Scott Appleton's Blog, page 2

Cover reveal and story teaser! Father Mouse

I’m so pleased to introduce the cover for my upcoming children’s chapter book, Father Mouse. And I found a wonderful artist (thank you Mairi Craig) who has done the cover illustration, and will be doing a lot of interior sketches for this.

Coming Fall 2022

Tease: When a random meteorite fragment crashes into the second story window of the house on Lemon Lane, it brings toy soldiers to life, throwing Father Mouse’s life into chaos.

Coming this Fall 2022!

How non-fiction informs fiction writing

Our brains all work differently. Personally, I can absorb a lot of information but the order of that information can easily be confused. I know a lot of historical facts but the chronology of events becomes confused, at times, as my brain focuses on the specificities of situations told in story form. These are the building blocks for good fiction writing.

The more we read, the more life we live, then the greater the creative output we will have. All of life informs our writing. We consume data constantly, whether consciously or unconsciously, and that data is filtered through our beliefs, convictions, and preferences.

Do you ever find yourself sitting in a room, whether a coffee shop or in a store, just listening to the people around you? I do. I find people to be alternately intriguing, annoying, infuriating, motivated, lazy, kind, and rude. And as I listen and observe, real life informs the characters I create in my fiction stories. Observation helps us to create characters that are not carbon copies of one another, but rather are uniquely suited to add interest to their story environment.

Admittedly, I have even based a few characters on close friends of mine and family members. The real people inspire memorable fiction characters.

I once heard a preacher say that fiction is truer than non-fiction. It seemed a strange assertion, yet it holds great merit. What is truer than Pilgrim’s Progress, Hinds Feet On High Places, or Ben-Hur? In fiction, every evil deed can be brought to light, and every good thing can be revealed in fuller glory than we typically see in real life.

In my recent book The Soul of Story I did touch on this subject, but it was not the focus of the narrative. I think that fiction is an incredibly powerful tool, which can effect real change in the hearts of men and women. It can inspire us to highlight our best tendencies and reject our worst impulses, becoming the heroes and heroines this world needs, serving God and serving others.

Non-fiction is invaluable as a research and inspirational tool to the fiction writer. The old saying is true: “Truth is stranger than fiction.” That being the case, let’s look to real events to invent originality in our fiction stories.

Q: How does non-fiction inspire your creative storytelling?

Release day! The Swordmaster’s Glory (The Sword of the Dragon origins)

Now available to list subscribers. Get yours FREE today!

The wizard Hermenuedis has burned the lands of the Eiderveis, and only the fairy tree remains along the banks of the stream. But the albino dragon sends Theseun, one of the legendary swordmasters, to bring the fairies to safety. When the wizard’s army comes upon them, can anyone survive?

All you need to do is sign up! CLICK HERE

Cover reveal and tease! The Swordmaster’s Glory publishes next month

Coming next month! The Swordmaster’s Glory (The Sword of the Dragon origins). This novelette ties directly into the other novels, expanding the lore and ancient history of Subterran.

The wizard Hermenuedis has burned the lands of the Eiderveis, and only the fairy tree remains along the banks of the stream. But the albino dragon sends Theseun, one of the legendary swordmasters, to bring the fairies to safety. When the wizard’s army comes upon them, can anyone survive?

Cover reveal! SHARDS IN BELIAL

I am so excited to reveal (finally) the cover for the first full-novel release in The Sword of the Dragon origins series! Coming Summer 2022, this epic fantasy lands us in the midst of the ancient war, as the unholy trinity of wizards wreaks havoc upon the lands of Subterran.

When the unholy trinity of ancient wizards mysteriously arrived in Subterran, Olympan and the other swordmasters rose from the lands touched by the prophets to fight them at every opportunity. Now, the war has arrived at Olympan’s doorstep, and the most dreaded member of the wizard trinity is behind it. Meanwhile, Ooletta is struggling to accept the role thrust upon her by her people: the role of high priestess. If she cannot accept her fate, then what destiny will she choose?

The Swordmaster’s Glory novelette is written!

Today I finished writing a story which I’ve been meaning to do for a few years. It’s titled The Swordmaster’s Glory (The Sword of the Dragon origins) and will be published next month. It’s an exclusive release to all email list subscribers. Currently, I have several artists competing for the cover design and I have a few promising contenders. You can expect to see the cover revealed next week!

The Soul of Story audiobook- free peek

The Soul of Story has taken off incredibly well. Not since the release of my first novel has one of my books resonated so quickly with readers. Seeing this, I have decided to produce the audiobook version as well… And here is a free sample for your listening pleasure!

The Soul of Story -Chapter 1

Shards in Belial map preview!

For my upcoming epic fantasy novel Shards in Belial (The Sword of the Dragon origins), here is a map I completed for it today. Enjoy!

Shards in Belial (The Sword of the Dragon origins)

I feel that this turned out quite superior to my other maps. And, because I like the look, I’m considering doing all the others to match. But I would like your opinions on that, so please leave feedback!

The Soul of Story paperback available!

The paperback is now available at this link! I pray this book is a blessing to you.

Learn to write fiction from a Christian perspective that impacts future generations.

Writers, there has been a void where this book should have been. Many books have been written on the mechanics of writing effective fiction, but story is more than its structure. Christian writers need not appeal to culture for its approval of what they write. Rather, they can guide readers through stories that encourage them to become the heroes and heroines that we need.

People need to be inspired, convicted, and encouraged by your stories… and The Soul of Story teaches you to do that fearlessly!

The Soul of Story kindle available now!

The Soul of Story published on Kindle earlier than expected, and is now available! Paperback coming very soon! Follow this link to check it out.