E. L. Seer Author Profile: Journey Through Words

Childhood Adventures: The Making of Ethan Fox

I grew up in a small rural neighborhood in Sacramento, California with my mother, father, and sister. My parents, third generation Sacramento natives, grew up and went to school there as well. My mother was a school teacher for thirty-nine years, and taught nearly every grade during her tenure. My father worked construction for over thirty years and had his hand in the building of many of the freeways spanning Northern California. My father died of cancer on August 20, 2011. My mother died shortly after on October 22, 2013. My sister is still living in the Sacramento area.

As I mentioned, I grew up in a rural type of neighborhood. There were plenty of trees to climb and bushes to explore; and the creek running through the neighborhood provided ample opportunity for an outdoorsy young boy to chase the plentiful frogs, lizards, and to my mother’s displeasure . . . snakes! Many of the follies of young Ethan Fox were pieced together from actual events my poor mother had to endure with me as her son . . .

After years of following my sister through school (she was five years older and ever the good student), I grew tired of every teacher making the inevitable comparison . . . after all, I was made from “snakes and snails and puppy dog tails.” How was a boy to get a break? So just before the start of high school, my mother managed to pull off the impossible; she was able to get me transferred, to another nearby school all my friends were going to go to. I was psyched!

I attended Encina High School from 1978 to 1981 where I encountered many people and made a lot of friends. As kids so often do, I would sometimes blow off some of my assigned chores around the house (most notably mowing our huge lawn). On one such occasion, I left my mother a note, a cute little limerick letting her down easy to the fact I was shirking my duty. It read: “Roses are red, violets are blue; the wind is a howlin, the water is too. You want the pool cleaned, I know it’s the pits; and I know it ain’t done, so you think it’s the shits. I’m very sorry, but you don’t have a clue; if you ask where I am, I’m out with the crew.” She thought it was so funny she couldn’t get mad; she covered for me with my dad and kept the note. She gave it back to me some thirty years later.

From Poems to Publication: E. L. Seer’s Early Creativity

It became well-known among my friends that I was pretty nifty at writing limericks. So, when a friend of mine was writing songs for his rock band, he decided to ask me to write the lyrics. He had discovered some cool sounds he could make with the new foot petal he had bought for his electric guitar. He wanted something where a flying saucer was landing at the beginning and taking off at the end. We weren’t exactly McCartney and Lennon, but that is when I wrote The Eyes of the Desert Sand poem. I always did think his guitar licks were better than my lyrics — that was one cool song. But I think now, after all these years . . . I’ve finally done the words proud.

Summertime Shenanigans: The Roots of Irvin McGillicutty

In addition to toiling in rock music and doing all sorts of crazy things kids that age do, my friends and I often hung out at the house. We would hang the speakers outside, blast the neighborhood with music, and play various games in the swimming pool. During those summer days, for some unknown reason, my friends and I took to talking gibberish. It was not like a secret language, in fact, the more nonsense you could talk, the better you were at it. I of course became the master, that’s when I came up with “Shnickyrooners and things like that,” as my opening line. I have tried to re-enact some of the gibberish talking we did those days as best I could with the character Irvin McGillicutty . . . which of course, happens to actually be the name one of my friends used to call me back then — true story.

From Engineer to Author: E. L. Seer’s Fateful Path

I graduated from high school in 1981 and went on to study at the University of California, Davis where I received a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and later continued on to Sacramento State University for my master’s degree. After graduation, I moved to Silicon Valley where I worked as an engineer. I would finally meet my wife in 2002 and in 2004 married her. Through the years while discussing past times in our lives, it has often boggled our minds how many times our paths had crossed — we had many, many close encounters before finally meeting in 2002. As my wife likes to say, “the Almighty just wouldn’t give up.”

Over the next few years, after much coaxing from her, she finally convinced me to write a fantasy novel. She told me that it would come to me in a dream and much to my amazement, within a few weeks, I had such a dream. I began to outline the Ethan Fox Books series (formerly titled, the Chrysalis Chronicles series) that evening. A few months later, I had written the first few chapters of book one, Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand (formerly titled, The Eyes of the Desert Sand)—although those first few pages, have very little resemblance to anything in the finished book.

The Crucial Push: Finalizing Ethan Fox’s Debut

Early on, I sent out query letters and a brief synopsis of my manuscript to publishers and agents. Some returned them so fast; they must have been sent back the same day they arrived. But one of the publishers (HarperCollins) wrote back and asked to see the first five chapters. It was by far, the best letter I had ever received in my life, and it was only three sentences long. Over the next year and a half, my swelling manuscript and outline was growing in all sorts of strange directions.

Then, I was laid off from my position as a principal engineer and knew that unless I finished the first book very soon, I might never finish it. I knew that full-time working for a start-up, with all the hours, let alone a family to care for, would leave me with absolutely no spare time at all. And so, I set to work in a kind of frenzy, determined to finish the book and at least try and get it ready before letting my wife publish it.

Finally, it was done! It took several more months for the book to be edited and five hundred Advance Reader’s Copies to be printed. Then, finally, in September 2011, we began sending ARCs to publishers — including our contact at HarperCollins — literary agents, book reviewers, bookstores, and the likes.

How the E. L. Seer Author Profile Journey Unfolds . . .

And here is how the story played out (from our Press & Media archives).

HarperCollins Children’s Book Group Interest:

• September 29, 2011 — HarperCollins Shows NEW Interest in Fox Hunt Publishing Group’s Chrysalis Chronicles Series: HarperCollins Children’s Book Group

SAN JOSE, California ─ September 29, 2011 ─ After much anticipation, Lori Moeszinger, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Aauvi House Publishing Group, re-enters talks with Antonia Markiet, Senior Executive Editor, HarperCollins, regarding the Chrysalis Chronicles series and debut novel.

Ms. Moeszinger writes, “I hope all is well with you.  We just received in-house, 500 copies of our Advance Reader’s Copy edition for the Chrysalis Chronicles – The Eyes of the Desert Sand.  We wanted you to be our first contact, since your advice [March 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10, 2010] was very helpful.  Since then, Eric has spent the last year . . . outlining the overall series and writing much of the back story.  He finished the first book in the series a few months back.  After going through several rounds of an editor’s red pen, we are thrilled with the results.”

She continues, “You may or may not remember our discussions with reference to the Chrysalis Chronicles series – fantasy novels for middle-grade and young adults.  As a quick recap, in the Chrysalis Chronicles series, Edwin Wolfe (Eric’s pen name) brings forth an alternate reality unveiling new worlds, new beings, and new ideas, featuring Ethan Fox.  What makes it all work is that you just love Ethan, Hayley, Gruggins, and many of the other protagonists while viewing the antagonists of the story with equivalent disdain.  Everything works because everything is built around them – Ethan and Hayley’s situation, their fears, their strengths, and their mistakes.  Please let me know if you would like me to send you an ARC. . . .”

Ms. Markiet responds, “Hi, Lori.  Yes, I do remember this project.  Is it being published?”

Ms. Moeszinger replies,”. . . As the ARC will indicate, we are set to release it January 11, 2012.  Inasmuch, we have just wrapped up our 2012 Title Information Catalog (Winter, Summer, Fall) with more than 40 titles, which we will be posting to our website and at the same time updating our site over the next 30 days.  However, our goal is to have a large publishing house pick-up the Chrysalis Chronicles – The Eyes of the Desert Sand book and/or series in return for a generous advance.”

She continues, “In the meantime, we will be sending 500 of the ARCs, along with promotional copy, to get early reads and create pre-publication “buzz” from publishers, book reviewers, booksellers, publicity venues, and the likes.  In addition, the Chrysalis Chronicles website is under development, but you can check it out at www.ChrysalisChronicles.com.  The remaining content is scheduled to be added in the next couple of weeks and will complete Version 1.0.  Later, Version 2.0 will include Flash, sound, etc.”

Ms. Markiet responds positively, “I see, thanks.  I would like to read an arc, thanks.”

Background information – Originally, our query was sent to HarperCollins Children’s Books Group, Kate Jackson, Editor-in-Chief, New York.  This imprint also releases several successful series.  For submissions to all imprints at HarperCollins, HarperCollins Publishers prefers material submitted by literary agents and previously published authors.

MacMillan Children’s Book Publishing Group, St. Martin’s Press Interest:

• October 11, 2011 — St. Martin’s Press Requests ARC: MacMillan Children’s Book Publishing Group

SAN JOSE, California ─ October 11, 2011 ─ MacMillan Children’s Book Publishing Group, St. Martin’s Press, Nichole Argyres, Senior Editor, writes on behalf of Jennifer Weis, Executive Editor and Manager, Concept Development, New York, “I recently received your promotional materials for Chrysalis Chronicles, and I would be happy to read.  Please send along an ARC. . . .”

Background information – The common theme of the novels MacMillan Children’s Book Publishing Group, St. Martin’s Press acquire is that they tell a story.  From the most boldly commercial, to the quieter, what they call literary commercial crossover titles.  Works must make them keep turning the pages – usually, far into the night!  They are also looking, from a content and book perspective, to tie in with opportunities in areas of new media, branding, and Hollywood.

The Charlotte Gusay Literary Agency Interest:

• October 15, 2011 — The Charlotte Gusay Literary Agency: Requests Book Submission

SAN JOSE, California ─ October 15, 2011 ─ The Charlotte Gusay Literary Agency sends contract requesting book submission in the form of a synopsis, first three chapters or fifty pages, self-addressed stamped envelope, and self-addressed stamped postcard.  Sent first fifty pages of the Chrysalis Chronicles – The Eyes of the Desert Sand and other materials pursuant to the agency’s request.

Background information – This agency prefers commercial, mainstream but quality material.  Especially books that can be marketed as film material which are innovative, unusual, eclectic, nonexistent.  The Charlotte Gusay Literary Agency is a signatory to the Writers’ Guild and so represents screenplays and screenwriters selectively.  Young adult novels especially if they have film possibilities.  Seduce her with humor and intelligence.  Always be polite and professional.

MacMillan Children’s Book Publishing Group, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers Interest:

• October 17, 2011 — Henry Holt Books for Young Readers Shows Interest: MacMillan Children’s Book Publishing Group

SAN JOSE, California ─ October 17, 2011 ─ MacMillan Children’s Book Publishing Group, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, Amy Allen, on behalf of Christy Ottaviano, Executive Editor, New York, writes, “I’m writing on Christy Ottaviano’s behalf.  She received your information on Chrysalis Chronicles and would be happy to review the project.  If you can e-mail me the first few chapters, I will send them along. . . .”

Background information – After fifteen years in the editorial department at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, Christy Ottaviano launched her own eponymous imprint.  She acquires and edits both fiction and nonfiction for the full range of the children’s audience, from preschool through teens, and will publish roughly twenty titles annually – fifty percent picture books, forty-five percent middle grade and young adult, and five percent non-fiction.

HarperCollins Children’s Book Group Respectfully Declines:

• November 1, 2011 — HarperCollins Respectfully Declines — Edwin Wolfe responds . . . HarperCollins Children’s Book Group

SAN JOSE, California ─ November 1, 2011 ─ Fox Hunt Publishing Group today announced that talks with HarperCollins have ended.  Lori Moeszinger, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Aauvi House Publishing Group in partnership with Fox Hunt Publishing Group, was asked to respond. 

“It’s not about the subjectivity of publishers, agents, or even editors; it’s about the children and young adult readers,” says Moeszinger.  “Everyone who read Harry Potter wished they could go to Hogwarts; with the Chrysalis Chronicles series, you wish you could go to The Residence and revel in its marvels.  You want to take part in what goes on in these worlds.  In terms of world-building, Wolfe really constructed a flight of imagination that is both brilliant and uplifting – and we stand behind him.”

Wolfe had a similar response, “It would be much tougher to take if that was the only interest we had garnered; in fact, the HarperCollins thing was actually initiated by us, giving them first shot at something we know will be huge.  Things look very promising; the website is coming along beautifully, and we now have our Facebook fan page [www.Facebook.com/ChrysalisChronicles] up.”

According to Moeszinger, the licensing potential for the Chrysalis Chronicles series and The Eyes of the Desert Sand debut fantasy novel is endless.  She added that the novel’s hardcover first printing [publication date January 11, 2012] is being aggressively marketed.

“I don’t want to push on the Harry Potter thing too hard.  They are very different books.  But the fact that Wolfe’s series is such a visually stunning read with its primary focus, children and young adults, while publishers and Hollywood are simultaneously clamoring to fill the void left by Harry Potter, invites comparisons.  Although Wolfe’s Chrysalis Chronicles book series faces fierce competition in the industry’s ongoing search for the next big crossover fantasy book series, we believe Wolfe’s series has what it takes.” 

The ChrysalisChronicles.com website is an exciting new website from Edwin Wolfe that can be enjoyed alongside the Chrysalis Chronicles book series. Visitors can explore and interact with the stories as they evolve, discover behind the scenes writings from the author, and learn more about their favorite characters. It is free to join and use, and is designed to be safe for people of all ages. 

Registration for the ChrysalisCLUB starts soon too. The ChrysalisCLUB is also free to join and open to all in November and registration will start shortly.  Keep checking the Chrysalis Chronicles website and Chrysalis Chronicles Insider blog at www.ChrysalisChronicles.com for more information.

HarperCollins Children’s Book Group Goes On Record:

• November 30, 2011 — HarperCollins Goes on Record . . . HarperCollins Children’s Books

SAN JOSE, California ─ November 30, 2011 ─ Kate Morgan Jackson, Senior Vice-President, Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, HarperCollins Publishers, warmly addresses Lori A. Moeszinger, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Aauvi House Publishing Group (in partnership with Fox Hunt Publishing Group), and goes on record: 

“Thank you for sending us CHRYSALIS CHRONICLES. Several of us have now had the chance to review the materials carefully and there were many aspects that appealed to us. Overall, however, I regret to say that this project does not fit the needs of our current publishing program. . . .”

Ms. Moeszinger, reads, “current” as being the operative word and too has confirmed that she will leave the door open should HarperCollins Publishers publishing program in 2012 open new doors.

Warner Bros. Interest:

• December 5, 2011 — Chrysalis Chronicles — The Eyes of the Desert Sand Catches the Eyes of Warner Bros.: Barry Meyer Submission

SAN JOSE, California ─ December 5, 2011 ─ Fox Hunt Publishing Group and Aauvi House Publishing Group jointly announced great news, catching the eyes of none other than Warner Bros. Barry M. Meyer, one of the most respected executives in the entertainment industry. Mr. Meyer became chairman and chief executive officer of Warner Bros. in October 1999 after having served as the Studio’s executive vice president and chief operating officer since April 1994.

Mr. Meyer oversees one of the most successful collections of entertainment brands in the world.  Warner Bros., a Time Warner Company, is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms. The Studio stands at the forefront of every aspect of the industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, Blu-ray, digital distribution, animation, comic books, product and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.

Bennett McCord, feature production and development at Warner Bros. Pictures reached out to Lori. A. Moeszinger, publisher and editor-in-chief, Aauvi House Publishing Group, on behalf of Mr. Meyer’s submission:  “Courtenay Valenti and I received your info and letter regarding Edwin Wolfe’s CHRYSALIS CHRONICLES: THE EYES OF THE DESERT SAND on behalf of Barry Meyer and we would like to take a look at the material. Can you please email the advance copy of the manuscript?  We look forward to hearing from you.”

In 2004, Ms. Valenti was promoted to executive vice president of production at Warner Bros. Pictures. Ms. Valenti started at Warner Bros. in 1989 as a creative executive and became vice president of production in 1991, moving up to senior vice president in 1996. She has overseen the development and production of such Warner Bros. Pictures releases as “You’ve Got Mail,” “A Walk to Remember,” “The Iron Giant” and “Queen of the Damned” as well as “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera,” “Duma,” “Class Action,” “Happy Feet” and “The Aunt Bully.”  Executive credits include Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), among others.  

Fox Hunt Publishing Group is a publishing house for Chrysalis Chronicles, the digital home of the Chrysalis Chronicles books, and Chrysalis Chronicles book series.  All things Chrysalis Chronicles is currently available through the Chrysalis Chronicles website.  Visit us on the Web at www.ChrysalisChronicles.com.  The Company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

The Charlotte Gusay Literary Agency Advance Praise:

• December 7, 2011 — Charlotte Gusay Literary Agency Advance Praise for Chrysalis Chronicles — The Eyes of the Desert Sand

SAN JOSE, California ─ December 7, 2011 ─ Fox Hunt Publishing Group and Aauvi House Publishing Group today announced that after only receiving the first fifty pages of the Chrysalis Chronicles – The Eyes of the Desert Sand manuscript, the Charlotte Gusay Literary Agency had the following commentary:

“… Initially, this project intrigued me. I was immediately drawn to the character of Ethan and his family. Their dynamic was interesting and complex without being too difficult for a young adult audience to understand or relate to. The characters themselves were unique and well fleshed-out, and I did not have trouble connecting with each of them in a different way. I was especially drawn to Ethan and enjoyed that he was not the typical teenage boy, thinking only of girls and video games. His imagination was an inspiration, as it is often rare to read about or encounter a thirteen-year-old boy with interests such as his.

However, despite my initial interest, I did not encounter the strong hook that I was waiting for. I greatly enjoyed reading this manuscript and following along with this family’s adventures, but I was often left wondering ‘where is this going?’ Though I did enjoy the characters, I often found myself not connecting with the situations they were placed in or fully understanding why they were doing what they were doing.

It is with disappointment that I tell you that the agency does not have a level of enthusiasm needed to pursue your project. I thank you once again for allowing us the time to consider it. And as you know, these sorts of decisions are very subjective. Another agent may pick this up and run with it, making us look short sighted.”

Aauvi House Publishing Group’s, publisher and editor-in-chief, Lori Moeszinger, responds, “Thank you for your critique. I am very happy that you enjoyed so many aspects of the Chrysalis Chronicles . . . story.

I understand how you might have your concerns, when only having the first 50-pages of the manuscript. However, I think that you would have been quite impressed with the way things do indeed come together throughout the second half of the book and the brilliant ending which leaves you drooling for Book 2. (As a matter of fact, we just published multiple-testimonials from advance comments we’ve received on the www.ChrysalisChronicles.com Vortex Blog, yesterday.)

Please note, this is a first book of an approximate 10 book series. And, as you know, with any book series, the first book has to spend several chapters introducing the characters before you can start its journey.

We have also spent an incredible amount of time developing the Chrysalis Chronicles website to coincide with the book series. For example, there is a Characters link that gives you initial descriptions and later will include final drawings and full profiles.  (We have just uploaded, today, early concept drawings of several of the characters on the Chrysalis Chronicles Vortex Blog.)  In addition, there are trivia questions and answers (in chapter order), character word search puzzles, contests, and much more.

So, if you would like to reconsider, we would be more than happy to send you an Advance Reader’s Copy of the whole manuscript. If not, please recycle the 50-pages you have, and we wish you well in your endeavors.”

Warner Bros. Responds One Month Later:

• January 4, 2012 — Warner Bros. Pictures: Courtenay Valenti, Executive Vice President Production: Responds One Month Later

SAN JOSE, California ─ January 4, 2012 ─ Fox Hunt Publishing Group and Aauvi House Publishing Group today announced Warner Bros. response to the Chrysalis Chronicles – The Eyes of the Desert Sand project:

Re: Chrysalis Chronicles: The Eyes of the Desert Sand

Dear Lori,

Thank you for sending us the Advance Reader’s Copy of Edwin Wolfe’s upcoming book, Chrysalis Chronicles: The Eyes of the Desert Sand. While we thought the story was really quite imaginative, this is ultimately not something that Warner Bros. is going to pursue at this time. Thank you again for the submission and consideration.

Best regards,

Courtenay Valenti

CC:  Barry Meyer, Greg Silverman

E. L. Seer Author Profile: A Vision for the Future

In 2021, The Ridge Publishing Group acquired both the Fox Hunt Publishing Group and Aauvi House Publishing Group and their assets. The above excerpts are from the Ethan Fox Books (formerly the Chrysalis Chronicles series) Press & Media archives. The book, Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand, was originally titled, Chrysalis Chronicles: The Eyes of the Desert Sand. At the time, Edwin Wolfe was E. L. Seer’s pen name. He changed his pen name more appropriately to E. L. Seer. E is for Eric and the L is for Lori and the Seer is for obvious reasons. (Eric writes the Ethan Fox original series books, while Lori writes the Ethan Fox Books non-fiction works.) Eric and Lori live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with their two dogs, where they enjoy frequent visits from their kids, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

TRANSPARENCY UPDATE: Much has evolved in E. L. Seer’s life and work. Again, originally published as Chrysalis Chronicles: The Eyes of the Desert Sand, his debut has been transformed from 70,000 plus words into Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand, a book refined to meet middle grade publishing standards by eliminating 20,000 words and several characters. Over recent years, under the guidance of Felicity Carter, a referral from Scholastics in Australia, Seer has honed his fiction writing skills.

Amidst his literary pursuits, life presented significant challenges and changes: The sudden loss of father in 2011, and his mother in 2013 deeply impacted him. Personal battles with cancer in 2014 and its recurrence in 2015 tested his resilience, but he has been cancer-free ever since. In 2018, seeking a new start, he and his wife moved from California to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to be closer to their sons and their sons’ families. By 2021, Seer retired from his engineering career to dedicate himself to writing full-time.

Today, Seer’s singular focus is to bring the Ethan Fox Books series to life for future generations, embracing his role not just as an author but as a storyteller whose experiences shape his narratives. Stay tuned for more developments and heartfelt contributions from E. L. Seer, whose journey is a testament to overcoming adversity and pursuing passion.

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