the rebrand

Hey there! If you’re a long-time Super Penguin fan, you’re probably wondering, “Why the heck does Rob need another website?” Well, question asker, the answer is, “because I wanted to, now mind your own business!” Just kidding, well, sorta. The truth is, for the first time since I started my author journey, I’m writing outside of the world of Super Penguin, and just as important, I’m writing outside of the middle-grade/children’s book category too.

Many of you know that my all-time favorite actor is Robin Williams. I loved his sense of humor and energy. I also loved how he could do any role. He was incredibly funny in comedies like Mrs. Doubtfire, and incredibly creepy in thrillers like One Hour Photo. He could be the star of a children’s movie like Flubber, and he could be the star of a movie no child should be watching like Death to Smoochy. I want to be that as a writer. I’m currently editing my first “book for grown-ups”. It’s a fantasy/comedy that I would describe as “a cross between Dungeons & Dragons with Rick and Morty.” There’s some violence, crude humor and other content that wouldn’t be appropriate for most middle-grade readers. I also have an idea for a horror novel that I’m brainstorming now. I’m also writing Super Penguin 3 and a spin-off novel in the Super Penguin universe. There are also some more children’s picture books that have nothing to do with Super Penguin. I’m all over the place, and that’s exactly where I want to be. We’re also making books for dogs now… it’s incredibly stupid, but so far, sales are neck and neck with Super Penguin at conventions and book festivals.

For a while, I’ve felt kinda funny sharing things on social media that have very little to do with Super Penguin. It started with my two podcasts, it always just felt…out of place to share them on the Super Penguin Facebook page. Then I had an idea for that grown-up novel I mentioned above. (By the way, announcement and cover reveal coming next week!) While I’m very excited to share this book with my fellow enjoyers of stupid humor, there’s also a large section of my audience that, in my opinion, shouldn’t be reading it (yet). As a dad, I wanted to make sure all of this is/was VERY clear. A new website for my grown-up followers seemed like the move to make.

So, for that reason, we’re going through a re-branding phase. You may have already noticed that I’m shifting my social media platforms from “Super Penguin Books” to “Author Rob Witzel”. This website was the other step. Below are some answers to what I believe will be the most frequently asked questions.

• Super Penguin is NOT going away. I’m just doing more than just Super Penguin now. Think of it as addition more than a subtraction or substitution 
• SuperPenguinBook.com is still active. You can still visit that website. Some of the things that don’t pertain DIRECTLY to Super Penguin will go away. For example, the Podcast page will be moved from that website to this one.
• No, I cannot loan you any more socks, Randy…stop asking.
• Both AuthorRob.com and SuperPenguinBook.com will take you to the same Square Store. So you can order both Super Penguin and non-Super Penguin things at once, all on one order. There are some new categories and things have been rearranged a little bit, but you likely won’t notice much of a difference.
• Yes, this is my natural hair color.
• Super Penguin Books is also the name of my LLC and our publishing imprint. So you’ll see that name and/or logo in all of the books.
• There won’t be any new Facebook, Instagram or Tik Tok pages. BUT the name on those is changing. You shouldn’t have to do a thing if you’re already following me.

I think I answered all the questions, but if you have something I didn’t address, head over to the Contact page to send me a message.

-Rob

PS If you’re wondering about the “Award Winning” bit, head over to the Press Kit page for your answer.