tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57922400178252352592024-03-06T01:03:36.787-05:00THE FLAMING PENAuthor Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.comBlogger441125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-86294359773997238362014-05-22T10:04:00.002-04:002014-05-22T10:09:31.848-04:00It's Ready! Come on over to AuthorAppleton.comIt has been a good run but now it is time to say goodbye to the Flaming Pen blog in favor of focusing on my new blog-centric website <a href="http://authorappleton.com/">AuthorAppleton.com</a><br />
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I want to express my sincere thanks to you, my readers, for supporting me as my writing career continues to grow. And I do hope that all of you will transition over to the new website this coming Monday for new blog posts! Please update your links to my site so that you point to <a href="http://www.authorappleton.com/">www.AuthorAppleton.com</a> <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkiadQsEMMYvS7SsToj03pBc3dcl_Z2PvXXad2yuYbMZFyWxbZCk6Yb20yqgTZlzjwpHrHJ_oWRpdYAeMW0JCyDeFFxHhNgSe1EDv20L1fkXDsVJQe-gJZVYFYEo3hxT5vUX02E6KUtU/s1600/screenshot.jpg" height="225" width="400" /><br />
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This is an exciting time to be able to focus on Wholesome Fantasy & Science Fiction. Please join me on Monday, May 26th for my introductory posts on my New Blog. Here are the immediate advantages:<br />
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<li>Weekly Blog Posts every Monday morning!</li>
<li>Everything in ONE PLACE (blog, books, etc.) </li>
<li>Branding everything so my material is easier to find</li>
<li>Free PDF books on content-ideas generated by Your Feedback </li>
<li>Podcast episodes to-be-added in the near future</li>
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Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-39827913727649717262014-05-07T11:23:00.002-04:002014-05-07T11:23:43.888-04:00Book Signing Scheduled in Akron, Ohio!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you are planning to attend or know anyone who will be attending CHEO (Christian Home Educators of Ohio) June 20th & 21st, please look me up in the Exhibit Hall! I will have a corner booth so it should be easy to spot me.<br />
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It has been a long while since my last book signing and I've missed it. So pumped about this! 2,500 expected in attendance. Please visit the CHEO website <a href="http://www.cheohome.org/">http://www.cheohome.org/</a> <br />
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Hope to see some of my Ohio readers there and meet many new ones! All of my novels will be available for purchase and signing. This includes <i>Swords of the Six, Offspring, Key of Living Fire, </i>and this will be the first signing for my latest release <i>Neverqueen!</i>Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-33190129292737857332014-04-15T20:45:00.002-04:002014-04-15T22:10:37.531-04:00Dragons in Film: the ugly and the great!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/t/52af4b69e4b01342092af219/1387219820089/The_Hobbit-_The_Desolation_of_Smaug_more8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.squarespace.com/static/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/t/52af4b69e4b01342092af219/1387219820089/The_Hobbit-_The_Desolation_of_Smaug_more8.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
It is hard to imagine a better rendition of a dragon than what I recently watched in The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug.<br />
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Cinema has always struggled with making realistic dragons. Personally I found the Eragon dragon to be a shock when I saw feathered instead of leather wings. It just was not... threatening. More like a giant bird.<br />
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An impressive attempt was made in the movie Dragonheart. Sean Connery voiced the dragon in an effective manner. However the movie was filled with a lot of humor as well that took some of that dragon threat away... And a later attempt to create a sequel made the dragon animation feel and look like a video game.<br />
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In the Hobbit the standard is finally raised. Smaug was crafted to perfection! This movie really was fantastic and the dragon is what made it so. Not only were the special effects believable, but the characterization of the dragon was spot-on. Smaug is the epitome of a greedy, spiteful creature whose pride (amazingly) manages to fill the screen more than his tremendous length. <br />
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Let's hope this will open the door for other fantasy films on the level of The Desolation of Smaug where the dragons are true monsters with intelligent minds!Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-26744054992968746512014-04-07T12:50:00.002-04:002014-04-07T12:50:36.678-04:00Overanalysing fiction?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With great interest I have been watching the <i>Noah</i> movie buzz spread through the Christian community. Much of the reaction has been negative, centered around inconsistencies between the Biblical account and the movie's interpretation.<br />
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The push against the film has made me all the more curious to see it (which is the opposite reaction the gainsayers want to see, I'm sure).<br />
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Not having seen the movie yet, I just want to say that I am looking forward to trying it but I do not anticipate it being accurate to history. This is a Hollywood project, folks! Do you really think that is their intent? I think they saw it as an opportunity to make money. And why not? It has been a long time since Hollywood has generated something on this scale that gets people talking about biblical accounts, Christianity, and all that goes with it.<br />
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Let's not over-analyze fiction. Take it for what it is: an interpretation and artistic expression inspired by circumstances and/or events, etc. I have often--and I do mean often--come across readers who are reading too deeply into my own fiction for hidden meanings and such. Often they come up with ideas that have no bearing on the author's original intent.<br />
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In closing, let me say that, having not seen the movie, I may hate it. Who knows? But I enjoy an entertaining movie and I don't have to agree with the worldviews expressed in it in order to enjoy it. If it was claiming to be a historical documentary, that would be a different scenario. (-: <br />
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Your thoughts on this?Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-32197643043510163392014-03-11T12:15:00.000-04:002014-03-11T12:15:34.138-04:00Tell one character's story at a time?The challenge I have when writing is to focus on one portion of the story at a time and one character's point-of-view at a time. I am not a great multi-tasker. I can do it, but I am at my strongest when I focus on one thing at a time, placing my greatest energies into accomplishing it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neverqueen-Sword-Dragon-Scott-Appleton/dp/0615935001/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394554051&sr=1-1&keywords=neverqueen" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JamkJv1ht9L4aDDOZE4MYgzqmV83tFbv9iwjAVXhmh3rdHWe9mZQh65lS9ajnEyJxi2g3P1NUfAq8FdlVl0vtJfiYr90qLp8kTFv19PmSOBiw6t1vkNvGnNspMJEN36I8aP6FujQ7qk/s1600/Neverqueen+cover.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neverqueen-Sword-Dragon-Scott-Appleton/dp/0615935001/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394554051&sr=1-1&keywords=neverqueen" target="_blank">While you're waiting check out <i>Neverqueen</i>!</a></td></tr>
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When I wrote <i>Swords of the Six</i>, <i>Offspring</i>, and <i>Key of Living Fire</i> I told the stories from multiple characters' points of view. But in <i>Neverqueen</i> I focused mostly on Violet's story. The result was a focused story arc that I found easier to write.<br />
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Currently I am chipping away at <i>In Search of Dragons</i>. Ilfedo is the focal point in this story. He has left some of his grief behind and is greatly focused on preserving the heritage and future of his nation.<br />
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The great search for the dragon Venom-fier has begun!Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-48122022063746228512014-02-19T12:08:00.000-05:002014-02-19T12:08:17.740-05:00One Year Devotional for Fathers and SonsI'm not sure exactly how this came to be, but the recent encouragement I received from several Christians has led me to start writing a book I did not intend. It is a 365-day devotional for fathers and sons and will deal with a wide array of subjects with encouragement from Scriptures.<br />
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The pitfalls of my own life, sins I fell into and unwise choices I made, have resulted in innumerable notes and short articles that I have only shared with a few immediate family members. Other choices I've made have benefited me and those around me greatly. I pray God gives me wisdom to create a string of devotions that will get fathers and sons talking to each other openly about the issues they face. As well, I hope it will be of great encouragement to these men.<br />
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A couple of title ideas are battling for supremacy on the forthcoming book. I would love to know which title stands out to you! I am putting this up on a poll on the blog's sidebar as well.<br />
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Title options are:<br />
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<li>The Countercultural Devotional: One Year for Fathers and Sons</li>
<li>The Good Fight of Faith: One Year of Devotions for Fathers and Sons</li>
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By the way, if you have other title ideas or suggested changes, please voice them! Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-29278795097754053822014-02-13T10:58:00.000-05:002014-02-13T11:13:34.505-05:00Not a hero? This is where our society has come; Winter Olympics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know this is going to show how disconnected I am from mainstream media, but I just learned of the outcry concerning Russia and the controversy involving their stance against homosexuals.<br />
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I am not going to beat this dead horse. You all know by now that I firmly stand against the homosexual lifestyle, and I do not want to bash the LGBT. But it is an affront to God and to a godly society, and I must declare what is true.<br />
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Corporations and the media flood the internet with support for the LGBT. Let this be a reminder of how fallen our world is and of how holy God is. The LGBT are not heroes, folks.<br />
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The heroes are conservative men and women who stand for the truth of the Word of God and are willing to pay the price when they are alienated by society.<br />
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We should not resort to bashing the LGBT, but we do need to instruct our youth to look through the "smoke screen" and see the real problems that underlie the bitterness and conflict. Sin is present and strong as ever. The Devil is a real force in this world and he wants all LGBT to continue in their blindness on a path into Hell.<br />
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Christian, this should bring you to tears and put you in mind of how blessed you are to have Truth and Life.Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-88574015168847469142014-01-31T11:28:00.000-05:002014-01-31T11:28:40.156-05:00What makes "The Pilgrim's Progress" resonate?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxs1nm7x0s7XscfFa2vrV36CdP5r29dZ45AcHth3KfQW4shUcvyg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxs1nm7x0s7XscfFa2vrV36CdP5r29dZ45AcHth3KfQW4shUcvyg" /></a></div>
I must have read it three times when I was growing up and what an impression it left on me. John Bunyan's classic allegory for many years was the best-selling book next only to the Bible. Even today its popularity is evidenced by the many various revisions and editions it has populated.<br />
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But why does this allegory resonate so well with people?<br />
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I think it has to do with Christian's evolution (the main character in PProgress). Through a nearly fantasy-type setting we can relate to Christian's victories and his failings. We desire the same thing he did: victory over the Evil One and Eternal Life. We must struggle with faith in a physical world populated with individuals who deny God's very existence or scoff at the necessity of repentance and a following after good works.<br />
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This book is timeless and powerful, encouraging us to be the men and women of God-granted potential.<br />
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Question: Have you read The Pilgrim's Progress? Did it inspire you?Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-56785606966432567802014-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-18T08:00:01.498-05:00Shearing a dragon?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A while back I worked with this girl in sales who shared my passion for great fantasy stories. As I like to do with enthusiasts, I brainstormed and decided to create an original character in the Neverqueen series.<br />
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Raven is a hermit (or shall I say a hermittess, for she is a woman). She lives deep in the forests west of Turser's Mountains and she keeps a companion that is, perhaps, not unique to fantasy, but what she does with this companion is. Her companion is an old dragon.<br />
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Raven keeps the dragon in chains. She feeds him and even sees to it that he enjoys good conversations with her, but all the while she pulls off his thick scales one-by-one and sells them to passing traders.<br />
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What does the dragon think of this arrangement? Find out when you read the Neverqueen series.<br />
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Q: WHAT WOULD YOU, AS A READER, ENJOY SEEING IN ONE OF MY FANTASY NOVELS?Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-48927347232038122052014-01-16T09:29:00.003-05:002014-01-16T09:29:29.984-05:00A new book on writing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Editor Becky Miller is releasing a book on the writing craft and I thought I'd post a quick recommendation. Becky's edits were among the first that I received and learned from when I began <i>The Sword of the Dragon</i> series.<br />
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Follow this <a href="http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/2014/01/15/cover-reveal-my-writing-instruction-ebook/" target="_blank">LINK</a> to read Becky's post announcing her book.Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-13398140017038652902014-01-04T14:50:00.002-05:002014-01-04T14:50:43.827-05:00Building "The Sword of the Dragon" brand: What's the advantage?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuAvFeApOAO7DRQSNKTYKzM6A7MRYmrVib2xohuAeL4Nhvp4du_dCaPo3Xl-HwRIrVKsh70V-4wGVZrhjjfjNm31lXBfvFBGpfNYJFL8iFzxa8EU4iGuhyphenhyphenEP5V8C_wQ6wVtm8r9y31fA/s1600/a-SOTS+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuAvFeApOAO7DRQSNKTYKzM6A7MRYmrVib2xohuAeL4Nhvp4du_dCaPo3Xl-HwRIrVKsh70V-4wGVZrhjjfjNm31lXBfvFBGpfNYJFL8iFzxa8EU4iGuhyphenhyphenEP5V8C_wQ6wVtm8r9y31fA/s200/a-SOTS+cover.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7ZNzD0CYWXFcHcC00idyu_ylHLP1sfCFYJ0nN6nMNPsE6bZzHDBY4HYlq8ZrIukEPwncr4VnjXSMimuolnGbn3csly1-fTD3pPJJsXcMJFWout2C_l3VViPLUiPDq63cEGXbmvCQO2s/s1600/b-OFFSPRING+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7ZNzD0CYWXFcHcC00idyu_ylHLP1sfCFYJ0nN6nMNPsE6bZzHDBY4HYlq8ZrIukEPwncr4VnjXSMimuolnGbn3csly1-fTD3pPJJsXcMJFWout2C_l3VViPLUiPDq63cEGXbmvCQO2s/s200/b-OFFSPRING+cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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When I released the first <i>The Sword of the Dragon</i> novel I hoped to write the seven books and then expand with offshoot storylines in stand-alone novels and new series, much as Star Wars and Dungeons & Dragons have done.<br />
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We're looking at a fourth book in the main series to release later this year (titled <i>In Search of Dragons</i>) from AMG/Living Ink Publishers. I am maintaining control of many of the rights, therefore the <i>Neverqueen</i> series is releasing from my own imprint Flaming Pen Press. We will release <i>Neverqueen 2: The Suffering Chalice</i> in or before November 2014. I am excited for other books that I am planning as well, including a novel detailing what happens to Specter after he secures the Key of Living Fire and vanished through the portal.<br />
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The advantage is that the story never has to end and as resources increase we can branch out into audiobooks, video games, and eventually other mediums.<br />
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I've placed a poll on the blog sidebar so that you can vote <b>which title you'd like to see in audiobook format first</b>.Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-68627743675960843212014-01-03T01:26:00.000-05:002014-01-03T01:40:16.278-05:00Marcher Lord Press sold... to the Laube Agency?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.speculativefaith.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/The-MLP-Logo-Official-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.speculativefaith.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/The-MLP-Logo-Official-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
As are many in the Christian speculative fiction market, I am quite stunned by the announcement that Jeff Gerke has sold Marcher Lord Press (MLP) to the Steve Laube Agency.<br />
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Looking around the web I see a lot of speculation and mostly disappointment surrounding this announcement.<br />
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Clearly the concern is that MLP will lose its edge, and I quite agree that this is a genuine concern. With Jeff at the helm the company has pressed into daring ground and, it can be argued, Jeff himself has become the MLP brand.<br />
<br />
I am not a fan of vampire fiction, but I applauded Jeff's decision to publish Vampires In Space because it showed he was publishing the stories that appealed to him, not what was necessarily the most marketable and CBA acceptable fiction.<br />
<br />
On a fantasy fiction note I was encouraged to see Jeff create Hinterlands and subsequently release A Throne Of Bones. While I did not find the writing of that particular title to be stellar I was excited that Jeff might pursue some books that could be the Christian answer to Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series.<br />
<br />
If I may be allowed, I will voice my concern:We geeks are sensitive creatures and we like consistency. We like the brave and the bold who venture "where no man has gone before." And that means venturing outside the style and scope of the CBA market.<br />
<br />
If the new Marcher Lord, Steve Laube, is to succeed with this endeavor then he has to become a very approachable person. Jeff was that and feedback I received from those who interacted with Steve was that he does not have that general reputation. However, my agent (Amanda Luedeke) holds him in high regard and that counts for a lot in my book <br />
<br />
This is not a swing at Steve; I believe he can make MLP succeed and I applaud the risk he is taking. But I will be interested to see if his approach to the brand takes the Jeff out of it. I will be interested to see whether the new Marcher Lord Press concerns itself more with what is acceptable to the CBA than what is desirable to its geek following. It is a tricky proposition and I am hoping it does not.<br />
<br />
Steve Laube will be holding a discussion on his agency's blog regarding this acquisition on January 6th (a Monday) and I am extremely interested to see what he reveals for the company's direction.<b> <a href="http://stevelaube.com/blog/">http://stevelaube.com/blog/</a></b><br />
<br />
Obviously this is a hot topic right now with many of us, so please comment if you are interested in discussing!Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-1961586019059415082013-12-31T23:53:00.000-05:002013-12-31T23:53:11.879-05:002014... Looks like a good year!For a recap of notable <i><b>The Sword of the Dragon</b></i> occurrences in 2013:<br />
<ol>
<li>Contract signed with AMG Publishers/Living Ink Books for <b><i>In Search of Dragons</i></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.theswordofthedragon.com/">www.TheSwordoftheDragon.com</a> re-built and looking sharp!</li>
<li><i><b>Neverqueen 1</b></i> released on readers and in Paperback</li>
</ol>
What we are looking for in 2014:<br />
<ol>
<li><i><b>In Search of Dragons</b></i> paperback published by AMG/Living Ink Books (hopefully in the Fall)</li>
<li><i><b>Neverqueen 2</b></i> release in Fall/Winter </li>
</ol>
My goals:<br />
<ol>
<li>Write new fantasy novel <b><i>Soul Of Ironwing</i></b></li>
<li>Finish writing sci-fi/steampunk novel <i><b>Star Train </b></i></li>
</ol>
If there is room in my busy life after all this I hope to start the ball rolling on audio books for <b><i>Swords of the Six</i></b> and <b><i>Neverqueen</i></b>. Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-2487036317695803292013-12-23T23:21:00.000-05:002013-12-23T23:21:01.407-05:00Merry Christmas-- What a crazy month! (and The giveaway winners!)First off, I have yet to write a new blog post on a particular subject related to fantasy and so I want to send you over to Speculative Faith's site. I wrote a guest article for them and have enjoyed the feedback I received from it. The post is here: <a href="http://www.speculativefaith.com/2013/12/20/will-the-real-master-stand-up/">http://www.speculativefaith.com/2013/12/20/will-the-real-master-stand-up/</a><br />
<br />
This month has been C-R-A-Z-Y <br />
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Neverqueen</strong></em> released on Amazon in print and kindle editions (Very excited about it!)</li>
<li>Christmas 31 author scavenger hunt ended</li>
<li>I moved my family down to Groton CT into a nice townhome (Which we love!)</li>
<li>My wife is due with our third baby on Christmas Eve (Hoping baby waits until next week)</li>
</ul>
If you entered the giveaway for Donita K. Paul's book or the necklace, I have announced the winners in the comments on that post. And I wish to repeat that information here as well. My apologies for this taking so long. I should have had the winners selected a couple weeks ago but with the move things have been hectic around here.<br />
<br />
<strong>WINNERS OF MRS. PAUL'S GIVEAWAY</strong><br />
Book winner is... <strong>Angie</strong><br />
Necklace winner is... <strong>Rachel Meyer</strong><br />
CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!<br />Please email me with your full name and address so that Mrs. Paul can send your prizes! Email the information to: <a href="mailto:spappleton@gmail.com">spappleton@gmail.com</a>Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-43704153974986760862013-12-14T00:29:00.000-05:002013-12-14T00:29:15.277-05:00"NEVERQUEEN" NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT!Looking for that perfect gift for your fantasy-loving reader? <strong>Neverqueen</strong> now available in paperback on Amazon for only <u>$9.49</u><br />
<br />
In time for Christmas, folks, the first book in a new series of fantasy novels! If you have a reader who liked my <em>The Sword of the Dragon</em> series, then order this book. It is part of the same story world!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neverqueen-Sword-Dragon-Scott-Appleton/dp/0615935001/ref=la_B002ECOL2U_1_6_bnp_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386998071&sr=1-6" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE</a><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neverqueen-Sword-Dragon-Scott-Appleton/dp/0615935001/ref=la_B002ECOL2U_1_6_bnp_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386998071&sr=1-6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/Neverqueen-Sword-Dragon-Scott-Appleton/dp/0615935001/ref=la_B002ECOL2U_1_6_bnp_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386998071&sr=1-6" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihTZURaeoRHhcRQDhM-ACNW9e6_sNadHbSNJFqoP4Mq_vnP57ASRo9VJ2DLB1xd6C-eJyrgwyo5bSDWvcUV6TNBlnVxzvmUr08Gt7vZAPK-Ec63Dvg8lUcVZxh0l9RP3dEVja1-a-Ffc/s320/Neverqueen+cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neverqueen-Sword-Dragon-Scott-Appleton/dp/0615935001/ref=la_B002ECOL2U_1_6_bnp_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386998071&sr=1-6" target="_blank">Purchase on Amazon.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-78159331401699145792013-11-30T07:28:00.000-05:002013-11-30T23:14:36.547-05:00#31AuthorGiveaway Scavenger Hunt Begins!For my part in this Christmas fun of giveaways, I am hosting Family Fiction and giving away free copies of <b><i>Key of Living Fire</i></b> to the winners. Here is a note from them: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsDydGV8eL1RSo5-XoZog4dBAFV58xeYoFXgisdAKP2dv_k6NtmfAZm0B0RUlbMwRSuVjUH4bDR1RmsrVlavInm9V3nwHlX-bhqa0uaXEoLc9UeqyEE3CMhpVSYD9anxnfnYmbVlhZBU/s1600/FFEdge_Nov+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsDydGV8eL1RSo5-XoZog4dBAFV58xeYoFXgisdAKP2dv_k6NtmfAZm0B0RUlbMwRSuVjUH4bDR1RmsrVlavInm9V3nwHlX-bhqa0uaXEoLc9UeqyEE3CMhpVSYD9anxnfnYmbVlhZBU/s320/FFEdge_Nov+copy.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Want to stay up on all news concerning your favorite Christian fiction authors? You should join our family!<br /><br />No matter the genre—we’ve got you covered—from Amish to Contemporary, Speculative to Young Adult. FamilyFiction is an information hub of author interviews, news and updates. Stop by our site and sign up for our email newsletters. <a href="http://www.familyfiction.com/newsletter-signup/">http://www.familyfiction.com/newsletter-signup/</a> Our monthly magazines FamilyFiction and FamilyFiction Edge will keep you updated on the latest and greatest Christian fiction happenings.<br /><br />Peruse author interviews, find your next great novel, or watch book trailer for upcoming releases all at <a href="http://www.familyfiction.com/">http://www.familyfiction.com</a> <br /><br />You can also stay current with us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FamilyFiction?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyFiction" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and participate in giveaways and contests!</span><br />
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First I want to thank Deidre at Family Fiction for participating in the 31 Author Giveaway and Scavenger Hunt, and thank author Brock Eastman for organizing this.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://brockeastman.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/treepromo-4.png?w=576&h=864" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://brockeastman.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/treepromo-4.png?w=576&h=864" width="133" /></a><b>For all the readers that are on the hunt</b> and want to win that iPad Mini, here is your next clue: "and Merry". For the next clue you must follow <a href="http://www.familyfiction.com/authors/donita-k-paul-evangeline-denmark/features/q-a-evangeline-denmark-the-dragon-and-the-turtle-go-on-safari/">this link from Family Fiction</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://brockeastman.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/treepromo-4.png?w=576&h=864" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Please follow the link to Family Fiction's site. Or if you've collected all the clues you can go <a href="http://wp.me/p1qRlu-X0" target="_blank">HERE</a> to enter the full mystery phrase and bring your scavenger hunt to a close.<br />
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Don't miss entering the giveaway for Donita K. Paul's book (in the blog post just previous to this one). <br />
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Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-70506588320704681452013-11-29T07:28:00.000-05:002013-11-29T07:28:00.589-05:00Christmas Giveaway! & Donita K. Paul discusses her new trilogy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.donitakpaul.com/images/onerealmbeyondcover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.donitakpaul.com/images/onerealmbeyondcover.gif" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I recently requested an interview with Donita K. Paul who is well respected for her Dragon Keeper Chronicles books. She has announced a new series and the concept was so unique that I just had to pose some questions to her.</div>
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<b>Note: After you read the interview, please post a comment to be entered for the Christmas Giveaway! </b></div>
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Q: Lately the Christian fiction market has announced a couple new
fantasy novels that are original in their concepts and well-written. Can you
tell us what prompted you to write "One Realm Beyond" and what most
excites you about this story?</div>
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Mrs. Paul: I’m always excited when I get to let my imagination loose. I’ve
incorporated images from fantasy movies that I love. You want to know what they
are? Stardust, Ella Enchanted. Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Return to Oz,
and Enchanted. Not that a reader would be able to pick something out of the
book and trace it back to a movie, but when I watch something like those
wonderful movies, sparks fly in my head. I’m visual so Pinterest is very good
for me. I see pictures that make ideal portals, or stunning backdrops, or hint
at character and personality. I think the thing that most excites me about this
book is the changing relationship between Cantor and his dragon and between
Cantor and Bixby.</div>
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As to what prompts me to write a particular story, it’s usually
characters chattering inside my skull and never leaving me in peace. </div>
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Q: How long did it take you to write "One Realm Beyond"?</div>
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A: About a year. It usually takes me a year to write a fantasy. I can
write a romance in two months and a picture book in about six weeks. But
fantasies need time to brew in the pot. More interesting things bubble to the
top if I allow time for the mixture to age. Also the sharp flavor of Christian
fantasy needs to mellow. I hope my work is not didactic, and I think the time
element has something to do with not coming across as proselytizing. </div>
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Q: Because you target the Christian fiction market, what is your
response when people ask why you write fantasy?</div>
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A: I’ll let the greats say it for me.</div>
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G. K. Chesterton: </div>
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• Fairy Tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons
exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.</div>
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C.S. Lewis: </div>
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• Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It
enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and
in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.</div>
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• Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the organ of
meaning.</div>
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Chesterton tells us that stories allow our imagination to conceive what
we cannot physically see. In that abstract determination, we can also see how
to remain upright in fighting of overwhelming obstacles.</div>
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Lewis tells us that through story we experience more than our everyday
world and while engaging this literary world we discover attributes which are
needed, such as courage, integrity, persistence, hope, compassion, and a host
of other noble traits. Having plowed the field and planted these seeds, the
story encourages our desert soul to bring forth a triumphant character.</div>
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And, Lewis also reminds us that truth can be represented in facts, (one
plus one equals two) meaning is rooted in imagination (if I have one apple and
you give me another, I have two apples to make an apple tart).</div>
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Q: You have become a household name with many readers. What components
do you feel have made your writing career successful?</div>
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A: Well for one thing, I didn’t have anything to do but invest time in
my career. The old adage </div>
“Don’t quit your day job.” is sound advice. However, my day job kind of
quit me. I had a crippling infection in my leg and couldn’t teach full time
anymore, and then I couldn’t teach at all. So I was at home, driving my mother
batty. (She lived with me and my two teens, or we lived with her.) She was used
to having the house to herself all day. In order to protect her sanity, she ordered
me to my room to write a book. I had always wanted to and now was my chance.
Bless mothers! So years of being a Christian, years of reading, and obeying my
mom opened the door to being an author.
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Q: So many readers have loved your Dragon Keeper Chronicles. Are you finished
with that storyworld, or is there a possibility you will revisit it in new
books?</div>
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A: I’m afraid so. There are a couple of short stories on the website
under Librettowit’s Library. </div>
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I may write more of those, but I’ve met these other characters and
we’re exploring a different world together. </div>
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<b>Many thanks </b>to Mrs. Paul for answering the questions! You can learn much more about her and her books on her website <a href="http://www.donitakpaul.com/">www.DonitaKPaul.com</a> </div>
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Now, on to the Christmas giveaway. Two random comments will be selected by a random generator on the internet, and those two individuals will win one of these two items from Mrs. Paul:</div>
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<b>1st Prize</b>: a copy of "Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball" </div>
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<b>2nd Prize</b>: a fairytale necklace (if a guy wins he can give it to a girl as a Christmas gift!)</div>
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I will announce the giveaway winners Saturday December 7th. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-58624261974261203772013-11-18T11:16:00.000-05:002013-11-18T11:16:03.902-05:0031 Authors and an iPad Mini giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brockeastman.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/treepromo-4.png?w=576&h=864" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://brockeastman.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/treepromo-4.png?w=576&h=864" width="266" /></a></div>
Christmas is coming! and fellow author Brock Eastman has engineered a scavenger hunt and giveaway. Details below:<br />
<br />
Welcome to the 31 Author Scavenger Hunt. Let’s cut to the chase. The
rumors are true, you could win an iPad Mini and 31 books from your
favorite authors. What did I just read? Well let me explain.<br />
31 Authors have teamed up to provide tons of awesome prizes just in
time for Christmas. There are many ways to win something. First the
#31AuthorHunt. This is the big one. There are three prize packages:<br />
Grand Prize: an iPad Mini and 31 Books (one from each of the authors)<br />
2nd and 3rd Prizes: 31 Books (one from each of the authors)<br />
Plus some if not all of the Author Stops will have some sort of
giveaway, signed books, giftcards, gift baskets, or maybe even your name
in one of their books. Who knows, but here it goes.<br />
So get ready and mark the date 11/30 on your calendar. That’s when it
all begins. One week, 31 Authors, lots of prizes! Be sure to share the
love with your friends and family.<br />
Download the Christmas Tree image and make it your facebook profile image to show your support.<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.5;">See below for a list of the amazing
assortment of authors you’ll learn about and who want you to win their
books. Here’s who you can expect:</span><br />
Brock Eastman, Alexander Marestaing, Karen Whiting, Nancy I.
Sanders, Simonetta Carr, Donita K. Paul, LB Graham, Robert
Treskillard, Douglas Bond, Morgan Busse, Rachel Starr Thomson, Serena
Chase, Jenelle Schmidt, Amy Green, Chris Miller, Jonathan Friesen, RJ
larson, Anne Elisabeth Stengl, Shannon Dittemore, Kerry Nietz, Jill
Williamson, C.A. Beninati, J. L. Mbewe, Matt Mikalatos, DJ
Edwardson, Robert Liparulo, Ronie Kendig, Heather Burch, James L.
Rubart, Evan Angler, Scott Appleton, and we’re joined by Family Fiction.<br />
A list of websites with links will be coming soon. Get started now by
facebook posting, tweeting, or pinning the below text with the
Christmas Tree image above:<br />
Warm Fire. Free <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Books">#Books</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Free">#Free</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23iPadMini">#iPadMini</a>. You could win by joining the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%2331AuthorHunt">#31AuthorHunt</a>. Sorry Warm Fire not included. <a href="http://wp.me/p1qRlu-X6">http://wp.me/p1qRlu-X6</a>Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-91472917219733286152013-11-08T22:43:00.000-05:002013-11-08T22:43:16.380-05:00An Interview with Debut Fantasy Novelist "Just B. Jordan"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.marcherlordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Front-Cover-Smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.marcherlordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Front-Cover-Smaller.jpg" width="257" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Always on the lookout for a good fantasy book to read (for I consider myself a picky reader) Marcher Lord Press's feature on their new release caught my eye instantly. <b><i>Never To Live </i></b>by debut author Just B. Jordan (yep, a pen name, but we'll learn about that in the interview). First, here is a blurb for her novel to whet your appetites:</span></div>
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<i>Imprisoned, Elwyn endures torture so horrific she drives herself insane to elude true madness. </i><br />
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</i><br />
<i>When she finally escapes, unless her broken mind is playing another
cruel trick, she discovers she is turning into the monster she despises
most of all.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">If you love a good fantasy story, folks, you have got to try this one. I got the Kindle sample and now I am hooked. I am going to purchase a copy for my bookshelf.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I contacted the authoress, Jordan, and she graciously answered my interview questions. Here is the interview:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you for taking
my questions today! I found your novel <b><i>Never to Live</i></b> on
Marcher Lord Press's website and my first thought was "Wow! A Christian
Fantasy novel with a great cover that catches my eye!" I immediately
downloaded the Kindle sample onto my iPad. Commendably, your prose is very
solid and the story feels original rather than pieced together from well-known
novels.<br />
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Q: What inspired you to write this story? And how long did it take you to
finish the manuscript?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A:
Initially it started with a scene in my head that I couldn't get off my
mind, and it grew from there. I had always thought a lot about the bad
life stories I heard others share and how it took forever for them to
realize they didn't have to let their past shape them. Those stories
stayed with me. I found myself writing that type of story into my world;
a character who was told she was horrible and had horrible life
experiences, yet she wanted to be something different than what she was
told she would be and already was. Originally I
thought this story was going to be very different from the story it
became. While
I was writing it, the song "Set Me Free" by Casting Crowns became some
of the inspiration that shifted it to what it is now. As time went on I
even started thinking of
it as <b><i>Never To Live's</i></b> theme song.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The manuscript was
finished about two and a half years after I started it. I only dabbled around with it
in that first year. Most of it was written in the second year, and it was
finished up in the months after that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Q: Would you
like <i>Never to Live</i> to be a stand-alone novel, or the beginning
of a series?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A: I hope for it
to be a series. I have ideas for at least 7-8 other books in this series
circling around in my head. We’ll see where it goes.</span></div>
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Q: Why write fantasy? Did you read fantasy novels as you were growing up?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A: Actually, what I read most of growing up
was historical fiction and classical literature. The fantasy novels I did read
stuck with me though. I almost became obsessed with some of them. I think the
reason I chose to write fantasy was because it can be so magical and unreal,
and there are no boundaries to what a story can be or where it can go. The
possibilities are endless. I like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Q: Now, the other
thing that caught my eye about you was the pen name that you chose. Do you mind
revealing what led to the decision to use a pen name?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A: From the time I started writing I knew I
wanted to use a pen name. I didn't like the idea of my real name floating
around in cyber space, I guess. I also wanted a name that would catch people’s
attention and that would (hopefully) be remembered. Sadly my real name isn't
very memorable, so a pen name was the way to go. I knew I still wanted to incorporate
my first and middle name into it, though. One morning my mom hunted me down and
said that she had woken up in the middle of the night with an idea: Just B.
Jordan</span><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">. (I had always been worried about being myself
around people, so my mom would say “Just be Jordan!”) The pen name uses my real name and my middle
initial “B”, so I feel like it is still my name, with a twist. :) </span><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I thought it was a little odd for a pen name at first but it
quickly grew on me. And it stuck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Q: Do you plan to make
writing your career?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A: I certainly
hope so. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Q: Marcher Lord Press
has been established as one of the go-to markets for Christian speculative
fiction. Did you initially intend to seek out publication there? Tell us a
little about your journey from writer to published author.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A: Originally my plan was to self-publish my
novel. I knew my manuscript wasn't anywhere near being publishable yet, so I
began looking to hire a freelance editor. I looked up lists of recommended
editors and rifled through their websites. Among the dominating swarms of
romance editors I found a link to Where The Map Ends. I read through some pages
on the website and noticed that this guy also ran his own publishing company. I
thought that was cool, but I didn't give it much thought. I was still planning
on self-publishing my book. I hired Jeff for a 4 page editorial review. He came
back with 17 pages and an offer for a publishing contract. At first I was going
to decline the offer. I was pretty set on self-publishing. But then my gut
intervened and I knew becoming a MLP author was what I should do. So here I am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Q: What is your
favorite novel (that you have read of course!)?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A: Oh dear. That's always a question I dread.
I have way too many favorites! But I think I have to say it's <b><i>Just
David</i></b> by Eleanor H. Porter. It's not a well known story and it's not a
fantasy, but that book is connected to a lot of good memories for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Q: I have to ask the
question that everyone is probably curious about: What other books are you
working on that are 'in the pipeline' so to speak?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A:
I have started working on a book that's in the same series as <b><i>Never
To Live</i></b>. The MC in this one is the character named Jasper in <b><i>Never
To Live.</i></b> His story isn’t quite what people might expect it to be. I'm
really happy with how it’s turning out so far.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>LEARN MORE ABOUT "NEVER TO LIVE" AT THESE LINKS:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Author's Website: <a href="http://www.justbjordan.com/">http://www.justbjordan.com</a><br />Publisher's Website: <a href="http://www.marcherlordpress.com/">http://www.MarcherLordPress.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook Fanpage: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-B-Jordan/478299992225683">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-B-Jordan/478299992225683</a></span>Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-65978702563728341642013-11-04T15:14:00.001-05:002013-11-04T15:14:42.211-05:00Diminished ChristianityI wanted to write a note of spiritual encouragement: <br />
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There are so many religions in the world and such confusion on what is morally right and wrong. Many young people of my generation have embraced the lies of the world. I find this sad, especially because we live in a time when a plethora of information is available to those who are willing to research and study out the philosophies we are encountering.<br />
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Jesus Christ is the stone over which which everyone stumbles. A short time ago I had a religious discussion with people at work. Represented were the Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, and Muslim faiths, as well as an agnostic. Everyone united on certain points, but as soon as I expressed conviction that everyone must accept Christ or suffer eternal damnation I was roundly rebuked by the other faiths.<br />
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The civilized western world grew out of the faiths that sprang from Abraham's sons. But if you accept the truth of Christ you can't avoid the fact that there is only one way to enter God's rest, and that requires repentance and faith in Christ. This is offensive to other faiths. They turn and look at us Christians with disgust. If you hold to the truth in the public workplace I am certain you know what I mean because you, too, have been in those conversations with coworkers.<br />
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But too many of us get wrapped up in the arguments as to "how we know the Bible is true" and "how we can prove it."<br />
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All we need prove is Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul stated, without the resurrection our faith is vain. The resurrection is a validated historical event, thus proving Christ's deity, which proves the authority of his teachings, and when his teachings are proven valid then the sources he referenced are valid (namely the laws of Moses the teachings of the prophets).<br />
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It is all so simple, so why is it so hard?<br />
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We are sinners and finite human beings. We don't want to accept full accountability to a holy and righteous God who must have vengeance on the wicked. And it is not our definition of wickedness that matters, it is his. He is the authority.<br />
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My advice: ignore the push for psychology and instead look for wisdom. People are hung up on the way that people are born. Well, we know that we are all born into a sinful world and we all fall into it, but we don't have to be casualties in this spiritual war. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling."<br />
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The Devil is alive and well, Christian. (Yes, he is). But I am guilty of neglecting that facts. He is the prince of this world, working constantly to deceive us.<br />
Truth does not relate to the way we feel about it. It is true whether we want it to be or not. <br />
<br />
So let's not be discouraged or go on the defensive. Remember who the enemy is. It is not the people we encounter. Our enemy is not fleshly, but spiritual.Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-69297564539479469752013-10-31T08:27:00.001-04:002013-10-31T08:27:15.356-04:00Warm up your digital reader!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lord Ostincair's child is waiting for you in the wild forests that grow along the Eiderveis River...</div>
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At long last <i>Neverqueen </i>is ready for your Kindle and Nook readers! Look for it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.</div>
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Print edition coming next!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFTTKtCSfVl_AKprPDdiWzC_Eo-cSS4umTl6nEeZcsLpio6lf6YzEsnPEvJOQ-uV-ei60N9O7rK_jbw7iLNEter-Vm1LA1VpWxFprRf4d7pnZLVANUXTmpAF9uA-tIEi26kYv8M75k_0/s1600/Neverqueen+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFTTKtCSfVl_AKprPDdiWzC_Eo-cSS4umTl6nEeZcsLpio6lf6YzEsnPEvJOQ-uV-ei60N9O7rK_jbw7iLNEter-Vm1LA1VpWxFprRf4d7pnZLVANUXTmpAF9uA-tIEi26kYv8M75k_0/s320/Neverqueen+cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-28217118799134615222013-10-18T18:01:00.005-04:002013-10-18T18:03:24.234-04:00Neverqueen will reveal...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcwgCruw56Y72oQvymfoFPs0K25dtXOysa1hPvU1I2NxiCsxgxev6hcbWouJHxurBGRZZGDIjuF_A2BJmbN9G4tT_vsNb431o_edrKxY-gVD9QiGVnPBuiCl6lyICl01qrAzEgchwJW0/s1600/Neverqueen+feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcwgCruw56Y72oQvymfoFPs0K25dtXOysa1hPvU1I2NxiCsxgxev6hcbWouJHxurBGRZZGDIjuF_A2BJmbN9G4tT_vsNb431o_edrKxY-gVD9QiGVnPBuiCl6lyICl01qrAzEgchwJW0/s400/Neverqueen+feature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Among the characters revealed in <i><b>The Sword Of The Dragon</b></i> series are three who will have appearances in the new fantasy series <i><b>Neverqueen</b></i>.</div>
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Enlightenment (the prophetess) is an intriguing hermit. She lives on the banks of the river Eiderveis. Previously she hosted the albino dragon's daughters and now she takes the orphaned Violet under her roof.</div>
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Besides her will be an appearance by Albino (the dragon prophet) and Patient (the shepherd).</div>
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The <i><b>Neverqueen</b></i> books will focus on the adventures of a new character Violet and her companion Valor. At some point in the next few years I plan to draft a <i>Specter</i> series as well, to expand upon the story after <i>Key of Living Fire</i>. More on that later!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRXTQ9eKLrBSX1RKIFHPWbc0GUwIRLGL0gyqx2OCZndRSWtQ_bDIDnZKUYsbAQaUpnH-kOqGHRmYhWz2JqCE8krzdnor8BGE-1_TIqxkx8HcsNbMMlzjaYUlLSy1IKBDdM6wncsCaorI/s1600/Neverqueen+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRXTQ9eKLrBSX1RKIFHPWbc0GUwIRLGL0gyqx2OCZndRSWtQ_bDIDnZKUYsbAQaUpnH-kOqGHRmYhWz2JqCE8krzdnor8BGE-1_TIqxkx8HcsNbMMlzjaYUlLSy1IKBDdM6wncsCaorI/s320/Neverqueen+cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming November 5th 2013</td></tr>
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Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-60330341603770766562013-10-09T22:39:00.000-04:002013-10-09T22:39:47.668-04:00Introducing the dark fairyIn my upcoming novel <i><b>Neverqueen</b></i> a new villain enters <i>The Sword of the Dragon</i> story world. A dark fairy by the name of Genj.<br />
<br />
Do you remember Hermenuedis, the Art'en wizard? If so, you will find this new entree fascinating. He was the wizard's right hand, as thoroughly corrupted as the Art'en himself. But after an absurdly long time has passed this dark creature has latched on to a new master, none other than Turser. In <i>Swords of the Six</i> we watched Specter slash Turser's face with the scythe blade, and now it is time to reveal Turser's later fate.<br />
<br />
I do love creating memorable characters, and in Genj I believe I have accomplished that goal.<br />
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Look for <i><b>Neverqueen</b></i> to arrive on your Kindle, Nook, and in Print on <b>November 5th</b>!Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-43797886395079222982013-10-03T23:26:00.000-04:002013-10-03T23:26:09.498-04:00Why I love writingOften the question is posed to me: "When do you find time to write?" or "I don't know how you can do that. I could never finish something so large."<br />
<br />
But the truth is I love to write. It is part of my soul. If I don't write, all of my emotions bottle up and I feel trapped. My imagination and my creativity hammer at my mind telling it they need to be let loose.<br />
<br />
I love to write because I know that after I am dead and buried future generations of readers will come to know me and my convictions. I hope to leave timeless stories that will make people think and strive to be the best they can be spiritually and to their fellows.<br />
<br />
...That's all I have to say for now. TTFN (-:<br />
<br />
BTW... Don't forget NOVEMBER 5th 2013 is the date for the NEVERQUEEN book release! Hardcover, nook, and kindle, with more formats to come.Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792240017825235259.post-35504990290204423092013-08-18T22:01:00.000-04:002013-08-18T22:01:01.786-04:00The shift in American cultureIn my experience in the general workplace I have found that people expect more of a Christian, even demand it. Unfortunately this also comes across as an attitude of belittlement and scoffing. I am appalled at the lack of respect for the name of Christ and for those who follow His teachings.<br />
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Don't people realize that the freedoms they enjoy in western civilization come directly from the teachings of Jesus?<br />
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They think that they can live without God. They don't need Him and He doesn't matter to them or (in their opinion) doesn't exist. I am weary of the way in which people so liberally talk about sin, treat it as if it is not wrong, and constantly belittle those who are conservative and especially those who are homeschooled.<br />
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But this is the battle that we have signed up for when we accept Christ's call to repentance and salvation. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that the cost in this life may be the companionship of those around us, alienation from society, and even sometimes humiliation. But if those things are taken in the cause of Christ they are worth enduring.<br />
<br />
The secular work environment is rapidly degrading and so many Christians are now caught in the middle. The things we say are used against us as "non-inclusive" and the actions we take are re-interpreted as coming from selfish motivations. They want everyone to be like them so that they can feel good about themselves. They HATE their morals being questioned.<br />
<br />
I just witnessed the filthiest conversation that I have been unfortunate enough to hear in a long time. I had to walk away because it bothered me so deeply. A few guys were swapping jokes and stories revolving around individuals being taken advantage of sexually and they really seemed to think them funny.<br />
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What has our society come to when people think those things are acceptable jests? They are hurtful and sinful.<br />
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I want to encourage my fellow Christians to stand up in the workplace, especially you men out there. The people in this country need to hear the voices of reason and righteousness that demand God be heard. But if we sit quietly by the Devil is eagerly waiting to pour in more filth and greater damnable acts. And the more we are surrounded by it, the easier it is for the world to corrupt our minds and those of our children.Author Scott Appletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07399706803503606223noreply@blogger.com0