Promoting a book is no small feat, especially when you’re an indie author juggling multiple roles. Despite securing several traditionally published book deals and earning acclaim in one of the world’s largest markets—China—I remain relatively obscure in the West, where English-language books dominate the scene. However, I’m optimistic that my upcoming projects will help bridge that gap and give me some much-needed traction in the Western market.
One of the significant challenges I face is the translation and publication process in China. Writing in English and then having my work translated into Chinese is often a slow and arduous endeavor, compounded by a bureaucratic and sluggish publishing system. Take my solarpunk fantasy novel, Amos the Amazing, for example. While it was published in America on October 31, 2022, its Chinese release won’t see the light of day until April 2025—nearly three years later. This delay is a testament to the intricate and time-consuming process involved in bringing an English-language book to Chinese readers.
Looking ahead, April 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental month for me as a writer. Not only will Amos the Amazing finally reach Chinese audiences, but I’ll also be releasing my latest project: a literary horror reimagining of Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises—entitled The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu. This bold and audacious endeavor has its roots in navigating the legal complexities of working with Hemingway’s legacy. While I’ve been transparent about these legal hurdles, precedents like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies have paved the way, and after overcoming several extreme challenges, things are looking positive.
In anticipation of these releases, I’ve been exploring creative ways to share a preorder link and build excitement. It’s been an interesting and fair bit of work, but the results have been rewarding. Here’s a glimpse into the creative process:
Crafting a Horror Book Trailer
Creating a horror book trailer presented the classic cosmic horror dilemma: how do you visualize the unfathomable? I tackled this with the elegance of ‘the elephant problem,’ focusing on one tentacle at a time to make the unimaginable more approachable. The trailer aims to capture the eerie and otherworldly essence of The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu, drawing viewers into its dark narrative.
From Poem to Song to Music Video
Inspired by the themes of my new book, I penned a poem that found its way into the story. Feeling the creative surge, I transformed the poem into a song and then into a music video. This artistic progression felt natural, allowing the poem’s emotions to resonate through music and visuals. The song deserved a family, leading me to release an album called Voidwalker. This collection features intentionally long, dreamy pieces designed to evoke a sense of journey—both literal and metaphorical. Some angles might even be ‘non-Euclidean,’ so tread carefully, especially when navigating those stairs.
Embracing the Cinematic Potential with an Original Soundtrack
I’ve always envisioned The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu receiving a Hollywood movie treatment akin to what Pride and Prejudice and Zombies achieved. To highlight its cinematic virtues, I decided to score an original soundtrack (OST) meant to amplify the reading experience and showcase its potential for the big screen. While OSTs might not enjoy the same popularity as mainstream pop soundtracks and are often misunderstood, they offer a unique auditory journey that complements the narrative. Here, you’ll find close to three hours of music to enjoy, perfect for sharing with friends or immersing yourself in while reading.
Launching on Bandcamp: Free Music for All
For the release of Voidwalker and The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu OST, I’ve chosen Bandcamp as my launch platform. I’m making all my Bandcamp releases, including these two, absolutely free. There’s no option for tips or monetary requests—only the condition that you download the entire albums as bundles. Whether you prefer slim MP3s, lossless FLACs, or warm WAVs, you can get them in a format that suits your needs.
Supporting Fellow Artists
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible artists I’ve collaborated with on back catalog items. Many of them are still partly or fully earning a living from music sales and performances. If you enjoy the tunes we created together, please consider purchasing their songs directly from them or their labels or supporting them by attending their shows. Artists lead challenging yet intensely rewarding lives, and while exposure and good vibes are wonderful, they often don’t pay the bills. Big respects to The Root Sellers, Myagi, ill.Gates, Stephane Vera, The Jimmy Swift Band (JSB), Top Cat, Harmsworth, DJ K, and others for their contributions and collaboration on some of these older tracks. If you like the music, download it and enjoy! I’m not a huge fan of money anyway and I try to make my books and art as accessible as possible after printing costs are delayed and strive to work with publishers that also don’t price gouge for their products.
Looking Forward to April 2025
I truly hope you enjoy the new album Voidwalker and the The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu original soundtrack. These releases are designed to enhance your reading experience and give you a taste of what’s to come. Mark your calendars for April 1, 2025, when The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu will officially launch. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share these new chapters of my creative journey with you.
Lots of love, and stay strong – keep the faith, light, and love.
Your friend,
Jorah Kai
