Monday, August 26, 2013

Ashes Release, Artwork For Woven, An Enormous Thank You For Your Support, and Some Updates!


I have no idea where Brandon Ax found his cover designer. The cover for his first book, Elemental, was a pleasant surprise, but now the cover for Ashes looks to heat Brandon's series to the next degree ... literally! And the best part is, you can buy it NOW! Check it out:

A year ago, Sophia would have told you monsters existed only in the movies. That the world is easily understood and life has a way of making sense. A year ago, Sophia would have been wrong.

Her world had changed and she'd seen behind the curtain. With Aiden and the others by her side, all she wants now is answers. The monsters were gone, but in their absence new questions about her past were left to haunt.

As the search for answers begins, a remnant from her nightmares returns. Her new understanding of the world is once more shaken and she finds herself on the opposite side of powerful Elementals.

When those sworn to protect humanity are your enemies, the lines of right and wrong become blurred. One wrong choice and she could be left with ashes.

(From Goodreads)
Congratulations, Brandon - keep'em coming!

*     *     *

Some have asked about the art on Woven's (soon to be updated) Facebook page. I'll tell you about that! On short notice, Michael and I found Juan Maestas, an artist who caught our vision and designed a cover for us to present to our once publisher. This could have gone farther, but the publisher decided to use something else. Jaun used his mad skills to illustrate Woven's lead protagonists: Nels and Tyra.


Isn't it awesome? We think it captures the book's atmosphere well! Juan is a talented guy with a lot to offer. Check out more of his work at his website: www.lostskies.com. Thank you for your help, Juan! 

*     *     *

As you can imagine, this last week has been a turbulent one. Lots of unknowns and dark paths with dead batteries in our flashlights. Then, like a wild fire, the writing community banded together in a way that I have never seen in all my five years of blogging. I never imagined, not in a million light years, that such support would be sent my way, and, more importantly, to my friend and co-author, Michael Jensen.

Just imagine every emotion running through you at once. That's the only way I can describe it, and I can't begin to tell you how much your support has helped us. Moreover, your comments and support has raised our spirits and reminded us of why we wrote this book in the first place. It time, it will come forward, and you too will know why.

It's impossible to thank you individually, so I will thank you here:

THANK YOU, EVERYONE!

And I must thank the following for their courage to stand with us:

Amber Argyle, for her support and for sharing her experience.

Paul Genesse, for putting on his angry face and helping us out.

Larry Correia, for his post that rocked the Monster Hunter Nation.

Braden Bell, for the letter that's now in the Associated Press (and all 47 Mormon authors - so far - who have already signed the letter).

DL Hammons, for summoning The Blitz Team on our behalf.

Natalie Collins, for championing Woven, far and wide.

James Dashner, for the unexpected help and support.

And Nicholas Rupp, for stepping in as our Media Contact.

When Michael and I decided to share our experience, we didn't know what to expect. We are forever in your debt. Thank you, everyone, for all of your kind words and generous support (even if we happened to disagree). Our story has gone international because of your help.

Having said that, we're ready to move on. It's a new week and we have a new home to search for. We'll keep you posted.

*     *     *

Updates: now you know what's been slowing me down this mouth. Like I said, we're ready to move on. I have a few promised critiques that need to be done. In case you're wondering about our search for a new home for Woven, all I can say is that we've received a few requests. Now we'll wait and see what becomes of them.

Thank you for stopping by, my friends. We're SO doing lunch!

I'm David, and I'll have pastrami on rye, please. :)

26 comments:

  1. Hope one of those requests turns into something ten times better! Maybe the publisher will consider using that cover art Juan created.
    And Brandon's cover does rock. Another excellent artist.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good luck finding a new publisher!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The cover is GORGEOUS, Brandon. Good luck in the search for a new Woven home, David. I'm certain something will work out in no time!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the artwork. You are right, he definitely has a way of capturing atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  5. David, I'm so glad you are feeling surrounded and supported. The cover is fantastic and I predict a wild and wonderful future for your book and your future writing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This will pass, and better things will come. You'll see. Good luck to you and Michael.

    ReplyDelete
  7. If it's reached the Associated Press, that's huge. Better things will come, you'll see.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The artwork is amazing. So glad your story has hit the media like a growing tidal wave. In the end, you guys and your work will be better off. I'm very excited about the future of Woven!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great cover work....wow, I wish I had such talent:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Both covers are awesome. Glad to hear you're ready to move on. I hope you find an incredible publisher!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love that artwork. I'm not surprised by the outpouring of support. Good luck the next step in your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Both those covers are wicked cool. Good luck with everything, I'm glad you're not giving up!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you so much for the shout out. I love the art for Woven.

    All I can say is, people are people and we need to let go of these trivial things that are actually holding us back. I for one can't wait to be able to buy Woven. Good luck to you guys on finding a new home for it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fantastic artwork, DPK. It is great to see how much support you guys have been shown through this time.

    Great cover for Ashes! Congrats, Brandon!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Glad you're getting requests for Woven. I know you'll find a good home for it. And love the artwork. Glad you've gotten so much support.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Yeah. I think it's time for another author meet and greet.

    ReplyDelete
  17. So happy about those requests, I hope you find the perfect home for Woven :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I've read your plight with some interest. I'm very happy that a bad situation might have opened doors for one that is better than you'd have hoped for. It feels good when people are with you. Keep plowing forward.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very happy to read about those requests, Woven will find its perfect home soon. New doors, new possibilities ;)

    Love the cover arts for Ashes and Woven, really talented artists.
    Ashes is awesome, I read it in 2 days, so you are right the heat does rise... lots of action and jaw dropping twists. Congratulations to Brandon!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Brandon's cover is amazing, and so is the artwork for WOVEN!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I was totally out of the loop, but did catch the blitz call. I didn't have time to log on, but you were in my prayers!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wonderful cover, I hope all goes well for you and your team.

    Yvonne,.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Fingers crossed that one of those requests leads to a new deal. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  24. David (and Michael),

    Welcome to a new week, yes:)

    Remember that old saying, "If it doesn't publish you, it makes you stronger":)

    As always, best wishes as you move forward and can't wait to one day (soon) hear some fantastic WOVEN-related news :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi David - Thanks for following my blog...I'm partial to reuben sandwiches :-)

    ReplyDelete