The Launch of Slated by Teri Terry

by Julienne Durber

At the launch of Slated, the debut novel by Demention’s own Teri Terry, I was challenged to blog about the launch in the style of a dystopian narrative.  Given the extremely high quality of the author who challenged me (who asked to remain nameless), and that fact that I can’t refuse an interesting task, I accepted.  I hope you enjoy it.

The Aspiring and the Elevated

The rendezvous was set. The disguised picture of my co-conspirators – the Aspiring and the Elevated – had been circulated. We each had an idea whom the others were, but hopefully the Organisation didn't!
(To read about the brilliant Facebook stealth mob for the Slated launch campaign, and other great articles on all things writing-related visit the notes from the slushpile blog).

I had managed to infiltrate the sprawling metropolis with the minimum of disturbance. My black market pass had only been checked once, by a low-brow border guard too involved in his own nefarious schemes to question its validity, and now I was standing outside the meeting point – a hidden treasury of books.  The door hung open. Tantalising, beckoning, too much like a trap. From my vantage point I could make out two shadows inside the building. Undesirables? Underclass? Enforcers?!? 

Then, floating across the cracked paving of the long-forgotten square came a giggle. Only when authors gathered to celebrate the success of one of their own was such a sound heard these days. I sprinted across the square and dived through the doors.

The shadowy figures nodded their acknowledgement, recognising me from my picture and I loped up the rickety stars three at a time. Before I'd reached the top, a hidden panel opened, leaking more giggling that lifted my heart. Corinne Gotch - wisewoman, gatekeeper and dispenser of refreshment - welcomed me into the enveloping warmth of the Gathered.

The Gathered

As I looked around the room, I could spot fragments of faces from the distorted images we'd all seen. Some I knew from previous meetings, others were new to me – the latest Aspiring recruits to the cause. All were hastily exchanging information, stories, secrets. We all knew that our time here was limited.

My own time was also short. Without a record of such meetings, future Aspiring members could not be recruited. I pulled out my much repaired picture-capture machine and began collecting images. The dichotomy – any one of these pictures was more than enough to bring the full force of the Organisation down on everyone in them.

Caroline Sheldon

Soon, Corrine called the Gathered to order. The reason for our gathering, the progression of one of our own, Teri Terry, from Aspiring to Elevated was to be celebrated. Caroline Sheldon - co-ordinator, Mistress of Strings and instrumental in assisting the Elevation of so many - began the celebration, by praising the fine work and dedication of Teri in reaching such heights of narrative vision and lauding the thrilling and emotive effects that she experienced.

Megan Larkin

Megan Larkin - gatherer of words, slicer of exposition, Queen of the Orchard - continued, regaling us with tales of the members of her clan and their desire to glimpse Slated in its raw form as news of its majesty spread.

Teri Terry

Finally, Teri took the floor to the applause of the Gathered. Those who had already succeeded, those on the very cusp, new members and even ones racked with doubt that they would ever be Elevated – the young and the old – all hung on Teri's words as she recounted the trials and triumphs that she had experienced on her journey. Of those who had helped her, Mr X received the greatest and most deserved praise.

The Fudge

The line to receive words of wisdom from the newly Elevated Teri was long, but she worked tirelessly, inscribing personal messages to all who sought them, whilst Corinne and her assistants circulated refreshments and life-giving fudge treats to all in need.

But all too soon, the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the gathering at this sign that Enforcers were near and it was time to disperse.  In twos and threes we melted into the night, safe in the knowledge that another of our number had achieved the success we all craved. Every tiny victory against the Organisation is one step closer for us all.  None of us know when the next gathering might happen.  But when it does, we will be there.

For the chance to win a sign copy of Slated and for more information about Teri Terry see last weeks post 'Slated Book Birthday: Q&A, and a giveaway!' below.