Sword of Tears is written!

AuthorAppleton on August 1, 2021

It’s been a grueling few months of writing that has paid off with a story that I cannot wait to share. The Sword of the Dragon series (book 5) Sword of Tears is finally written. It clocked in at 130,000-words, making it significantly longer than (book 4) The Phantom’s Blade.

The next steps are largely editorial changes. I will now conduct a thorough read of the manuscript, making enhancements and modifications as I go along. Historically for me, this will add a little extra to the final word-count. When I execute the first draft of a novel, I usually leave out many details that need mention. Hair and eye color, other physical characteristics, details of places, settings, etc.

We’re on track to publish this in September.

My book for writers

AuthorAppleton on June 23, 2021

After hinting for years that I would write a book for writers, I am finally taking action on it. I have been writing a non-fiction book for writers/storytellers titled Virtue in Story: How to Write Stories that Impact Generations

I was hesitant to announce this, because I have started this project several times without success over the past decade. Now the meat of this book is filling in, and I can see it pulling together as one cohesive book. I will update you all as this progresses, but realistically I think this could be published December of this year.

Hear that silence?

AuthorAppleton on June 14, 2021

Have you noticed the mysterious silence on Author Appleton’s website this last six weeks?

Maybe a dragon ate him, or he fell down a well… Nah, he’s finishing writing Sword of Tears for all those eager fantasy readers. He’s between heroes and villains, and between heroines and the wenches that need to get what’s due them for their evil deeds. Traitors seem to be everywhere, but he’s out there on the field trying to rouse the best in the Hemmed Land to stand up for truth and justice. He’s exhausted, as well you can understand, but he will call on you soon to join the political upheaval and cast your weight behind Ilfedo and the sword of the dragon.

Coming September 2021

Cover reveal: Sword of Tears

AuthorAppleton on April 25, 2021

After a well-fought contest amongst several worthy artists, I am pleased to present the final cover for Sword of Tears!

Sword of Tears (The Sword of the Dragon book 5) will release this Summer 2021, and is the direct sequel to The Phantom’s Blade.

The Sword of the Dragon series (book 5) Sword of Tears

Book teaser:
When Caritha left the Hemmed Land, she imparted a gift to Ombre. He vowed not to open the letter, believing it would mean that he had given up on ever finding her alive. But is the letter more than a letter, and can the gift of a dragon’s daughter make him more of a warrior than he was? Love strengthens even over a vast distance and Ombre’s optimism may be the candle that keeps the darkness at bay.

Note: please feel free to plaster this book cover on all of your social media and blogs! 😎 Coming Summer 2021!

Sword of Tears cover art begins

AuthorAppleton on April 15, 2021

Tonight I set up an art contest on 99Designs.com for the cover illustration for Sword of Tears. Over the course of this next couple of weeks I will select the top candidates and, ultimately, name the winner. Cover reveal for Sword of Tears will be next month. I will share more info as I have it!

Sword of Tears

AuthorAppleton on April 12, 2021

I’ve done it again! While writing my latest novel In Search of Dragons, the plot expanded beyond the scope of a single novel. So this Summer 2021 we will release book five in The Sword of the Dragon series, but the new title for this is Sword of Tears. I really cannot wait to share it with you all. Look out for the book cover release… coming soon!

Here’s the updated order of novels in The Sword of the Dragon series:

Swords of the Six (available now)
Dragon Offspring (available now)
Key of Living Fire (available now)
The Phantom’s Blade (available now)
Sword of Tears (Summer 2021)
In Search of Dragons (Spring 2022)
The Last Grandeur (TBA)