One of the most interesting (although not necessarily enjoyable) parts of this book-making adventure has been turning the nearly-finished version over to the lawyers. They scour the copy and artwork for potential legal land mines that could arise. My editor warned me that companies that make toys are some of the most litigious and Adultitis-ridden entities around. Sadly, she was right. A fair amount of my art features references to universally recognized pop culture icons from childhood. Most cleared the legal hurdles because they are relatively generic depictions. I was encouraged to …
Kim & Jason News
Something Exciting Coming Soon!
One of the most successful and rewarding things Kim and I have ever created has been the Escape Adulthood Summit. People who have attended one rave about it. It's an experience like no other; a weekend filled with fun, inspiration, community, and magic. We've hosted three so far, and each one has been worth every bit of the enormous amount of work put into it. But it is a LOT of work. As you may have heard, I have a book coming out next year, our first with a major New York publisher. In fourteen years of business, it is undoubtedly the best opportunity we've had yet to share our message …
One Chance Only Sale: Long Sleeve Tees!
Since we like making stuff way more than we like managing inventory, every once in a while, we create something we think is cool, take orders for a week or so, and then buy the exact number of goodies we need to fill those orders. So whether it’s two or two thousand, I get to make cool things, you get a chance to own them, and we don’t waste any money on stuff that takes up space in our basement. Now, does this mean we will never, ever, EVER offer this product again? Not necessarily. But if you see something you like, your best bet is to snag it while you can. Chances are it won’t be …
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Book Update: A Cover, A Release Date, and the End of a Long Beginning
There’s some big news to report on the book front. I have learned that Penguins Can’t Fly +39 Other Rules That Don’t Exist will officially be published on June 23, 2015. (That's the cover right there!) It will be published as paper-over-board, which is basically a hardcover book without the dust jacket. And it will cost $16.99. It was originally going to be $14.99, but after doing a more thorough cost estimate, St. Martin's Press decided to raise the price rather than cut corners on quality. They are really committed to making a beautiful book, which I couldn't be happier about. The …
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The 15 Most Powerful Adultitis Antidotes on the Face of the Earth
I am super excited to announce our newest ebook you guys! This bad boy is a collection of 15 of our most powerful (and fast-acting!) ways to stop Adultitis in its evil little tracks. Basically, it's the greatest hits guide, featuring things like Pajama Run, Barbarian Spaghetti, and more. Applying just one of the treatment options within will immediately result in a state that is less stressful and more fun. And the best part? It's FREE to all Escape Adulthood Insiders! If you're subscribed to our newsletter, you can snag it right here. …
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Our Silly Take on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
We inevitably got called out in the viral ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that has taken the interwebs by storm. We happily accept the challenge from Michelle, our book agent, plus we will be donating $100 to ALS research. We enlisted the help of some friends for this one... By the way, this whole Ice Bucket Challenge thing is a stellar example of how the world is aching for silliness, but oftentimes, we just need a little permission. Making a video of yourself dumping a bucket of ice water of your head is pretty silly. People don't make a habit of doing things like this. But that doesn't …
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The Best Thing You Can Buy for a Buck (Other Than a McDouble at McDonald’s)
A few months ago, I teamed up with a company called Snippet to create a new type of ebook that contains lots of interactive “discoverables” like video, photo slideshows and conversations on social media. The book is called "Tinker," and it's filled with 20 simple ideas – small experiments, if you will – that will get you thinking in new ways and get your story moving in exciting new directions. Last week I was interviewed by Matt Gartland about the book, and the conversation covered things like publishing, speaking, and how Kim and I got started on this crazy journey. Spoiler alert! In …
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2014 Escape Adulthood Summit Recap
An Escape Adulthood Summit is made up of many things, including Show & Tell, Recess, and the opportunity to eat dessert first. This year, there was even an ice cream truck! But the most important element — by a mile — are the people who attend. Over sixty people hailing from 10 different states convened in Madison for the third annual event. They brought their Golden Ticket, an item for Show & Tell, and the willingness to trust us. You see, other than the start and end times, the agenda is largely kept a secret. Which freaks a lot of people out. We keep the schedule under …
Be Part of My Next Book and Achieve Fame and Fortune!*
Wouldn’t it be cool to walk into your local bookstore, take a book off the bestsellers shelf, and open it to find your picture featured within its pages? If you think so, read on... As you may have heard, we recently got a book deal with a major New York publisher. It’s all about the rules that don’t exist. I have been busy putting it together, and I thought of a neat way to include you in the process, if you’re interested. :) Send me a picture of YOU breaking a rule that doesn’t exist, and I will do my best to include it in the finished book! No promises, but if the photo is fun, …
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Adults gather to escape adulthood at summit
This article was originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on 7/19/2014 and was written by Bailey Berg. A flurry of ripped cardboard. Fat markers haphazardly scribbling on sheets of paper. Makeshift hats. Piles of candy. Kazoos. The Friday gathering at Olbrich Botanical Gardens might sound like a children’s birthday party. But the attendees at this weekend’s sold-out “Escape Adulthood Summit” were all adults. Bill Thom was one of them. His name tag identified him as a Lego builder, expert napper and Cap’n Crunch fan. What it didn’t say is that he also is the co-creator of a …
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