Visit to AMG Publishers

After leaving the Davis's house in western Tennessee, I drove to Chattanooga to meet with Dan Penwell at AMG Publishers. We discussed the issue of names (which had come up in my last communication with him) and he concluded that he was mistaken and my characters' names were fine. So that was a possitive thing.

I also asked him bluntly, if AMG would consider doing my books in hardcover. He said definitely not. The cost is prohibitive which raises the sale price by a considerable margin. I was disappointed to hear that because it seems that fantasy readers, as a whole, prefer a hardcover volume.

Next I showed him the artwork I've commissioned for the novel. He called in several other key men at AMG and had them look at the artwork. A couple of them had quite a few questions for me and we talked at length about the resistence to fantasy in some of the Christian market.

Later, when the other editors had left us alone in the office, Dan placed a call to Gina Bucy, one of his readers. She came in within fifteen minutes and I was thrilled by how excited she was about my novel. It was encouraging to hear her complement me on my writing.

It was a profitable visit. They didn't hand me a contract, but Dan assured me they will be in touch after their next meeting. Please pray I was able to pull the necessary people into my corner so that, when they have the meeting, they will decide for contract.

My Stay at the Davis's

It's my last night at the Davis's. I'm excited about meeting with the publisher, tomorrow, but I cannot help feeling sad at leaving. Bryan and his family have been wonderful. He treated me out for lunch at a local restaurant, critiqued and showed me how to improve my writing. He spent a lot of time with me that he was in no way obligated to. Our daily conversations about spiritual things has my gears turning on the subject of living a holy life. I have been greatly blessed by the godly atmosphere here.

Thanks to Mrs. Davis, Legossi, and R. I had home-cooked meals. Such a refreshing change for this lengthy trip. I'm going to miss all of them.

I got to ride one of their horses. That's Angel, in the picture below, with me on her back. It's been a very long time since I've ridden.

I will especially miss "Mr. Bunn." I had a great time with her, playing, editing, laughing (we did a lot of that!) She also helped me as I replaced 'weak' verbs in my manuscript. She has a sharp mind a lovely smile.

Once I have my contract, Bryan Davis and I plan to book tour together. I look forward to that very much. Now I must sign off. Tomorrow is another eight hours of driving to GA (and I'm on Central Time so I'll be losing an hour) . . . and I have an important meeting with Dan Penwell at AMG Publishers.

"Moses & the Lamb" contracted

I'm pleased to announce that Long Story Short, the ezine, has accepted my short speculative fiction story "Moses & the Lamb" for publication. This story is my second fiction piece contracted.

I just arrived in NC and decided to check my email. This acceptance was a lovely surprise.

Long Story Short will publish "Moses & the Lamb" on April 7th. When it appears in the ezine, I will post here and place a teaser line to pique your interest.

"The Door Within" a Review

I just finished reading Wayne Thomas Batson's The Door Within. It started off slow but really ended up being one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. Too many fantasy books fall into the trap of making action and suspense their primary elements merely for the sake of drawing in the reader. I have nothing against using action in fantasy, in fact my books are rife with it, but when action is not necessary to the plot it can be a hinderance.

The Door Within felt, for the most part, like a fairy tale setting. But I liked that. It started off slow, introduced many characters, and then wrapped up in such a way at the end that I am eagerly waiting to read the second book. Also, I feel I must praise Mr. Batson for doing something that I think is necessary to good fiction, something that most authors are afraid to do: he's not afraid to kill off main characters. If you are like me, when you read, you don't want to be able to predict who will live and who will die. You want to worry for the characters, root for them while all along wondering if they are going to survive.

I recommend this book, especially for Christian readers (the allegorical elements are strong).

"Specter" in Color

It's coming along now! Keep in mind that this is only rough color. But it certainly is dark . . . the perfect contrast to the other art pieces. Does this draw you in? It also looks like AMG Publishers is leaning toward giving me a contract. Their acquisitions editor said they are "finalizing" things and will get back to me. They had two more people pre-read Swords of the Six and both of them gave an overwhelming rating. I'm heading down to TN end of next week and will be staying with Bryan Davis for a couple of days and work on my second novel. Also, AMG Publishers wants me to stop in and meet everyone at their office, so I will be going there as well. A lot may be happening in this next month. Pray with me that I will get a contract to my liking.

Freelance Reporting

After several people who I know and trust handed me copies of the Reminder/Broadcaster advertisement for freelance writers, I decided to check into it.

Praise God, I'm hired and the pay is quite satisfactory. I get to write and take pictures . . . both things I love to do! And this is for pay . . . that's the important part!

I was considering a job at Frito Lay but now that should not be necessary. Factory work pays well but is both boring and tiring, leaving little energy for my novels. But this freelance reporting should be great; not only will I be making decent money, but I'll be doing most of it from home . . . my own boss!

"Specter" final sketch

Next, Amber will be adding in colors. That will be the tricky part because a couple elements in this piece could conflict with its intended dark mood.

Another Endorsment for "Swords of the Six"

Riding upon the wings of an eagle . . . that's what I'm doing right now!

I have another endorsment for "Swords of the Six"

"Scott Appleton has a big story to tell and just the kind of
outside-of-the-box imagination to pull it off. There's much
at stake in the world of Subterran, and when the six fabled
swords are discovered, the stakes rise even higher.
Swords of the Six is a tale replete with heroism, betrayal,
despair, and hope. If you like stories that take you to the
edge and make you think, Scott Appleton has a tale for you."

-Wayne Thomas Batson
author of The Door Within, Isle of Swords, etc.

Check out my link to this author's site.

Books to Look forward to in '08

Bryan Davis has two books releasing this year. "Beyond the Reflection's Edge" which I had the privilidge of prereading and loved! And also "The Last of the Nephilim" to continue the Oracles of Fire series.

Christopher Paolini is releasing his third "Inheritance" book in September, but contrary to previous knowledge, this will not conclude the series. There will be a fourth book.

Donita K. Paul is releasing "DragonLight"