Wednesday and today, students at Lakeview and Edgewood middle schools had the opportunity to hear Connecticut author Scott Appleton speak about his book series. “Swords of the Six” is the first of a seven-book series Appleton is writing. The series is titled “The Sword of the Dragon”. “Swords of the Six” was published earlier this year. “Offspring” is the second book, and the third book, “Key of Living Fire” is due to his publisher by June for a 2012 publication. Appleton said he’s been working on the book series for the past seven years, and has been writing professionally for the past four years. What’s unique about his book series, Appleton said, is that a dragon creates six human daughters from its eggs. When the daughters grow up and want to have children of their own, there are consequences. Appleton said he is a big fan of reading non-fiction. By reading non-fiction, he said, he is less likely to rip off ideas for his fiction books and has a realistic approach. However, his books are full of his imaginary creatures. He said he creates a lot of original beings and worlds so his book is unique. Living in Connecticut, he and his wife, Kelley, have an 8-month-old son. Kelley travels with him around the country as he promotes his books. “I travel a lot,” he said. So far, he has visited 13 states, including New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kentucky and Ohio. “I do very well in the Midwest,” he said. Being a Christian author, Appleton said there are a lot more Christian readers in the Midwest than the East Coast. “I really enjoy someone who can sympathize with my world view,” he said. So far, he said, his book has been received “really good.” “My goal is to be family friendly so parents don’t have to worry,” Appleton said. His target audience is teen readers. His readers range in age from 10 years old to 70s, he said. He said it takes time to develop a book series, and he is working to get the word out about his books. He visits mostly schools, but also stops at book stores. “I get fans of Harry Potter, Eragon,” Appleton said. For more information about Appleton’s book series, visit online at www.theSwordoftheDragon.com
