IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
It had previously been my intention to publish both secular and Christian books through Flaming Pen Press, so long as they were clean books; material I enjoyed reading either for its content or for its strong writing.
The Fairy’s Ruby Cage was not a Christian story. It will be the only and the last. The response to that little book was mixed. Everyone agreed it was well-written but a couple people thought it wasn’t a good story. They didn’t like the wily little fairy; the references to her tiny, attractive body.
From now on I will publish exclusively Christian books to ensure a God-honoring and values-consistent press that seeks not to offend but to uplift.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Catawissa, Missouri
With Indiana behind us, I drove through Illinois on our way to Missouri. The scenery was beautiful. You can see my little trailer in the mirror in this picture as I cruise along (bored but still having fun while my wife snoozes in the passenger seat... She's 9-weeks-pregnant).
Kelley woke up a few times (just kidding, I exagerate a little) she snapped this photo of the St. Louis arch... Gateway to the West.And now we're staying in Catawissa, Missouri with Robert Treskillard and his family. That's (right to left) Robert, Leighton, and Me. It is really refreshing to be in the company of another writer again. I've felt a bit drained the last couple weeks, but now my steam is coming back. Praise God!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Kestrel's Midnight Song-artwork begins!
NOTE: DO NOT COPY/TRANSFER THIS IMAGE--LEGAL ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN BY THE ARTIST
This is the sketch for the forthcoming novel from Flaming Pen Press titled Kestrel's Midnight Song. The artist is Halil Ural. He is an apprentice to Kerem Beyit and wow I'm impressed with the work so far!
http://theartofkerembeyit.com/
http://kerembeyit.deviantart.com/
This is the sketch for the forthcoming novel from Flaming Pen Press titled Kestrel's Midnight Song. The artist is Halil Ural. He is an apprentice to Kerem Beyit and wow I'm impressed with the work so far!http://theartofkerembeyit.com/
http://kerembeyit.deviantart.com/
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wrapping Up the Indiana tour
Over 2,500 Swords of the Six copies have been sold since its release 03/30/2009
My wife and I made a trip up to Mentone IN this week, intending to check out some inexpensive apartments. Instead she made a dress with the Richardson girls and I made calls to schools in GA and also tried the local Middle School in Akron IN. They graciously allowed me to come in and brought through the vast majority of their students. I spoke to the students in the library and sold a total of 77 books. It was a great event, a good time, and an energizing experience!
My sales at this school (Tippecanoe Valley Middle School) brought my total sales of Swords of the Six (to date) to over 2,500 !
Sunday we leave Indiana and head to Missouri. I haven't been able to get any events out there, but maybe I can get something last minute... like this event. God is blessing.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"The Fairy's Ruby Cage" on Amazon.com !
At last the second title to release from Flaming Pen Press has appeared on Amazon.com ! THE FAIRY'S RUBY CAGE
~ Pre-order on Amazon.com ~
TODAY!
Kiff's master warned him that the fairy in the ruby cage could not be trusted, but he was in love, and she had such gifts to offer...
Kiff's master warned him that the fairy in the ruby cage could not be trusted, but he was in love, and she had such gifts to offer...
An excerpt from THE FAIRY'S RUBY CAGE:
I remember the day it all changed, and it came with a giggle. Deep in the bowels of my Master’s tower it trickled into the musty hall like an out of place ray of light. I had no choice. I had to look.
It was an odd place that he kept it, not hidden as he later came to do, but centered prominently upon a round table amid the clutter of food barrels and chests. The cage was exquisite, made of ruby and shaped like a wide lantern with a long handle on top. And in it was the most extraordinary creature; dragonfly wings of pink and large eyes of shimmering rose, hair the color of blushed strawberry and a garment no more than gossamer to hide her slender body. She fluttered as I entered and I was startled simply by the sight.
It was an odd place that he kept it, not hidden as he later came to do, but centered prominently upon a round table amid the clutter of food barrels and chests. The cage was exquisite, made of ruby and shaped like a wide lantern with a long handle on top. And in it was the most extraordinary creature; dragonfly wings of pink and large eyes of shimmering rose, hair the color of blushed strawberry and a garment no more than gossamer to hide her slender body. She fluttered as I entered and I was startled simply by the sight.
Signing in Sunman-Dearborn Middle School
Today my wife and I resumed book tour events. We started this morning by visiting the Sunman-Dearborn Middle School in Indiana. Pictured above is myself, my wife, and school librarian Gloria H. who arranged the event. My thanks goes out to the people who made this event possible. It went great! We sold 42 books during the lunch hour and arranged to return tomorrow for a follow-up signing.
I love book signings... and I particularly enjoy going to schools. Friday I'll be in the Hebron-Cincinnati Airport. They have 50+ books in stock now, so that'll keep me busy all day, and on Saturday I'm returning to Three Sisters here in Indiana...I just love that bookstore!
It feels great to be back to signing my novel. I'm looking forward to hitting other parts of the country. My trip to Atlanta, GA is shaping up nicely. If you're in that area shoot me an email so I can visit your local store, or your school.
It feels great to be back to signing my novel. I'm looking forward to hitting other parts of the country. My trip to Atlanta, GA is shaping up nicely. If you're in that area shoot me an email so I can visit your local store, or your school.Monday, January 11, 2010
In Quest of the Truth: Biblical Archeology leads to the Greatest Discoveries
I have long had a fascination with ancient history and particulary in the Pre-Noah's Flood and the Isrealites Pilgrimage to the Promised Land.
My wife bought me a book for Christmas by Robert Cornuke. I don't know if I should call him an archeologist, or a treasure hunter. His quest for the genuine Mount Sinai and the lost Ark of the Covenant were covered in this little book and it was utterly fascinating.
The secularization of biblical history leaves many 'facts' wanting. I remember opening one of my Bibles to view a map of the Israelites' journey out of Egypt and noticing the line crossed the Reed Sea instead of the Red Sea. I probably rubbed my eyes and checked again, I do not remember the specifics, but there it was: the map had the Israelites crossing the Reed Sea. Later I heard from a historian that many historians dismiss the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and point instead to the Sea of Reeds (which in those ancient times was little more than 6-inches of mud). They say that pharoah's chariots could not drive through that, or some such nonsense.
In Relic Quest Robert Cornuke takes you on the path to the real Mount Sinai located in Saudi Arabia across the Red Sea. His trips to that place revealed the mountain's peak burned with fire, ancient altars built by refugees from Egypt, and the stone split by Moses from which water gushed forth. To back up his claims (which is the part I was excited to see) he has an array of photos and other facts.
The last half of the book is devoted to his pursuit of the lost Ark of the Covenant. His conclusion that the Ark now rests in Ethiopia is wonderfully bolstered by his findings, including a pair of hammered silver trumpets likely from the temple in Jeruselem. On top of that he presents sound argument from the Bible to conclude that the Ark is meant to stay in Ethiopia until Christ's return.
One thing I did not find compelling was his argument for the Ethiopean Eunich. But read it for yourself and come to your own conclusion; this guy knows what he's talking about!
Friday, January 8, 2010
"OFFSPRING" Pre-order offer
Hello Everyone!
For all you readers out there who are looking forward to getting the second book in my The Sword of the Dragon series, here's an offer I want to throw out there:
Place a request for pre-order of The Sword of the Dragon: Offspring by emailing me at spappleton@gmail.com
This novel will print between 450 and 475-page book. If I can get enough pre-orders I will release this book this Christmas! Also, the list price of the book (paperback) printed for bookstore orders and Amazon will retail at $19.95
Submit request for preorder to my email, include your name, and I'll put you on a PRE-ORDER LIST to receive Offspring for $13/copy!
When the book prints I'd get your copies out to you FIRST!
For all you readers out there who are looking forward to getting the second book in my The Sword of the Dragon series, here's an offer I want to throw out there:
Place a request for pre-order of The Sword of the Dragon: Offspring by emailing me at spappleton@gmail.com
This novel will print between 450 and 475-page book. If I can get enough pre-orders I will release this book this Christmas! Also, the list price of the book (paperback) printed for bookstore orders and Amazon will retail at $19.95
Submit request for preorder to my email, include your name, and I'll put you on a PRE-ORDER LIST to receive Offspring for $13/copy!
When the book prints I'd get your copies out to you FIRST!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
"OFFSPRING" -Written!
Here's a bit of news my readers ought to enjoy: I finished writing The Sword of the Dragon-book 2-Offspring tonight. It completed at 117,000-words.
I'm sure when the editing kicks in it will end up right around 120,000-words. This is a meaty book. I think that will translate to between 450 and 475 book pages.
Now my concern is cover art. My artist has been slow getting back to me on this project. If she isn't able to do it in a timely manner I will seek another artist for this book's cover.
Anyway, I'm sure everyone is going to love the story in Offspring and hopefully we can get this out to you earlier than originally anticipated. But we'll see about that. I have no intention of pushing it through at the expense of quality. There's a lot of emotion in this story and a large-scale battle!
The big question that was on my mind throughout writing this was: Will Specter live or die? Well, I have the answer now... and you'll see when you read the book!
I'm sure when the editing kicks in it will end up right around 120,000-words. This is a meaty book. I think that will translate to between 450 and 475 book pages.
Now my concern is cover art. My artist has been slow getting back to me on this project. If she isn't able to do it in a timely manner I will seek another artist for this book's cover.
Anyway, I'm sure everyone is going to love the story in Offspring and hopefully we can get this out to you earlier than originally anticipated. But we'll see about that. I have no intention of pushing it through at the expense of quality. There's a lot of emotion in this story and a large-scale battle!
The big question that was on my mind throughout writing this was: Will Specter live or die? Well, I have the answer now... and you'll see when you read the book!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A Special Offer for Readers of "Swords of the Six"
Although I have personally received many reviews from readers that Swords of the Six was one of their favorite fantasy novels, only six reviews have been posted to Amazon.com
With the second novel Offspring nearing completion, I want to get as many Amazon reviews posted as possible. So, here's my offer:
If you have read Swords of the Six but have not yet posted a review on Amazon.com Post a review and comment on this post to let me know, or email me. After I check to see the review was posted on Amazon's site, I will email you ten pages from the upcoming novel Offspring. Don't miss out on this opportunity to preview the second novel in The Sword of the Dragon series!
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