Hello Fellow Bookworms. I'm taking a short break from re-writing Tale 2 to post an email I received from the woman who "discovered me." She just received her ARC (Advanced Review Copy) of Tale 1 and sent me an email explaining how it all happened. She gave me permission to post it here for you to read.

Here you go:
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Hi Jacob, 

Today is a MARVELOUS day because I spied an advance reader’s copy on Chris and Heidi’s desk of “A Tale of Light and Shadow.”  It’s real!  It’s here!  I’m so excited!  I've been dreaming of this day for over a year---ever since I devoured your book “Flight from Blithmore.”  I’m Nada Midkiff, the person at Deseret Book who first read your book and then began a campaign to be your “secret agent” inside Deseret Book (little did you know that you had an agent all long.  LOL).  Yup, I’m the one who touted your book loud and clear.  I thought you might enjoy hearing the story. . . . .

My family and I moved 14 times in our lives.  During one 5-year phase we moved every year to a different state.  My kids quickly learned that their best friends were their own siblings!  They became exquisitely close.  During all of these moves I made wonderful friends and connections throughout the U.S.  When I began working here at Deseret Book I was soon contacted by various friends saying “Hey Nada, could you recommend a book on the topic of ___.  My child is really struggling and I need all the help I can get” . . or. .  “I’m looking for a great fiction book to give my spouse.  What would you recommend?” I received so many emails like this that I couldn’t keep up with them.  To solve this, I decided to send out a semi-annual email called “Nada’s Top Picks” and it contained my ranking of the new products at Deseret book (with a brief review of each title).  I sent it to all my friends and family (and I have a HUGE family---over 75 cousins alone!)  I would also get similar requests for my “picks” from bishops, stake presidents, Relief Society Presidents and other leaders that I worked with all over the world---so I also began a “Bishop’s Library” that had topics they were interested in and my recommendations.  Interestingly enough, my contacts take my semi-annual emails and forward them on to their friends, family and ward members (like a “calling tree”).  I get emails from people all over the world.

My friends and family know that I am an avid reader (I read 2-3 books a week).  I purposely try to read as many of Deseret Book’s publications as I can so that I can review them.  I read every topic---doctrinal, self-help, fantasy, mysteries, histories, sci-fi, BYU titles, etc.  Because I read so much, I am quite picky.  If I don’t like something I will mention it in my review (people trusted that).  Or, a title may not even make my “top picks” at all.  (In my mind I give authors an A, B, C, D or F grade).

The word got out at Deseret Book that I was doing this (I actually work in the legal area preparing contracts).  I was soon asked to read and vote on various books created by LDS authors/publishers which were being nominated for various awards.  You have to be a fast reader because you only have a couple of months to complete them all.  When I do this, I purposely will not read the title, cover, publisher, title page, or marketing text!  I don’t want to even know who wrote the book because I don’t want to be prejudiced.  Whoever receives my vote, did so because they were the best (not because of “who” they were).

In 2013 I had volunteered to read 15 titles for the Whitney Awards.  I had completed reviewing 14 of the 15 books when I was given “Flight from Blithmore” to read.  Within pages I was totally captivated.  I began thinking. . . “This is REALLY good!!  Can this author keep it up?  Will it bog somewhere?”  When I turned the last page I sat the book down with a sigh and said in my heart, “Wow, I don’t want this story to ever end!  I wish this person was our author.  He writes the kind of stories that I LOVE to read and recommend.”  Then, I flipped the book to the front cover to discover who the author was and read Jacob Gowans.   I then looked to see who the publisher was (hmmm none was listed).  Next, I read the introduction and the very last words gave me hope---you had no agent or publisher!   You didn’t know it, but at that moment your “secret agent” was born.  (LOL)

Two seconds later I burst into Chris Schoebinger’s office and said, “Chris, you know how picky I am and how good an author must be to get an “A” from me.  I just discovered an “A” author.  I liked him better than [a certain national best-selling author].” (Shhh don’t tell [same author] this.   LOL.  But that is truthfully what I said to Chris.)  Chris incredulously replied, “REALLY?  An “A”?”  I said, “Yup, it was so good I stayed up all night to finish reading it in the wee hours of the morning.”  Chris then said, “Nada, that is high praise coming from you.”  (He knows how picky I am).

I then replied, “This author deserves every bit of my praise.  He got my Whitney vote for the category his book appeared in and he was up against some tough competition.  Frankly, he is the best of all the categories I read.  He has a variety of characters that play off each other.  For example, I found myself roaring with laughter on the TRAX train.  And, when I remembered where I was, I looked up and could see everybody on the train craning their necks to try to figure out what I was reading!  They are delightful characters!  One moment you are laughing and the very next moment you are gripping your seat as you wonder if the characters will ‘get out of the mess they are in.’  The plot is incredible with clever twists and turns. . . and I couldn’t put it down.  You get nabbed early and it just keeps building until the end.  Talk about political intrigue and fun back stories!  He has kings, queens, fight scenes and love.  Both men and women will like this title. . . it has everything in it.  Then, best of all, he creates an incredible twist and a cliff-hanging ending that makes you instantly want to buy the next volume so you can find out what happens next.  There is something else in it Chris. . . I found many scenes that subtly teach duty to friends, repentance, honor, good versus evil, etc.  The characters actually grow in the plot.  Trust me Chris, you’ll want to read this one.”

A week later, Chris officially reported that he had read the book and was going to contact you.  I WAS THRILLED! 

Now, imagine my fun when I just happened to be in Chris’ office the day you came to Deseret Book.  I asked him, “Chris, would you mind if I went down to the foyer to get Jacob and bring him up to your meeting?  I’d like to meet him.”  Chris grinned and said, “You discovered him Nada. . . you deserve to meet!”  

Today, as I gently picked up the new Advanced Reading Copy of “A Tale of Light and Shadow” I was spellbound.  It was here at last!  The cover was amazing.  An “A” cover for an “A” book.  Chris and Heidi had exceeded a “secret agent’s” expectations.  Then as I was casually flipping through the book I saw the “Acknowledgements” in the back of the book and read “. . . I was able to attract the attention of Shadow Mountain Publishing and receive my first book deal.  For that deal, I’d like to thank Heidi Taylor, Chris Schoebinger, and especially Nada Midkiff (gulp, did I just read that correctly?!), who pushed my book to them in the first place.” (Double take and re-read that sentence about five times.  Holy cow, it is my name!) 

I couldn’t believe it.  That acknowledgement was the perfect ending for the perfect day.  I was touched beyond belief.  (Truly!)  Thank you for your kind acknowledgement. It REALLY touched me.  And. . . believe me. . . I’m so thrilled to see my favorite “A” author in print.

So that is my tale. . . Ruther would call it the “Tale of Jacob Gowans and the Secret Agent.”

I hope I see you soon again at Deseret Book!  Please tell your wife that I’m grateful that she allows you to write and bless the world.

Best regards,

Nada Midkiff
Copyright Specialist
Deseret Book

Last night I got an email from Chris at Shadow Mt that my short story was officially published (and had been for a week) and that I had permission to go ahead and share the covers. Why I was not informed the DAY my short story launched, I have no idea. I wasn't expecting this to happen for another month. However, it's out there, it's FREE, so READ IT!

At the end of this post, I'll add the covers in their full glory so you can see how awesome they are. Brandon Dorman did an amazing job, and I hope it leads to lots of people checking out the book and buying it. Now, some of you might be wondering "Why the change? What was wrong with Flight from Blithmore? Why the fantasy stuff?"

Here's the story:

During my talks with Shadow Mt, they had discussions with their buyers who consult them on how to sell various books. These people read the stories and let them know what they think they can expect to sell in certain genres. The buyer for my book, Flight, didn't know what genre it fit in and how they would market/sell it. Frankly, I'd worried about the same thing when I wrote it. It doesn't really belong in a genre. The other problem was the title didn't really tell anyone anything. Yes, "flight" signifies people running from something, so adventure is implied. But what the heck is "Blithmore?" That was the issue. We brainstormed and came up with this, which is a good title for reasons I'll explain.

It's not historical fiction, because it's not based around actual history. It's not historical romance. It's not fantasy because nothing "fantastical" happened. And so on ... So, the talks of a book deal hit a wall. Until I proposed that I edit the book and add fantasy elements. I invented a magic system, added fantastical creatures and characters, and decided to slowly build the fantasy elements over the course of the series.

In other words, the first book will have some small elements of magic and fantasy, and that aspect of the book will build in each novel. The magic system is called THE PATH, and there is the path of light and the path of shadow. So how does this effect you awesome people who've already bought the book? Should you purchase the book again? Well, here's the deal.

I would LOVE for you to buy the book again because I need your support, and the sales of this book will determine if SMP sign me to further books. So far, I'm only under contract for the first. Second, there are some additions, though small, that play a big part of future books. So if you buy ATOLAS (A Tale of Light and Shadow), it will read like ALMOST the same book, with some changes. However those changes will impact the future books. So I leave the decision in your hands.

The second book is finished and being workshopped. I expect to deliver it to Chris at SMP next month after I've revised it one more time, which, of course, will delay Psion Omega. However, I can't say I expect Psion Omega out this year anyway. A bummer, I know and I'm sorry, but I can't rush the finale to my series.

Now here's the covers:

I recently organized my board games and put them all away, so I thought I'd take a picture to remember that one moment when we didn't have board games strewn throughout the house. There are only three things I care to spend my money on:

Movies, books, and board games.

I'd guestimate that I've dropped a 2-3K dollars into my board game collection, but I absolutely love games. I rarely play with just my wife. Which is fine, because I'm glad she has her own thing. However, she does play with me if I ask. I'm not much of a solo gamer. I will play by myself rarely or if it's an ipad app, but beyond that I much prefer social, interactive games with great themes. Some of my current favs are:

Descent 1st Ed. My number one game for almost 3 years. A wonderful 3-5 hr dungeon crawl featuring 2-4 players squaring off against 1 Overlord.

Letters from Whitechapel - a hidden movement game where one player plays Jack the Ripper, the others play detectives trying to stop him.

Resistance Avalon - a team bluffing game where good guys try to outsmart bad guys who are trying to figure out who Merlin is and assassinate him.

Sentinels of the Multiverse - a 3-5 player co-operative card game where each player takes on the role of a superhero trying to defeat a supervillain. Decks are predetermined. Not a Magic-type deck building game.

Here's some photos of my collection:

Things continue to roll along. The 3rd draft of Tale 2 is nearly done. I have about 50 pages left, so I will probably finish this weekend. Chris at Shadow Mt has given me the approval to workshop it, so I've rounded up the usual suspects and asked them if they're interested. So far, they all are, for which I'm very excited.

The short story should be released for A Tale of Love and Adventure in a couple months. I'll post more on that soon. I've seen the sketches for the cover, and it's pretty cool. You'll be able to see a dragonox pretty much exactly how I imagined it.

Psion Omega is what I'll be working on while the workshoppers are busy criticizing my manuscript for Tale 2. I'd like to finish the first draft for that before too long. And I continue to write notes and build plot for that elusive Super Six project that floats in my mind in the not too distant future.

In the meantime, I'm battling sickness, pukey kids, and all the other things that need doing. Also trying to read books here and there, currently plodding through The Passage by Justin Cronin. I hope your life is less busy!

As I've mentioned recently, my progress with Psion Omega has stopped, and my attention has turned to the Tale series. Up until Friday I was rewriting Tale 2 and then I received the galleys from my editor, Derk. Galleys, for those of you who are like me and had no idea what they were, are the pages of your book w/ a nice interior design. They are to be looked over and marked up. Nowadays, the galleys are done on pdf files instead of paper.

So I've got a couple weeks to blaze through Tale 1 and mark up things and make more changes. As I've told you already, Tale 1 will be somewhat different than what you've already read, if you read Flight from Blithmore. It will introduce the magical system called "The Path" in this book, setting it up for much bigger exploration in the sequel. So, yes, you may want to consider re-purchasing the book when it comes out in September.

Which brings me to my next point. The release date of A Tale of Light and Shadow is no longer 7-29, but 9-9. This will give us more time to have the book ready and the marketing more underway when it's released. On the bright side, the cover, done by Brandon Dorman, is fantastic! I can't wait to show you all. Not sure when that will happen, but soon.

Also be looking ahead to the release of the short story "The Fool and the Dragonox" in the next several weeks. Lots of exciting things coming!

Hello friends! I hope you are enjoying your holidays. By now most of you have read or are reading Psion Alpha. I hope you enjoyed it. I expect that the few of you who are waiting for it on the Nook website should find it there relatively soon. I apologize for those who weren't able to get it right away on the 11th. Publication on a few venues had some snags. The only thing I hate about self-publishing is the loopholes to jump through to get the book available in all venues.

Anyway, Christmas morning, after all the hubbub was over and my kids were happily fighting over who was touching their toys without permission, I snuck upstairs to check on sales and reviews for Alpha. I found an interesting review, which you can read part of here:
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Let me start with... I love this series!!! Unfortunately book #4 read too much like an indoctrination to Gowans' religion. The first couple of mentions were great as they added depth to the characters but after a bit it became tedious. I actually skipped those parts and did not lose or miss any of the "vital" parts of the story. Vital is entirely a matter of opinion of course.

I feel the author let the story down with the massive quantities of religious dogma, including multiple full page prayers, continuous insertions of scripture.

I did however enjoy the detailed Walter Byron backstory. However the way that it fed into and resolved the main storyline was trite and obvious. After the first three books I expected more.
The twist at the end was pretty good.

Overall the series is shaping up like a George W Bush horror story. It places God on one side and cloning and other genetic sciences on the other. This is not always clear unless you notice that one side never mentions God or the bible while the other side provides a continuous barrage.

Based upon this book and the very obvious religious Good Vs Evil leanings, including the "white light" near death towards the end, I will probably stay away from the series conclusion.

I like my science fiction, filled with science. The religious hokum can stay in fantasy where it belongs.
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Well, although I rarely respond to reviews, I felt compelled to respond to this one. The response is long, so I won't post it here, but you're welcome to read it at this link:

http://www.amazon.com/review/RW0A1E6M6EY/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00H8M2TR0&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=#wasThisHelpful

While I truly do understand people shying away from preaching in fiction, I don't get why certain people absolutely can't tolerate the presence or discussion of life after death or the existence of God in fiction. I have intentionally avoided being preachy. I think I've succeeded at it, too.

Most people won't be shocked to know that I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or "Mormon Church." However, I don't feel that my books are the venue to push my beliefs. I think if I were to try, I'd lose readers, probably even many who ARE Mormons themselves. People simply don't like being preached to when they're not in a setting specifically for preaching. I know I don't.

Have I ever pulled from my experiences and put them in fiction? Sure, there's a scene where Sammy and Al dress up as Mormon missionaries in Psion Delta. I thought it was funny and so I wrote the scene. Still, I did not hear a single complaint about that. So I guess my question is: why are some people shocked or offended about generic religious exploration from a main character in a fiction series?

Surely people saw this coming. I've been building up to it for 3 books. I can't imagine ANYONE being involved in a struggle such as what Sammy and his friends are going through, and not questioning the nature of God and man. War and violence has profound effects on the people involved, civilians and soldiers alike. Life changing events in general have that effect: Death, birth, marriage, etc. Major changes in life cause people to reflect and meditate on what they believe. Why should I not explore this for Sammy?

First of all, I want to wish a happy birthday to my old man: Floyd Gowans! Happy 59th Birthday, Dad!

Second, the wait is nearly over. About 24 hours remain before the book will be available for purchase. I will post the book on all sites around midnight Pacific time, and it will take a few hours to show up after that, most likely in the late morning or early afternoon. It seems like last time it was showing up in the late morning on all the sites. As soon as they are available, I will post them on my blog and on my Facebook Author Page and the Psion Beta Fan Club Facebook page. So be patient and tomorrow you will have your ebook. The paperback should show up on Amazon's website sometime tomorrow as well. Now, without further adieu, the final character profile. Toad:

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       Rulé Prado couldn’t wait to be born. He arrived five weeks early and was a handful from the start. Rulé had colic for the first ten months of life, a condition not uncommon among Anomaly Fifteens. The incessant screaming and crying nearly drove his parents apart. Nothing they did could stop the noise that filled the house for hours a day. Because of his extreme condition, Rulé’s vocal cords were damaged, giving him a hoarse voice throughout most of his childhood. His grandfather said he sounded like a toad, and started to call him “Sapo.”

       The curse of Toad’s Anomaly Fifteen wasn’t limited to baby colic. In kindergarten, Toad wreaked havoc on the classroom. He couldn’t sit still, he didn’t want to pay attention, and being obedient seemed unimportant to him. During his first three years of school, he gave a girl an shockingly short haircut, carved his initials on every desk in the room, and started three girl-hater clubs. His parents breathed sighs of relief when their next two children were girls. They named the older girl Serenity and the younger girl Tranquility.

       Through experience, Toad’s parents learned that exercise and athletics was the only way to curb Toad’s wildness. They enrolled him in football, baseball, and basketball to keep him involved year-round. Toad excelled in football as a striker and forward. He played excellent defense in basketball and led his baseball league in stolen bases and in-the-park home runs. Despite his smaller frame, coaches continually told his parents how impressed they were with his natural athletic ability and encouraged them to put him in is as many different sports as they could find. This led to his parents’ decision to get him involved in archery and racing at summer camp.

Toad went to the camp every year with his friend, Braden. They competed in everything, and took great pleasure in finding more ways to compete, even with silly things like brushing teeth the fastest or falling asleep first. Their friendship had one flaw, however, Braden lost far more than he won. Sometimes it drove him batty. Camp was no different. Toad won archery even though he’d never picked up a bow prior to camp. He won the obstacle course, crushing the course’s best time. And on it went. Braden decided to play a joke on Toad by calling the number on all the government safety signs about seeing something suspicious. He figured people would show up, interview Toad and the camp counselors, find out it was all a prank, and then leave. Afterward, Braden would tell Toad that it had been he, Braden, who had called. Then they’d have a great laugh about it.

       Unfortunately, after Braden called the number, he never saw Toad again.

I've really enjoyed doing these character profiles. Not only have they helped flesh out a few characters I've always wanted to talk more about, but they've helped expand the world a little. Today's is about a character who's always been in the background and now you get to know a little more about her:

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       At her own fifth birthday party, Asaki Yoshiharu collapsed on the side of a swimming pool at her home in Hiroshima, Japan. An ambulance rushed her to the hospital where she was put through a series of tests. The results were not good. Asaki was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called ependymoma, infecting the tissue in the 4th ventricle of her brain. Unfortunately the cancer had spread to her spine and, from there, her internal organs. Doctors gave her a 33% chance of surviving the treatment to remove the cancer.

       Asaki’s parents were wealthy enough to afford the best oncologists available. She recovered remarkably well. After the surgery, doctors informed her parents that they had found anomalous tissues around Asaki’s spinal cord. According to the law, they were required to contact a man named Xiao Wu with a summary of their findings. Less than a week later, Commander Byron visited the Yoshiharu family at the hospital.

       Asaki waited over eight years before attending Psion Beta headquarters, the longest waiting time of any Psion with no relations to a previously discovered Alpha or Beta. She entered Psion Beta at age 14. Asaki never felt as athletically gifted or talented as many of the other Betas. She struggled in the sims and in the Arena. She was more interested in the social aspects of life at headquarters. Through her work with Commander Byron, Asaki started to explore alternate career paths post-graduation. She developed an interest in public relations and the recruiting process. Byron encouraged her to explore these options and discuss them with her parents. In the summer of 2086, Asaki became very ill and was taken to NWGMC where tests showed her cancer had returned. On the day the CAG attacked Capitol Island, Asaki was at NWGMC for more testing.

3 is a magical number. Fortunately, it's also the number of days remaining before Psion Alpha is released! Today's profile is of Anna Lukic, a character named after a girl I worked with at the Case Western University Health Science Library. I love Anna's character. She's tough as nails.
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       Raised by two mothers on a ranch in rural Oklahoma, Anna was one of the last American recruits to join Psion Beta before the Schism in 2063. Her older brother, Adam, joined Psion Beta three years before her. Anna was known throughout Beta as “the crazy b****” because she didn’t want friends, didn’t want help, and refused to lose at anything. Fueled by a fiery competitive spirit, she aspired to be top in all rankings, and nearly achieved her goal. (In Anna’s time at Beta, Byron ranked students in twelve categories. Anna was #1 in ten of them, and in the top 3 in the other two.) More than once, she made teammates (males and females) cry if she lost as honcho.

       By the time she graduated to Psion Alpha, Anna’s fierce reputation had spread among the squadron honchos. No one wanted her on their team. Fortunately, Commanders Byron and Havelbert spoke with Nikita Gonzales, honcho of Oscar Squadron. Nikita took Anna under her wing and taught her what it meant to be an effective leader. Under Nikita’s guidance, Anna blossomed into a capable soldier and lieutenant. This led to her appointment as one of the youngest squadron leaders in Alpha. At age thirty-two, she was given the helm of Charlie Squadron.

       Prior to his joining Charlie Squadron, Anna was romantically involved with Justice Juraschek, a member of Tensai Alpha. On her request, they kept the relationship discreet. When Justice was assigned to her team, Anna immediately ended the relationship. Justice, however, has relentlessly pursued her despite her rebuffs. Despite knowing that a disclosure of their relationship would result in his removal from her team, Anna has refused to do so because she values Justice’s contributions to Charlie Squadron.

Sometimes, with this countdown, I feel like I'm Grover in The Monster at the End of the Book. I'm so stoked for the release of Alpha. It's a fun, intense, and mysterious book. Today's profile is dedicated to the honor of Nelson Mandela, a great man who recently passed away.

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       William Marnyo was born in Kutomwony, Kenya in 2020. William’s father died of an AIDS-related illness six months before William’s birth. Marnyo’s mother participated in a test program to eradicate neonatal HIV, which successfully cured Marnyo of the disease, but was unable to do anything for her. She did before William turned 2. Each year, an orphanage in Mombasa accepted three children from William’s area into its custody. William was interviewed by the nuns running the orphanage. He impressed them enough to give him a spot.

       At the age of 4, he began school. While William excelled at reading, writing, and the arts, he struggled with math and science. One teacher enjoyed making William stand on his desk wearing a jester’s hat while reciting his multiplication tables. His nickname through age 14 was “Mwigizaji Marnyo” among his peers. Mwigizaji is the Swahili word for “clown.” The day he began grade nine, one of William’s teachers sat him down and asked him why someone so bright received such poor scores. William didn’t know how to answer her. No one had ever called him “bright.” But she changed his life.

       William steadily improved his academic performance and graduated number five in his senior class. He applied to college at the University of Southern California and graduated number five again, running track and cross country all four years, wearing the number 5 in each race. After USC, William went to law school in Tokyo and went on to work for a prestigious firm in Athens. At his ten year reunion, William ran into his old teacher from grade nine—the one who had called him “bright.” He thanked her for turning his life around and told her about all the things he’d accomplished because of her influence. The teacher smiled and nodded and then interrupted him to ask what William was doing to help others. It shamed him that he had no good answer.

       When he returned home to Athens, William quit his job at the firm and returned him to Kenya to run for mayor of the city of Mombasa. After four years as mayor, he ran in the territorial gubernatorial race and won. Eight years later, he ran for the territory’s open senate seat, defeating a three term incumbent. At every level of office, William fought for fair health care reform, increased educational standards, and government accountability. At age 54, William Marnyo was asked to serve as running mate to Hitachi Mashimoto in his bid for NWG President. Marnyo accepted, served two terms as NWG Vice President, and then ran for the office in 2079. He won in a landslide and took office in 2080.