Bat Updates!

Hi, All! I just realized that I haven't posted since July 13th. DOH! Lots of life has been happening. School ended for me on June 23rd, but it was off to OC with the fam. Back from that, I continued working on GHOST.

I expected to get the edits back for The Errant King (Book 2 in Dark Sea Annals) in June, but they didn't come. So, I started working on a book for Focus on the Family's Imagination Station Series. Book 2 (Shown Below) just hit the CBA Bestseller List! I'm writing book 8 in the series, a pirate tale called Mystery of Starlight Isle. This is for a younger audience than my usual, but lots of fun I must admit.

I had a couple of trips in July: Eastern Shore to crab and fish with my son Bryce, Atlanta for ICRS convention. Then, right at the end of July, BOOM, the edits for Errant King show up. Great stuff from Jeff Gerke. I think you're really going to like Errant King...a sprawling, epic adventure.

First week of August, my fam took off for our annual North Myrtle Beach vacation. Didn't do a stitch of writing, but had a very rich family time. Upon return, I had to jump into my classroom to start the castle construction. Long story.

Next week my teaching year begins. Wow. Summer went by so fast. For the Fall, I have this on my plate: Books 8 & 9 of the Imagination Station Series; eBook thriller GHOST; Berinfell Book 3 with Christopher Hopper; Dark Sea Annals Book 3...got any spare prayers?

Exciting News in Christian Fantasy/Adventure!

Author Eric Reinhold was up my way this past week. I first met Eric on the Fantasy Fiction Tour "Motiv8" a few years back. What a cool guy. Big heart, friendly, devoted to the Lord and his family. Well, since then, God has opened the floodgates of Heaven on his Ryann Watters book series. The folks who made Facing the Giants and Fireproof decided to make his book into a movie--a real, honest to goodness--take your kids to the local AMC, get popcorn--wide release movie! And since then, things have just gone off-da-hook. Some investors have come on board, pumping capital into the project. And now, it looks like it's going to be TWO movies. You can find out more by clicking on the links below.

Sir Eric of Reinhold

Book and Movie News!

In other news, there's a new author on the block, someone you should look into: Brock Eastman. A long time talent man with Focus on the Family, Brock has taken to penning some incredible new fiction, covering a wide range of genres and reader ages. Want something for elementary aged readers? Brock's got it. Middle School/YA, yup, Brock's got a title! High School readers--that too! For more info, click on the links below:

Sir Brock of Eastman

Book News and More!

And finally, of all the reader mail/eMail I get, the question I get asked the most is: Is there a 3rd pirate book? There was Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire, but what about a 3rd book? See, I finished the storyline of Griffin "Cat" Thorne, Declan Ross, and his daughter Anne--in their dealings with the infamous pirate Bartholomew Thorne. But...I did leave a few strands purposefully hanging at the end. And apparently, a ton of my readers want more. Up till now, I haven't been able to even explore the possibility. I was under non-compete contractual agreement. But now, I'm released, free to write a new pirate adventure. I guess what I need to know from you is, are you interested in an Isle 3?

GHOST sighting...

Hi, Elves and Readers! Today, I'd like to tell you about Ghost, a new novel I've been working on for some time. Ghost is about half finished, and I have a cover design due in February. I intend to release it for Amazon Kindle this summer 2011. I will probably also release it on Smashwords and elsewhere for those who don't have Kindle but want to download Ghost in another format. There's even a print on demand service I'm investigating for those who want a hard copy.

About the Story: Ghost fits into the genre of Supernatural Thriller, in the same vein as Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, the X-Files, Nightstalker, etc. For my younger readers, please note that this is a story for adult readers. Why? It won't be for sex and bad language--that's a promise. And it won't be for gratuitous violence either. I'd say the violence and bloodshed would be on par with my pirate books.

So why the audience designation? Two reasons: these books will deal with the criminal element, and while there will be no explicit scenes, there will be topics that will disturb younger readers. Ghost is a special sort of investigator who will go after the worst of the worst criminals, the ones no one else can or will catch. These are villains who have literally been getting away with murder...or worse. Another reason for the change in reading audience is that these books will be on a whole new level of intensity. Seriously. We're talking, white-knuckle, pit of your stomach, fear. There's a point to it all as well, and hopefully a message of hope.

God says, vengeance belongs to Him. Ghost will be the instrument of that vengeance. 

Sword in the Stars: Reviews, Quotes, Tribe Quests and More!

Greetings from Myriad! Smiles, everyone, smiles! Sword in the Stars has been out now for a couple of weeks, and so far, the reviews are great, sales are great, and my publisher is happy!

We've also opened a new website dedicated to all things Sword in the Stars. You can visit by clicking the banner below or by typing www.swordinthestars.com into your browser of choice.

One of the things you'll find on the site is an announcement about a live Webinar coming up in the new year. What's a Webinar? It's an online chat between you the reader and me, hosted by my publisher, AMG Inc. I'll be doing a reading from Sword in the Stars, answering questions, and talking a lot about the craft of writing. Hope to talk to you then!

You'll also find a tab for "Free" things. There's already one free Sword in the Stars Wallpaper, and there will be much more to come.

Want to be in my next book?
My publisher has asked for Sword in the Stars reviews and/or quotes from readers. eMail a review or quote, and I'll put your name in the acknowledgments page of Dark Sea Book 2: The Errant King! Just make sure you give me written permission to use your review/quote for promotional purposes! Then, if you don't mind, please post your review on Amazon, CBD, and anywhere else you can find! Thanks! Reviews are due to me by Christmas 2010!

Tribebuilding Final Quest:

Starting TODAY: Purchase a copy of Venom & Song --and/or-- Sword in the Stars from any Christian Bookstore--brick&mortar or online, send proof of purchase to your Tribe Leader, and then give the book to someone for Christmas! Remember, the Tribebuilding Contest ends on Dec. 14th, so all purchases must be made between now and then. And, of course, Christmas is the 25th, so we'll just use the honor system! Here's the point chart:

Purchase & Give 1 book: 7000 Vanadils

Purchase & Give 2 books: 10000 Vanadils Each!
Purchase & Give 3 books: 14000 Vanadils Each!

Purchase & Give 4 books: 21000 Vanadils Each!

Purchase & Give 5 books: 35000 Vanadils Each!

Disclaimers: 5 book limit per person; tribe members cannot pool funds; purchases prior to today do not count for this promotion; tribebuilding contest broadcasts cannot be rebroadcast or transmitted in any form without the expressed, written consent of Major League Baseball.

News and Notes

Hi, all! Lots of news and announcements! If you have an interest in my books or in Fantasy Fiction, read on!

#1: It's looking very probable that the movie option for The Door Within will be purchased. Before you go crazy, know that what this means is that a well connected talent scout in Hollywood is optioning The Door Within for a limited time--to get a script written and shop it around to producers with the hopes that a Door Within movie might be made someday. It's a thousand miles away from a movie actually getting made. That said, it's a critical first step, so I'd appreciate your prayers.

#2: 3rd month in a row that The Door Within is on 2 Bestseller lists.

CBA YA Bestseller #6 for August

ECPA YA Bestseller #8 for August

ECPA also has: Isle of Swords at #17 and The Final Storm at #18

Thank you, readers, for being so faithful. Time is a precious thing--that you would spend some of yours reading my books still amazes me. I'm honored and very grateful.

#3: 

2010 Clive Staples Award Voting Begins Today!

Curse of the Spider King has been nominated for the new Clive Staples Award. Please read the following and consider voting for Spider King. Remember, this award is not for Christopher and me personally...it's about glory for God.

Here are the details and the link: 

Please read these instructions carefully, then proceed to the ballot by clicking on the link below.
CSA is not a popularity contest. The award has been established to recognize the work of fiction which readers designate as the previous year’s best. Consequently, voters must adhere to these basic rules.
    •    You MUST have read at least two of the nominations.
    •    You may vote only once for a first, second, and third choice.
    •    You may not vote for the same book as your second or third option that you voted for as your first choice.
    •    Your votes for second and third options may not be for the identical book.
    •    You may mark the “none of these” option if you do not have a second or third choice.
    •    Voting will close September 1, 2010.
    •    Second and third choice options will only be considered if a clear winner is not determined by the first choice vote.
To vote, click here and answer all the questions.

Tribebuilding Contest: Quest #1--Stoke the Amazon Blitz Fires!

Yo Tribes! Here's the first time sensitive Venture Quest!

As you know, we're getting ready for the Venom and Song, Amazon Blitz. Just less than a week away now. Christopher Hopper and I want the Internet to be flooded with word of our hostile takeover of Amazon's Bestseller List. So here's your mission, should you choose to accept it:

Every member of your tribe can post about the Amazon Blitz once a day (including but not beyond June 22nd) on as many social websites, blogs, etc. as possible. Each member should keep track of exactly where he/she posted--a running list would be best--and send that list to your Tribe Leader on the 23rd of June, along with a total of points earned.

How many points? 100 points per person, per post, per site, per day. Only exceptions to the one post per site, per day rule: Facebook and Twitter (up to 5 posts per day)


Suggested post: don't use this exact wording but something similar. Be sure to use the date and time and a link. Be creative!

Like to read fantasy? Join us for the Amazon Blitz on June 22nd, 7pm EST. For details: http://is.gd/cQG7Y

If you choose to accept this mission, God's speed. This message will self destruct in six days.

News Galore: Moonbeams and Spiders and Audio, Oh My!

Greetings, all! How are you? I'm crazy busy and crazy wonderful. Please read on and find out why.


Item #1: The Amazon Blitz

Christopher and I are absolutely FLOORED by the devotion and generosity of our readers. In an attempt to kick of the release of Curse of the Spider King, we launched the first annual Amazon Blitz, asking readers if they were planning to purchase SK anyway to purchase on the same day (Oct. 7th) and drive up the Amazon Sales Rank Number. Now, we knew it would be good because our readers have always blessed us silly. But 70,000+ places good? Yup. CotSK's sales rank climbed from 70,617th to 449th in less than one day. It remained under 3,000 for three days and under 20 for seven days. For that kind of effort, we say thank you. We're honored.




Item #2: The Silver Moonbeam Award

Curse of the Spider King releases nationwide November 3rd, so Christopher and I were absolutely shocked to learn that our cowritten book was reviewed and awarded the Silver Moonbeam for Young Adult Fantasy Fiction. Click Here to see all the winners including a BRONZE for the Miller Brothers, YESSS!!

Item #3: Curse of the Spider King Audio!

For the first time ever, one of my books has been made into an audio book. Voiced by the incredibly talented Greg Whalen (Disney, Veggie Tales, etc) and produced by the audio wizards at Oasis, CotSK is done right. I listened to the first chapter today and practically jumped around my classroom. Mr. Whalen just nailed the voices of some of our main characters. You can listen to the first chapter of the audio book by clicking HERE.

Item #4: Webcast with the Miller Brothers!

I had the spectacular opportunity to be live with author's Chris and Alan Miller (Hunter Brown) tonight on their weekly webcast. 174 viewers joined us. It was a great time to talk author stuff, book stuff, and writing. If you'd like to listen in, click HERE.

Item #5: Spider King Releases in Maryland!

Christopher Hopper is on his way to Maryland. He and I will be officially releasing Spider King to fans this Friday and Saturday. Barnes & Noble Long Gate Shopping Center on Friday Night (6:30-close) and then His Way Christian Books Ellicott City on Saturday, 6-close. There will be swordfights, ridiculous banter, dramatic readings, music, contests, games, prizes, and a giant spider named "George." If you live within three states of Maryland, come on down. You will not want to miss this!

Today is the Day! Time for the Curse of the Spider King Amazon Blitz!

Today is the day!

October 7th

Now is the time! 

Blitz Amazon Day:

If you are planning to purchase Curse of the Spider King, would you consider preordering from Amazon TODAY, Wednesday, Oct. 7th? We are trying to get Spider King to climb (pun intended) high on the Amazon Bestseller List. 

Free signed bookplates for all who purchase Spider King on this day. Plus: If you're in on the Tribebuilding Contest, you get mega points for ordering on this day. Multiple copies count! lol

Please reply to this post if you "Blitzed Amazon" and purchased a copy of Curse of the Spider King today! And, if you get a chance, see what Curse of the Spider King's Sales Rank is up to and POST IT here on this thread.

As of 10pm on Oct. 6th (Blitz Eve), the ranking for CotSK was as you see below. 

 

Well done, so far you've helped CotSK increase its ranking: 59,165 places!!! Now it's at 10,947!

Correction, now it's at 2,217! AMAZING! 

Correction, as of 3pm EST, it's at 1,727! Spectacular! Come on folks, pour it on! 

This is getting crazy. The # is dropping by the hour. It's 5pm EST, and the number is now down to 1,426! People are emailing me with receipts of 3, 4, 5, even 8 book purchases! You are very generous and dedicated to jump in with both feet like this! 

And thank you so much for supporting us on this adventure. All glory goes to Jesus. 

Upcoming Events--Mark Your Calendar!

There are Several Curse of the Spider King Events Coming Up!

Please Mark Your Calendars 

Wednesday, October 7th

Blitz Amazon Day:

If you are planning to purchase Curse of the Spider King, would you consider preordering from Amazon on Wednesday, Oct. 7th? We are trying to get Spider King to climb (pun intended) high on the Amazon Bestseller List. Free signed bookplates for all who purchase Spider King on this day. Plus: If you're in on the Tribebuilding Contest, you get mega points for ordering on this day. Multiple copies count! lol

Friday, October 16th

† Christopher Hopper and I visit Liberty Christian School in Owings Mills, MD from 8:30-11am.

† Christopher Hopper and I visit Grace Christian School in Owings Mills, MD from 12:30-3:00pm. 

† Huge Release Party #1: Barnes & Noble, Ellicott City, MD.

Swordfighting, Music, Booksigning, Contests, and PRE-release copies of Curse of the Spider King available! 6:30-close.  

Saturday, October 17th

† Huge Release Party #2: His Way Christian Bookstore, Ellicott City, MD. Swordfighting, Music, Booksigning, Contests, and PRE-release copies of Curse of the Spider King available! 6:30-close.

Friday, October 30th

† Christopher Hopper and I visit Indian River Middle School in Upstate, NY from Time TBA.

† Huge Release Party #3: Borders, Salmon Run Mall, Watertown, NY. Swordfighting, Music, Booksigning, Contests, and PRE-release copies of Curse of the Spider King available! Time 4-7.  

Saturday, October 31th

† Huge Release Party #3: Barnes & Noble, Pittsford, NY.

Swordfighting, Music, Booksigning, Contests, and PRE-release copies of Curse of the Spider King available! Time 2-5.

(More to Come. Stay Tuned) 

How would you like a private book party?

Greetings from the Realm of Berinfell. Lately Christopher Hopper and I have been getting a lot of emails and blog posts from areas of the country we've not yet had a chance to tour or visit. Just in the past week, I've heard from several disgruntled Minnesotans who claim their lovely state always gets overlooked. I also heard from a young man in Alaska who was quite sad that he couldn't make it to any of our events.

Well, listen up folks. How would you like Christopher Hopper and I to fly out to your hometown to do a private book signing party for you and your friends and family? This, of course, would include lots of Curse of the Spider King freebies, dramatic readings, swordbattles, music, and more. Sound good to you? Post here and let us know about it. Christopher Hopper and I are putting the finishing touches on a new contest, and the personal book party is one of the grand prizes. Stay tuned for the official announcement soon.

Something terrible has happened. Help needed.

I cannot go into detail at this time, but I've found myself in the middle of something very serious. And I am deathly afraid that I may never find my way out again. Something terrible has happened, but next to what's coming...what I witnessed was nothing. It has begun.

It is extremely dangerous even to hint at this in an open forum such as a blog. For those who would risk getting involved, I have left a handful of clues. Only those who dare, those with great faith will find the first step. The rabbit hole is open.

...I will say no more.

Coming Soon!

Over the next couple of months, I am honored to welcome not one but two very cool guests. Of course, I won't tell you exactly who, but I will say, one of them will rock your world. The other might scare you half to death. Oh, and there are two more clues below.

Reminder about a Way COOL event in PA.

Hey, all! 12-2pm Saturday, February 7th, Christopher Hopper and I will appear at Scranton’s own Banshee Pub for an ALL AGES Dramatic Reading, Swordfighting, Booksigning, and Discussion. So if you know anyone in the great state of Pennsylvania who might be into Fantasy books, please spread the word and tell 'em to come out and meet us!



In days of yore, traveling Bards entertained audiences with tales of faraway lands and feats of derring do. Return to yesteryear as two award-winning authors and entertainers come to lunch with patrons of the Banshee Pub at 320 Penn Avenue. Fresh off a 10-city Tour of the West Coast, authors Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper will appear in full medieval costume to entertain Banshee customers of all ages with dramatic readings from their books, swordplay, and perhaps a song or two.


For Fans of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Eragon, and Inkheart
With five young adult Bestsellers and eight published novels between them, Batson and Hopper know how to spin a tale. Families are welcome. Young and old come and trek with Batson and Hopper down a spiral stair to a subterranean labyrinth where a gigantic beast dwells. Or visit the kingdom of Dionia where great heroes train and something treacherous lurks in the shadows. Batson (Thomas Nelson Publishing) will be signing copies of his Door Within Trilogy, Isle of Swords, and Isle of Fire, and Christopher Hopper (Tsaba House Publishing) will sign copies of his Rise of the Dibor and The Lion Vrie—with perhaps a sneak preview of his soon to be released Athera’s Dawn.


For more details, email me (see sidebar) or contact The Banshee Directly:

Banshee Pub
320 Penn Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 969-4248

AT LAST The Treasure Hunt Results!

The Isle of Fire Treasure Hunt is over!

96 Readers participated in this hunt, more than triple the number who set sail on the Isle of Swords Hunt. I cannot thank you enough for all you've done to get the word out about my books. Remember, these aren't just stories, but they are tools that God can use to bring people closer to Him. You've all been footsoldiers, taking the message into battle. I am humbled. All I can say is thank you.
And now, the winners...





For the #1 & 2 Treasure Hunters (the adventurous ones who accumulate the most Treasure Points) I will give you one copy of every new book I write...for LIFE. That means, should the Lord allow me to live long enough to write all the stories rattling around in my head, you will get a signed copy of each one sent directly to you. Of course, if you move and don't give me your new address, then…someone else will be getting all those books. Doh! AND I will name a character** in my next fantasy series after you. That's correct: I'll use your real name, your username, or a character name you create as a character in my new fantasy series. Of course, if your name is Bob, we’ll need to go with something a little more fantasy-ish. And Here they are, the two grand prize winners:

Rien Takhid*: 14770
Butterfli_1: 10150

*I'm still awaiting some clarification on points, so this may change the order of 1 & 2, but not their status as winners.

Rien & Butterfli: Please email me your mailing address and the fantasy name you'd like me to use for your character in one of my new fantasy stories. Please put: Books 4 Life Winner Character Name in the subject line of that email!


For the #3, #4, and #5 Treasure Hunter: I will send you a signed copy of any book I’ve written AND give you a choice of A) sending you a signed copy of an original, unpublished fantasy short story I’ve written called “Forget Me Not.” –OR- B) You can invite a bunch of your friends together some evening, and I will personally call and talk to you and your friends about the books, about writing, about your favorite kind of pizza—whatever’s clever. The three Prize-winning Runners up are:

BDeastman: 8460
Cson: 7520
JonM: 5250

BD, Cson, and Jon: Please email me and tell me which of my 5 books you'd like a signed. Include your current email address. Also, please tell me whether you want the "Limited Edition Unpublished Short Story" or the "Virtual Visit" where I call you and your friends some night to discuss the books. Please put: My Book Request and Prize Choice
in the subject line of your email.

One final thought: I probably won't be writing another book in the Isle of Swords, Isle of Fire series for a while. That does NOT mean that there won't be another hunt. As you know, author Christopher Hopper and I are cowriting a two book fantasy series. Believe me when I tell you, you have NO idea the kind of CRAZY adventure Mr. Hopper and I will cook up for you as we prepare to release the first book in this new series. Look for the new Hunt to begin some time around late Spring 2009. And as always, Never alone.

Two Cool!

What was supposed to be just one announcement has turned into two. My publishers just let me know that Isle of Swords Won the 2008 Silver Moonbeam Award. This is a mighty cool award to win because winning books are those that most inspire young people to read. As a reading teacher and an author, I am very grateful that my books are getting kids to read.

And now, for the big announcement...

Do you recognize the two rogues dueling in these two pictures?


If you said, well, that's you, Mr. Batson, dueling with author Christopher Hopper, you'd be 100% correct. And in spite of the way it must seem in these two photos, we are actually very good friends. So much so that two years ago, we began traveling to Scranton to write together. We found that our styles are very similar and our interests as well. We even joked that it might be cool to someday write a book together.

God tells us to trust in Him, and He will give us the desires of our heart. And well, to my complete joy, He has. Christopher Hopper and I have just contracted with Thomas Nelson to write not one, but two books together. It will be a Fantasy Series (surprise, surprise) and will quite literally turn the "Portal Fantasy" cliche on its head. More on the books as soon as we are at liberty to reveal. But for now, I thank God because writing with Christopher is an honor and a great, great bit of fun. We're about 20,000 words in, and all I can say is, you're going to LOVE this!

The Number 8 and a Warning...

8

So 8 authors just visited 8 cities in 8 days. The Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour. I was blessed to be one of them. And now, I get the news that Isle of Fire hit #8 on the CBA Young Adult Bestseller List. I'm really starting to like the number 8.

Now that the tour is finished, the 8 authors have covenanted to continue "Cross Promotion." In other words, we know that readers never have enough good books. And we also know that DoorWithin/Isle of Fire readers don't necessarily know about the books of the Bryan Davis, Donita K. Paul, Eric Reinhold, Sharon Hinck, Christopher Hopper, Jonathan Rogers, and L.B. Graham. And their readers don't necessarily know about my books. So we want to get the word out every way we can. To that end, Monday will begin the first Fantasy Fiction Blog Tour. Check out their websites each week to see who their blogging about. You will DEFINITELY find out some things about your favorite authors you never knew before. And, since my last name is first alphabetically, Monday begins my week.

And now, the Warning: As a part of the blog tour, my blog will be visited by a very dark presence. Be prepared.

PS: I'll also have an announcement for you some time later in the week.

Movie News, Meet the Author #2, and More!

Back from the Ocean. Thanks for all the encouragement on the writing. I did manage to sneak away to write a little: 3,000 words or so! Woo Hoo! A very creepy chapter--you are SO going to love to hate the principal villain in this series. And it looks like I may not be without a deadline for long. My publisher is looking very interested in the new series. More on that when I can be more official.

In other news: This just in. The talent spotter in Hollywood LOVES The Door Within books. As a matter of fact, his daughter took them from him and wouldn't give them back until she blew through the trilogy. Cool, eh? I suspect that if it were solely up to this man that The Door Within would become a movie. However, it's not totally up to him. He does know some pretty influential folks though and he's going to go to them and see what they think. The key questions are: will Hollywood want another fantasy series? And will Fantasy STILL be hot when a Door Within movie could conceivably be made and released some years from now?

PRAY! {please, pretty please!}


And, shoot on over to the Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour Website to meet Author #2 in our series of 8: Sir Bryan Davis. He's not actually a knight that I know of. But he should be. You'll never meet a more "stand up" guy. Go meet him.

Click HERE!

Until next time...never alone.

-WtB

The Fantasy Fiction Tour Returns!

For months now, I've been promising a big announcement. I apologize for making you wait so long, but many plans had to be in place before we could go live with this news. All systems are officially go, so it is with exhilarating pleasure that I announce:

The 2008 Fantasy Fiction Tour

You may recall last summer, Authors Bryan Davis, Christopher Hopper, Sharon Hinck, and I drew swords together and toured from Atlanta, GA to New York City, NY. Along the way, we met hundreds of readers, signed innumerable books, and garnered press from the A.P., RNS, Reuters, The Washington Post, and Fox National TV! One national correspondent even asked the question, "Could the Next Harry Potter be a Devout Christian?"

That was Fantasy Fiction Tour 2007, and it was a smashing success. For readers of fantasy, what could be better than having four fantasy authors in one place at the same time? Try doubling the number of authors! Can you wrap your brain around eight EIGHT fantasy authors {well armed with swords, I might add} touring together?!!

This year we'll be hitting the West Coast October 4th thru 12th!

Four additional authors have been added to last year’s lineup: Donita K. Paul, L.B. Graham, Jonathan Rogers and Eric Reinhold. Together, we are the Motiv8. You can read all about all of the authors on our Meet The Authors page on the Official 2008 Fantasy Fiction Tour Website!

The website itself is about to get a massive overhaul and we’ll be issuing HTML banner ads very soon for you to put up on your websites and blogs to help us promote the tour. If you’re press, you can find the official Press Release here.

We look forward to your comments and can’t wait to see everyone on the road! During the tour itself you can follow along with us on the daily Video Journal, and if you missed last year’s–no worries–you can watch the entire collection in the 2007 Video Journal Library.

Much, much more to come. Stay tuned and visit the Fantasy Fiction Tour Website often for new original features, interviews, blogs, and contests!

WAHOO!!! Christmas Just Came Early!

This just in: The Hobbit Movies (with Peter Jackson)
are officially a GO!

This from theonering.net:

December 18, 2007

ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT,” EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASY ADVENTURE EPIC

NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS

PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON “THE HOBBIT”

Read more HERE.

Anyone else just a little stoked??

They're Here...

No, I'm not actually talking about the arrival of malevolent spirits planning to kidnap small children. I'm talking about...drumroll please…



That's right, my new pirate adventure novel, Isle of Swords, has been spotted. Amazon is apparently shipping IoS now, and several bookchains have them in stock!

You can purchase Isle of Swords here!

If you are planning to get yourself a copy of this here pirate tale, first of all, thank you. Secondly some food for thought. The first month of sales for any novel is a critical month. Here's why:

• Prior to the books release, all preorder sales are allocated toward the first month sales numbers, meaning that the potential is there for a book to hit all kinds of Bestseller lists. If presales were good, and nonPreSale purchases continue at a high rate in that first month, good things can happen. And, of course, success begets success. If Isle of Swords appears on bestseller lists, more people find out about it, leading to more sales and a higher place on the bestseller list...of it goes.

• Publishers set marketing budgets well ahead of a book's release, but if the book does well early, publishers will often jump in with both feet to promote the book even more. If sales are low, some initial promotional ideas might not come to fruition.

• Publishers also like to launch books with a promotional bang. Thomas Nelson is doing just that. In some participating bookstores, if you buy Isle of Swords, you can get a free copy of The Door Within Lost Chapters Edition! Call your local store and see if they have the deal. But the deal is only for "While Supplies Last." Hence the call to hit it this month.

• And finally, purchasing a book in the first month of its release is great because authors sometimes like to give away free stuff to people who purchase books early. {Cough} And having said that:

Wayne Thomas Batson's Isle of Swords Promotional Giveaway!

If you, kind reader, purchase a copy of Isle of Swords during August or September, email me your snailmail address, and I will send you very cool piratey bookplate sticker--signed and personalized to you or whomever you are buying for! No limit to number of stickers. If you purchase 4,000 copies of Isle of Swords (Hey, it could happen.), I'll be happy to sign 4,000 stickers. (The last coupla hundred signatures might be a tad messy due to nerve damage in my hand, but I'll do it.)

If you purchase Isle of Swords Aug-Sept, email me at: batguy21784@yahoo.com

**And as a bonus, anyone who posts a review of Isle of Swords on Amazon, CBD, or
Barnes & Noble, I'll send you a sneak preview chapter of the Isle of Swords sequel currently in production. Post a review and email me, and I'll send the chapter right off.

Not sure if Isle of Swords is for you? Did you like the Pirates of the Caribbean movies? Well, Isle of Swords is like that (the first movie, that is) only with more depth. ;-)

Still not sure? Here's a Sneak Peek at one of the opening chapters of Isle of Swords:

Echoes of Cannon Fire

A cannon shot, deep and sudden, trailed off like a peal of thunder. Something cold touched his fingertips. Another shot. Run them all out, boys!

Water trickled over his hand. She’s taking on something awful! Bosun, pitch that leak! Another shot, nearer still. Water surged into his mouth and nose. A wave partially submerged his head and sprayed his back.

He woke, jerked his head up from the surf, and flailed onto his side. His face, his arms, his back—throbbed and burned. “What happened?” he moaned, coughing up seawater and grinding sand between his teeth. He could not see. Has someone cut out my eyes? Hands trembling, he reached up. His eyes were swollen and caked shut . . . but at least they were there.

After several painful attempts, he managed to pry them open. Brilliant white light knifed in, he clutched at his face. His head throbbed, sun blazed mercilessly off the white sand, but slowly his eyes adjusted. He squinted under a cloudless blue sky and saw water. As another wave raced toward him, he rose to one knee. That little bit of movement brought tremendous pain. It felt as if there were shards of glass embedded in his skin.

With another groan, he stood. He reached over his shoulder and, between the tatters of his shirt, he felt ripped flesh, sticky and wet. His fingertips came back glistening with blood, and he became lightheaded. He swayed for a moment, then steadied himself and looked around.

Across a slope of white sand, there stood a deep copse of trees—mostly tall palms, surrounded by sea grape and divi-divi trees. He stared at the leaning, gnarled trunks. Divi-divi trees always leaned to the southwest. That meant something . . . he felt sure it did, but he could not grasp what. He looked along the tree line, up and down the shore, and again, out to sea. “I don’t know this place,” he whispered.

He grabbed fistfuls of his matted blond hair. His welted face felt foreign . . . like someone else’s. A sharp ringing came to his ears. The world seemed to spin. “My God,” he mouthed,
“I . . . I don’t even know who I am.”

A flash of green racing across the sand drew his attention, and he turned. At his feet, a large iguana sat gnawing at the leather drawstring of a pouch that lay half-buried in the sand.
Brushing aside the lizard, he picked up the fist-sized pouch. It had some weight to it. “Is this mine?” he wondered aloud. He thought it had to be, but nothing about it seemed familiar. Still, when he loosened the drawstring and began to pour out its contents, he couldn’t help but feel a strange gravity weighing upon him.

A sparkling green stone fell into his hands first. It was shaped like an almond, but much larger. The brilliant sun flickered within it as if the stone was alive with fire at its core. Next, a lock of lustrous red hair dropped out and lay in his palm close to the jewel. The hair was a little damp but still very soft. He ran a finger lightly over it, wondering. . . .

The surf raced in and covered his feet, just as the last item—a rusty iron cross—fell into his palm. Ancient it looked—and not just from the tarnish. It bore strange markings and a script of some design, but he could not read it.

He dropped the three tokens into the pouch. He did not recognize any of these things. Nothing made any sense! His head ached. Weak and confused, he watched as an iguana scurried away and disappeared over the slope. Then he froze, for nearby the lizard’s trail was a trail of footprints. They wound away from the trees, down from the slope, almost directly to where he stood. A wave crashed with a sound like a cannon shot . . . or maybe, more like the crack of a whip, and he jumped.

The ringing came back to his ears, and he felt dizzy. As his vision blurred, he looked at the footprints leading up to where he stood. The thought, I am not alone, flashed into his mind before everything around him faded into darkness.

Once again, Isle of Swords, a swashbuckling high-seas adventure, is on sale now online and in all fine stores. A cool piratey tale just in time for back-to-school reading!