Warning: Do NOT Start Reading The Door Within

I hate to sound like Spiderwick or Series of Unfortunate Events, but as the author of The Door Within Trilogy, I feel obligated to warn you NOT to start reading my books…that is if you have anything meaningful to do in the next day or so.

If you ignore my warning and do immerse yourself in my harrowing fantasy adventure that slashes the boundaries of two worlds and draws you into the unexpected, I cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

At the very least, you may find yourself doing a lot of activities one-handed. Take young Sophie from NY in the pictures below. Her mom snapped these candid shots of Sophie as she goes about her morning routine.


Can you say, "Priceless?"

The Banshee: It is not good for man to be alone.

Mission accomplished. Thank you for all who prayed that this past weekend in Scranton would be everything it needed to be…for it surely was. Prior to going, I hoped it would be: relaxing, inspiring, productive, fun, faith-building, silly, and memorable. It was all of the above, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results.

There's something about hitting the road, the adventure, maybe--something that just absolutely stokes my creative fires. The whole way there I cranked up the prog. metal CDs: Dream Theater "Images and Words" first and then a new Nightwish offering called Dark Passion Play. There's me cruising through the mountains with crunchy guitars blasting. Ah, the memories are so fun.

Pulling into Scranton, I pumped my fists and basically hooted like an idiot. I could hardly get to our room fast enough. In the end, I wrote about 2,000 words (about a chapter and a half), but also outlined ideas for tons of others to come.


Christopher Hopper (shown below) who writes A LOT faster than I do, probably polished off somewhere around 40,000. JK. Still, he was writing like a crazy man. There were so many times when one of us got stuck and the other came through with something righteously cool. And just a word or two about Christopher Hopper: he is a hero of the faith (not to be put up on a pedestal--his balance isn't very good.) But seriously, whenever I'm around him, my faith strengthens. Jesus just billows out of the guy. I've known him for two years now, and it feels like we have a twenty year history. It's a God thing.

In the late part of the evenings, when we put out the light, the strangest thing happened. I'm in my bed on one side of the room. CH in his bed on the other side. And the two of us are cracking jokes and laughing our cumulative rears off. I mean, little kids on a sleep over kind of laughter. Guffawing! Belly laughs that make you feel like you've had an ab workout. We were literally crying from laughing so hard. I can't tell you everything we laughed about, but let's just say much of the hilarity came from a certain gnome who happens to be a barrister and could use a case of Beano. Nuff said.



Between writing sprints, Sir Christopher and I frequented our favorite home away from home, the magnificent Banshee Pub. As you can see from the pictures, the place is just awesome: dark wood, black wrought iron, brick, gilded ceilings--what an inspiring place to hang. Christopher made a photo-plaque for us to sign and dedicate to the Banshee. Little did we know that the kind folks there would hang it on the wall. And there it will be for years to come. COOLNESS.



While at the Banshee, we were blessed to again be joined by the pub owners, family, and friends. See pic below (me, Chuck, Melody, Kathleen, CH). I had the blessing of being able to talk for quite a while with Chuck. He is one amazing guy. He's the distinguished older gent in the pic. But the guy runs the Ironman! I could barely run out of the pub without being out of breath, but seriously, a triathalon???

The more Chuck and I spoke, the more I was overwhelmed with the notion of how precious people are. Everyone has a story to tell if we'll listen. Chuck told me he thought sometimes of being a writer. He told me he'd worked on some short memoir kind of writings. I hope he pursues it. It's never too late.

Chuck and his family are people who value a good conversation. And I think, rightly so. You know what "pub" stands for? It stands for public house. It's a place where people can go to be around other people. Remember Cheers? Sometimes you want to go, where everybody knows your name..."

God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." Now I know He fixed that by giving Adam his beloved Eve. But it seems to me, take away all the distractions, all the noise, and what really matters? I think it's relationships. First with God, but then with people. Let this sink into your mind for a moment: what would all your accomplishments, dreams, thoughts, hopes, work, play matter if you had no one to share them with?

Relationships matter. The people in your life matter. More and more, I'm convinced and convicted that I need to cultivate all the relationships God has blessed me with. And what does it take? Time. A listening ear. A willingness to share. Is there someone you need to "hang" with a little more? Is there someone who might need to talk? Is there an old friend you've neglected for too long?

I used to be a pretty independent person. I used to do all kinds of things all by myself. It was not uncommon for me to consume 6 hours golfing all alone. Now, I wouldn't even dream of doing that. Not that we all don't need some alone time. Not at all. But still, we can sometimes get into ruts of fading out of people's lives. We become like ringwraiths, shadows not in this world fully.

We need to know others and be known. I think that's why the adolescent exclusion and teasing is such a painful thing for so many. If you're not on the inside crowd, nothing feels right with the world. If you're reading this, and you're kind of an outcast, I want you to know that Jesus LOVES you. He spent much of His time on earth "hanging" with those the "in" crowd had pushed aside or branded as "lesser." You are a treasure to God. With Him, you are truly never alone.

And something more for those who long for relationships but seem on the outside looking in: what if God allowed you to experience this so that you could reach out to others who are going through the same thing? It is not good for man to be alone. Go change that for someone else. Don't let anyone be alone. Introduce the One who can be with you forever.


To close: go ring someone's doorbell, call someone, chat, IM, email, open a door--find someone and, to quote the Banshee's wonderful sage Chuck Rogers, say, "Let's go have us a conversation."

Writer's Bootcamp 2: In Praise of Collaboration

In just a few hours, I'll be zooming off in the Batmobile to Scranton, Pennsylvania for a second annual gathering affectionately known as Writer's Bootcamp. Gathering isn't really quite the right word as it's just friend & author Christopher Hopper and me getting together. Scranton is halfway between his NY home and mine in MD, so we meet there once a year to brainstorm fiction, fellowship, and be generally silly. But I can tell you it is a MOST rewarding time.


There is nothing better than having a friend you can totally trust, unless, of course, it's a friend you can totally trust who happens to share your exact passion for writing {oh, and for Monty Python, as well}. We figure, it worked for Tolkien, Lewis, and the rest of the Inklings, why not try it.

We'll sit in a hotel room, both laptops humming, and we'll be furiously pecking away at the keys. I'll be working on a new fantasy series, and CH will be working on Book 3 of his White Lion Chronicles. But during the entire time, we bounce ideas off of each other--"Bah, I need a name for this hero type character!" "Arrrghhh, I've written myself into a corner. How can I get this character out of this?" --OR-- "EEEP, read this and tell me what you think!"

It is remarkably profitable time on more levels than I can fully explain. And in between writing jaunts, we head over to the Green Dragon, er, the Bird and Baby, uhm, actually, we go to our favorite Public House, The Banshee!! And guess what we do there (besides food and beverage)?? We talk about stories.

Tolkien and Lewis knew what they were doing.

Go figure.

More this weekend.

Movie Update...so far, so good.

No, it's not quite time to reserve your seat and order a bucket of popcorn, but the initial news from California are good. I just got word that the producer is reading The Door Within while he's on vacation. Initial returns are strong. He said he's half way through The Door Within and said he loves it, so far.

Please keep praying.

WtB

Happy Easter to All!

The following is a rePost from last year. This is a poem I wrote a few years back. It's a sestina, so you'll notice the repetition of 7 words throughout. I hope the poem draws you into His presence and reminds you of events long ago…

Silver and Red

Jerusalem’s dusty streets watch money changing hands
among the robed merchants, traders who parley silver
for gain. In the sepulchral halls where lush tapestries kiss
the cold stone behind the throne of the chief priests in their red
robes, it is no different. A solitary creature, bent with burden, has come across
their hallowed threshold to hammer

out a deal. Whispering oaths and an offer, his heart hammers
with fear, indecision. All the while he holds out his sweating hands
to the holy men. Phylacteries weigh lightly on each priestly brow and ghastly smiles cross
their lips for a triumphant moment as they smugly deliver thirty silver
pieces for a life. Reclining later with his rabbi at a table of bread pale and wine red,
he feels on his thigh the electric chill of the new coins, like a harlot’s kiss

teasing. Fleeting like a tryst, the wealth leaves him empty--the betraying kiss
delivered later that night costs his life--and more. A hammer
strikes a bell with forlorn finality as the soldiers with their drawn swords and red
torches surround the gentle man, roughly bind his hands
like a common thief. Marching down the mountain with moonlight silver
upon breastplate and helm, they drag their outlaw across

the streets where he mended lame legs and gave sight to many, though cross
and bitter men chose to stay blind. Made to kiss
the ground before the lofty seat and silver
signet ring of the Roman Governor, he rises to one knee, is hammered
with questions. No guilt found but pressed by mobs, the leader washes his hands
of blame only to gouge the name Pilate red

on the stark scrolls of history. The frenzied crowd, seething red
faces, demand a murderer set free while the innocent one goes to the splintered cross.
Centurions mock the condemned man, placing a reed scepter in his hands,
a scarlet robe on his now flayed back, and, upon the head once kissed
by Mary, a crown of biting thorns. Jeering words hammer
him worse than blows: Save yourself! Prophesy, who struck you? The same silver

centurions force him prone on a wooden beam. The captain removes one silver
nail from a leather pouch. Anticipating the explosion of red,
the captain turns his head just slightly, brings the hammer
down three times. Jerusalem’s skyline, stained as his cross
is raised, darkens but the stifling heat remains. Not even a kiss
from a gentle breeze to relieve his agony as life drains from his feet, his hands.

Memory of that brutal hammer haunted Judas and crosses
time. Will we covet silver above red
or kiss, pierced for us all, His sweet scarred hands?

Advice for Future Authors...

If you are one of the many of visitors to Enter the Door Within, you know that this is a good place for aspiring writers to sharpen their craft. I hope I've been able to share a few helpful tricks of the trade. But still, I'm only one author--and I'm very much still learning. So, if I may point the way to an extraordinary treasure for writers, please check out C.J. Darlington's phenomenal new feature: ADVICE FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS.

There you will find advice from Ted Dekker, Jerry Jenkins, Terri Blackstock, and TONS of others, including some guy named Bat-dorf, or something like that. ;-)

Oh, and here's another new piece of Isle of Swords Desktop Art. I thought it might be fun to offer possible captions for this one. Suppose you were the Captain of this ship, just now looking over the bow, what might you say? (Uh, let's keep it clean.) ROFL

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 Trilogy: The Movie? Update

Time to Pray!

I just got word that the talent consultant in CA has begun reading The Door Within Trilogy. He's been looking into contacts at Walden Media and elsewhere to consider The Door Within's viability as a film. He was told that Trilogy or Series books are a must in order to get a film made. Stand alone books are not what studios are looking for right now--at least in terms of YA audiences. Makes sense. I like series books too. Fun to follow characters I know through a series of adventures.

The consultant indicated that, if he likes what he reads, he has a number of contacts for whom he can recommend The Door Within as movie material.

So pray. God's in command. Let this be done if it will bring Him glory.

-WtB

The Deepest Need, Part Two

What do you need?

In the previous post, I examined a humanistic psychologist's attempt to answer that question. And certainly, Maslow's conclusions are worth looking into. We do have many (if not all) of those needs. But I contend that we have a deeper need, a thread, a pulsing life-line that permeates our lives such that, even should we somehow attain everything on Maslow's Pyramid, we would still find ourselves left wanting…and needing.

Several of you have posted that this need is the need for God. Can't argue that. I believe that each of us are born spiritually dead and stay that way unless we accept Jesus' free gift of eternal life. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be (not: might be) you WILL be saved. We all need God to save us. No argument there.

But I wasn't actually thinking about the need for God to give us salvation. This Need for God that I speak of is not just a need for those who haven't met Jesus yet. This Need for God is for believers too. I know because I am one. This need has become very clear to me over the past six months. You see, during that half year, I've had a few dents added to my Shield of Faith. They haven't really been primary hits, so to speak. My wife and children are all healthy. My parents are aging well. My house seems to be in good shape. Nonetheless, events have transpired, and these events were close enough to knock me around a bit.

In the past six months, I've witnessed the untimely death of two small children. I've seen a young man in the prime of his life who just became a Christian and seemed to turn a corner into really living--be struck down in a freak botched robbery. I've seen one of the Christians I most admire suddenly stumble in sin and be thrown under a bus by his church. And most recently, my own church family just suffered the loss of a young (39yrs) father of six in a tragic automobile accident. I have to tell you, from time to time, I've felt like I'd been kicked in the teeth. But in the midst of all of this, I've come to recognize the need for God in a brand new way. I need God to be supernatural, and I need Him to be perfect. And fortunately, He's both of those and more.

I believe we need God to be supernatural and perfect because everything else in life fails us. The world we live in is broken. A glance at the headlines or down an alley in the "wrong part of town" should prove that unequivocally. But on the deepest, most personal level, those of us who choose to be honest KNOW that there's something wrong. It's right now that we need God, and not just for salvation. We need God because, in Him, much of the world makes sense. In Him, the parts of life that don't make sense can be left to reasoning beyond our comprehension.

When I look at the tiny casket on the altar, I need God to be bigger than I am, smarter than I am, and more good and holy than I could ever be. Some might be tempted to say, "How could an all good and all powerful God let terrible things happen?" There are lots of theological answers for that one: 1. How do we know what "good" and "terrible" actually are? 2. God does not want robots, so He gives us choice. Choice means we can choose evil. 3. God can use all things for good. etc. Those all may be reasonable and true, but I can toss them out and just cling to the fact that God is supernatural and perfect.

This is where the atheist might suggest, "Ah ha! So you admit it: Jesus is your crutch. You weak minded person, you." Funny, I used to get upset when I heard people say such things. But you know what? Jesus is my crutch. He's my blanket too. He's my shield. He's my heavenly Daddy. He's my protector. He's my source of hope. He is everything.

Without any spite, I might say to the atheist: Yes, Jesus is my crutch. What's yours?"

No, I didn't just conjure up Jesus to help me get by. No, I don't just fool myself into believing in a magic being to explain the universe. I know there's plenty of legitimate evidence for the existence of God, for Jesus, for Christianity. I'm not even getting into that. I'm a believer, and that's that. But for those who try to go through life leaning on a different crutch…well, in the end analysis, that's hopeless.

Reminds me of a cool scene from the movie the Matrix. Neo has just been contacted by Trinity and they take Neo on a car ride and try to explain about the Matrix. Neo thinks it's all absurd and starts to get out of the car. The following dialogue ensues:

Trinity: Please Neo, you have to trust me.
Neo: Why?
Trinity: Because you have been down there Neo, you know that road, you know exactly where it ends. And I know that's not where you want to be.

Somewhere deep down, we've all been down the road of self before. And like Neo, we know very well where the road of self ends. It's not a pretty end.

I need you Jesus
to come to my rescue.
Where else can I go?

That about sums it up for now. More in Part 3.

The Deepest Need, Part One

What do you need?

A vacation? A phone call from a friend? Two hours of sleep? A bucket of Boardwalk Fries? Your answer probably depends a lot on your current situation. But beyond the immediate situational needs, are you aware of what you REALLY need?

American psychologist Abraham Maslow is best known for his hierarchy of needs. Maslow, who founded the humanistic school of psychology, describes the human hierarchy of needs as kind of like a pyramid. Physiological needs at the bottom--we need food, water, air, sleep, etc. Then Safety, Love, Esteem, and Self Actualizing in that order.



In spite of the fact that Maslow was very humanistic, his pyramid of needs does ring of truth in some ways. I'm a big fan of those physiological needs. I'm fond of safety. I like being loved and belonging. Having confidence and feeling good about myself are pleasant qualities of life. And certainly, I strive to be all I can be.

But more and more, I find myself recognizing an even deeper need. It's a need that circulates through all of Maslow's elements…through, beneath, and above them all. It is a need so absolutely critical to human health that to ignore it is the most tragic form of denial in all of human experience. If this need is not met, then all of the other needs cannot be met without some form of self deception.

See, in my experience, ALL of those other needs are flawed. Flawed in the sense that they are only temporarily satisfying or they come with strings attached. Take the physiological needs for instance. Food. We eat some. It tastes good. We feel full. But guess what? In a few hours (or minutes, if you're like me), you'll be hungry again. Oh, and depending on what kind of food you eat and how much of it, you might just contribute to your own demise.

Or, consider the need for love. I love my wife. I love my kids. And most of the time, I do a pretty good job. Most of the time. I hate to admit it, but from time to time, I willingly (or willfully) have failed to love my wife and kids like I should.

What about safety and shelter? Houses grow old. Pipes rust. And what is it with "home improvement projects?" Is it just me or do all of these little fix-it sessions take four times as long as you think they will??!!

And even the top tier: self actualizing. Sounds kind of pop-psychological, new age sort of know your inner person. But this is how Maslow himself defines it:

"A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write,
if he is to be at peace with himself.  What a man can be, he must be.
This is the need we may call self-actualization ... It refers to man's
desire for fulfillment, namely to the tendency for him to become
actually in what he is potentially: to become everything that one
is capable of becoming ..."

You know, I dig this…to a degree. We all have talents and desires, the fulfillment of which grants us a measure of wonderful satisfaction. It feels great to see someone reading one of my books. It's an absolute blast to read my stories to kids. I imagine a race car driver winning the Indy 500 feels pretty wonderful. I'm sure the Giants enjoyed going to Disney World after thumping the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Achieving such a pinnacle is spectacular. But…those feelings fade. Pretty soon, there's another race. Or training camp starts. I love to write. LOVE TO WRITE!!! And I've achieved a measure of success. I've been on bestseller lists. I've sold over 100,000 books. I've been on the front page of the Washington Post and on National TV. But in the most candid analysis: it was fun, but it still doesn't totally satisfy. I wonder what it takes to get to the next level and sell millions of books. I wonder if a movie deal is just what I need. But, I have a very certain feeling that even should I sell more books than a certain tussle-haired-wizard-boy, I still won't actually be self actualized. Because, maybe to get that popular, I'd need to shun my family. Maybe my teaching would suffer. Maybe in the end, it would feel somewhat hollow or even painful.

But (and this is the greater point) even if I reached the peak of my profession without hurting people along the way, the exultation--the satisfaction--will fade. I feel sure it will. Why else do we so often read about some highly successful person suffering from depression or admitting himself to a rehab clinic?

Maslow's needs are real. I don't think we can argue that we do not actually feel such needs. But I believe that we ALL need something more. Something greater. Something, in fact, that is flawless.

More next time.

New Art for Your Desktop!

It's alive, ALIVE, ALIVE!!! Sorry, slipped back into the previously mentioned mad scientist. And, as I mentioned in the previous post about creative types, I've been crafting away at a new piece of 3D artwork. I finished it this afternoon and wanted to let everyone see.

I'm calling this Voices on the Wind. It is one of the principle settings from one of the Dark Sea Annals book I'm working on.

Voices on the Wind

You know you're a Creative when...

I've had a lot of time off of work lately. It began with my kids getting a stomach virus (that was fun). Then, my school system had parent conferences, so I had Friday off. We had Tuesday off for elections, and then an ice storm hits so Wednesday, I'm off again. Wednesday morning, lucky me, I spike a 103.1 fever and come down with the flu, so there goes the rest of the week. So, I've had a lot of time off. Besides doctor-ordered rest, guess what I did?

I fired up my computer, loaded up my 3D art program: Bryce 3D (by Daz Studios) and CREATED. I created my fool head off. I was picturing one of the settings for my new fantasy series and trying to make a 3D rendering of it, and you know what? I had SO much fun doing it! That got me thinking: I am a Creative. God made me that way. In fact, to one degree or another, I believe God made us all creative. God did, after all, make us in His image. And He is The Creator. Ever seen a sunset or the forest after an ice storm? Nuff said.

But I believe it's abundantly clear that God has given some people a special talent for creating--and not just the talent--but the DESIRE to create. These people are CREATIVES. I started thinking about the special kind of nutty-ness that defines us creatives. Think about it this way: sculptors, architects, painters, artists, musicians, writers, etc.--we spend days, weeks, months, even years creating something that our audience will devour or experience for a relatively short time. I just got reader mail from a 12 year old who read my whole Door Within Trilogy in a weekend. A WEEKEND. Those three books took me a total of FIFTEEN YEARS to write, and WHOOSH, he's done in two days. Look at some of the brilliant architecture in the world, esp. Europe. Breathtaking---absolutely breathtaking. And yet the tour bus drops off people to look at it for a few minutes...an hour, maybe, and off it goes. It's like your mom when she spends days working on Thanksgiving dinner only to have it gobbled* up in a brief feeding frenzy that would put a school of bull sharks to shame. WHOOSH, and it's over.

So, why do we creatives do it? Why spend so much passionate effort to create something so fleeting? I think the answer is multifaceted. Part of the answer, I've already mentioned: we were made to create. We create because we need to. It's in us and we need to let it out. We create because, if we didn't, part of us would go clinically insane. It's who we are. In his mega bestselling book, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren talks about the importance of doing what "we were made to do." There is a satisfaction we feel when we create. If we didn't create, we'd walk around feeling like something was unfinished...and waiting.

But I think also, we create because we want to please others. Now, don't misunderstand me. My main goal in life is to please God. Jesus said the greatest command is to love God. But then what? Jesus said, love your neighbor. I believe that creativity in its many forms (art, music, fiction, etc.) shows love to out neighbor. People are encouraged, uplifted, inspired, provoked, and comforted by creativity. Why else do we hang paintings or matted photos in our homes? Why do we have little crafty knick-knacks on the shelf? Why do we feel moved when we hear a certain song? Art touches people. Imagine a world with an absence of creativity. What would that be like? Uhhggh. I don't like the looks of that picture either.

Our creative expression can be love and light to the world. And I don't just mean paintings of Jesus, praise hymns, and conversion stories. Nothing wrong with those things--all good. But any quality expression of our creativity. A painting of a sunset. A song about your wife. A good old adventure story. It all** shows love to the world. The only thing is that love and light have to be broadcast to other people. You can't hide a light under a basket. You can't keep your love to yourself. What good does that do? Sure, I can draw something and enjoy it myself. But why stop there. Maybe someone else would find joy in it as well.

But that's where another characteristic of the Creative can get in the way of our desire to create: we tend to be our own worst critics. Creative types tend to want their creation to be "just right." And that's a good thing to a degree. We don't want to publish a story that is poorly written. We don't want to record a song if the tune is discordant. But we cannot allow our own perfectionism or self-doubt to keep us from loving the world with our art! You might think that your work isn't good enough. But how will you ever know? If you don't have someone else experience your creative expression, how do you know if it's good? Sure, start small. Share it with one other person, a parent, a teacher, a trusted friend. But do share it. Get some feedback. Get some training. Practice. And then...share it some more!

I am convinced that RIGHT NOW, sitting in various places all over the world there are the following people: a) photographers and artist whose images *could* adorn galleries and homes and remind people of the greatness of God's creation. b) composers and songwriters whose melodies *might* lift thousands from the jaws of depression and give them hope. c) writers whose stories *could* change the lives of a generation. I have no doubt that there are thousands of such CREATIVES out there, but still dormant. And for every thousand of those whose works *might* have a sweeping impact, there are hundreds of thousands of people whose creativity *could* impact on a smaller, more local scale. Maybe the one kid at school who listens to your song, looks at your picture, or reads your story, maybe he was contemplating suicide…but won't go through with it because of your loving him though your creativity.

So, are you a CREATIVE? I bet you know if you are.

But just in case you don't, here's a little nonScientific/nonAuthoritative way of finding out. I put this in the format made famous by comedian Jeff Foxworthy and his "You might be a redneck if..."

So here is:

You might be a Creative if...***

1. You find yourself sizing people up for future characters.

2. You're watching a movie and think, "I could do better than that!"

3. You have rock-hard callouses on your fingers from clutching a drawing pencil, as well as, smudges all over the side of your pinky finger and palm.

4. You're left handed.

5. You just can't get that little melody out of your head.

6. You find yourself scrawling little story ideas on napkins, sticky notes, church bulletins, your arm, and...your little brother's arm.

7. You call your cell phone to leave yourself a story idea.

8. You can't wait for __________ to end so that you can go work on your story, song, etc.

9. You're angry because your computer's art program only works with 600 colors.

10. You find yourself laughing OUT LOUD at something you've written.

11. You nearly run off the road because you've got an idea that MUST be written down.

12. Your dream was so offbeat there just has to be a story in there somewhere.

13. The most wonderful thing you've ever seen is: a blank sheet of paper.

14. The most terrifying thing you've ever seen is: a blank sheet of paper.

AND FINALLY, you know you might be a CREATIVE if: You find yourself giggling like an idiot when you make something YOU KNOW IS GOOD.

I think it's time to take the basket off of our light. Don't you?

*pun intended.

**Like any good thing that God gives us, creativity can be misused. So art, music, fiction, etc. that leads people away from God, isn't cool.

***Official Disclaimer: If these things are not true of you, that does not necessarily mean you are NOT creative. These are just humorous reminders.

Music

If you've visited Enter the Door Within often, you may have just noticed the little iPod music player in the sidebar and the cool theme music. That music is a theme for Isle of Swords (and Isle of Fire) written and performed by 14 year old reader named Jon. Can you say, super talented?

Well done, Jon!

New Door Within Forum!

Door Within MEGA-fan Josh Lowe has kindly set up a very (VERY), did I mention, very? COOL Door Within forum for readers to get together and talk about the books--and all sorts of things. It just takes about two minutes to register and The Realm is wide open.

Come join today. Here's the Link: New Door Within Forum

If you are one of the first 100 Door Within readers to sign up, I'll enter you in a drawing for a free SIGNED COPY OF ISLE OF FIRE, due out this August!

By the way, I think Josh is looking for some help naming things, so get over there an lend your immense creative skills.

And a random pondering: If Lord of the Rings fans are called Ringers, what do we call Door Within Fans? Doorers--uh, no. Glimpsers? Realmers? A little help?

The Winter of Our Discontent...

Dr. Cliff Arnall, a psychologist in the UK, has garnered press from quite a few major sources including: MSNBC, NPR, BBC, and Time for his decree that January 24th is "The Most Depressing Day of the Year." The segment found on MSNBC is an interesting article. If you'd like to read it, click HERE. The basic premise is that people tend to ride an emotional high into the holidays, but then, after New Years, the bills come due, the weather is dreary, we've failed at resolutions/or quit trying, we're cooped up inside...you get the picture. Not sure how Mr. Arnall arrived at the exact day, but in light of recent (and some not so recent) events, his claims have gotten me thinking.

Looking back over my general demeanor over the past few weeks and then even farther back to this time of the year from years past, I KNOW I've had bouts of discontent. I've been cranky, grouchy, selfish, sad, melancholy, unreasonable, unfair, and generally ridiculous. For me the last week of January through the second week of February has been "The Magnificent Idiot Zone." Now, we've all heard of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and I believe the research points to its reality. Physiologically and emotionally, being deprived of the sun and warmth can leave us feeling tired and down.

But I think there's even a more intense variety of SAD that hits a certain segment of the population at this particular time of year. Does the job or school or your relationship with _______ seem off right now? Do you find yourself thinking negative or self-defeating thoughts right now? Maybe, you're like me. Maybe this time of year hits you the way it's hitting me. For the parents out there, esp. if you live in cold climates, are the kids bouncing off the walls and off each other? Does everyone seem to be getting on each other's nerves? Yeah, me too.

So what do we do about it? We're Christians, right? We're not to be a slave to sin anymore. We're not to be a slave to anything but to Christ. We're free from bondage, right? Do we ignore it, spouting platitudes about "Giving it all to God" or "Count it all joy?" Do we cover up the turbulence in our guts by putting on the "I'm okay, you're okay" mask?

No.

I don't think God ever tells us to lie to ourselves or put on masks. So what do we do? Well, honestly, I don't know. I've got some ideas that I'm going to attempt and see what happens. But for what it's worth, here's what I think --might-- help:

1. Recognize it's real. The sadness, the pain, the frustration--all of it, it's real. The weather is dreary. It is NOT fun to pay bills and see more piling up. When we fail at resolutions and self promises, it does hurt. When we don't see the people we love that often it's sad. When we put on weight during the holidays, our self image can suffer.

2. Talk to God about it. God is not afraid of truth. He corners the market on truth. He's the one who said, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest for your soul." Does that sound seriously awesome right about now? It does to me. Curl up in bed with a fuzzy blanket and just unload all the gunk. God, this is how I feel. God, this is where I've failed. God, my kids are driving me nuts. God, I NEED you.

3. Put your SELF in the backseat. The moment you start hearing the self-defeating thoughts, find something you can do to help someone else. Husbands go do the dishes or fold the laundry. Wives, pat your husband on the shoulder or make him a cup of coffee. Kids, do your homework EARLY. I've found that the worst funks I ever get in are usually when I'm "all about me." That's just got to die. So go do something that helps someone else. God designed us to be satisfied when we serve. If we're feeling down, it makes sense that helping other may help us as well.

4. Avoid Drastic Ideas. Many times, discontent leads to a worldly kind of logic...logic that says, I feel down, so if I could only ________ I'd feel better. That's usually when we do something we'll regret later. We go buy a big screen TV (and add to our bills). We go eat a gallon of Ben and Jerry's (and add to our gut). We yell at a loved one (and add to our regret). We book vacations (and dream about the future when really, we're living in the now. Now has to be lived.) I think of how rash I was as a teenager (believe me, I remember it vividly). Drastic plans came to mind so easily--most often with horribly unpleasant results.

5. Bathe in the Facts. That's right, bathe. God says He loves you. God says He won't ever leave you. God says He has a plan for you. God says He knows your sorrow. God says there will be a Day when there will be NO more tears.

Immerse yourself in the Word of God. Call it a "Truth Bath." Renew your mind by reading the Psalms or Romans or James or Hebrews or John--or all of them. Having truth rolling around in your mind is an awful good way to blow up the lies.

6. Share Your Thoughts with Someone. That's what I'm doing right now in writing this post. It's like cheap therapy. And strangely, I feel better. Maybe what I've written will help someone. Maybe not. But at least, I've put it into words, spelled it out, had a chance to look at it with some objectivity. I talked to my wife just the other day, and it really helped. I felt like, "Wow, it really feels good to have her know what I'm feeling right now."

7. Take a "YOU Break." I know, you're thinking, but up there you just said, put yourself in the backseat. That's true. Others must come first. But here's what I mean. A "You Break" works like this: First, identify something in your TO DO pile that you've left undone so far. Go do it. If it's a big thing, take an hour bite out of it. Knock out a chunk. And then, go do something that fills your tank. Read a good book (say...like The Door Within), draw a sketch, play the instrument you've allowed to collect dust, pick up your cat, sit by the fire, get a cup of tea, play a video game--something that you like to do.

8. Exercise. This may not be last on your list. But seriously, consider it. Ride the stationary bike, go for a run (even if it's cold), do a set of curls or crunches, go to the gym, etc. Physiologically, your body releases anti-depression chemicals when you exercise rigorously. And afterward, there's satisfaction that you are getting into better shape, as well.

It is the Winter of our Discontent. But, maybe, it doesn't have to stay that way.

Numbers and Lists...and more Art!

I can't post often enough about my extraordinary readers. My publisher sent me word today that not one, but two of my books hit the Young Adult Bestseller List for February (December sales figures, actually). The Door Within is at #7, and Isle of Swords is at #8 on CBA's Young Adult Bestseller list. So again, thank you to my readers--and not just for reading, but SO MANY of you have gone out of your way to steer others toward my books.

To quote one of my favorite Tolkien lines: You are "like the falling of small stones that starts and avalanche in the mountains. Even as we talk here, I feel the rumblings." You are making a difference, readers, and I will never be able to thank you enough.

Later today, my agent shot me an email with some very interesting statistics. I can't share them specifically, but in general terms, my books are selling nearly as well in ABA (Secular Bookstores) as they are in the CBA (Christian Bookstores). And that's very good news. I wanted my stories to be enjoyed by Christians and those outside of the faith as well. I always wanted my books to cross-over from Christian shelves into mainstream. And so far, it seems like that is happening. God is making things happen. And my readers are a spectacular part of it all.


Another SUH--WEET piece of Fan Art. This one from regular DW Blogger, Josh C. He told me he hadn't seen any fan art for Isle of Swords, so he drew up this fine Man-o-war. Nice, eh?


Oh...and still no news about the movie rights. {sigh} B-) I think the preceding smiley looks like Batman with a great big grin. Maybe it's just me.

What's on YOUR mind?

Time for a little Brainstorming.

Just a few random thoughts today.

• As a parent you know you're toast when: In the middle of the night, you hear, "Mommy, Daddy, my stomach hurts." Can you say, technicolor yawn? In the span of four minutes, two of my four children tossed their cookies. Seems to be some sort of stomach bug going round these parts. Please pray for us if you have some spare "air time."

• I'm really worried about the coming Presidential election. I thought Mike Huckabee was going to whoosh through to the nomination. He's a Christian, a very reasonable and refreshing voice, and yet...he's not doing well of late. I have real reservations about McCain and Romney, and feel like this election is a real turning point for America. The next President will likely appoint between 2-4 Supreme Court Justices... I'm committing to praying that God would have the candidate who will honor Him in the oval office.

• The Dark Sea Annals, my next fantasy series is going to be HUGE. I've left the manuscript lie dormant for a bit of time to allow me to work on the outline. But it's SEVEN books. That's a monstrous outline. It has proven too big for my normal pen/paper outlines, so I'm giving this new writer's software a try. It's called SuperNoteCard, and it seems to allow all kinds of cool outlining features. I hope so. I need help.

• 39,621 Visits to my blog since it opened. I wonder who will be number 40,000...

So, what's on your mind? The captain has turned on the Random Thought Light. Feel free.

New Fan Art, Part 2

Take a closer look. You may think you are looking at the endsheets for my Door Within books. But actually, these were hand drawn by a 13-year-old reader named Marissa. Righteous work, wouldn't you say?

Never alone.





And in other news, it's OFFICIAL: Isle of Fire will be released in August of this year. Check back to this site often. I will be posting some sample chapters and/or scenes from Isle of Fire in the next couple of weeks.

Oh...and I haven't forgotten about the Suspense Techniques contest. I'm just trying to pace myself. ;-)

New Fan Art!

Never let it be said that fan art must take the form of a drawing! This righteously-cool box was crafted by Juliette of Rochester, NY. Juliette is an avid Door Within fan and very much like a real-life Antoinette Lynn Reed. Trust me, you don't want to lock swords with Juliette!


On the Door Within Movie News Front: The gentleman in California is NOW reading The Door Within series and Isle of Swords. His opinion could go a very LONG way towards getting the movie rights purchased. Please pray that, if God wills it, The Door Within might become a movie.

Until next time, Never alone!

First Look...Isle of Fire

Ahoy, lads and lasses. This here be yer first look at the cover of Isle of Fire, due to be released August, 2008. What do you think? Suggestions? Comments?

Fan Fest 2008!!

Brother in Arms, Bryan Davis just posted a fantastic article on his readers. And he is SPOT-ON. It sounds simplistic and obvious to say, without readers, authors would be no where. But think about this: without lots of readers, publishers won't want our books. End writing career and fracture a lot of dreams. Yes, I write for God first and always, and I am grateful for the chance to do what I love to do. But honestly, I don't love writing just for writing sake. I love writing for the impact. I love knowing that thoughts in my wee brain somehow translated meaningfully into someone else's mind and heart. I love hearing from readers about how my books added something they appreciate to their lives.

But ever since The Door Within came out in 2005, readers have come through in extraordinarily huge ways. To date, The Door Within and Isle of Swords books have sold over 120,000 copies, have appeared on CBA's Bestseller list SEVEN times--as high as #2, have appeared in The Baltimore Sun, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Washington Post, and even on national TV! None of this happens without my readers.

The most incredible thing to me is that readers zealously and selflessly have gone out of their way to tell me what they think about the books. Readers have gone out of their way to promote and tell others about my books. In the recent Treasure Hunt Contest, 32 readers went absolutely NUTZ blogging, writing, phoning--basically grabbing anyone who would listen to talk about my books. You guys are crazy. But crazy is good. And I love my crazy readers!

So in this post, I'd like to begin a sort of Fan Fest! The following are pictures and reviews of readers and fans who have been so meaningful to me over the last three years. I've quoted actual fan mail several places, but left out names for security. That said, I won't ever forget you and what you've done for me.

Some readers even create (I mean home made arts and crafts create) props, banners, signs, and fliers to prepare the world for upcoming signing events! You know who you are...wink, wink!

Some readers have dreams of being published authors and come talk to us about it. SO glad! Kindle that flame. We need more authors of GREAT books!

"Dear Wayne,

I just wanted to write to you and let you know how much my son and I enjoyed your books. I bought your first book for [my son] which you autographed. He read it quickly, which is unusual for him. [my son] is 22 and not much of a reader but he sailed through your book. He gave it to me to read which I too sailed through. He got very busy with work after that and it took quite a while for him to start book 2. However, when he did, he finished it in about a week, I too finished it in about a week. He gave me book three the day before I finished the second book and I started book 3 last Sunday. I finished it last night. We both thought they were wonderful and we were kind of sorry to see it end. [my son] and I haven't talked to much about Christianity for several years as he has turned away from that, I hope for just a time. However, your books opened up a door of great conversation between us. Your books have me so excited that I'm telling anyone that will listen about them. A must read if you ask me. Thank you so much for opening a door between my son and I that has been closed for a long time. Never Alone!"

Let's not forget the parents of these younger readers. Many times, the parents shell out major $$$ to provide reading material for their kids. That's commitment. Thank you, Parents!

"I bought this for my son, but found that it is a GREAT read-aloud for the entire family. I wish there were more. This makes for very good discussion and I would recommend it as a book for any book club, young or old."

"As I told you while there, your books have changed us as a family.....A year and a half ago I became a single mom, and there were days in the past year when I wondered if I would make it, how I would make it, and in the midst of that your first book, The Door Within, showed up----it gave me and the kids hope and we now know like never before that we are "never alone!" -----thank you for your evident love of the Lord and your love for children-----it shows! May God bless you and your family...... We are praying for you..............................

With much thankfulness for you and your books,"

"Dear Mr. Batson,

I just have to say thank you so much for your FANTASTIC Door Within
books!

I have an 11 yr. old 6th grade boy who has never cared for reading.
He'd much rather be outside riding his bike or playing football.
So every school year it is a struggle to get him to do his required
reading. Well last year we came across your wonderful book, The Door
Within, and he and I were both hooked! He absolutely loved it! I
couldn't wait till the next books came out and devoured each as soon
as I could get them. Of course now I have trouble not telling him
what's going to happen.

I am just so thankful that he has found something that he is excited
about reading! He has actually sat down and read for 2+ hours at a
time - all on his own. We didn't have to push and prod him to do it.

Maybe God was just waiting for the right book to hook my son, one
that He would approve of. Maybe now my son will love reading things
that draw him closer to God.

So again, thank you and keep the great books coming!"


"Wow!!!!!!! What a great story teller. I bought this series for my son. I like to read them first, and what an awesome story. I was hooked right away. Thank you for they great wholesome read ;O)"

"This is the best book I've ever read. I cried tears of happiness on the last book but…you should NOT read them out of order."

"You will never get bored with this series. It is my favorite series. It is a compelling book that makes you feel like you were actually there. I recommend this book to anyone, everyone will love it. (If you order the first book, make sure you order the other three, I had to wait a whole week to read the second book, don't go through what I went through:-)"

"I LOVED all three books!! This book teaches that we are really fighting in a spiritual battle, and the only way to survive is to trust in the One True King! This would also make a WONDERFUL movie! Never Alone!"

"This is one of the best books I have ever read.. and believe me, that is saying something! I've been devouring books since I was 5 yrs old, and have probably read every good one out there! I'm 15, and The Door Within, and The Rise of the Wyrm Lord are highly recommended by me and my friends (I'm asking for the "Final Storm" for Christmas). I'm also a "safety" police when it comes to romantic books, and while there is a "boy-girl" relationship, it is not dangerous and is safe for all ages. This book never got boring, but kept me laughing all night long (yes, I read it in one day). There have been many times where I've just picked it up to make myself laugh. I've never tired of reading it over again...it's still as good as when I first opened it. God has truely blessed the author, and I believed it came out in this book! "



"I wish I could give this book a 10 or higher! Not just a 5! I don't know if you (the author) will read this, but I want to thank you. I was in a very, dry spell in my Christian walk when I first picked up this book. I read the book in about three days, I even brought it to work to read on my break with me. Your book helped my realize that I was just being selfish, and ignoring the true God! I look forward to reading the other two books! Thank you! And God bless!"

"Your stories are fun for all ages. The only problem I have with your writing is this: I start one of your novels, and can not put it down! Of course, my young children love to snuggle with me while I read, so in a few years they will no doubt be avid readers themselves. It's nice to be able to discuss a book with my teenager as well. Thank you Mr. Batson, for sharing your incredible gift with us, your fans! I have started to pass your books around to the nurses and doctors I work with. Almost everyone has gone to buy more of your books after getting a taste."

"I truly cried during this book. It all touched my heart so strongly! I couldn't stop crying. My sister asked me if I was upset. I answered her: "No, Maggie. No, far from it!" I knew in my head, I was certain at that point, and still so certain, that I loved God. I love God!!! And I know that he loves me. I am certain for the first real time in my whole life.

And that is what I have to thank you for. You brought me, not back to God, but fully to God. You are doing wonderful work by spreading God's messages, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks that. You set such an amazing role model to young Christians of what a child of God looks like. I would hug you now, if I could!”

“I just needed to tell you my son finished the Door Within series last night. And at our night prayer he looked over to us and said these books have changed him. He had tears in his eyes. I asked him how and he couldn't quite find the right words but he said that the path between Jesus and he has become closer. What more could a parent want from a story. And we were worried he wouldn't find anything after reading Harry Potter!! My son is named Gabriel meaning strength of God. And I know these books have played an important part of his spiritual journey. Gabe is a 9 year old boy ready for the King's army. Thank you for opening a door for Gabe to some of heaven's mysteries that his father and I could never in a million words explain.”
"You have no idea who I am but, I LOVE THE DOOR WITHIN TRILOGY! Dude it was awesome, we had to write a book report at my school and I did it about The Door Within Trilogy :). Also another guy in my class did it about The Door Within too, Cool huh? And I was wondering if you could write a fourth book to the trilogy?? Well, its you choice im just giving you ideas. PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER im desperate lol ill even donate if i have to. Ill try to think of names you could name it like umm... The Rise of King Eliam maybe? Well i dont know about the title cause uve got to make that get the readers attention you know? And your the author soooo... your choice. Remember I can donate to you if itll help you make another, but it wouldnt be too too much because i would donate with my chore money or something. Even if its not much money that I donated, I still would like giving you it."

"I recently finished the marvelous "Isle of Swords" just last night, very late, so hooked I couldn't put the book down...or keep my fingers from shaking. I can't stop raving over this book... It has in a very short time become my favorite book ever. I'm counting the days until the sequel premieres. If you want a fantastic book to read, do I have a book for you!"

"his book, and the other two in the series, are definitely some of the best books I've ever read! Wayne Thomas Batson writes amazing Christian fantasy! I recommend this series to anyone and everyone! Similar to the DragonKeeper chronicles, and the Binding of the Blade series, Wayne Thomas Batson weaves together both his faith, and his awesome talent of writing, to produce these unmatched fantasy masterpieces. They're well worth the time and money. Once you pick them up, you won't want to put them down. They're thrilling and captivating from cover to cover."
I would be seriously remiss if I did not mention my favorite reader and biggest fan. Love you, Gorgeous! 1C13