Swords of the Six available on Kindle

I just found this on Amazon and a lot of people have been asking me, "When is your book coming out on Kindle?" Well, it appears to be available now so go check it out (-:

Pre-readers speak up!

My second novel should hit bookstores sometime in August. Due to the cover art changes its former publication date in July was cancelled. But, in the meantime, here is what pre-readers are saying:

"The Sword of the Dragon series just got better! The suspense and mystery that ended Swords of the Six builds to new heights in Offspring as the daughter of Dantress takes the reins of the story. Offspring explored more of this brilliant fantasy world, reminding me again of the incredible world-building skills of its author. The characters latched onto my heart and didn't let go, mystery reigned, the battles built with intensity, and I definitely choked up at the end. Seriously. The book propelled me toward its ending and didn't disappoint. Fantastic. Truly original in every character, species, and plot element, Appleton's pen submerged me in a new world, driving out all memory of my own, and when I returned, left me scrambling for book three. If you like a story that makes you think, a story that submerges you into a real world, you will love The Sword of the Dragon series." -Nathan Petrie (Kentucky)

“I was swept away by Scott Appleton’s engaging tale. He has achieved the rare feat of creating strong, unique characters who follow their own path instead of trying to recreate old legends. Many books claim to be ‘in the tradition of Lewis and Tolkien,’ but Appleton has earned that distinction by blazing his own path in modern fantasy. I look forward to more books by this original author.” –Julie Dick (Wisconsin)

Boyscouts' sleepover @ Dodd Stadium

There wasn't a huge crowd at Dodd Stadium for tonight's game, but I had a whole lot of fun signing books there. I sold 26... not bad at all! Great actually!

I met a couple fans who are eagerly waiting for my second novel, having already read the first one. It is exciting to see the anticipation and energy building around my books. God is blessing!

I am way in the background in this photo with a bunch of my family and the Tigers baseball team mascot. He wandered from spot to spot among the bleachers and the suites shooting his super-soaker at whomever he chose! So much fun (-:

Borders is liquidating

It is official, unfortunately and catastrophically: Borders bookstores will be closing their doors. It looks like this will be happening in the next couple months. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7658970.html

I was so sad to hear this. I grew up shopping there and for a year I enjoyed great success selling books to their customers (my novel) at signings.

Goodbye, Borders. ...Now I only wonder how long Barnes & Noble can survive. Or, will they sink too?

ICRS 2011 in Atlanta (part 2)

The show ended today. I am tired! But it was such a great experience. I made new contacts and met people who I'd previously only known online. I think I signed around 150 books.

I have two bits of news that are awesome, and one that is disappointing:

1. Swords of the Six is selling very well! So well, in fact, that it is right behind Bryan Davis's two new novels and ahead of all their other fiction. Praise God! ...I'll give more details later as I discover them.
2. AMG Publishers wants to sign me on for the rest of The Sword of the Dragon series. They are very happy with how it has been received and I feel honored to write for them.
3. Now the other bit of news isn't calamitous, but it does sock me a financial blow that is hard to swallow at this time. A few book buyers have complained that they find the cover for my second novel to be offensive. I don't see it, but in order to keep those buyers happy I am commissioning a different piece of art to be used on the cover. Hopefully it will turn out as good or better than the first one. But this sets back the release of the novel, so don't expect it before August.

Tomorrow morning my wife and I are driving back to North Carolina, and from there we'll head home. It has been a wonderful trip. I feel that I know the people at AMG a whole lot better now and understand better how to work with them.

I signed a lot of books. They were free, so as long as people lined up they received copies. I handed out lots of business cards ahead of time and it paid off. There were a lot of book buyers and store managers in the lines.

This last picture is of me and the designer of my original novel cover, Kirk DouPonce. It was really one of those moments when I felt I had met a new friend. Some people in the industry are a great to know, others leave an impression... He is such a great guy!

ICRS 2011 in Atlanta (part 1)

Wow has this been an exciting couple of days! So far I've met a lot of other authors, spoken to book buyers, and received a lot of Free books (totally something that I didn't expect). I am pictured above with Jenny L. Cote, and below with Ted Dekker.
Since I was young I've enjoyed episodes of the tv series Touched by an Angel, and my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Roma Downey!
Ah, yes, and here is proof that I finally met Wayne Thomas Batson! ....I'll have more news later. Right now I need to get upstairs and spend some time with our wonderful hosts here in Atlanta, GA.

Henny Penny in Saybrook, CT

I finished a book signing today at the Henny Penny gas station in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. This weekend, I sold 34 books! My average sales at the gas stations have been right around that number and I'm very happy with the results. The Saybrook store is one of the 'tighter' locations. I had to put the banner behind my little display in order to fit, and I frequently had to dive to the side to let customers and employees pass. But the advantage to that was the customers couldn't miss me! The picture below will gives a better angle of the store's interior (as you can see, it is rather narrow).Next weekend I'll be heading to Atlanta for the International Christian Retail Show . . . I can't wait! But in the mean time, I have to finish edits for The Sword of the Dragon-book 2-Offspring.