The Official Site of Author Tom Tancin

Hippocampus Book Trailer

2012-02-18T17:59:00.002-05:00

The Official Book Trailer for Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution). What do you think?

Hippocampus Preview

2012-02-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution) Preview

The Origins of Revolution: Part III (2010)

2012-02-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

I was searching through my old book files looking for a specific file but I came across some interesting items and I was reminded of how long I've been developing the concepts that we now call The Atlantis Revolution. I figured it would be interesting to share the development of the series with everyone so I'm going to chronicle the growth of the series in multiple blog posts. Here's some idea of how the series that will see it's first book reach the market on April 3, 2012 came to be.

2010- By the end of 2009, I posted the early draft of the manuscript on textnovel.com. At the start of 2010, the was an editor's choice. It would go on to become very popular on the site and ended up a semi-finalist in the 2010 Textnovel Contest. Here's a promo image I used to promote the story on Textnovel:

As the book became more successful and I further developed the series, I reached out to Veronica Jones (an illustrator) to do some interior B&W images for the book (which will actually be in the paperback and .pdf versions of the book). Thoroughly impressed, I asked her to do a character sketch for Trey Atlas. Here's an image using that illustration to celebrate the success of the book on Textnovel:

At the same time, I started promoting the book on Inkpop.com. The book also found great success on that site, making it into the top 150 books at one point.

With the success of the book on those sites increasing throughout 2010, I had a lot to think about. And it just so happens that 2011 would bring even greater success.

Stay tuned for more on the Origins of the Revolution...

The Origins of the Revolution: Part II (2009)

2012-01-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

I was searching through my old book files looking for a specific file but I came across some interesting items and I was reminded of how long I've been developing the concepts that we now call The Atlantis Revolution. I figured it would be interesting to share the development of the series with everyone so I'm going to chronicle the growth of the series in multiple blog posts. Here's some idea of how the series that will see it's first book reach the market on April 3, 2012 came to be.

2009- Between 2005 and 2009, I took time away from Triton and wrote three other books (Perfection, The Man in the Moon, and Watched). In the summer of 2009, I returned to the concept of Atlantis and I also created the character that would drive The Atlantis Revolution. Trey Atlas was born. He was cocky and arrogant and not that likeable but the base of his character still remains in the story today. I also wrote the first version of the manuscript that would become Hippocampus that summer. The first version was entitled Trey Atlas and the Key to the Kingdom. Here's an early look at a sketch of Trey Atlas by CJ Howlett:

And here's the beginning of the earliest manuscript featuring Trey Atlas I could find. Please note that this is not the version that will be released (Trey's character is not as cocky as he was in this early version).

SoIbet you think you're going to read about another poor sap that hasnothing going for him. You probably think I'm just another nobodyturned hero with a story to tell. Think about it, so many storiesthese days are about kids with the worst luck in the world. They areorphaned, have only a few friends, the subject of ridicule by thepopular crowd, and they can't manage to please anyone.

Thenall of a sudden, they magically find themselves thrust into a hugedilemma of epic proportions. They manage to find a hidden power, orpowers, deep down in themselves and use it to save the day. Suddenlythey are heroes. And their lives are never the same. In fact, theyprobably go on numerous other quests to save the world from disaster. Aren't you sick of that?

Well,I'm going to tell you flat out, that's not me. I'm Trey Atlas andI'm the complete opposite of those poor saps turned heroes. Iactually have a really nice life going for me. I'm a good-lookingguy; ask any of the girls in my classes.

Ihave a smooth, model-worthy face, ocean blue eyes, and layered blondhair that I always style to look like I didn't spend anytime on it. In other words, I make it look messy.

Ittakes a lot of work to be me. I spend most of my life in the pool,the next majority working out at the gym, and the rest sleeping,showering, and picking out the newest fashion trends.

DidI mention that I'm a champion swimmer for our school? Well I am andour school worships swimming like most other schools worshipfootball. That's probably because I'm the best swimmer in the statefor three years running. I joined the varsity swim team in eighthgrade. And I carry top grades to match.

Beforeyou ask, cause I know you're thinking it, yes my parents are rich. Dad's an influential lawyer on his way to political office and Mom'sa leading archaeologist. They buy me all of the latest technologyand must haves. Now that doesn't come without a price. My mom anddad are rarely around. But I don't really care because Maria, ourhousekeeper, is the best cook in the world. Plus, like I saidbefore, I spend most of my time either in the pool or at the gym.

I'mvery popular too. I have lots of friends from every cliqueimaginable. I don't have time for a girlfriend but if you were toobserve me at school, you would always find me with a number of girlshanging around me. Who needs a girlfriend when you have a bunch ofgirl friends?

Solet me sell you myself in one sentence. I'm Trey Atlas and I havemodel looks, athletic talent, intelligence, a wealthy family, and agreat personality. Hopefully, based on that, you can believe me whenI say that I had everything going for me. Then suddenly, out ofnowhere, it all changed. But before I start whining, which I can'tstand, let me start at the beginning.

Thisis the story of how my awesome life changed into a nightmare and howI got wrapped up in a fight to save a world that shouldn't haveexisted and forced to become a hero I didn't want to be.

I know that if I didn't have that early version, I wouldn't have Hippocampus as it is today but I'm so glad that I developed it over the years.

Stay tuned for more on the Origins of the Revolution...

Hippocampus is Illustrated

2012-01-24T18:36:00.001-05:00

Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution) now features an amazing illustrated cover! Illustration by Veronica Jones. Here are some different views of the new cover:

Front Cover

Back Cover

Full Wraparound Cover

The Origins of the Revolution: Part I (2005)

2012-01-21T21:05:00.001-05:00

Notice the early version of the logo that now represents The Atlantis Revolution. I'm amazed that I had that idea all the way back in 2005.

Stay tuned for more on the Origins of the Revolution...

And the New Publication Date Is....(Drumroll)

2012-01-07T10:45:00.000-05:00

Due to the fact that Hippocampus will be publication ready MUCH sooner than expected and the fact that there is already a growing demand for the book, I figured why not let the readers get the book as soon as possible. So the publication date changed. Instead of waiting for June 26th, you can now get the book (as an ebook and Lulu.com exclusive paperback) on....

Ready for it....

Here it is.....

April 3, 2012! So just remember---4/3/12. I hope this makes you as excited as it does me. Hippocampus will be delivered to the world 2 months before the original publication date.

2012---The Atlantean Year of the Hippocampus

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! 2012 is the Atlantean year of the Hippocampus.

The Hippocampus is the most valued sign in Atlantis. The Hippocampus represents all Princes and Princesses. The Hippocampus also brings royalty, ambition, passion, good health, and prosperity.

Here's to a great 2012!!!

Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution)
By Tom Tancin
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Formats: Ebooks (Amazon, B&N, etc) and exclusive paperback through Lulu.com

6 Months and Counting!!!

2011-12-26T10:12:00.001-05:00

We're officially 6 months away from the release of "Hippocampus" (June 26, 2012). Promotion will be picking up in the next couple of months and this site will be updated more often.

To the reviewers already signed up for a copy of "Hippocampus", review copies are being finalized and should be sent out to you in the next 2-3 weeks.

Stay tuned!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! This year I'm thankful for many things and one of them is that so many people have already showed support for Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution). Thank you to everyone who has supported the book thus far and all of those who will in the future.

Today starts the Holiday season and I usually get a great deal of writing done during the last month+ of the year. Hoping the same holds true this year. With 5 days off of school for Thanksgiving, I plan to spend a couple days with family and then a couple days writing to lead off the writing month.

Enjoy Thanksgiving with your loved ones!!

-Tom

Update on the Revolution

2011-11-08T19:04:00.001-05:00

I'm writing again! After many weeks of feeling ill and mentally drained, I'm back to writing strength again. Lucky for me (and you if you're waiting for the second book...oh wait, never mind!) I planned, plotted, outlined, and created characters during my down time and now it's full steam ahead with the story. For those of you that haven't kept track, I'm currently writing Echinodea (Book Two of the Atlantis Revolution).

I wrote a fight scene on Sunday and now I'm working on a very important plot line to the series. It's a piece crucial to the overall story of The Atlantis Revolution and I think it will be particularly interesting to readers. I know I'm intrigued by the possibilities.

The goal is still to finish the first draft of Echinodea before Hippocampus hits the market (June 26, 2012). Based on my current progress and the outlines in front of me, that's entirely possible (as long as I don't get sick and/or mentally drained again). I'd be even happier if I meet that goal a few months ahead of schedule.

Mnemosunero (Chapter One of Hippocampus)

2011-10-26T12:00:00.026-04:00

Royal Palace – Atlantis

Aerian woke with a gasping breath. Her face, drained of all color, contrasted her sweat matted black hair and gray robes. If her dream was true, something that had been predicted eleven thousand years ago was in progress. She listened to the world around her to figure out if she should believe the dream that woke her. But, being deep in the heart of the palace basement, she didn't hear anything at all.

Dark and dungeon-like, the room was special to her none-the-less. Trinkets and other artifacts, reminiscent of her ancestors, cluttered the room. Her family had served the Atlantean royals since the first record of Atlantean time and it just so happened that some of the artifacts in the very room she now occupied were sixty thousand years old.

One particular artifact was of interest at that moment. The most important one passed down through the family of sorcerers. The one that could clarify the situation. But she wouldn’t find it in her room so she climbed out of bed and walked to the door.

A sharp knife tore through her mind like it was flesh and she screamed in agony.

Aerian. The word came to her like a whisper avoiding her ears and going directly to her brain. A feeling of urgency swept through her, probably transferring from the person trying to get her attention. She needed to find them and figure out what was going on.

She closed her eyes and searched her thoughts, as she had been trained to do. A few seconds later, she made the connection and found herself lying on the floor under a bed, looking out at smoke. She saw boots; dark, navy blue boots. The silver symbol on the boots verified that the dream was true.

Aerian forced herself out of the body and looked at the scared face of the blond boy. Dirt covered his smooth features, caked to his face by tears. The bloodshot ocean blue eyes belonged to Prince Maciek, the nine-year-old grandson of the ruling Prince and Princess.

Aerian.

I'm coming, just stay there. She quickly slipped her boots on under her robes and ran out of the dungeon toward the steps that would lead her up to the palace. Her ancestors had predicted this day would come but none of the royals had listened. Now, at seventeen and with powers not fully developed, she had to save the royal family.

She climbed the steps cautiously. Voices from above caused her to stop. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the hallway at the top of the stairs. Three of them were in the hallway, dressed in navy blue outfits, only their eyes left exposed. The silver symbol of a wave on their headpiece represented the Knights of the Abyss, an underground organization determined to take control of Atlantis.

Founded by individuals with a hatred for the Atlantean kings of the past, the Knights had made it their goal to overthrow a royal family and change the entire structure of the Atlantean government. They had waited for hundreds of years and strategically gained access to the palace and the royal families. The Knights that now threatened the lives of the royal family may have been their guards earlier that afternoon. All of this knowledge had been passed down through the Mnemosunero but, while the sorcerers took it seriously, the royals ignored it.

The searing pain tore through her mind again. She muffled a scream with her hand. The Knights moved closer, their shadows on the steps in front of her. Thankfully, the curved wall kept her hidden from their view.

Using her mind, she took control of the flame of a candle on the stone wall. Pulling her arms apart, she forced the flame into a large wave of fire and bolted up the steps, throwing the fire at the Knights. Orange engulfed navy; the Knights screamed in horror. Waving her hands over the air, she hid their screams until all three succumbed to the flames. The smell of burnt cloth and flesh all that remained.

She breathed heavy, her heart raced, and her head pounded. Mentally and physically exhausted after battling only three Knights, she forced herself to continue.

Her heart dropped. Maciek's mental waves could not be located. Sadness tore through her as she tried to connect with Maciek's older brother, Prince Sandro, but came up empty. The thoughts of their father, Evander, and their mother, Kyra, could not be located either.

A crash downstairs interrupted her before she could focus on the last person with whom she wanted to connect. She headed down toward the crash, which sounded like it came from her room. As she approached the door to the room, she heard movement from inside. Two Knights searched through the artifacts on the shelves.

“Looking for something?” she asked with vengeance as she stepped into the doorway.

The Knights turned to her and each pulled the sword from the scabbard on their belt. “You don't have to be a sorceress to realize that,” one said in a deep, raspy voice.

“But lucky for me,” she replied, “I am a sorceress. That would be most unfortunate for you though.”

“We're interested in a particular member of the royal family,” the Knight with the raspy voice told her. “The one with dark blood. With him in place as King, we’ll control the island.”

“You'll run our civilization into poverty and depression,” Aerian said.

“No worse than these rich, selfish royals have done for the last eleven thousand years,” the Knight hissed.

“Where’s the boy?” the other Knight grew impatient with her.

“I'm not telling you,” Aerian answered.

The Knight with the raspy voice ran forward, grabbed and turned her, and, with his back now to the door, placed the sword to her throat. “You will tell us where he is.”

“If you kill me, you'll never find him.”

“We'll take that chance,” the Knight standing in front of her said. He nodded his head, giving the one with the raspy voice the permission to kill her.

Before he could slice her neck, he let out a gasping moan and fell to the floor. Aerian blasted a wave of energy at the one in front of her, forcing him into the wall. A young man ran toward the Knight that lay on the floor against the wall. He stabbed his sword into the Knight's chest, pulled it out, and turned to face her.

“Jedrick,” she hugged him. “I thought you were dead. I was going to connect with you but was interrupted.”

His handsome face stained with dirt and blood and his disheveled blond hair showed he had been in a fight. The ocean blue tunic left his upper arms uncovered, revealing a seahorse tattoo on his left arm. His ocean blue eyes stared into her and they kissed.

“I came for you as soon as I could,” Jedrick told her. His eyes and voice saddened. “The rest of the family is dead. I searched just about every room. They killed my mom, dad and grandparents.”

“Maciek and Sandro?” asked Aerian.

His eyes watered. “My cousins are dead.”

“No,” she cried. Her stomach twisted and her lungs burned.

“So are all of the servants, who were in the princesses' room.”

“And the princesses?”

“All of them are dead,” Jedrick told her.

Not knowing herself, she looked to him for guidance. “What do we do now?”

“We get out of the palace and run as far as we can,” he said.

“I have to get the....”

“We don't have time. There will be more Knights down here in a matter of minutes. They already eliminated everyone upstairs so they're going to comb the tunnels under the palace to make sure no one escaped. We're next if we don't run now.”

He grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the room. They ran as fast as they could.

“Where are we going?”

“The southeastern forest,” he said.

Aerian stopped and Jedrick was pulled back as well. “That's too far away. And who knows if the Knights already infiltrated the base.”

“Where else are we going to go? Now come on!” He pulled her again but she wouldn't move.

“Jedrick, you're the new ruling Prince. You have to be near so you can run the city.”

“They're going to kill me if they find me,” he reminded her. “The farther we get from this place, the better. Come on...”

Before they took five steps, Jedrick fell to the ground and screamed in pain. He searched for the object in the back of his ankle and pulled out a throwing star. One of its points dripped with blood from his ankle.

Five Knights approached them, swords in hand. “I'll take my star back,” said one of the Knights, reaching for it. Aerian swooped her hands forward and shot a gust of energy at them. It caused them to stumble backwards but didn't knock them over.

“My body is weak,” she told Jedrick.

Jedrick made it to his feet, putting all of the pressure on his left, healthy ankle. He pulled the sword from the scabbard on his belt.

“That's the boy,” said the Knight who asked for the star.

“Are you sure?” another asked.

“What do you want?” Jedrick questioned.

“All we're asking is that you come with us,” the first Knight told him. “We have a proposition for you.”

“We'll never go with you,” Aerian replied.

“Don't make this difficult,” the Knight said. “Our leader needs to speak with the Prince. We have no reason to kill you.”

“You think we believe that?” Jedrick said, grating his teeth. “As long as I'm alive, I'm ruler of Atlantis. You want control of the island so you have to kill me.”

“We're not trying to take your throne,” the Knight told him. “We're just trying to use it.”

“Liar! You killed my entire family.” Jedrick attacked, the Knight caught Jedrick's sword with his own and the clanging metal echoed down the stone hall.

“Don't kill him,” another Knight shouted.

“Are you sure he's the right...” A bullet of energy hit the Knight square in the forehead and he collapsed to the floor with a thud. Aerian's body relaxed after the spell as the other three Knights turned their attention to her and charged. She ran, their footsteps echoing off the walls behind her.

One of the Knights caught up to her and pushed her to the ground. She used a wave of energy to push him away and scrambled to her feet. A sword sliced her arm, she screamed with the tearing of flesh, and backed against the wall holding the bleeding wound.

“Now tell you're boyfriend to come with us,” said the Knight holding the sword dripping with her blood.

“No!”

Jedrick hobbled towards them. The Knight he fought now lay on the floor. He stabbed one Knight before he could defend himself and the other two turned to the Prince. They both swiped their swords at Jedrick but he avoided them.

“It's not him,” one of the Knights said as he blocked Jedrick's sword.

Aerian ran over and grabbed the sword from the Knight laying on the stone floor. She stabbed one of the two Knights that battled Jedrick and then turned to the last Knight.

Jedrick's face went blank and he let out a gasp of air. The remaining Knight turned his eyes to hers as he pulled the bloody sword from Jedrick's chest. “It wasn't him,” the Knight hissed evilly as he bore his eyes into Aerian.

Pain, sorrow, and fear flowed through her as the Knight moved toward her. Clenching her teeth, she gathered up as much strength as she could and shot a bullet of energy at him. The barely visible bullet connected with the Knights' head and he fell.

Aerian dropped to her knees next to Jedrick. She smiled slightly when he gasped for air, though she knew he wouldn't make it much longer without help. She tore the blue tunic, removing the cloth from his chest. The amount of blood that came from the wound turned her stomach ill.

She tried to muster up the power to heal him. “Come on!” she cried. He was dying and she didn't even have the power to save him. “I'm sorry!” The last amount of energy had been used to take down the last Knight. “I'm sorry!” Tears poured from her eyes like teeming rain.

“It's alright,” Jedrick comforted her through gasps of air and moans of pain. “You...have the chance...to save...” He struggled to take in enough air to talk. “...Use the plan.” He gasped a few more heavy breaths and his eyes turned lifeless.

“No!” Aerian laid her head on Jedrick's stomach. The right side of her face soaked in the blood that had poured out of him. She heard his last statement in her head. Use the plan. The perfect idea. If she didn't do it, Jedrick and the rest of the royal family would have died in vain. She sat up. Use the plan. She kissed Jedrick one last time and then pushed herself to her feet. Her stomach sick; she felt like she could vomit.

She forced her aching, dirty body to walk down the hallway, only able to move slowly at first, but picking up speed as she went. She had to make it to the river that ran under the palace. It was the best way for her to make it to the destination needed to put the plan in play.

By the time she approached the river, she jogged at a nice pace. She jumped in the river and let the currents carry her, saving her strength for what was going to have to take place. It took less than a minute to make it to the royal grounds just outside the palace. She caught the bank of the river and pulled herself out.

The palace walls, like massive sand dunes, hid the murdered bodies of the people she knew and loved. Though not family, they were the closest thing to it she’d ever known. Jedrick's parents had loved her as their own and she loved Jedrick more than she thought she could ever love anyone.

Her legs bent under her, her face nearly touched the ground, as tears, mixed with the little of Jedrick's blood that remained on her face, dropped to the soil. Not a single royal survived the vicious attack. Jedrick had made it clear that he was the last one alive but now he too was dead. More tears ran from her eyes. If only she hadn't used all her power, she could have saved him.

Use the plan.

She couldn't sit and dwell on the tragedy at this point. She had to put the plan in play. She climbed to her feet and walked cautiously toward the temple. The plan had to be activated at the pond right outside the large marble building. Smoke rose out of its roof as she searched the area for Knights. There were none in sight.

Aerian knelt in front of the pond and placed her hand in the water. A sensation of losing all memory took over. She stared in the water, which now glowed with a white light. The water reflected the image of the Knight pulling the sword from Jedrick's chest. The image of Jedrick's death faded to her lighting the Knights on fire. Maciek, under his bed, called for her help. The image faded again. She was a young child, stealing food to eat and sleeping on the streets. She met the young, handsome Jedrick for the first time and he took her to meet his family. The smiles and embraces of acceptance.

Her mind came back to life, giving her more control over what she saw in the water. She discovered the room with the ancient artifacts that she now occupied. That's when she figured out she was a sorceress and a descendant of a long line of sorcerers.

She smiled as Jedrick kissed her for the first time. He had been so nervous and she had found herself equally nervous after the fact. She hadn't seen it coming and she didn't know how to respond. Three years later, kissing him like that was so easy but it also meant so much more.

Now having complete control over the visions in the water, she searched for an ancient memory. One she did not have herself. A fragment of mind given to the Mnemosunero by her ancestor, Aruc. The memory appeared in the water. Aruc cast a silver pendant, diamond shaped with wings on the side and a blue gem on the top triangle, into the unknown.

Focused on the pendant, she forced her mind to stay with it. She continued moving the memories faster through time until she reached the present. The necklace rested in a box that sat in a dark space. Focusing harder, she hoped the water would show her the person who would next receive the jewel.

The new prince of Atlantis.

Aruc's Prophecy for the Atlantis Revolution

2011-10-23T21:31:00.001-04:00

Atlantis exists. Of course, you don't know this because it's hidden from our world. Eleven thousand years ago, the Greeks and Egyptians attacked Atlantis. In order to protect the island, Aruc, a sorcerer, created an illusion of the island sinking and then put a barrier in place to prevent outsiders from seeing or gaining access to Atlantis. But Aruc knew that the isolated island was not safe forever. In fact, he cast the very prophecy that predicted the bleak future of the island. His prophecy became known as Profiteia ek Epanastasi.

From Blood of Evil and Blood of True

A Boy is Born and this Prophecy Due

For When the Abyss Rises to Make Its Mark

The Savior is the Boy with Royal Blood Half Dark

The sorcerer then designed a plan that would ensure the survival of the island he loved. For thousands of years, Atlantis continued in peace and prosperity with no need for the plan.

Sixteen years ago, the Prince foreseen in Aruc's prophecy was born. Familiar with the Prophecy, and knowing that one day the boy would be needed to save Atlantis, the royal family sent the baby off the island to ensure his safety in the world outside Atlantis. Eleven thousand years after it was created, Aruc's plan was finally put in motion.

The Atlantis Revolution begins…

First Taste of Hippocampus

2011-10-16T14:00:00.001-04:00

I'm posting this to tell you that Chapter One of Hippocampus will be posted right here on my site on October 26, 2011. That's 8 months before the official release date of June 26, 2012. Hope to see you back here on 10/26 for your first taste of Hippocampus!

A Few Updates!

2011-10-09T12:21:00.000-04:00

First of all, I'm sick AGAIN! The worst part about being sick is that it's drastically impacting my progress/work on The Atlantis Revolution. When I'm sick, I don't feel like being creative so everything goes on hold. I'm hoping I shake this one soon so that I can get back to work.

That being said, I ordered another 5 copies of Hippocampus. These 5 are going out to people I personally know so that they can read, edit, and give me feedback. This is the true test of Hippocampus. Let's see how they like it! I'll let you know.

Once I get feedback, I'll make any necessary/appropriate changes and then I'll send out review copies and have copies available for my students to read. That will be the second test!

The exciting part is starting...people are actually going to read the book.

Paperback of Hippocampus!

2011-10-01T10:59:00.000-04:00

I recently received the first ever paperback copy of Hippocampus. The text on the right side of the front cover needs to be edited, but other than that it's perfect. Remember that Hippocampus will be available for eReaders (nook, kindle, iPad, etc). However, it will also be available as an exclusive paperback edition at an online printer (not on B&N or Amazon). I will fill in details later but you will be able to get the paperback copy if you want it. And it will only cost you about $8.99 plus tax & shipping. Here are the pics of the first paperback copy ever:

First Poster for The Atlantis Revolution and Other Updates

2011-09-25T18:11:00.000-04:00

Things are really busy for me. I finished another edit of Hippocampus. I have at least one more edit to do before publication in June. I'm now formatting the book into paperback format so I can print some ARCS and distribute to bloggers and others for reviews. I should have the paperback format ready by the end of this week and then I plan to start sending to reviewers in December or January.

I also wrote the very last scene for Echinodea (Book Two of the Atlantis Revolution). But that doesn't mean I'm finished with the sequel (I'm actually only around 1/2 way finished). I had inspiration to write the final scene so I did. Now the interesting part will be to see if it remains the final scene when the book is finished. I usually reorder things so it may get moved.

Also, there's more going on with The Atlantis Revolution that I can't talk about yet. Hoping to share ASAP as it could be really HUGE. Stay tuned!!

Fighting a Cold, a Hurricane, and the Start of the School Year

2011-09-03T14:52:00.000-04:00

Things have been hectic for me. I started to overcome the power of the bacteria/viruses that took over my body for almost two weeks just in time for the start of the new school year. Then Hurricane Irene made her presence known and delayed the opening of school for a day. However, just as expected, the busy first week of school finally overwhelmed me and prevented me from posting.

Basically, I haven't made any progress on Echinodea, book 2 of the Atlantis Revolution. However, I'm editing Hippocampus and so I'm making some progress. I'm also planning events, promotions, and advertisements. So work is being done, even if it's a little less than I'd like.

I think that's how it's going to be for the next 9 months or so. I'll try to make as much progress as possible and post as often as possible but it might not be as often as you or I'd like. Know this, just because I'm not active on here, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc doesn't mean I'm not working on The Atlantis Revolution. I will be editing. I will be writing (slowly). I will be preparing for the major promotion to start in Spring 2012. But I'll also be teaching, advising Science Olympiad, lesson planning, grading, running middle school dances, chaperoning dances, organizing field trips (hopefully), writing grants, and doing everything else that's part of my job as a middle school teacher.

To say it short and to the point, I'll be busy. So please be patient with me during this school year. I will have preview chapters/promotions/events to discuss throughout the rest of this year and into 2012. But it probably won't be on a regular basis. Bear with me through the whirlwind. Next summer will be worth the wait!

Quick Update

2011-08-21T20:20:00.000-04:00

You probably noticed that things slowed down in the last few days. I didn't give an update about my writing/editing and I haven't been active on Facebook/Twitter or on this site. I'm not feeling well and so I'm not very productive. Don't know if it's allergies or a head cold but it's keeping me from accomplishing the many things I should be doing. Hopefully I'll be able to shake it soon and I'll be back to work. I promise that I'll have some productive updates as soon as I feel better.

North Carolina, Get Ready For Revolution!!!

2011-08-17T12:00:00.001-04:00

The first event planned for the Hippocampus Book Tour is in Lumberton, North Carolina. On February 25, 2012, I'm heading to Book 'Em North Carolina. Book 'Em is an organization that raises money to increase literacy rates in the community. Further details are being arranged (including talks/panel discussions I will participate in) so check back often.

I can tell you for sure that Hippocampus will be on sale (4 Months Early!!!). That's right, if you meet me at Book 'Em North Carolina, you can buy and read the book 4 months early and support a great charity at the same time! So mark your calendars for 2/25/12 and join the Revolution at Book 'Em North Carolina. Remember to bring your eReaders (Kindles, Nooks, iPads, iPods, etc).

Here are my books that will be on sale at Book 'EM North Carolina:
Hippocampus (eBook Formats) $2.99---100% of the proceeds go to charity
The Man in the Moon (Trade Paperback) $6.99---50% of the proceeds go to charity
Watched (Trade Paperback) $6.99---50% of the proceeds go to charity
Time Warriors: Induction (Trade Paperback) $6.99--50% of proceeds go to charity

**Remember that Hippocampus is available in eBook formats only but we designed a way to sell the eBook at Book 'Em. And that means more book events are possible with the eBooks as well!! Stay tuned!!!**

Update on the Revolution--Week 3

2011-08-07T11:39:00.000-04:00

I'm still progressing slowly on Echinodea. I'm really hoping to pick up the pace this coming week. I did write more than the previous week so I hope that trend continues.

Currently Writing: Echinodea (Book Two of the Atlantis Revolution)--started in June 2011

Chapters Completed: 7 (1 chapter written this week)

Total Word Count at the Moment: 19,712 words (average of 2,816 words per chapter) 1,487 words this week

Number of Pages (Normal word doc pages single spaced): 64 pages 4 pages added this week

Estimated Percentage of the Book Completed: 28%

Expected Completion Date: Late December 2011

Current Goals for Completed Book: 27 chapters; approx. 70,000 words; approx. 232 single spaced normal word doc pages

Flashback

2011-08-04T16:02:00.000-04:00

I stumbled across an interview I did in November 2008 and it brought back memories so I wanted to share. The interview was on The Odd Mind and runs a little over an hour. At the time, I was promoting Watched which was the second Lindsey Scott Thrillstery but I discussed the other series as well (minus The Atlantis Revolution because I didn't have that idea at the time). I found it interesting listening to my thoughts from back then and seeing how they changed to now.

Listen to internet radio with The Odd Mind on Blog Talk Radio

Update on the Revolution--Week 2

2011-07-29T11:01:00.001-04:00

This week was a slow week. I started a grad class and that changed my writing schedule which ruined my flow. I'm hoping to make up for it in the next week so I have some bigger progress to post. I did edit about half of "Hippocampus" (2nd to last edit) this week as well so I did make progress on the series (just not writing).

Currently Writing: Echinodea (Book Two of the Atlantis Revolution)--started in June 2011

Chapters Completed: 6 1/4 (1/4 chapter written this week)

Total Word Count at the Moment: 18,225 words (average of 2,916 words per chapter) under 1,000 words this week

Number of Pages (Normal word doc pages single spaced): 60 pages less than 2 pages added this week

Estimated Percentage of the Book Completed: 25%

Expected Completion Date: Late December 2011

Current Goals for Completed Book: 27 chapters; approx. 70,000 words; approx. 232 single spaced normal word doc pages

Just for fun...

2011-07-28T20:46:00.001-04:00

I discovered xtranormal.com while taking my current grad class. I'm going to use it for my science classes this year but I thought I'd practice, and have a little fun, using one of the characters from my books. I hope you enjoy.

And just a disclaimer: Xtranormal does not in any way endorse me or my books. This was just a fun project to practice with their software.

My Writing Playlist

2011-07-27T21:11:00.000-04:00

People are curious about an author's playlist (the music they write to). I know I always want to find out what other authors use when they write. I only write to soundtrack music. I really like the soundtracks to The Chronicles of Narnia movies, The Dark Knight, and Avatar. In addition, I use trailer music when writing as well. Groups like Audiomachine and Two Steps To Hell create perfect music to get my ideas flowing. I am putting together a playlist of my writing music on Youtube (it's no where near complete but I'll continue to update) and I thought I'd post it so everyone can see what I listen to when I write.

So writers, what do you listen to when you write? And readers, what do you listen to when you read? What do you think about my playlist?

Issuse with Site Drop Down Menu and Twitter Box

2011-07-25T20:32:00.000-04:00

It has come to my attention that the drop down menu at the top of the page is not working properly for some people. I believe this has something to do with Internet Explorer. I'm working to figure out a solution. In the meantime, if you have the option, use Firefox or Safari (since the menu seems to function properly on those browsers).

I'm also looking into an issue with the Twitter Followers Box not displaying any more. It was working as of this morning but now is not functioning properly (on any of the browsers I tried). I'm looking into this as well.

The site is newly designed and I'm working out the issues as they present themselves. You can help me out by letting me know if any other issues present themselves or if you have a solution to any issues. Leave a comment or email tomtancin@gmail.com. Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding as we get this site functioning properly.

Website is live

2011-07-23T21:07:00.002-04:00

The redesign of Tom Tancin.com is now live. While some improvements will be made over the next few weeks, this is the basic design of the new site. This site puts Tom's blog posts front and center, let's you "tweet" and "like" the various posts/pages, makes it easy to connect Tom's books to your Goodreads shelves, and gives you the opportunity to connect and socialize with other vistors and readers.

Have an idea of how the site can be improved? Want to see a feature added? Leave us a comment in this post.

Update on the Revolution

2011-07-22T14:12:00.000-04:00

Each week I will post updates about my writing of The Atlantis Revolution. This way you can keep up with how I'm progressing with the series.

Currently Writing: Echinodea (Book Two of the Atlantis Revolution)--started in June 2011

Chapters Completed: 6

Total Word Count at the Moment: 17,510 words (average of 2,918 words per chapter)

Number of Pages (Normal word doc pages single spaced): 58 pages

Estimated Percentage of the Book Completed: 25%

Expected Completion Date: Late December 2011

Current Goals for Completed Book: 27 chapters; approx. 70,000 words; approx. 232 single spaced normal word doc pages

Go Planet!!!

2011-07-20T14:37:00.000-04:00

Captain Planet Live Action Movie in the Works!!! Captain Planet is in the top 3 of my favorite childhood shows. All I can say is..."Go Planet!!!"

Hunger Games Movie

2011-07-19T14:14:00.001-04:00

Definitely one of (if not my absolute) favorite book series, The Hunger Games Trilogy, is being adapted for film. Hopefully they do the books justice. I'm impressed with the majority of the casting for the movie and I'm glad that Suzanne Collins was a crucial piece to the screen writing process. So they have two things going for them in my mind. And today they released the animated movie poster and countdown widget. Now they have 4 things going for them!

Check it out at www.thehungergamesmovie.com

Help Me Brand the Revolution

2011-07-18T16:57:00.000-04:00

When I decided to re-enter the publishing world (after a 2 year hiatus), I came to terms with the fact that I was heading right back into branding myself and my books. Creating a brand is something I did back in 2006-2008 when I self-published the Lindsey Scott Thrillsteries. I spent countless hours learning how to create a brand and then designed my websites, t-shirts, book covers, ads, bookmarks, book lights, give-aways, posters, and banners---yes, I did all of that by myself (I was, and still am, a one man show).

So here I am, preparing to release Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution) in eBook formats in June 2012. I'm back to where I was in 2006 when I first started building the hype for The Man in the Moon (which I consider that branding attempt successful). Only this time, since I'm publishing eBooks, I need to capitalize on social networks and technology.

I thought that my first official blog of the REVOLUTION should document the plans (as of now) for branding myself as a young adult fantasy author and the new series, The Atlantis Revolution.

1. "Revolutionizing" TomTancin.com with a brand new, sleek, smooth, and interesting design. That also includes incorporating social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads (since it is for readers).

2. Building the brand on Facebook with the group The Atlantis Revolution. NOTE: This is in very early stages of planning and implementing!

3. Connecting with readers, writers, reviewers, and book lovers on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

4. Sending eBook copies of Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution) out to reviewers sometime in early 2012.

5. Designing a website for The Atlantis Revolution series.

6. Considering give-aways and other contests to promote Hippocampus.

7. Designing ads to run on young adult book websites.

As I said, I'm still early in the branding phase and have a lot to do and add. This means that I'll experience the same challenge, fun, excitement, and frustration that I did a few years ago. And after over 2 years of being away, I'm ready for it!

**So tell me---What do you want to see as part of my brand?

Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution)

2011-07-17T14:53:00.011-04:00

Hippocampus (Book One of the Atlantis Revolution)--4/3/2012

Hippocampus was a 2010 Editor's Choice and Semi-Finalist in the 2010 Textnovel.com Contest! It was also a top 150 book on Inkpop.com in 2010.

An Island that Shouldn't Exist...

A Life He Didn't Know...

A Destiny That Can't Be Escaped

There was no turning back. We were going to set into motion a revolution that could either save Atlantis or leave it destroyed in the process.

Sixteen-year-old Trey Atlas' known life is a lie. While he was raised in Miami, Trey was actually born in Atlantis. Sent off the legendary island as a baby for his own safety, Trey is the only living heir to the Atlantean throne. Whether he likes it or not, Trey has to go back to his birthplace and accept his role as the Ruling Prince and lead the revolution to defeat the Knights of the Abyss. Otherwise, thousands of innocent lives and his true family legacy could be lost forever.

Cover by Veronica Jones

Reviews of Hippocampus

"Watch out Harry Potter, here comes Trey Atlas. An imaginative beginning of what could become the next YA epic series."
-Kidd1 on Authonomy.com

"This is fantastic. It's faintly reminiscent of Percy Jackson, but somehow punchier and more immediate. I definitely think this has got what it takes to take the market by storm. Fabulous work."
-A Knight on authonomy.com

Great premise for a broad legendary canvas- there's nothing like a lost civilisation to fire the imagination.. The writing is solid, flowing and sharp. the characters are crafted well and people you want to journey with.
-Owen Quinn on authonomy.com

What great characters, written into a highly imaginative storyline. Very much like the contrast you build between Trey's world and the beginning it makes the crossing over very powerful. Great story well told.
-Famlavan on authonomy.com

This is a fantastic reworking of ancient themes and modern interests.
-Jane Bain on authonomy.com

I love the world you've created. Your writing is descriptive, clear, and to the point. Excellent imagination. Being a writer of fantasy/sci fi myself, I try to read and support as many well written ones on this site that I can. I hope this work does well and people give it a chance.
-Natalie Jones on authonomy.com

It's easy to understand why this is getting strong support from young readers. The swashbuckling Knights take on a sorceress and her love, battling to his death and her escape. Such bitter tragedy leaves so many possibilities for fair Aerian. And then, the plan is added. Brilliant.
-Star Gazer on inkpop.com

What an original, well-crafted story! You must read a great deal of myth and old-world stories, as much as new-age ones, to combine the two themes to make your great tale. You write everything well, from dialogue to the paragraphs surrounding it / drawing it all together.
-Kevin Wong on inkpop.com

Your premise is so incredibly unique and your writing is generally strong as well. this is a really clever and original book. you have plenty of great things going for you here. I like your characters, especially Aerian (beautiful name btw) This was a great read.
-Carrie L McRae on inkpop.com

Great story! I love the quick pace and all the action.
-Jason Hewett on textnovel.com

Privacy Policy

2011-07-17T14:53:00.007-04:00

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When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your: name, e-mail address, mailing address or phone number. You may, however, visit our site anonymously.

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The email address you provide for order processing, will only be used to send you information and updates pertaining to your order.

Note: If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, send an email with "unsubscribe from emails" to tomtancin@gmail.com.

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We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information. This does not include trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release your information when we believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others rights, property, or safety. However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.

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Atlantis Revolution Book Four

2011-07-17T14:37:00.000-04:00

Current Stage: Pre-Planning

Writing Expected to Start: Spring 2013

Expected Publication Date: Spring / Summer 2015

Atlantis Revolution Book Three

2011-07-17T14:35:00.000-04:00

Current Stage: Planning / Outlining

Writing Expected to Start: Spring / Summer 2012

Expected publication date: Spring / Summer 2014

Echinodea (Book Two of the Atlantis Revolution)

2011-07-17T14:33:00.004-04:00

Tom is currently writing this book. Details and the official cover will be released in Summer 2012.

Expected publication date: Spring / Summer 2013

Perfection

2011-07-17T13:15:00.000-04:00

Original Publicaton Date: 2006
New Publication Date: TBD

Cat's Meow

2011-07-17T13:06:00.000-04:00

When the secret couple of Chase Civet, son of the Vice President, and Taylor Andrews, daughter of the Speaker of the House, get kidnapped during the 4th of July festivities at the Capitol, the top officials of the United States find themselves in negotiations with a criminal organization. The Speaker of the House and Vice President, who are opposites on the political spectrum, put their differences aside and make their teenagers their focus. They request the services of Lindsey Scott, the solver of the unsolvable, to find their teens and return them to safety. Detective Scott finds herself traveling the streets of Washington to solve the case and she'll discover that this case really is the "Cat's Meow".

First Time in Print: July 1, 2014

Watched

2011-07-17T13:04:00.000-04:00

Tagline
Lindsey Scott matches wits with a group of killers targeting webcammers.

Short Summary
   Lindsey Scott takes six months vacation from her stressful and grueling job. But she never expected to face her scariest case while on vacation. The 'solver of the unsolvable' is face to face with the task of raising her teenagers, something she avoided up to this point.
      When a cohesive group of killers starts to target webcammers, she'll have to cut her vacation short, really short. Lindsey is on the case trying to track down multiple killers with unique personalities yet one common link. Tracking down killers, especially when you don't know how many there are, is not an easy task.
      Pressure adds as bodies continue to turn up across the country on practically a daily basis. And when Lindsey finally gets the upper hand, one of the killers targets her fifteen year old son.

Original Publicaton: November 2008

New Publication:

The Man in the Moon

2011-07-17T12:55:00.000-04:00

Tagline

Lindsey Scott tracks a serial killer that murders college couples under full moon.

Short Description

A small, college town terrorized by the murder of college couples calls on the services of Lindsey Scott. Scott is dubbed the 'solver of the unsolvable' and is a legend in law enforcement. Following the clues, Lindsey discovers that the serial killer is obsessed with the moon. Calling himself the 'Man in the Moon', the killer is just as mysterious as the symbol. With twenty college kids murdered, Lindsey must use all of the clues and her skills as a crime solver to demystify the Man in the Moon, and prevent him from killing again.

Original Publication: November 2007
New Pubilcation Date:

Time Warriors: Resolution

2011-07-17T12:36:00.000-04:00

Time Warriors: Division

2011-07-17T12:35:00.000-04:00

About the Time Warriors Legacy

2011-07-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

Legacy Summary

Would you risk everything to be the first to time travel? The United States made a choice that led them down a dark road. It was a road from which they could never return. This is that story.

Dreams came true and history was made when four young adults became the first humans to set foot in time. Those four individuals got inducted as the Time Warriors and made it their goal to regulate and protect time travel. The world rallied behind the young heroes and worshiped them like movie stars.

Crime in time increased causing the team to expand. And when no one expected it, the heroes lives were turned upside down. The leadership was challenged and the team divided. A conspiracy came to light and dreams turned to nightmares. The heroes became criminals. A resolution was made and a battle was fought. Lives were lost; a legacy was born.

This is the legacy of the Time Warriors. Read about the first seven years of the United States Department of Time Travel. Experience the good times and the bad. This is a story of friendship, survival, and finding the strength to fight for what you believe in.

History of the Legacy

The first ideas for the Time Warriors Legacy were developed by Tom Tancin and Chris Wolf in 1997 when they were just 13 years old. The boys started writing a book after being challenged by their 7th grade English teacher. They spent the next 5 years expanding on their ideas and by the time they graduated in 2002 they had completed 2 books. After graduation, as they left the sheltered environment of high school, they gave the series a dark twist. And from there, 2 more books were completed. The series took the friends 10 years to complete. Induction (the first book) was released in June 2009 but due to the passing of Tom's father, the series was put on hold and never returned to publication.

Future Publication Dates of the Series: TBD

Time Warriors: Expansion

2011-07-17T12:16:00.000-04:00

"Would you tell the president that he has to wait to meet with the UN? Im sorry Mr. President but I have to talk to my team first. They are the center of the world you know." -TJ

The Time Warriors proved themselves to the United States. They are indeed the new breed of heroes everyone was waiting for. But now that time travel is growing in popularity, so are the problems. As the team's responsibilities increase, so does the stress. Four members just aren't enough. The Time Warriors are due for an EXPANSION---a global one.

Mission 4: Armies of the Zodiac
The Time Warriors quickly learn that heroes can never rest. A universal force is about to unleash its fury on planet Earth and only TIME can tell how to stop it from destroying the planet. An ancient structure will guide the Warriors into battle with twelve extraterrestrial armies. The only problems is, the team has only twelve days to defeat the armies or the Earth will fall to the force.

Mission 5: Return to Paradise
TJ and Heather take some time away from the team to raise their newborn daughter. The two newest members want to know how the team began and, when Chris and Krissy explain the story of their first mission, the two new members ask to go to 'paradise'. Against their own better judgment, Chris and Krissy agree and they return to the place where it all started.

Mission 6: The Elements
A psychic with a connection to the four natural elements teams with the followers of Master of Time. Their goal is to destroy those who protect time. And it becomes even more personal when TJ and Heather's daughter is kidnapped by the group. The team begins a quest to crack the mystery of the four elements and learn how to use them to stop Karma.

Author Access Past Events

2011-07-17T12:12:00.000-04:00

PAST EVENTS

Events Tom took part in will be archived on this page

Author Access Schedule

2011-07-17T12:05:00.003-04:00

Schedule

February 2012
2/25---Book 'Em North Carolina---Lumberton, NC---9:30 AM-4 PM

March 2012
TBA

April 2012
TBA

May 2012
TBA

June 2012
TBA

July 2012
TBA

August 2012
TBA

September 2012
TBA

Questions for Tom

2011-07-17T00:55:00.002-04:00

Leave your questions for Tom in the comments of this post and he'll do his best to answer all of them.

Time Warriors: Induction

2011-06-17T12:13:00.000-04:00

"Time. What is time? Is it just a creation of man? And if it is, can we alter it? And if we can alter it, can we control it?"

-Dr. Johnson, Creator of Time Machine

What if you were responsible for protecting all of time? Four young adults are given that task after the government creates a time machine. They embark on an adventure so great, it will change their lives forever. Join them as they get INDUCTED as the Time Warriors and become the new breed of heroes the world so desperately needs.

Mission 1: The Experiment
      When the US government creates a time machine, it is up to four young adults, just out of high school, to test it.   The opportunity of a lifetime leads them to a prehistoric paradise and they must fight to survive both the age of reptiles and an opposing team set on taking their jobs.

Mission 2: The Secret of Atlantis
       Now that time travel is tested and deemed safe, the government opens time travel to the public. They also put the newly formed Time Warriors in charge of regulating and protecting time travel. A group of criminals sets out to steal the secret of Atlantis and the inexperienced heroes are all that stand in the way.

Mission 3: The Master of Time
       Somebody knows too much. It soon becomes clear that a very intelligent individual is trying to use time travel to take over the world. With two members of the team already walking away, an important lesson is going to be taught to the young heroes. In order to succeed, they have to live by the famous "all or none".