Phoenix fans are invited to join the story, both on Facebook, at DavidClementDavies, and now on Skype, at Phoenixarkpress
Category Archives: Publishing
PHOENIX, FACEBOOK AND SKYPE
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PRESS RELEASE
Someone said that when private hurts are made public, everyone gets a black eye. So, apart from the previous post, anything relating to specifics in New York has been password protected, as has A Letter to My Father. It is part of the record of an extraordinary true story that might wake people up to connections and responsibilities, but a Publisher is not an individual, only a shell to nurture and present authors and their work, in the best way possible. Though a spirit of openness and honesty is exactly what Phoenix is all about, from the personal experience of the founder, blogs will only be used to discuss books and stories, provide Press Releases, and move work rapidly forward, or to highlight issues, ideas and questions readers are interested in. If the founder starts mouthing off, we’ll try to give him a cup of tea, and some pen and paper, but he is, like all of us, only human! PA
Dragon Post and a publishing schedule will appear this Thursday. In the next few weeks the blog will be fully edited and re-styled.
“Any path is only a path, and there is no affront, to oneself or to others, in dropping it if that is what your heart tells you…Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself, and yourself alone, one question…Does the path have a heart? If it does the path is good; if it doesn’t it is of no use.” Carlas Castaneda, quoted in The Tao of Pyshics by Fritjof Capra.
Filed under America and the UK, Publishing, The Phoenix Story
PHOENIX ARK PRESS RELEASE
If you’ve ever seen a publisher, and its authors, try hard, and succeed or fail, right in front of your nose, this is where the story’s at! Apologies for delays, but we are trying to do a lot of things at the same time, and trying not to crash and burn.
The publication of Scream of the White Bear will now be brought forward, after a previous delay this year, to Spring of 2011. Not ideal for that vital Christmas Market, next year, but David Clement-Davies is not having disappointed fans waiting any longer. The situation at Abrams caused enough grief, as it is, and it is time a book came out.
Filed under Fantasy, Publishing, The Phoenix Story, Young Adult
And another thing, Dear reader…
Quite apart from the emotional trials and tribulations of any ‘mad’ authors, the work is what counts, and it means a great deal to have your support. So please comment on Michelangelo, Dragon in The Post, individual blogs, or excerpts, in any way you like. The argument with Amulet was partly about the spirit of the work not being honoured and the right creative environment being throttled, in such horrible circumstances. It’s the electric current of creativity, the unblocked flow, between author and editor, between author and reader, that is essential. Artists can be absurd, too, yet I think it was Donatello, or some sculptor, who, when asked for the time spent in relation to money paid, smashed the piece and cried ‘that took me a lifetime!’ Writers shouldn’t be so temperamental, but please start pressing those Like buttons, or the work and this project may fail!
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Filed under America and the UK, Publishing, The Phoenix Story
A READER’S LETTER
“Secondly, out of the ultimate disrespect to authors that is unfolding everywhere, in today’s world of mass communication, and excessive competition.” makes no sense at all…
You’ve haven’t thought this through, have you? When Martin Amis, or Joe Bloggs for that matter, publishes his next book with you, you’re going to talk about “a writer was so badly disrespected in New York” in their book? Where’s the respect? Your press is a good idea, but you HAVE to take your problems out of it. HA
Dear H,
since that’s the third very forthright comment, I am genuinely touched by your concern. The first two books published are by me, so in answer to your question, no, I would not have that line in another author’s work, though I hope I hear from authors who have had similar battles, and may be able to help. I have thought things through a very great deal, including the paradox of a blog, where I feel I have a right to tell an extraordinary personal story, problematic or not, alongside a website for a little publisher. At least this is all real, and from the heart. The truth is things change too, as possibilities change, and I have not raised the money I need to conventionally publish great work (well, that’s for the reader to decide). So I am having to take an enormous risk, and try to get it out there, however I can. At least then good work will see the light of day, and some income may come, and frankly this has been a battle to recover my own self respect, out of that fiasco in New York. It’s very far from ideal, and it really is why it would be lovely if readers spread the word, as much as they can. Think of this as a cottage industry, the River Cottage of fighting publishers, as all publishers throw up their hands in horror too at the conundrum of digital publishing, but one day I may be able to inspire authors to lift up their manuscripts and walk. As for Martin Amis, I could not afford to buy his work…yet. Anyway, Amis may have touches of greatness, but he does go on about respecting the hegemonic power! Joe Blogg’s work I only want if it’s great, and he’s fun to be around. Perhaps you’d like to join in and be an editor!
All my best,
David Clement-Davies
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AN INTRODUCTION AND COLLECTOR’S ITEM
This introduction will appear, slightly amended, in all the books printed by Phoenix Ark. There are thoughts of also limiting print runs, to make them special editions, and so little collector’s items too. The story of the Press is unique in itself, and we hope all our books will be. They will first be made available, POD, Publish on Demand, from Amazon, and costs are being reduced to allow for your outlay in Postage and Packing.
A Founder’s introduction to Phoenix Ark Press
(Appearing in Michelangelo’s Mouse, by David Clement-Davies)
This is the first, proud little book to be produced by Phoenix Ark Press, so thank you for buying it. Who knows, one day it may be a collector’s item. The Phoenix is the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, and the Press was founded in London for many fiery reasons. Firstly, out of a personal crises that should never have happened. Secondly, out of the ultimate disrespect to authors that is unfolding everywhere, in today’s world of mass communication, and excessive competition. Everyone is, or should be important in the process of producing a book; editors, designers, printers, and the people who spread the word, and sell the work. But the most important must always be the person who creates the story – the author. Not self-important, but the creative source, so when the author is disrespected, as a writer was so badly disrespected in New York, the cart is badly before the horse. Phoenix Ark is a little publisher dedicated first and foremost to great writers, and to the magic of stories – the storyteller’s publisher. The dream is a culture of respect, communication and artistic involvement, but we know that dreams are very hard-won, sometimes, so we rely heavily on you, the reader, to spread the word. Forgive us too, if there are any errors in our first efforts, but see it as something as raw, and from the heart, as the work itself. Thank you for reading, and for joining the story. DCD 2010
Filed under Publishing, The Phoenix Story
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FUN AND PROUD EMAIL
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Saturday Telegraph Review May 3, 2008 – Fell
“One might have thought that after more than a century of vampire stories, begun by Bram Stoker, the dramatic possibilities of Transylvania and the Carpathian mountains had now been exhausted by genre writers. Not so. This is a startlingly involving, richly textured tale…written with style and élan. His headlong narrative – full of peasant stockades, impenetrable forests and ice caves, is summoned with a brilliant vividness. Those ghostly old Carpathian foothills have been given a new lease of life.”
Sinclair McKay
Dear David,
Together, you and Erin Hunter have inspired me to write a novel. I am, merely, a twelve year old girl with high demands at what a book should be. But ‘The Sight’ and the series by Erin Hunter ‘Seekers’ are just that. To me, they are right up there with Watership Down, The Animals of Farthing and all those other brilliant books that don’t always end happily, and explain death as well as life.I have yet to read ‘Fell’ but am eagerly awaiting the day when my Dad is going to take me to a Book Shop, which will hopefully be soon.
I can imagine that you are an incredibly busy person (writing is extremely time consuming I know) but I was wondering if, when you are stuck for things to do, places to go or people to see. That you could have a quick glance at the beginning of my book, which is called the Kirja. It’s a mere 9,000 (or there abouts) pages, but I’m trying to write at least 500 words every day. Just knowing that you’ve actually looked at my work, would spur me on to write better and expand my writing style to broader horizons.
But mainly this email is just to say Thank You. In The Sight, you have created the most brilliant thing, which is more than just a book; it is a place where I can escape to.
From your ‘fan’,
Dahlia
The first book of yours I read was The Sight, I bought it at a little store in Jackson, Wyoming when I saw camping. I was seventeen and it was the first book I that when I started reading I couldn’t and wouldn’t put it down until I was done. You are the only author who I check to see if there is a new book out everytime I enter a bookstore. I love reading your stories and becoming completely engrossed in them. I look forward to reading more. Thank you for the great reads! Holly
Hello Mr. Davies,
If you have not read The Thief Lord, I would highly recommend it. Her writing is absolutely beautiful, just like yours. I am a big fan of your books the Sight and Fell (REMARKABLE!) and The Thief Lord just has this magical appeal to it, even though it is not necessarily fantasy related until the end, which totally took me by surprise and I think it will take you by surprise as well. You, Cornelia Funke, and Jk Rowling are my biggest inspirations when it comes to writing. I hope to one day follow in your footsteps.
I hope all is well and please take care!
Sincerely,
aspiring author,
Jessika
By far my favorite children’s book moment would have to be in “The Sight” when you find out that Fell is ……… and that he is able to turn his life around. I have read both “Fell” and “The Sight” and loved them. You should really write more on the subject of wolves from the perspective of the wolves. They were brilliant, compelling, and stimulating. Please write another wolf book, either a continuation from the Sight and fell or another wolf pack. I am sure that there would be no issues finding a publisher or readers!!! Thanks!DY
When Fell rose from the water to fight Jalgan, that was AMAZING! I was reading and it just really stood out. I had dreams of it for the next week or so! Fell is one of my favorite characters, and when I saw that there was a book
about him, I was telling everyone I knew for the past month or so.
I’m 16 yrs. old, but your books have moved me and encouraged me to write more. I must say you are my favorite author. I wanted to remind you that your writing effects others like myself. I truly hope that I will one day be
able to write like you. AW
Re Firebringer: I have read this book 4 times and am in the middle of the fifth go. It is an amazing book and an inspiration to all. It shows the true values of friendship and courage. I adore every moment of adventure that Rannoch, and his friends encounter. Thank you, this book changed my life.
You are a genius! The Sight was magnificent! I don’t know how you did it! But Fell was even better, it brought in my life dream , to have a wolf commpanion! You should so do a third about a new prophecy that Fell tells to his children when he dies!! B
I’m going to tell you that I feel that anyone who gives good advice is a friend and, as I want to be an author, by reading your book you gave me advice. Your book was compelling and it inspired me to write my own book.
‘The Journey’Thank you ACH Age 12
Dear Mr Clement-Davies,
Thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to respond. I’m happy to say that I’ve recently signed a contract with a literary agency and I’m working on edits as I write this. I’ve also started work on a second novel, so things are very exciting at present. Thanks again for your feedback, I really appreciate it.
Best regards
S (nice that you like my name, it means “rose” in Hebrew)
Dear David,
Things are even better – I’ve just signed a publishing contract with Little Acorn Press to publish “The Witch’s Book.” Thanks for your encouragement and kind words, much appreciated.
Best wishes,
S
Filed under Books, Publishing, The Phoenix Story, Young Adult
BUSINESS INVESTOR AND PARTNER
Bubbling with ideas, forging ahead, in control of the electronic rights to published and successful work, and with a wealth of finished work in the background, Phoenix Ark still needs a serious investor and ideally a hands on business partner, with experience in publishing, passionate about story, books and culture.
Filed under Publishing, The Phoenix Story
Phoenix Ark's Blog 