Three months ago, I announced that I’ll send signed characters cards to everyone who preorders Throne of Blood. I’m happy to say that yesterday I finally finished mailing all the cards and small gifts. And, as usual, I always send chocolate with my cards/books!

It’s been a challenge. Throughout the years, I’ve been sending so many signed paperbacks around the world, but the current lockdowns have apparently brought restrictions on what can be mailed where. I faced many obstacles on my quest to send postcards to everyone…

Post office guy: You should send this small package as a letter, it will be cheaper.

Me: Great, let’s do that!

Post office guy: Wait… since it’s to Brazil, and Brazil is a high risk zone, you can’t send it as a letter. You have to send it as a parcel.

Me: (wondering how this makes any sense) Sure, parcel is fine.

Post office guy: But it’s more expensive.

Me: Okay, if it’s the only way, that’s fine.

Post office guy: Wait, but it’s for Brazil, and Brazil is a high risk zone on my list.

Me: Yes, that’s why we are sending it as a parcel.

Post office guy: But we are not allowed to send parcels to high risk zones.

Me: (blinking and still wondering how this makes any sense… I mean, I get some restrictions on receiving parcels from high risk zones, but sending?) So we can’t send it as a parcel?

Post office guy: No.

Me: Should we then send it as a letter?

Post office guy: No, letters to high risk zones must be sent as parcels.

Me: But we can’t send parcels either?

Post office guy: Nope.

Me: So what can we send it as?

Post office guy: Nothing. Sorry. Bye.

Me: (🤨😣🤬) I need to send this. What would you recommend? Should I go to another post office?

Post office guy: They’ll tell you the same.

Me: I sincerely doubt that. Thanks anyway!

Long story short, I did manage to send out everything, but it took much more time and effort than anticipated. But now your postcards are on the way and you should get them soon.

Also, one lucky reader won a sighed paperback. The winner is: Marina. Congratulations! I have already mailed your paperback together with your chosen character cards.

Two of you who have preordered the book and requested cards live at the same address. I have sent your package all together, with individual envelopes for each of you inside, hopefully that’s fine!

To those of you who didn’t win: don’t be sad! There will be at least one more paperback giveaway this year, possibly more!