I have had a rather hectic week, and just don't have anything prepared for today. I VERY much appreciate all the kind comments about the book. I try to read them all, though I certainly cannot respond individually. I am so happy the book delivers the message I wanted it to deliver. Of course, scientology continues to lose their shit. They are devoted a LOT of time and resources and money to their futile efforts to stop the book. Not really what tax exempt religious organizations are supposed to spend their money on.... … [Read more...]
Day 4 of A Billion Years (There’s a LONG way to go…)
Frankly, I have been so busy with media interviews and other things I had to do in New York I haven't had a minute to think about a blog post. I won't be announcing media beforehand so I don't help scientology in their efforts to harass and intimidate. They can find out when it comes out. They're going to be hit from all directions and have no idea what is coming. Once again, thank you to everyone who has read or listened to A Billion Years and posted on social media, commented here and left reviews on Amazon. The responses are humbling and I try to read them all and I appreciate every … [Read more...]
A Billion Years Signed Editions
There have been quite a number of people asking for signed copies of A Billion Years. I am not doing a "book tour" or local "book signings," but I have signed a limited number of copies and they will be made available through the SP Shop in order to raise funds for The Aftermath Foundation. All proceeds from the sales will go to the Foundation directly. There will be a total of 50 copies and they will be available on a first-come-first-served basis for $50 each. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian disrupted getting some of the copies to me. The first 25 signed copies are available immediately. … [Read more...]
A Billion Years Update and Audiobook
A short clip from when I was recording the audiobook... I understand there is a problem with the audiobook in the UK and Australia. I do not understand the problem, as it had been all set to launch with the book itself and then it turns out there is some issue with distribution rights that is too complicated for me to understand. I have asked the appropriate people to see if they can step in and sort it out... For the time being, you will have to do things the old fashioned way and read the book. I went to Barnes and Noble in Manhattan to see it in a real bookstore with my own … [Read more...]
A Billion Years Is Here
Today is the big day, which has been a long time coming. I am sorry if anyone was watching CBS Mornings today expecting to see me... It was my error. It is airing tomorrow, Wednesday morning. Looks like it will be on around 8:30. Now that the book and audiobook is available, I am interested to hear your initial thoughts. And if you have a copy of the book, would love to see you posting pix on social media with the #ABillionYears hashtag... … [Read more...]
One More Day to A Billion Years: Now Bot Followers?
After my recent post pointing out that account in my daughter's name has 432K "followers" but averages jus a few likes and comments, so clearly they have been buying bot followers, suddenly I have begun to have new "bots" following me. I have never seen so many "ghost" accounts show up each time I am alerted to "new followers." I assume scientology is arranging these "followers" so they can accuse me of what they do... The levels of insanity inside the bubble are pretty astounding! Tomorrow, finally, the book and audiobook will be available. The first media spot will be on CBS … [Read more...]
Fake Reviews for A Billion Years
In addition to the post from yesterday Panic Stations in the Bubble: A Billion Years Is Coming which documents scientology's efforts to retaliate with paid Google ads and new smears on social media, they are now having their minions put up "reviews" of the book they have not read on sites that allow them before the book is available. It's funny to see them claiming they have a "reviewer friend" who gave them the book (highly unlikely -- anyone who got a review copy had to sign a confidentiality agreement until after the publication date) and citing to "Mark" Rathbun (funny, if this person … [Read more...]
Panic Stations in the Bubble: A Billion Years Is Coming
The imminent release of A Billion Years has scientology doing things they have not done before. It's all-hands panic stations in OSA. These days their legal threats fall on deaf ears. Everyone knows they cannot file lawsuits -- not just because what is said is true, but because Miscavige cannot afford to go into deposition and be exposed for what he really is. Since the days of the Truth Rundown and then Going Clear, scientology has devoted a team to creating video and online content to smear those who speak the truth about their abuses. I have written a number of blog posts about this, … [Read more...]
First Review: A Billion Years
The first review of A Billion Years just published in Kirkus. It is a "starred review." I had no idea what this means. I was thrilled to discover the following: Only about 10% of the books they review earn a star. Here is the review: … [Read more...]
First Excerpt from A Billion Years
The Daily Beast negotiated an exclusive first look to excerpt a short section from the book. What they chose is not what I would have selected to represent the contents of A Billion Years, but they are convinced this is what will interest their readers. I almost omitted reference to celebrities altogether for fear of it becoming a distraction from the more important things I had to say, but ultimately chose to include some of the interactions because to have left them out entirely would have not been authentic. These things did happen and in some ways impacted my thinking and … [Read more...]