Book Events this Spring!

Hey, everyone! This is going to be a busy and extremely exciting spring. Lots of book events coming up. These are not your standard YAWNER book events. We're talking swordplay, epic battles, prizes, dramatic readings, etc. I would love to see you and love to sign a book (or three) for you. Here's the where and when:

Tuesday, May 22nd, 6:30--8:30

Barnes and Noble, Long Gate Shopping Center, Ellicott City, Maryland

(Book Fair for Folly Quarter Middle School)

Thursday, May 24th thru Saturday, May 26th

Florida Parent Educators Association Convention

Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida

Tuesday, June 5th, 6:30--8:00

Author's Face to Face at Oklahoma Road Middle School

Eldersburg, Maryland

Hope to meet you there!

Maryland Right to Life Book signing featuring Sword in the Stars on Feb. 12th from 12-4 pm.

Hi, all! Just giving you the head's up on a Sword in the Stars event coming up. I'm proud to be teaming up with the Maryland Right to Life Foundation for a booksigning/reading at Eldersburg's His Way Christian Bookstore. The Maryland Right to Life Book signing featuring Sword in the Stars will be on Feb. 12th from 12-4 pm.

6300 Georgetown Blvd # 127
Eldersburg, MD 21784-6419
(410) 549-8746

Want to win a sharp, pointy thing? Today only!

Want to win a sharp, pointy thing? Come out to His Way Bookstore in Ellicott City, Maryland at 1pm, buy a Wayne Thomas Batson book and be entered into a raffle to win a seriously cool broadsword! Today: Saturday, October 23rd only!

I'll be there doing readings, booksigning, and general tomfoolery!

Christian Authors all over Champaign? Gasp!!

I just know there are some tea totalers out there thinking, "See, I told you those fantasy authors are agents of the devil! Look, they are drinking champagne and boasting about it!"

{Sigh}

Not champagne...we mean Champaign, as in the cool city in Illinois!

As a result of the Tribe Building Contest, author Christopher Hopper and I will be flying out to the great state of Illinois and having a private book signing party with Nightwing Tribe, the Tribebuilding Challenge Winner from last year.

But later that day, Christopher and I will descend upon the local Borders store to meet and greet the public. ALL are WELCOME!! You don't have to be an Elf! But please no Drefids or Warspiders!

So if you live in Illinois or will be in the area, please drop by and see us! Even if you can't go, tell friends and family who might be in the area. Signed books make RIGHTEOUS Christmas gifts! :-D

Here are the details of the event:

Where: Borders, West Town Blvd, Champaign IL

When: Saturday, Oct. 16th, 2pm-5pm

What: Authors Christopher Hopper and Wayne Thomas Batson

Why: Well, because we are two wild and crazy, entertaining author type dudes who will sword fight, insult each other (not you), and sign your books with all kinds of pithy wisdom stuff!

Hope to see you there! You are coming, aren't you? Don't make us beg. :-D

Lunch for Young Authors...Venom and Song Signing Event!

Greetings Adventurers, Storytellers, and Fantasy Fans of All Ages;

His Way Christian Bookstore in Ellicott City, Maryland invites you to our
The Berinfell Prophecies Book Two: Venom And Song
Launch Party on Saturday July 17th from 1-3PM
Come and meet Author Wayne Thomas Batson and have your copy of his latest book signed!

His fellow Author, Christopher Hopper, will not be able to attend, however signed bookplates from him will be available for those who come on the 17th! There will also be a dramatic reading, time to ask Wayne questions, and give aways!
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity for fellowship and fun!

Can't make the date? Pre-buy your copy and Wayne will sign it for you that day. We will also reserve a signed book plate for you from Christopher Hopper, and you can pick up Venom And Song at your convenience.

Here is what one young adult author/reviewer had to say about Venom And Song:

'Venom and Song is a classic Christian Fantasy novel with a page-turning plot, themes of bonding friendship and love, and the true power of God.' Seth Reid

Special Opportunity for Tween and Teen Writers

Wayne Thomas Batson will be at Nora's Cafe before the event and invites you to come and eat with him and chat about the writing craft. Seating is limited, and you are responsible for purchasing your own food.

To reserve your spot send an e-mail to HisWayEvents@hotmail.com
no later than Wednesday July 14th

Tis the Season…

I know, you're thinking, what is this, Walmart? It's only November and you're hanging out the Christmas Stuff??? What's a guy to do? I heard my friend, author Eric Reinhold's doing something nutty, and I wanted to share it with you:

BOTH HARDCOVER BOOKS FOR ONLY $20!

I know this is crazy, but yes! You can get both book 1 (Ryann Watters and the King’s Sword) and book 2 (Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith) for the low, low price of $20. Retail price is $38. Consider it my contribution to a tough economy. Unlike on-line discounter, Amazon. com that charges $26.13 for both books, at www.ryannwatters.com PLUS you get both of them personally signed by me and two com memorative bookmarkers as well for just $20!



THE SUPPLY IS LIMITED!!!

Between now and Christmas, the goal is to sell out of the first run of books so we can go for the second printing. Take a few minutes to think of the following before you order:

1. What parents do you know that would like a safe, engaging story for their kids to read?

2. What kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, cousins, do you know that would enjoy both books for Christams?

3. Does your school library or church have copies? What better donation to impact a lot of kids in a positive way.

4. How about donating a set to your local public library?

5. What about using them as a give-a-way for a prize in your youth group or children's Sunday School, homeschool group, or Awana store?

Eric Reinhold

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) 

Mark Your Calendars: October 7th Amazon Blitz! And Book Release Parties Announced!

October 7th

Hi, all! The immediate threat has passed, so I thought I'd take a moment to announce a new promotional contest. You may or may not know that the first month's sales of a new book can make or break a book long term. Publishers look at those first month numbers and make decisions on how much marketing and advertising they are willing to do for the book.--including placement in bookstores. The bookstores themselves also make decisions based on those number, perhaps even as soon as a couple of weeks worth of sales have been reported.

So, Christopher and I are asking, if you are planning to order Curse of the Spider King from Amazon anyway, please consider ordering on October 7th. Your order that day will drive Curse of the Spider King higher and higher up Amazon's bestseller list...which, in turn, will allow TONS of other people to see the book on the bestseller list. And that...leads to new sales. ;-)

For anyone who orders that day and emails me the Amazon receipt, I'll send you an Official Curse of the Spider King Bookplate Sticker signed by Christopher Hopper and by me! To order, you can click my Curse of the Spider King Amazon ad on my sidebar or go directly to Amazon.


Christopher Hopper and Wayne Thomas Batson are planning a series of huge release parties for Curse of the Spider King. The book isn't supposed to be in stores until November, but we've arranged to get copies available for four HUGE events--two in upstate NY and two in Maryland.

What to expect? Sword battles, dramatic readings, music, prizes, giant spiders, and much more!

Here are the dates and times:

In Maryland

Friday, October 16th: Barnes & Noble, Long Gate Shopping Center, Ellicott City Maryland. Time: 6:30 to Close. 410-203-9001

Saturday, October 17th: His Way Bookstore, Ellicott City, Maryland. Time: 6 to close. (410) 465-7546

In New York State:

Friday, October 30th: Borders Books, Watertown, New York. Time: 4pm to 7pm. (315) 779-0006

Saturday, October 31st (Special Halloween Creepy Signing), Barnes and Noble, Pittsford (Near Rochester) New York. Time: 2pm--5pm. (585) 586-6020

Even if you can't make it, tell friends and family who might be able to come. We want to blow the doors off these stores!

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

Event this Friday: McClean Bible Church

Hi, all! Just a quick blurb to let you know about a cool event coming up this Friday, November 14th. If you are anywhere in the Baltimore, Washington, Virginia region and would like to come hear some stirring dramatic readings and get some books signed, come out to McClean Bible Church.

The Holidays are quickly approaching, and signed books are unique gifts! Come on out and get a book or two. My mom says get seven! Join us Friday, November 14 at 7:30pm in Community Room C!

For McClean Bible Church's contact info, see below:

Front Desk Phone: 703/639-2000 V/TTY: 703/770-2939 MBC Fax: 703-639-5680 MBC TTY: 703/770-2939
Physical Address McLean Bible Church 8925 Leesburg Pike Vienna, VA 22182

West Coast Fantasy Fiction Tour

Hi, all! The Fantasy Fiction Motiv8 Tour Schedule has been set. The map above shows roughly the path we will take during the 8 day trek. The Schedule of Events is listed below. Please tell anyone you know along the route to come out and see us. And please pray for the last details of the tour: travel, lodging, finances, and all that will come together.

Oct. 4 noon - TBN interview, Seattle Washington
Oct. 4 3-5 - Harvest Logos Bookstore, Seattle, WA
Oct. 4 6:30-8:30 - Salt Shaker bookstore, Enumclaw, WA
Oct. 5 - lunch with readers, Portland, OR
Oct. 5 - 6-8 pm Evangel Family Bookstore, Medford, OR
Oct. 6 - 1:30-2:30 Trinity Christian School, Sacramento, CA
Oct. 6 - 6pm-8pm Barnes and Noble, Sacramento, CA
Oct. 7 - 11am-noon - Children's Hospital, Madera, CA
Oct. 7 - 3-4 pm FresnoREAD charity event, Fresno, CA
Oct. 7 - 6-8pm Berean Christian Stores, Fresno, CA
Oct. 8 - 9am -3pm Reedley High School events, Reedley, CA
Oct. 8 - 6-8pm Cultural Arts Night, Reedley, CA
Oct. 9 - 9-11 am St. Genevieve High School, Panorama City, CA
Oct. 9 - 1-2:30 pm Bethany Christian School, Sierra Madre, CA
Oct. 9 - 5-7 pm Valley Book & Bible Bookstore, Van Nuys, CA
Oct. 10 - 8:50am-1pm Village Christian Schools, Sun Valley, CA
Oct. 10 - 2-4pm West Covina Christian School, West Covina, CA
Oct. 10 - 7-9pm Calvary Chapel Church, Huntington Beach, CA
Oct. 11 - 11am-1pm Library Event to be confirmed
Oct. 11 - 2-4 pm Barnes and Noble, San Diego, CA
Oct. 11 - evening event TBA, San Diego, CA

Young Authors...and Readers

I was blessed with a magical night tonight. I spoke at Howard County Public School's Young Author Awards Ceremony. It was one of those nights you long for as a writer--you get to touch kindred spirits and maybe even inspire a few.

These children, these precious lights in a dark world, they are so talented and so pure of heart. I pray that their innocence would remain and that their talents and hard work would not be tainted.

I wouldn't have a book published today if it weren't for my students who challenged me to write. They threw down the gauntlet for me. Tonight, I threw down the gauntlet for these magnificent young authors. I bet they pick it up and run with it.

And on top of it all, so many kids bought books. I am thrilled to think of how many of them, even now, might be reading by flashlight under the covers…somewhere in Howard County.

Never alone.

Off to SoMIRAC

Tomorrow and Thursday, I'll be speaking at the SoMIRAC (State of Maryland International Reading Association Council) Annual Conference. I'd appreciate your prayers as this is a HUGE opportunity to influence the influencers. I'll have the honor of talking to thousands of teachers from all across the state and beyond. If they like what they hear about my books, they are likely to start quite the tidal wave in their schools and districts. More in a couple of days.

His Way Bookstore--Maryland Tour!

Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night I spent some wonderful time with the splendid staff and patrons of Maryland's His Way Christian Bookstores. His Way is dear to me for many reasons, but, in particular, because they were the first bookstore to offer to allow me to have a booksigning. No one had ever heard of me or The Door Within. The only thing I had going for me was a cool cover and one of the kindest, most-generous, servant-hearted young sales clerk named Michelle. She talked the owners into allowing the signing, she talked the owners into buying my books for their store, and since then, she has single-handedly hand-sold more of my books than I can rightly count. That's her on the left (my actual right), holding the sharp pointy thing. And no, this isn't a pic from the recent event. This is from the Fantasy Fiction Tour as we made a stop in Ellicott City. See, of all the pictures taken of the event, I was sad to see that Michelle didn't post any of herself. But that's the way she is…humble.


The first evening, I appeared in the Eldersburg store (seriously a stone's throw from where I live). It was a fun evening. I met Randi (with an I) and Andy (with a Y). Swashbuckling ensued.
Here are some pics:


(Above: Andy says, "Why are you smiling?" I of course reply, "Because I know something you do not know.)


(Above: a wonderful young lady named Kimmie. She's come to about a half dozen of my events. Glutton for punishment, I guess.)

Here are a few more from Eldersburg:









Friday night found me at the Glen Burnie His Way Store. I met many kind people, including Lady Melody shown below along with her mom:



Here are some of the phenomenal props and decorations Michelle has hunted down and displayed at each signing:







Then on Saturday evening, we had a dual signing with amazing Emmy-winning writer George Bryan Polivka. He penned the Trophy Chase Trilogy, a thrilling tale by all accounts. Here are some pics of Bryan and I hamming it up with customers and staff:













As you can see, these were special events.

As I close tonight, I have so much more to write about. Many things have transpired in recent days, and there are some big announcements on the horizon. But the next time I post I will share news that is more important to me than any movie or book deal...

Til then,

Never alone.

Spring Author Events and New Desktop Art

Happy Spring, everyone! I don't know about you, but I am so stoked for spring. I'm ready for warm weather, for green, for colors in nature, and...for book events! I have a JAM-PACKED spring schedule: seventeen events in April and May alone.


In case you're in the area, here's a list of all my events for the remainder of March and into April. More to follow.

+ March 26th, 7-8:30--Reading and Signing at Eldersburg Branch Library 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg, MD 21784 410.386.4460

+ Thursday April 3rd ELDERSBURG His Way Bookstore from 5 to close (8pm) Special Event with George Bryan Polivka, Author of the Trophychase Trilogy

+ Friday April 4th GLENBURNIE His Way Bookstore from 5 to close (8pm)Special Event with George Bryan Polivka, Author of the Trophychase Trilogy

+ Saturday April 5th ELLICOTT CITY His Way Bookstore from 5 to close (8pm)Special Event with George Bryan Polivka, Author of the Trophychase Trilogy

+ April 9th Mount Airy Branch Library, Mount Airy, Maryland 7pm-8:30

+ April 11, 2008 Deer Park Middle Family Reading Night at Barnes & Noble, Pikesville, Maryland. I'll be doing readings at 7, 8, and 9pm.

+ April 16th, Featured Author at SoMIRAC Conference, Hunt Valley Marriott

+ April 25th a Visit to Patapsco Middle School, 1:30-3:00pm.


Also, enjoy the desktop image above. It's a feisty volcano from Isle of Swords. Click on the image to see full size and then save the image to your desktop.

Oh, and one more thing: There's a very good chance, in the next couple of weeks, I could have a HUGE announcement to make. But for now, I will say no more.

The Door Within...Drama?

Back in October, I flew down to Houston, Texas to speak and sign books for Second Baptist School. Little did I know they had prepared a great surprise for me. The students and staff wrote, directed, and starred in a dramatic portrayal of The Door Within. I know from this clip, it will be hard to capture the power of the moment. But, I can tell you, it was extraordinary. I was literally moved to tears. Righteous kids, righteous staff, righteous trip.

Enjoy!

A Visit to Second Baptist School, Houston Texas Part 1

I'm not even sure how she got my contact information. But about a year ago, I got an email from Brenda McManus, Head of Media Services at Second Baptist School of Houston, Texas. She wondered if I might be interested in coming down to Houston for a school visit. My initial thought was, "Sure…I'd love to come to Texas, but it's a bit of a hike from Maryland." Brenda didn't flinch. She made it possible for me to fly down to Houston and even set me up in the most unique hotel I've ever been in, the Hotel Indigo. Everyone I met at Second Baptist thanked me for coming, but…really, I was the one who was treated to a special event.
Here are some pics from the event.

Photo #1

Photo #2

Photo #3

Photo #4

Photo #5

Photo #6

Okay, creative visitors to EtDW, what would be a funny caption for any of the photos above?

Much more on this incredible visit in a future post.