| Frequently Asked Questions |
What kind of business is Nine Rings Publishing?
Nine Rings Publishing is a partnership. The staff consists of Erika Pfeiffer, Publisher, Stephen S.
Bergstrom, Creative Director, and Sandra L. Pfeiffer, Senior Editor.
Who is the Artist?
Stephen S. Bergstrom was born in San Diego in 1969 and makes his home there. He has been largely
self-taught in illustration and graphic design and received his first break in the world of comic books
through a locally-produced title, Boards-N-Swords, which was published through Rabid Comics. Nine
Rings is providing his first series of art prints based on the gods and goddesses of Scandinavia.
How are the art prints produced?
The images are drawn by the artist as black and white pen illustrations, which are then scanned into a
computer as a high-resolution .jpeg file. These files are then digitally painted using Corel Painter and
printed on high-quality photo paper with an HP Deskjet 9650. The resulting print is easily of photo-
quality, with a stunning resolution of 600 dpi. Update: The new regular edition prints are now
produced by Zazzle.com, so you now have a wider array of printing options!
Who does the woodburning?
Erika Pfeiffer whose mark on her pieces is Hagalaz and Sandra Pfeiffer whose mark on her pieces is
Berkana with Sowilo.
Why put images of the gods on t-shirts, posters, and keychains? Doesn’t that smack of
disrespect?
If we depicted the gods as anything other than the glorious, mighty beings that they are, then yes, that
might be considered a bad thing. However, we love and honor the gods, and any image we create here
is designed to be respectful. Yes, even the Great Muppety Odin. Humor is a part of life, and if we don’t
allow humor into our spirituality, then we’re in danger of taking it too seriously
Does Nine Rings carve and stain the blot bowls and altars?
The wood pieces are not made by Nine Rings. They are manufactured by various commercial
companies, but are woodburned by Nine Rings crafters. This allows you to purchase a lovely piece of
decorated wood at a reasonable price.
How do you use the bowls and altars?
The bowls can be used during rituals and blots to hold offerings to the gods. The altars create a sacred
place in your home where you can commune with the gods. Small items such as candles, talismans, or
mini bowls of offerings can be placed on the altar for use in personal rituals and meditation.
Would you publish my book/artwork/gadget?
Nine Rings Publishing is not accepting outside submissions at this time. As things progress, we will
review our publishing schedule and consider a broader range of products, we will then open up the
floor to outside individuals for consideration.
Are you racist bastards bent on world domination?
To put it in net-speak, LOL! While we are proud of our cultural heritage, it would be the height of
arrogance and ignorance to assume that ours is any better (or any worse) than any other culture.
Whoever came up with the idea that melanin content is an indicator of superiority ought to go down in
history as the DUMBEST individual ever. To put it in perspective, it’s like saying that white cars are
faster than any other color car. It ain’t the paint job, it’s what’s under the hood that counts.
Also, we're not set on world domination. That sounds like a complicated job. We're not that clever.
What are your views on abortion?
Ummm, you’re at the wrong website. I don’t know, try a Google search or something. Just back
away, okay? You’re creeping me out.
Would you create a custom image for me?
It depends on what you want. First of all, our artist’s commission rates start at $50/hour. Depending
on the level of complexity of the image, it takes him anywhere from two to twelve hours to complete a
piece. Second, he will produce no content that is considered hateful or disrespectful to other beliefs, so
don't ask for a drawing of Thor beating Jesus over the head with Mjollnir. Lastly, his schedule will only
allow for completion of outside commissions within 6 – 8 weeks. If all of those criteria work for you,
go ahead and inquire. His email is sbergstrom@nineringspublishing.com.
Will you ever actually put out books, being that you say you’re a book publisher?
Heh, nice boy. Here’s a piece of candy. Go away.
Okay, the sad truth is that it takes a lot of people a lot of time and effort to produce a quality book. Or,
at least it is in our case. Our writer has finished Nicholas, Warrior Prince of Asgard, and it is awaiting
final edit. It is also awaiting the completion of over a dozen illustrations that are to be spread throughout
the tale. Once we have those in place, then we will definitely solicit orders for the first printing. Your
patience will be rewarded.
Nine Rings Publishing is a partnership. The staff consists of Erika Pfeiffer, Publisher, Stephen S.
Bergstrom, Creative Director, and Sandra L. Pfeiffer, Senior Editor.
Who is the Artist?
Stephen S. Bergstrom was born in San Diego in 1969 and makes his home there. He has been largely
self-taught in illustration and graphic design and received his first break in the world of comic books
through a locally-produced title, Boards-N-Swords, which was published through Rabid Comics. Nine
Rings is providing his first series of art prints based on the gods and goddesses of Scandinavia.
How are the art prints produced?
The images are drawn by the artist as black and white pen illustrations, which are then scanned into a
computer as a high-resolution .jpeg file. These files are then digitally painted using Corel Painter and
printed on high-quality photo paper with an HP Deskjet 9650. The resulting print is easily of photo-
quality, with a stunning resolution of 600 dpi. Update: The new regular edition prints are now
produced by Zazzle.com, so you now have a wider array of printing options!
Who does the woodburning?
Erika Pfeiffer whose mark on her pieces is Hagalaz and Sandra Pfeiffer whose mark on her pieces is
Berkana with Sowilo.
Why put images of the gods on t-shirts, posters, and keychains? Doesn’t that smack of
disrespect?
If we depicted the gods as anything other than the glorious, mighty beings that they are, then yes, that
might be considered a bad thing. However, we love and honor the gods, and any image we create here
is designed to be respectful. Yes, even the Great Muppety Odin. Humor is a part of life, and if we don’t
allow humor into our spirituality, then we’re in danger of taking it too seriously
Does Nine Rings carve and stain the blot bowls and altars?
The wood pieces are not made by Nine Rings. They are manufactured by various commercial
companies, but are woodburned by Nine Rings crafters. This allows you to purchase a lovely piece of
decorated wood at a reasonable price.
How do you use the bowls and altars?
The bowls can be used during rituals and blots to hold offerings to the gods. The altars create a sacred
place in your home where you can commune with the gods. Small items such as candles, talismans, or
mini bowls of offerings can be placed on the altar for use in personal rituals and meditation.
Would you publish my book/artwork/gadget?
Nine Rings Publishing is not accepting outside submissions at this time. As things progress, we will
review our publishing schedule and consider a broader range of products, we will then open up the
floor to outside individuals for consideration.
Are you racist bastards bent on world domination?
To put it in net-speak, LOL! While we are proud of our cultural heritage, it would be the height of
arrogance and ignorance to assume that ours is any better (or any worse) than any other culture.
Whoever came up with the idea that melanin content is an indicator of superiority ought to go down in
history as the DUMBEST individual ever. To put it in perspective, it’s like saying that white cars are
faster than any other color car. It ain’t the paint job, it’s what’s under the hood that counts.
Also, we're not set on world domination. That sounds like a complicated job. We're not that clever.
What are your views on abortion?
Ummm, you’re at the wrong website. I don’t know, try a Google search or something. Just back
away, okay? You’re creeping me out.
Would you create a custom image for me?
It depends on what you want. First of all, our artist’s commission rates start at $50/hour. Depending
on the level of complexity of the image, it takes him anywhere from two to twelve hours to complete a
piece. Second, he will produce no content that is considered hateful or disrespectful to other beliefs, so
don't ask for a drawing of Thor beating Jesus over the head with Mjollnir. Lastly, his schedule will only
allow for completion of outside commissions within 6 – 8 weeks. If all of those criteria work for you,
go ahead and inquire. His email is sbergstrom@nineringspublishing.com.
Will you ever actually put out books, being that you say you’re a book publisher?
Heh, nice boy. Here’s a piece of candy. Go away.
Okay, the sad truth is that it takes a lot of people a lot of time and effort to produce a quality book. Or,
at least it is in our case. Our writer has finished Nicholas, Warrior Prince of Asgard, and it is awaiting
final edit. It is also awaiting the completion of over a dozen illustrations that are to be spread throughout
the tale. Once we have those in place, then we will definitely solicit orders for the first printing. Your
patience will be rewarded.