C.O.S. Gets Awesome New Review / Interview at Fantasybookspot!

Well, I'm skipping through the dandelions with joy today. My debut novel, The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King has just received an excellent review / interview combo over at Fantasybookspot.

www.fantasybookspot.com/node/1465

This site reviews everything under the sci-fi / fantasy sun from bestsellers to...well, me. Anywho, this is an excellent review from a group of people that have a good reputation for telling it like it is, and I certainly appreciate that.

Other good news includes some excellent reviews from happy AMAZON.com customers that have bought the book--if you're one that left a nice review over there, I appreciate you! One of the reviews at Amazon is by R.W. Ridley, the author of the gripping young adult horror novel, The Takers: Book One of the Oz Chronicles. I've read and really enjoyed that book, so his kind words mean alot to me as a fan of his writing.

My publisher has recently told me that, Chronicles is doing well so far, and also that the new VIDEO TRAILER has been viewed 500 times so far. CLICK HERE if you haven't seen it yet.

To everyone that has purchased the book, I appreciate you so much and hope to return with the second installment of C.O.S. this coming year. My publisher is waiting to see how this first book does before committing "COS: Sons of Perdition" to the 2007 line-up. So, the more word of mouth this first book gets, the better the chances of getting the next book out in '07.

Please Help me get the word out--if you've enjoyed the first book!

James

Some Secrets Will Have to Wait...

To those who have been following the blog and the Chronicles series so far...I'm sorry to say that I can't reveal the character that will die in the second book, except to say, "It's a major one. But the series will still go on beyond it."

Sorry to be that way, but how else can I maintain the suspense and give people some gripping piece of prose-candy to savor when it comes? All I can say is, that when I saw "Spock" get killed in Star Trek II, I was peeved, but it was gripping. I want to keep Chronicles gripping as well. I promise readers won't be disappointed when it comes time for the second installment to come out, hopefully in 2007. Think of Heir to the King as "A New Hope" and my Sons of Perdition as "The Empire Strikes Back"--I liked Empire better and I like the second Chronicles even better.

So far customer reviews are calling Chronicles the next "Star Wars" and that is high praise indeed. I'm a star wars fan, so I really appreaciate those types of wonderful comparisons. May it become as successful!

James

Things are moving right along

Hello,
Well, The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King has officially been released. It is selling some copies on Amazon-USA-U.K. and is selling some through Barnes and Noble locally. I have talked with one independent bookstore chain owner who has agreed to stock some copies of the book on consignment in possibly two of the store's locations (where I live now-Johnson City, Tn-and my hometown-Oak Ridge, Tn). The owner also offered to host a booksigning in the J.C. store which is a nice location. I've never done a book signing before since this is my first published novel, so I hope everything goes well and people actually show up. The signing should be in mid-December.

The second Chronicles novel is on submission with a couple of publishers and agents including Breakneck Books, but I doubt it would be released, even by Breakneck, before this first novel has been out one year. I'm not sure whether or not another publisher would be interested in picking up on the second book in a series, but Breakneck's acquisition editor has already shown interest in the whole series, so long as it maintains the same level of interest and action--personally, I think it's even better, but I might be the slightest bit partial?

The Chronicles comic proposal is well underway and material for 10 full comic pages of six panels each has already been written by myself and artist, Ed Watson, is working on the art for those pages. He has recently completed sketch character designs for several other main characters in the series and I'm very pleased with the result. These designs may be seen at the Amazon.com bookpage for The Chronicles of Soone--just click on the thumbnails below the cover image. Ed Watson and I are hoping the comic proposal will be finished in time to meet the December 31st deadline at Dark Horse comics, for their "New Recruits" program. This is an exciting opportunity to have our work viewed and Lord willing, published!

My new novel series is well underway and the first book, Perditions Gate: Escape From New Eden, is about 60 pages in. I've got a way to go, but hopefully the book will be going out under submission by the spring of 2007. There's alot of research going into this book--I want to be sure that I maintain biblical accuracy first and foremost. The book is not the typical apocalyptic Christian fiction, Left Behind clone that many may be trying to put out in the wake of its success. The actual judgments take place as a background setting in the novel, with the plot being primarily character driven. Of course, there is still plenty of action and the plot is really about to heat up to a roaring fire where I'm at right now. This series has comic potential as well and Lord willing I'll pursue it at a later time if I have the chance.

My children's book, Chloe & Sam: Living in the Kingdom, is out on submission to a few publishers and agents and Lord willing it will be accepted somewhere. The book is a children's picture book taking the perspective of two children living in the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ.

For anyone buying the new book--please give me a buzz by way of email--and if you like the book then please stop by the Amazon page and leave a review.

Thanks,
James

So Much Happening--Comic Proposal Underway

Wow, there is so much going on right now. The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King is about a week away from worldwide release, the second Chronicles novel, Sons of Perdition is out on submission, my new thriller novel series, Perditions Gate, is well underway, and I'm also working on a new children's book series called "Cloe and Sam: Living In The Kingdom" which will have a different angle than any other Christian children's book I've ever seen, and now I have some artwork to share from the Chronicles of Soone: comic proposal that is in the works.

This is the character design for Tiet Soone, pictured with his ignited Barudii blade. Ed Watson, the Joe Kubert School graduate I'm working with on this proposal, is putting together some wonderful artwork to compliment my scriptwork and I'm very excited about getting this comic proposal out to comic publishers in the near future.

Please keep your eyes out for The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King. It should be appearing in the next few days at Amazon.com and available through all the major retail bookstores as well as the big online booksellers like B&N, Borders, waldenbooks, etc. The book is also featured as an upcoming Breakneck Books title in the back of bestselling author, Jeremy Robinson's Raising the Past...I've read this action thriller and boy is it good. I devoured it in a weekend and was not disappointed!

Stay Tuned for more!

Chronicles of Soone November 1st Release!!

Hello,

The official release date for The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King is November 1st, 2006. As I understand it, the book may appear a little earlier than that for pre-ordering.
This is a very exciting time and I hope the book will be well received by readers.

Stay tuned!

Chronicles Coming In Two Weeks--samples@BNB

Hello everyone,

The Chronicles of Soone is about to be released worldwide in app. two weeks--it may show up at Amazon.com for pre-ordering, but it's not certain that will happen. Also you might want to check out the two sample chapters that may be read at the Chronicles page at Breakneck Books website!
I will be sending out an html email newletter announcement of the release to every email contact I have--if you would like to be on the list to receive this notice then please send me an email tietsoone@yahoo.com and I will certainly be glad to include you. Also feel free to drop me a line for whatever reason--you never know if anyone is actually reading the Blog unless people contact you--so feel free!
I've just completed and sent out, to the artist, the comic book proposal script and hopefully we'll be seeing some exciting things for the series in the future. When the proposal pages are completed, the artist and myself will begin the process of submitting it to comic book publishers.

The manuscript for The Chronicles of Soone: Sons of Perdition has been sent to my publisher and hopefully they will desire to publish it sometime late in 2007, maybe in a year which would be best.

I'm hoping to resume PERDITIONS GATE soon, but with the Chronicles release about to happen, I'm buzzing about trying to prepare, so that people will know about it and where to find it.

An ad for Chronicles also appears in the back of Jeremy Robinson's new release from Breakneck Books, "Raising the Past"--I'm reading it now and it's quite good, as expected.
Chronicles has just received a new review over www.wrenreviews.blogspot.com and a review is forthcoming over at www.fantasybookspot.com as well.

If you are following the book, you are appreciated--don't be a stranger--send me an email and let me know who you are. I will always try to be very accessible to people interested in my work.

James

Beginning New Book

Hello everyone,

My book, The Chronicles of Soone, is about to be released worldwide through Breakneck Books and the second Chronicles book: Sons of Perdition is nearly ready for submission. Only a little editing remains.

I am beginning to move into full time writing on a new book, mentioned in previous posts: PERDITIONS GATE: Escape From New Eden. I'll try to keep regular updates on the book as it moves along. I'm very excited about this one.

As for the second Chronicles book--I'm hoping this will be my Empire Strikes Back--tighter and carrying even more punch than the first. I'm not sure who the publisher will be yet. Updates on that as it goes out for submission--of course Breakneck Books is on that list and we'll see who wants it.

James

New Book Series Underway

Hello all,

I have finished the second Chronicles of Soone book: Sons of Perdition and I have begun writing for a new novel series entitle Perditions Gate. (No relation)

Perditions Gate begins with the first book, Escape from New Eden and the series will be a Tribulation novel series. Now, you might be saying, "Gee, we've got enough of those right now with The Left Behind Series and a few others, but Perditions Gate will have a signature twist like I added to The Chronicles of Soone series. The Chronicles of Soone took place in another creation of God. Perditions Gate is taking place in the Tribulation period but I've advanced the timeline to 2091.
BTW--if you plan on borrowing from this idea, remember that the novel is already in writing and this Blogpost is dated--so be forewarned if you have any plagiaristic tendencies.

The series will also be told from the standpoint of an unbeliever who is part of the Antichrist's organization to start with, but is soon running for his life after tragic events convince him to leave the world leader's devilish organization. Along the way he will be in contact with renegade Christians as they struggle to survive in this terrible time of persecution and Heavenly judgment.
Perditions Gate will take full advantage of the futuristic setting to introduce new technology and weaponry, along with insight into the worlds everyday happenings at this point in history, should we be around that long. I will following scripture very carefully in this story. The Tribulation is after all an event that no one can set a date for. I'm really going to enjoy writing this one, but in the meantime, don't forget to keep an eye peeled for the upcoming release of The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King in November 2006 and hopefully the follow up Sons of Perdition perhaps sometime in 2007?

--James

Major Character Death At End of Chronicles 2

Hello everyone,

I am about to pen the final chapter of The Chronicles of Soone: Sons of Perdition, the second book in the Chronicles trilogy. I've just killed off one of the most important characters in the series. It's like watching the end of Star Trek Generations all over again. (clue)

Of course anyone becoming interested in the Chronicles series with the release of Heir to the King in November 2006, will have to wait probably another year to see what I'm talking about in Sons of Perdition.

I'm going to set this book aside when I'm finished, allowing a bit of time before going back to proofread and edit it the first time. I want to have enough of a break from it so that mistakes will really jump out at me and ultimately save time in the editing process.
I plan to submit Sons of Perdition to my Publisher, Breakneck Books, sometime following the release of Heir to the King in November. Hopefully, they will decide to grab it up for publication in 2007, but we shall see.

James

Editing, Formatting, PDF All Done--Reviews Time

Hello all,

The Editing is done (thank the Lord!) and BNB has finished the formatting and sent me the final PDF of Chronicles and it looks great. I couldn't be more pleased with how everything is progressing.

Now the review copies (ARC) go out to various reviewers and hopefully they will be good. All the pre-release reviews have been wonderful so far.

The comic is progressing and I may have some Character designs to share soon...I'm working on the script right now and things are going smoothly. I hope to see this comic proposal accepted for publication by a comic publisher in the near future.

--James

Finally Done With Editing

Hello one and all,

I pulled a long one last night, staying up until 2:30am to finish the edits for The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King.

The manuscript goes back to Breakneck Books for formatting and then the book will go out to reviewers as ARC's.

November is closing in!!

I'm working with a comic book artist on a proposal series that will serialize the novel. The artist is a graduate of the Joe Kubert School, supposed to be the best, and we hope to submit to various comic book publishers in the near future.

--James

Chronicles Comic Book?!

Hello one and all,

Well, some exciting news to share.

First there may be a Chronicles of Soone Comic series coming sometime in the future. I am currently corresponding with an Artist-graduate of the Stanley Kubrick school, and he has expressed interest in putting together a proposal to shop around to Comics Publishers. One Publisher has already expressed interest in reading my novel when review copies become available from Breakneck (very soon). So we shall see what happens from all of this, but I'm working diligently to try and spread the story around to different media. I believe the story will definitely benefit from visual media like comics and hopefully everything will work out.

I am close to finishing edits and the book will be formatted and sent out as ARC's to reviewers after that. I love reviews!! So far the ones I secured before being published have been extremely positive, and of course they are posted at my website www.jamessomersonline.com and at www.breakneckbooks.com along with brief synosis and my author interview with Breakneck Books.

I'm also working with my website designer on a HTML email newsletter style notice to send out far and wide when the book becomes available for sale.

Stay tuned!

Editing Time!

Hello all,

I've just been noticing that the book is getting popped well, over at www.popcurrent.com under the books heading and so is the website.
I'm about to jump full force into the editing phase of the book's publication. As soon as I recieve the manuscript back from my editor, it will be non-stop corrections and ironing out any wrinkles.

The book is officially slated for a November 2006 release and I'm definitely looking forward to that day when its finally available to the public.

The second Chronicles book, Sons of Perdition, is fast approaching completion and it will be time to do some major proofreading and revision before I submit the manuscript to Breakneck Books. If all goes well, Heir to the King will be successful and my publisher will decide to publish Sons of Perdition; maybe even next year.

Beyond that I'm planning on taking a break to do some reading. I've got The Didymus Contingency and Golem to read and I'm going to be doing a review for J.C. De La Torres' Ancient Rising while he will be doing a review a for Chronicles.

During my break, I will also be doing some final planning for my next novel, which will be a futuristic thriller called Night Falls (subtitle pending). I am planning to write this novel in between Sons of Perdition and the final Chronicles novel, They Kingdom Come.

Keep looking for The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King hitting stores worldwide November 2006 and please visit my new website at www.jamessomersonline.com

--James

Release Date announced/ animated

Hello all,

Breakneck just added this cool animation with review snippets to help announce the November release of The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King. It is viewable at www.breakneckbooks.com once you click on the cover art.

Author interview up at Breakneck Books

Hello all,

My interview with Breakneck Books Publishing is now up on their website www.breakneckbooks.com and perhaps you might find some of it interesting.

I am now beyond the half way point in the next Chronicles novel in the series, Sons of Perdition, and I hope this will end up as my next Breakneck Books title when it is finished.

The story picks up immediately following the close of the first book, Heir to the King, and the pacing is just as much Breakneck speed as HTTK. This time around the veiled mysteries surrounding the spiritual nature of the conflict is going to get blown wide open by the introduction of a new character, Aija the Prophet.

Breakneck Books has now officially made the release date for The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King--November 2006.

I hope you will be looking for it, and hey, just in time for Christmas!!

--James

Official author website is up and running!!

Hello one and all,

I wanted to announce that the official website for myself and Chronicles is up and running-- www.jamessomersonline.com
It contains links to: this BLOG, my email, Breakneck Books, and will have a live link to the books Amazon.com page when it's available for purchase.

I'm about 100 pages away from completing the second Chronicles book, Sons of Perdition. This book will blow the mystery surrounding the true nature of the conflict in Heir to the King, wide open.

I'll keep you updated on Heir to the Kings progress and release date as it draws near. The book is currently in the editing process and November will get here sooner than I think. Hopefully response from readers will be good--but that's up to you. Spread the word!

--James

Here's the New Book Cover.

I really do like this cover a lot. Breakneck Books has outdone themselves as far as I'm concerned. That's one thing I really like about my working relation with Breakneck as a smaller publisher--I get to have some input on things like this, and that's very important to me. Most people judge a book by its cover, including myself, and I not only wanted to have the book published but also be able to enjoy the finished product myself--to be completely happy with it.
I hope everyone enjoys the total package for The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King. I really want readers to feel like they've spent their hard earned money on a book they really enjoyed reading, and that they look forward to reading the other books that will be following in this series.

Hello its me

New Book Cover now on Breakneck site!!

Hello one and all,

The new book cover for The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King is now available for viewing on the Breakneck Books website. I am very, very pleased with this cover! The book itself is scheduled for a fall 2006 release, and my author photo and interview will be coming shortly at Breakneck.
I am currently working with a very good web designer, who actually did the new Breakneck site, to get a professional looking author website going with links to everything including this Blog.
I'll keep you posted as more updates come in.
If anyone has any questions about the book, please email me, I will try to be very accessible to anyone with an interest in the series!

--James

New cover is underway.

Well, I've gotten to see the concepts for the new cover art and text and things are progressing nicely. I am quite pleased with the way it's going to turn out and I know Breakneck Books was the right choice for publication of the book.

Hopefully my ugly mug will soon appear on the Publishers website along with the book cover, and an exclusive interview between myself and Breakneck Books.

For those who may be interested in the release of The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King, the tentative release is supposed to be no later than November 2006, although that is subject to change.

The second book in the series is already underway and I'm 107 pages into it so far. Lord willing the book will be picked up by Breakneck as well. The tentative title for the second book is The Chronicles of Soone: Sons of Perdition, and it is shaping up as just as much of a nitro rush read as Heir to the King.
This one will open up a great deal of previously unknown information on the nature of the war and the spiritual conflict surrounding it. The introduction of a new character, Aija the prophet, is especially key to the unfolding storyline.

I'll try to keep you posted on new developments.
send me an email if you have any questions regarding the books!

--James