Author Appleton

Writing. Fantasy. Sci-fi. Mystery

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Finishing The Phantom’s Blade (in the midst of my busy life)

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For the past two years my readers have been asking, “When is the next book in The Sword of the Dragon series coming out?” This fourth installment is titled The Phantom’s Blade.

This writing project has been my most difficult yet. Why? Because I am juggling family, a full-time day job, and writing projects. This hasn’t been easy but at last I have found a “schedule” that is allowing me to get The Phantom’s Blade completed.

I work during the day, return home, and my kids are going to bed about 8 o’clock. Most nights I don’t get home until after 8 if not 9. I tried getting onto a morning schedule but so far without success. The challenge of that is that the kids can often get up in the middle of the night, so my level of energy and motivation in the morning varies greatly.

Up until I was seventeen I spent most nights stargazing with my telescopes (I’ve always loved astronomy). Often I stayed up until 3 or even 4 in the morning. The night hours have, ever since, remained my most productive time.

The Phantom’s Blade is passed 77,000-words now. I have been writing it late at night. Coffee has been the ticket to getting me passed midnight at which time my brain usually gets a second creative wind. The story has turned out really well. Many characters that readers of Swords of the Six, Offspring, and Key of Living Fire will recognize return for further development. I anticipate this book finishing at 90,000-words…

Expect The Phantom’s Blade to be available in paperback this Fall 2015.

Cover reveal: The Phantom’s Blade (The Sword of the Dragon Book 4)

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In preparation for the release this Fall of The Phantom’s Blade (The Sword of the Dragon book 4) I commissioned the same artist who did the new edition for the Neverqueen cover. Here is the final cover:

Novel plot tease:

From across the sea the Maiden Voyage has failed to return to the Hemmed Land, leaving Ilfedo to wonder at the fate of his beloved Warrioresses . . .

The Hemmed Land is in political confusion thanks to Vortain’s dissidence. As mayor of Ilfedo’s chief city Vortain holds great political sway. He openly opposes Ilfedo’s proposal to form a rescue expedition to bring the people of Dresdyn to the Hemmed Land, and regards the young woman Ilfedo brought back from the Hidden Realm with deep suspicion. Even more strong is his opposition to Lord Ilfedo’s declaration that, as the albino long ago prophecied, the entire population must seek a new homeland.

Holding himself to a promise Ilfedo will not be swayed from seeking the people of Dresdyn. His allies are strong now. Few in the land hold the wisdom of Brother Hersis, and fewer still command the same respect in the military as Lord Ombre, and none have risen so high in the esteem of the people as Oganna.

An expedition launches to seek out the people beneath the desert sands, and only Ilfedo truly recognizes the nature of the enemy they face.

Announcing “The Phantom’s Blade”

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Around ten years ago I wrote my first fantasy manuscript and titled it The Lord of Emperia and that story began to expand. I explored the origins of the various characters and developed a history for the storyworld that, simply put, became too complicated for a single volume. The Sword of the Dragon series was born. When I wrote the first novel I was forced to split it in two… Well, I’ve done it again!

In the original manuscript for The Sword of the Dragon series I did not have the character of Specter, nor did Ilfedo ever take a journey through the subterranean tunnels under the Resgerian desert. He never discovered the city of Dresdyn. But in my third novel Key of Living Fire I could not resist the many ideas for deepening the characters and relationships in the series. The result has been that the fourth novel In Search of Dragons was divided by two large story arcs that were both necessary to the series.

As I worked on writing the manuscript I came to realize that both stories deserve their own novel. So the result is that The Sword of the Dragon book four gains a new title The Phantom’s Blade and In Search of Dragons becomes book five. The up side to this outcome? There is more story for readers to enjoy and deeper character development.

Cover art for The Phantom’s Blade is under way and I am writing the final quarter of the manuscript. Looking to release this book Fall 2015.

Question: Are you looking forward to The Phantom’s Blade?

Now Available! “Neverqueen” Revamped!

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Revamping the Neverqueen book turned out even better than I had hoped. The presentation of the spine text combined with the new cover art make it feel larger.

I hope all you fantasy readers are as excited about this as I am! This book is one of my best pieces to date. The story turned out just the way I envisioned it. A little mystery, a little edge-of-your-seat danger, some new creatures… but in the familiar setting of the Eiderveis River, as first introduced in Swords of the Six.

Question: Do you know someone who would like this book? (-:

New book announcement!

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Nope, it’s not a new fantasy novel (although I am working hard to finish one of those, too). Originally I was not going to publish this but only get copies for my own kids. I’ve been working on this story for my kids for two years. But my wife has convinced me that I should share it with you all, so here it is.

This is my first attempt at writing and illustrating a children’s book.

This simple story shows how a small act of kindness can bring contentment and happiness. The little table is bought from a used furniture shop, but on the drive home he falls off the car and lands in the dump. His owner discovers him and brings him home to fix him up and place him in front of a window.

sample illustration

If you have little ones in your life who might enjoy this story, you can purchase off Amazon or direct from me. Please send me an email with your request.