorporate these influences while remaining respectful to the culture they originate from. This recipe for Red King Conchinita Pibil was an example of that since the Yucatan peninsula’s cuisine (where Chichen Itza is located) has its own distinguished elements within Mexican cuisine. Then, of course, I want to tackle some more Chicago favorites like soft pretzels and Southside-style fried chicken. I already have ideas for the donuts with sprinkles.
I’ve been working on developing a couple of Hog’s Hollow recipes inspired by Ebenezer McCoy. My experiment with a BBQ rub, sauce, and pork ribs based on Scottish flavors paired with Memphis and Kansas City style BBQ worked out really well. Admittedly my re-read of the series is taking longer than expected, which is why I have been slow to release more DF recipes. Like my redux of the famous steak sandwich, I want to get things right.
And finally, which Pokemon do you think would be most delicious?
It’s funny you mention that since my fandom food blogger friends and I have explored that question on many occasions.
In my experience, Farfetch’d is delectable seared with slices of its green onion and served with a plum wine sauce thickened with a roux of its own fat. Torchics are excellent stuffed with cheese and deep-fried Nanban-style. And finally, Paras legs are delightful steamed in sake or chopped up over mushroom biscuits and topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.
…
Thanks so much to Catherine for sharing her recipes! Check out her website for a collection of delectable dishes from all across her favorite fandoms. And now, Priscilla is really craving some of that cochinita pibil she fell in love with on a trip to the Yucatan in 2016. Craving like… hmm. She should probably make some before this gets out of hand… (Featured: Badali Jewelry’s original prototype Harry Dresden Ruby Pentacle, because Priscilla is just that nerdy. Unedited digital infrared image.)
Reminder: Show Us Your Tattoos
We’ve seen some absolutely STUNNING Dresden tattoos lately, and we’d love to include a compilation in an upcoming Drop. If you have any Butcher-inspired ink you’d like to show off, send your photos to yearofdresden (at) gmail.com by Sunday, November 22nd.
Please include your name, your artist’s name, a link to where folks can contact the artist or find more of their work, and what pronouns we should use for both of you.
Reminder: Microfiction Contest
ONE MORE WEEK in our Microfiction Contest! Submit your own microfictions (<1500 words) based on the following prompt: Write about either a birthday OR a holiday in the Dresdenverse. Submit entries to yearofdresden(at)gmail.com by November 24th.
Read the full rules in our Double Birthday Spectacular post under the “It’s My Birthday Too” subheading. Three winners (one grand prize and two runners-up) will receive their choice of a Mika Kuloda Art Print from Worldbuilders!
And that’s it for this week! Visit Jim-Butcher.com every Tuesday this year for weekly Drops of never-before-seen artwork, microfiction, interviews, contests, sample chapters for Peace Talks and Battle Ground, and other tasty tidbits in our celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Dresden Files. Join our new mailing list and follow @jimbutchernews on twitter to ensure you don’t miss a moment, and check the announcement post to catch up on prior Drops.
Still need a copy of Peace Talks, Battle Ground, or anything else by Jim? Support your favorite local independent bookstore, or order in print, audio, or ebook through the Jim-Butcher.com Store. We believe you can grab a signed copy of Battle Ground from Mysterious Galaxy and Barbara’s Bookstore (though we STRONGLY RECOMMEND confirming availability of signed stock before placing your order at either place) or a book with a signed bookplate from Worldbuilders.
For this week’s Dresden Drop, we have your Halloween photos, a surprise addition to the second round of the Goodreads Choice Awards, and a reminder to submit to the Fanfic contest! But first, a request:
Show Us Your Tattoos
We’ve seen some absolutely STUNNING Dresden tattoos lately, and we’d love to include a compilation in an upcoming Drop. If you have any Butcher-inspired ink you’d like to show off, send your photos to yearofdresden (at) gmail.com.
Please include your name, your artist’s name, a link to where folks can contact the artist or find more of their work, and what pronouns I should use for both of you.
Double Dragon Boss Fight at Goodreads
Surprise! Enough fans suggested Battle Ground as a write-in vote that it’s been added to the Semifinal Round of the Goodreads Choice Awards! Now, both Peace Talks and Battle Ground are in the running for Best Fantasy of 2020. Hope this doesn’t split the vote! 😀
This is the second of three rounds, so regardless of whether you voted last week, you can vote again now. The semifinals run from November 10th to 15th, so check out the nominees and cast your votes in your favorite categories by this Sunday!
Jim is in contention alongside some of our favorite authors, including NK Jemisin, Brandon Sanderson, Naomi Novik, VE Schwab, RF Kuang, Rebecca Roanhorse, and many more, and it makes for some excellent company. Seriously, if you’re looking for your next great read (or a holiday gift for the discerning SFF geek in your life), this list is a phenomenal place to start!
Halloweenathon
After three or four November 3rds last week, we’re bringing back an October 31st! In last week’s Drop, we asked you to send in your Dresdenverse Halloween costumes from this year, and you delivered. Thanks so much to Sarah, Jesse, Lauren, Brian, Magda, Bonnie, James, and Rea for repping the series as they celebrated a pandemic-safe holiday!
Sarah as Harry
Jesse as Michael
Lauren and Brian as Harry and Molly
Magda as Molly
Magda as Molly
Bonnie as Molly
James as Harry
Rea as Harry
Rea and Jax as Harry and Mouse
Reminder: Microfiction Contest
By popular demand, we’ve added a fanfic contest to the Year of Dresden! Throughout the month of November, fans can submit their own microfictions based on the following prompt: Write about either a birthday OR a holiday in the Dresdenverse. Submit entries to yearofdresden(at)gmail.com by November 24th.
Read all the details in our Double Birthday Spectacular post under the “It’s My Birthday Too” subheading. Three winners (one grand prize and two runners-up) will receive their choice of a Mika Kuloda Art Print from Worldbuilders!
And that’s it for this week! Visit Jim-Butcher.com every Tuesday this year for weekly Drops of never-before-seen artwork, microfiction, interviews, contests, sample chapters for Peace Talks and Battle Ground, and other tasty tidbits in our celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Dresden Files. Join our new mailing list and follow @jimbutchernews on twitter to ensure you don’t miss a moment, and check the announcement post to catch up on prior Drops.
Still need a copy of Peace Talks, Battle Ground, or anything else by Jim? Support your favorite local independent bookstore, or order in print, audio, or ebook through the Jim-Butcher.com Store. We believe you can grab a signed copy of Battle Ground from Mysterious Galaxy and Barbara’s Bookstore (though we STRONGLY RECOMMEND confirming availability of signed stock before placing your order at either place) or a book with a signed bookplate from Worldbuilders.
Hello, my lovelies! Today is a stressful day, and my attention span is putting goldfish to shame, so let’s relax with some awesome fanart, yeah?
Goodreads Choice Awards
The opening round of the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards is still going strong! Peace Talks made the short list in the Best Fantasy category, and Jim is in excellent company, vying against some of the most beloved names in the genre. Check out all the nominees! You have until Sunday, November 8th, to make your selections.
Inktober Wrap-Up
“Bonus Villain: Jim Butcher” by Luke Schroder
Throughout the past month, we’ve been admiring the work of Adam Mathison-Sward and Luke Schroder, two illustrators who chose Dresden themes for Inktober. Here’s a sampling of the pieces they’ve produced since we last checked in with them!
From Adam:
From Luke:
You can see all of Adam’s images on his Twitter or Instagram and all of Luke’s on his Facebook. Be sure to leave them lots of love in the comments of your favorite illustrations!
Call for Photos
Did you dress up as one of Jim’s characters this Halloween? We’d love to see your photos and include them in a future drop! Send them in to yearofdresden@gmail.com and let us know how you’d like to be credited. Thanks to those of you who have already submitted images!
Remembering Rachel Caine
We’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the passing of Rachel Caine, one of the defining voices in the urban fantasy genre, who succumbed to a battle with cancer on Sunday. Her career was exceptionally prolific, producing nearly 50 novels since her debut in 2003. Her engaging stories gained her legions of dedicated readers, and her humor, wisdom, and generosity of spirit earned her the appreciation and admiration of colleagues, new writers, and people throughout the industry and beyond. We offer our sincerest condolences to the many who loved her and her work.
If you haven’t read any of her work or have gaps in your reading list, here’s a thread of her ebooks currently on sale. We suspect Dresden Fans would most enjoy the Weather Warden and Morganville Vampire series, but we encourage folks to take a look around and read a synopsis or two of her various series. In such an impressively sprawling body of work, there’s bound to be something for everyone!
And that’s it for this week! Visit Jim-Butcher.com every Tuesday this year for weekly Drops of never-before-seen artwork, microfiction, interviews, contests, sample chapters for Peace Talks and Battle Ground, and other tasty tidbits in our celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Dresden Files. Join our new mailing list and follow @jimbutchernews on twitter to ensure you don’t miss a moment, and check the announcement post to catch up on prior Drops.
Still need a copy of Peace Talks, Battle Ground, or anything else by Jim? Support your favorite local independent bookstore, or order in print, audio, or ebook through the Jim-Butcher.com Store. You can grab a signed copy of Battle Ground from Mysterious Galaxy and Barbara’s Bookstore (though we STRONGLY recommend confirming availability of signed stock before placing your order at either place) or a book with a signed bookplate from Worldbuilders.
