There are three novels about Aud Torvingen, “One of my favorite kick-ass, super-competent, coolheaded, hotblooded, semilegal girls.” — Salon.
Each was published by a different press: HarperCollins (The Blue Place), Doubleday (Stay), and Penguin (Always).
There were always meant to be five books in the series. I stopped at three because three different books from three different publishers is not a happy state of affairs. (Note to writers: Do. Not. Ever. Do. This.) Readers of one don’t always know the others exist. All the books look completely different, and have wildly divergent cover copy. (The images I use on this site are by a friend; they are not the original covers. The descriptions I’ve written are not the originals, either.)
One day when I’m full of energy and patience I’ll tell the whole story of how I came to publish three books about the same character with three different publishers. But today is not that day. Today is a day of triumph: I have spent the last four years fighting to get the rights back from Harper, Doubleday, and Penguin and on Friday the last piece feel into place. I NOW OWN RIGHTS TO THE WHOLE TRILOGY.
This means three things.
- The books are now unavailable in digital format and only available via second-hand markets in paper (except see below).
- One day, probably when I’ve finished Menewood, I’ll write Book 4 and republish the series from a single publishing house, complete with coherent covers and marketing strategy. (I’ll update them slightly—specifically the communication technology.) Then I’ll write Book 5. I also want to publish the books in the UK. (Does it piss me off that my novels aren’t published in my own country? Oh, yep. I’m going to fix that.)
- Next year, or perhaps the year after depending on other committments, I will narrate all three novels and make them available as audio books. I’ve longed to perform these books; they’re made for it. Now I’ll get my chance.
I’m very fond of Aud and her story; I love writing her. I can’t wait to write another.
Tucked away here and there I have boxes of all three books. Sometime in the next few days I’ll dig them out, and I’ll run a promotion with Phinney Books for the holidays and into New Year: Buy a signed copy of one of my in-print books and get a brand new, signed set of Aud books for, well, very little. We haven’t worked out how much yet but, seriously, they’ll be a bargain! Phinney Books will ship anywhere in the world. More on this very soon.
Meanwhile, THE AUD BOOKS ARE MINE, ALL MINE!!
Nicola Griffith 
I own them, but will EAGERLY look forward to 4 and 5. :D
That’s wonderful. Just don’t get distracted from Menewood. I’m really eager for that one. Thanks.
Congratulations!
I love these books I have them. Would really like them in ebook too. Congrats on the ownership.
I am SO INCREDIBLY EXCITED to think that there is a #4 and #5 waiting out there. Thank you so much for dealing with all this red tape to make those next steps in Aud’s character development possible.
Hallelujah! I love the Aud books and eagerly await #4 and #5 (and Menewood, of course)!
This is some of the best effing good news out there. Srsly. Just knowing that an artist that works her ass off for herself (and others) really, finally, got what she deserves…to own her own creative/intellectual property…that is great news.
The first Aud book is how I learned about Nicola Griffith and then I started following this blog.
I’m so happy to hear that Aud’s spirit continues to live and her story will grow and be retold over and over.
Again – SUPER DUPER Congratulations, Nicola!
loved all three books and am glad they are together with you! congrats!!!
Wonderful news! I can’t wait. I do have all three of the Aud books on my shelves!
Congratulations on getting the rights to the Aud books! This is perfect timing, I had just asked my wife to find me secondhand copies for Christmas, having previously read the series through the library. But I was having my usual angst about the fact that this meant we’d most likely have to support Amazon to find them. I’ll be delighted/relieved to direct her to Phinney Books instead.
Time and tide, they say. Well, your good news is mine. I can but wait for 4 then 5. and having heard your voice, the audio book is the best part.
Dreams come true. So happy for you, Nicola. I love your plan and look forward to buying the newly published Aud books when they are available. And I’m truly thrilled to hear there is another Aud story in the future. And Menewood! Treats for all!
Joyous news.
I *love* Aud, she’s one of the sexiest, most compelling characters I’ve ever read about. (heart)
She opened my narrow m/m loving vision to the possibilities of f/f…I now have three f/f publications of my own. Yes, see how much Aud changed my life. :)
Not only is Aud strong and seductive, she’s one of the most balanced characters I’ve ever read about. I’m very, *very* grateful to you for creating her, for opening eyes that didn’t even realize they couldn’t see to some of the possibilities for strong, female characters out there, waiting to be tapped, possibilities other storytelling mediums have only touched upon.
@11:05 Sadly, I think Aud is still unique in this way–though I haven’t read your work.
Congratulations on bringing Aud home, Nicola. I’ll be lining up for the eBooks. :)
Congratulations!! I have all three and can’t wait for #4 & #5! I have a huge crush on Aud ;)
How wonderful!
Congratulations!
Rights issues are awful. I’ve had some with my own work – nothing like as bad as yours, be enough to sympathize.
I can’t say I’m looking forward to reading Aud again – The Blue Place in particular is an immensely powerful experience, but it’s not an easy one. I will read them again, though.
One request – please, please, please don’t pull a George R. R. Martin on us and make us wait until the end of time. Your readers want you to take the time to get everything right, but patience has its limits.
I have all three, despite the widely differing publishers, it just took persistence. AND I’m in the UK. And I’m a publisher (UNSUBTLE HINT)
I have loved your books forever. please let me know when audiobooks are available. one of my books about feminist Upton Sinclair was not kept in print. know how you feel.
Congratulations Nicola!! I instantly fell in love with Aud when I discovered The Blue Place and tracked down copies of Stay and Always. To know her story will continue makes my day!!!!!
That’s all great news. I read Stay first of all your books (borrowed from my brother, then introduced him to Hild). I was a little confused but actually loved starting with Aud in such an interior place. I’d be interested to know the story of the three publishers sometime…
@11:08 Stay was a pretty special book for me. I’m glad you liked it. One day, I’ll write the enormous essay of the world about the Aud books—their origin and development, the highs the lows… But it might not be for a while. I have fiction to write!