Berinfell Book 3 Is Coming!

23 May ’11 By 56 Comments

When it rains…

…well, for those along the Mississippi river valley, I’ll nip that river metaphor right in the bud.

But needless to say, there seems to be a lot of book news in the air this spring!

Earlier today, Wayne Thomas Batson and I got a verbal release from Thomas Nelson – who previously declined their option to press it – to write and release Book 3 of The Berinfell Prophecies on our own!

This is a big win for the countless fans we have who’ve been with us in a long holding pattern, patiently awaiting the third installment. It’s no exaggeration to say we get numerous emails every week – if not daily at times – wondering “where is it?” It’s also a win for us because we feel like we have a really good 3 book in the pipeline.

We anticipate fleshing out the plot by early summer and starting in on writing in July. If all goes well, fans of COTSK and VAS could have their third book in time for Christmas! It will be released initially as an ebook with print versions following.

Thanks to all the Elves who’ve walked this road with us! ch:

Filed Under: books, news Tagged With: , , ,

The White Lion Chronicles: eBook Editions

16 May ’11 By 68 Comments

2007. That is the year I left readers on the edge of a precipice. And I’m only surprised they don’t loathe me more.

So you can only imagine how good I feel saying this (almost as good as my readers must feel!):

I’m personally re-releasing The White Lion Chronicles Books I & II as second edition ebooks, and Book III as a first edition ebook.

When my contract with Tsaba House expired, the publishing rights reverted back to me. And just as I’ve replied to hundreds of emails and FaceBook message and tweets, I’ve been looking for a mutually beneficial traditional print contract. But over the course of the last year, the publishing market has changed so dramatically that self-publishing – once an insult – has become the smartest option, by far. In fact, I can’t imagine looking for a legacy publishing deal ever again.

Editing and proof reading are just about to start on all three books, and cover designs are already in the mock-up phase. My plan right now is to release Rise of the Dibor first, followed a few weeks later by The Lion Vrie, and ending with the long-awaited Athera’s Dawn. All three ebooks will be available via digital retailers with an anticipated price point of just $2.99. If I can lower the price even more, I will.

So to all my fans who have stayed so loyal over the years, c’symia. ch:

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Building Sprig Records Studio: Log Entry 1

14 May ’11 By 15 Comments

“Seeding Prophetic Recordings Into Generations.” That’s the heart behind the new record company. And to pull off something that big, it requires a number of things:

A church-based business model that values lives as a return, not necessarily money (though we believe things should should run in the black).

A dedicated staff who believes in pastoring musical artists in their stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.

And – to make those musical recordings come to life – a recording studio.

From the very first day New Life Christian Church moved into her present home in the old movie house in Watertown, NY the Board was very clear that one of the theaters would be dedicated to this venture. And for that – and them holding to their word for over 2 years – I am extremely grateful.

Today, that recording studio is becoming a reality; we officially “broke ground” by setting the first walls this past Wednesday. And my, what a feeling. But planning obviously started over two years ago, leading to the serious design-phase beginning in March 2011.

Enjoy this first scrapbook log of pics from our first “day reams.” ch:

[Photos: Jennifer Hopper - March 20th, 2010]

HUNTING: Peter & Christopher Hopper consult a reference design book of past studio successes at Christopher’s home in Clayton, NY.

EYE ON THE PRIZE: Peter browses specs with years of experience guiding him – this, his 5th career studio build-out.

WATCHING: Ever the student beside his father, Christopher follows Dad’s lead.

COMPARING: Pausing to study the build-out of a famous LA studio.

FOR SPRIG? Certain design elements are noted and logged for later application to Sprig Studio plans.

HANDS: Finger tips and pen points trace building plans of legacy studios.

Filed Under: news

Message: Leading in the Pew

9 May ’11 By 3 Comments

Saturday I had the privileged of speaking at Outloud Worship Conference 2011 in Manchester, CT. But not to musicians or front-man/woman worship leaders. I got to address “those other” worship leaders.

The ones sitting in the pews.

While I was a bit surprised when Pastor Mike Kim handed me the topic, I suddenly realized this is the very teaching I wish I could present to every congregation I ever led in worship. To explain to them in great detail the power of their position.

You can purchase all of the main session teachings and afternoon workshops directly from the great folks behind  Outloud Conference via their website, but I wanted to give the notes from my session away for free. I hope they are a resource for you and your church in cultivating an atmosphere where heaven and earth meet. ch:

DOWNLOAD PDF NOTES: Leading in the Pew

Filed Under: leadership, music, worship Tagged With: , , , ,