Author Appleton

Writing. Fantasy. Sci-fi. Mystery

epic

Audiobook progress update and sample!

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The audiobook version of Swords of the Six is fully recorded now! This is a big project but feels very rewarding. Right now I am taking all of the rough files and putting them through postproduction in preparation for their publication on Audible, Hoopla, iTunes, and other audiobook vendors.

I think this is going to finish at about 16 hours of listening time. The audio quality turned out better than I had hoped and I have found that the key with the narration is to simply relax, be myself, and sink into the story.

I have been promising you guys a more substantial sample of this audiobook, so here it is at last! This is the excerpt where albino the dragon hatches his daughters from their eggs. I hope that you enjoy it! It is my intention to have the audiobook published by this Christmas.

Swords of the Six (audiobook) chapter 4: Shizar Palace

Neverqueen2 available now in print!

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The wizard wanted a male heir, but when he saw that the boy born to him was malformed he determined to kill him. Born into a life of cruelty, Valor could easily have fallen into his father’s darkness. Instead he set out to undo the wizard’s madness by covering those around him with the Creator’s compassion and light. The prophets are at work in the shadows, bringing forward the Neverqueen as the next prophetess whose reign will bring hope to the people of Paradon, and to her own people by the Eiderveis River. Her mysterious interactions and judgements will settle a caution and a terror in the hearts of the sorcerers and others who ignore her warnings. Unlikely alliances are formed in this story of hope that rises through adverse circumstances.

In time for Thanksgiving and Christmas, if you enjoyed Neverqueen then here you have the sequel we’ve been waiting for! In paperback this link and on Kindle this link.

How to use music while writing

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Music. Like a literary masterpiece it has the ability to depress your spirits or make them soar. It can deepen sorrow, strengthen resolve, bolster you through tough times, and make sweet moments more memorable. When writing I have found it can be a great ally.

My father loves classic rock and roll, also country music. But he’s not a fan of the ‘pop’ country artists. Something I’ve always appreciated is good story in music lyrics and I think that appreciation comes from being his son.

On the other side of influence is my mother. She loves classical music. From an early age I loved Mozart, Vivaldi, and especially Tchaikovsky and Strauss. How I love the 1812 Overture!

When writing I choose music without lyrics because my mind is distracted by the spoken word when it is creating with the written word. For some writers this may not be true, but for me it certainly is.

Some movie soundtracks make excellent inspiration. My movie soundtrack selections range among Rudy, Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, Lord of the Rings, The Time Machine, Pirates of the Carribean, and Gladiator.

The key is for the tracks to blend almost seamlessly together. That way it can encourage a certain writing mood for long enough that I can write out a longer scene or even a total chapter.

In the last couple of years I’ve found some modern, digital compositions that work as well. The group Two Steps From Hell has some excellent epic music.

The best way to zone out from the world around me and fall fully into my imagined one is to sit down with my headphones on, computer keyboard positioned before me, my digital manuscript open on the screen, and listen to music with my eyes closed. Sometimes it can take a half hour before inspiration strikes, but when it does I feel like smiling (and often do). Music can so deeply relax my body and yet it keeps my mind sharp.

This year because I’ve not found time to sit and do this my writing has fallen behind. But this is one of the best ways to start a great piece of story. Emotions engaged. Soul inspired.

Q: Do you use music to inspire your writing?

Cover reveal! Neverqueen2

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It has been exciting to receive feedback from more readers with each passing month who’ve greatly enjoyed delving into The Sword of the Dragon expansion series Neverqueen. Many have loved the characters Violet and Alfor, and the prophetess along the Eiderveis River. But as many questions as that novel answered, it opened up even more. There is so much more to tell in the Neverqueen Saga… and I am pleased to now reveal the final cover for Neverqueen2. This book releases Spring/Summer 2016!

For this cover I used the same artist as my last two. His name is Benjamin Roque and you are already familiar with his work. He illustrated The Phantom’s Blade (The Sword of the Dragon book 4) as well as Neverqueen (book 1). This work is, I think, the best yet.Neverqueen2 fantasy book coverWhen approaching the artist about this project I was concerned with getting several elements right, the most important being the design of a new original fantasy creature I crafted for this novel: the Cat Beast. With the face of a cat, ram’s horns on his head, a body the size of a dragon, feathered wings, and a spiked tail. This beast is a rival in battle to many a dragon. His name is Destrono and he is a pawn of a wizard whom you are familiar with.

Neverqueen2 will release in paperback and on Kindle e-reader Spring/Summer 2016.

Q: Are you going to share this book cover with your fantasy-loving friends? (-; Please do! Thanks in advance!

The Phantom’s Blade now available!

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My new fantasy novel is available in paperback and on Kindle! 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… This story focuses on Ilfedo as none of the previous novels have. We see him for the grief-ridden man that he is… and we see his choice to rise above that grief and rejoice in the choices he’s made.

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.

Please share with your friends and fellow fantasy enthusiasts! Christmas is a great time of year to continue this epic story.