1,824,640,802,600,500,345 million stars!

Well, I'm back from the Fantasy Tour. Lots of stories to tell. I'll have to take it slow and post a little at a time. You can also see the tour video journals on fantasyfictiontour.com.

In other news, the Isle of Fire Treasure Hunt ends tomorrow. Last Call for Treasure Points.

And finally: I've had lots of good reviews, and I am SO thankful for every kind word. We creative folks are awfully sensitive and notoriously thin-skinned about things said concerning our books. So when a nice review comes along, it is very meaningful.

I received a review today from a 9-year old boy. He read Isle of Fire and wrote a very sweet review. The last line made me laugh out loud. Read it if you wish, but beware of a few SPOILERS if you haven't read Isle of Fire yet.

This book is about some pirates and monks who travel around the world to find Thorne and the Merchant. They started working with the monk when they found Cat. Cat is not his real name, it is his nickname. They don’t say what his real name is, so I just call him Cat. Cat is a boy who lives with the monks because his mom died and his dad is evil and left him on an isle of fire. Cat is afraid that he looks like his dad and will become like his dad. Anne found Cat when he was a boy on the island. Cat and Anne are on a journey to find Scully and the Merchant. Anne is Ross’ daughter who saved Cat from the island. Cat and Anne kind of like each other.
The Merchant is evil and Scully works for him. Thorne is a pirate and a good fighter who is friends for Red Eye and works for Ross on his ship called Robert Bruce. A boy named Hooper and a lady named Lady Dolphin and Sir Nigel found Hooper on their ship and they are helping him find his parents. Until then they decide to take care of him. I think Lady Dolphin is using Hooper to help her find her dad’s journals.
I liked this book and I recommend this book to people who like pirates and adventure and a lot of fighting and capturing. I give this book 1,824,640,802,600,500,345 million stars and I know that’s not a number.
The End

West Coast Fantasy Fiction Tour: Update a Long but Wonderful Day

Lots happened today, our 2nd full day in California. We began with a LIVE interview on Central Valley Today, a cool variety show in Fresno, CA. Donita K. Paul was originally scheduled to be interviewed with Christopher Hopper, but she bowed out in order to spend more time at the Children's Hospital. I ended up filling in, and it was a blast.

Click HERE to see the broadcast!

Fantasy Fiction West Coast Tour: Friday through Monday

If you've just watched the video above, you probably noted that LB Graham and I were absent for the Canada trip. We're both full time teachers and already taxing our annual leave to take the week off. So we had to fly in late Friday evening.


Shown above: Good morning, Seattle. Hmmm, what do you know...rain!

Author L.B. Graham demonstrates the proper novel-writing technique. Note the one finger typing.

On Saturday morning, we traveled downtown Seattle and visited TBN studios. The Fantasy Fiction Tour authors became the guests of the week on TBN show Exit 16. It's usually a variety show on the latest music, but they went for fantasy this time! As you can see above, we donned our cloaks, capes, swords, and bucklers back stage.

Then, on stage, guest host and agent extraordinaire , Gregg Wooding , interviewed all 8 authors plus Chris and Allan Miller who guested with us. The Miller Brothers have begun a new fantasy series called The Code Bearers. These guys are just the coolest around, and I have a feeling their books are going to make a HUGE splash in the market.

Later that same day, the Fantasy Tour headed to the Logos Harvest Bookstore on the other side of Seattle. And there, I finally got to meet Sir Cody and his family. We've been corresponding for over a year, and they drove 4+ hours to come see us. See above: here with my agent and good friend Gregg Wooding and author and friend Christopher Hopper.

True story (as you can see in the video below): The manager at the Logos bookstore asked us if we might do a little swordplay outside to draw attention to the store. OOPS. Not five minutes into a little duel, we caused a traffic accident. Author Bryan Davis and I had clashed swords a bit when CRASH. Apparently, the lead car was looking for the bookstore and saw us. He stopped rather quickly, and the driver behind was apparently looking at the goofballs dueling and slammed into the back of the first car.


Then it was off to Enumclaw (which I pronounced Nemunclaw and a half dozen other incorrect ways) where the Salt Shaker Bookstore threw us the coolest book party we could imagine. Signs hanging from the rafters, castle walls, torches--the works. What a huge turnout!

Then, Sunday, we went to Portland and Medford. Portland was a very special meeting as we gathered in a public gazebo in the middle of an open air mall. So many special fans came that day, including a very special young lady who showed me photos of her room which she had decorated in very stylish Door Within decor.

Special shout to Ben. I didn't get to meet you, but I'm praying for you. Stay strong in His mighty power.

Then, off we went to the Medford gig at the Evangel Bookstore in the Rogue Valley Mall. The book buyer for the chain, Dannal Newman and all the staff there did an astoundingly righteous event for us, including cool candelabras, treasure chests, and posters. I need to get some pics from Christopher from those events. Too cool not to see for yourselves.


The next series of pictures shows some of the INCREDIBLE scenery on our drive from Medford to Sacramento (where we are tonight).Is it just me, or does the above pic remind of you of Weathertop in LOTR? Can't you just see the black riders appearing out of the mist?

And last but not least, here is mount Shasta! God is the creator. All praise to Him.

More soon. Plus, the announcement I've been promising should be just days away.

West Coast Fantasy Fiction Tour, Day One: Sleepy in Seattle

Greetings from the lovely Hilton Garden Inn in Seattle, Washington. After 7 hours of flying, it feels really good to have room to stretch out. ;-) Busy day tomorrow:

TV Interview with TBN Network, 12pm.

Harvest Logos Bookstore
3:00pm - 5:00pm
115 N. 85th St. #100
Seattle, WA 98103
206-781-8725

With a surprise guest appearance!

Salt Shaker Bookstore
6:30pm - 8:30pm
1456 Cole St.
Enumclaw, WA, 98022
360.825.7258

And don't forget, you'll be able to tune into events LIVE. Just click on over to www.fantasyfictiontour.com and click Watch Live.

More as the Tour unfolds.

Never alone.

-W

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

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!

There and back again... (To borrow a phrase)

The Fantasy 4 Fiction Tour has come to an end. And coming from the author who wrote: Adventures are funny things...they always begin with the unexpected, you'd think I'd know by now that God is in the business of doing the unexpected.

Who knew that by the end of this Tour, The Washington Post would interview me and smack the story on the front page? Who knew that Fox News would see the article and invite me to appear on the nationally televised Fox and Friends show? Who knew that the four authors, from four denominations and four different publishers would become lifelong friends? And who knew a young lady would visit me at a Tour stop and show me once and for all that my stories are being used by God to change lives? Who knew?

God knew.

I am so glad for the technology that allowed us to write about our experience and show you through the Hoppers' fabulous films. You've all seen what God has done. The Revolution in the arts has begun. Are you seeking God's will for your place in it? What story have you to tell? What song have you to sing? What image will you paint (or render)? We can no longer let the world dictate to us what quality art can be. We need to blaze the trail. Are you ready? I am.

Here are the Final Tour Videos:

Day 8, 9, 10 (and all Tour video)

I'd like to close by rewriting the ending of my favorite fantasy tale. I'm superimposing the adventure I've just returned from. I hope you don't mind my borrowing from the Professor.

But to Sir Wayne the afternoon deepened to a hazy gray as he stood at the Haven, just around the bend from their final event. And as he looked down the traffic-choked network of streets, through the teeming crowds, and up between the towering structures that scraped the sky, he thought he caught a glimpse of something heavenly. There he stood far into the afternoon as his fellow adventurers moved their baggage from one place to another. Then all at once, the four of them knew the time had come. The elf-lord, Bryan, so aloof at times--and careful--but possessing an inner strength to topple strongholds...he stood like a statue, but there was a knowing look in his eyes--a wistful recognition of all they'd been through. Lady Sharon, the tender swordmaiden, skilled with herbs and things of comfort and healing--she gave to all such gifts as she could, but none more precious than the breath of encouragement to a downcast heart. The effervescent, Sir Christopher, darted to and fro crushing all in bear hugs, professing love and truth to all who would dare believe.

Sir Wayne let the moment wash over him, but too soon his companions of a fortnight had all gone their separate ways. But Sir Wayne flew home, and as he strode up the driveway, he saw that there was yellow light and a fire within. The afternoon meal was ready, and he was expected. And Mary Lu drew him in and set him in a chair, and put little Rachel upon his lap.

He drew a deep breath. "Well, I'm back," he said.

Fantasy Fiction Tour Update: Hold on to your hats, folks...

Another update? You might be looking at the calendar and thinking, "Oh, the Tour's over." Well, that's what I thought. God {who is in the habit of doing so} had other ideas.

My agent, Gregg Wooding, calls in the middle of our last Tour Signing at the Timeless Treasures Store in downtown Manhattan. "Wayne, you might want to sit down," he says.

"I saw it, Gregg," I say, misunderstanding him. "The Washington Post put the Christian Fantasy article on the front page--my book Isle of Swords, right there on the front page."

He pauses, "Uh, yes, that was great, but there's more."

Stunned silence.

"Fox News just called. They want you to stay in New York so that they can have you as a guest on Fox and Friends, Friday morning 6:45 am."

More stunned silence, punctuated by rapid heart rate and shortness of breath.

This is real. God is making me into one of the small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains. It's happening. Adventures are funny things...they may appear down a seldom trodden path or even arrive with...a phone call. But they always begin with the unexpected.

So, my friends and family I beg you for this:

Emergency Prayer Request

Please pray that I would speak the words God wants me to speak. Please pray that I could be a spokesperson for God's agenda and not my own. Please pray that I do not develop lockjaw, strep, or some other such thing.

Funny thing: I'm sitting here now, in a little business lounge high in the skyscraping Hotel Pennsylvania deep in the heart of New York City. I'm now committed to being apart from my family for another two days. I miss my wife and my children. My Tourmates, Christopher Hopper, Bryan Davis, and Sharon Hinck have all gone home. I miss them already.

I am a very little man in a great big city. But I am not alone.

I am never alone.

Fantasy Fiction Tour Report, Day 10: Brooklyn Part 2 & Washington Post Article

New Tour Video, click HERE!

The Washington Post article is in today's paper. And get this, my book cover is on the FRONT page! God is electric good. Please check out the article by clicking HERE.

Or, visit:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/17/AR2007071702182.html

The article is VERY positive about the Christian Fantasy genre, but doesn't mention Bryan Davis, Sharon Hinck, or Christopher Hopper by name. I am SO bummed about that because these wonderful authors are friends of mine. And without their passion--without Christopher Hopper's publisher Pam Schwagerl pouring her life and resources into the Tour, there wouldn't have been a Tour...and therefore, there wouldn't be anything newsworthy.

Nonetheless, God will work all things together for good. After this Tour, that is one thing I can say with certainty.

Oh, and about the Tour: Brooklyn

We met so many great folks at the Timeless Treasures store. One cool visitor gave us time for a little video interview. When asked why she doesn't read secular fantasy, she responded, "That stuff is crap." Christopher, I hope you got that. Please, tell me you got that. ;-)

{Sigh} Mixed emotions as the Tour comes to an end. One more stop to come. Much more later.

Fantasy Fiction Tour Report, Day 10: Brooklyn Part 1

Well, after narrowly avoiding a serious traffic accident on the Belt Parkway near the Verrazano Bridge--cool bridge by the way--just not so cool for the guy in the white car. After a sudden stop, he plowed into the car in front of him. A 3rd car hit him, so he had the Milachi Crunch. We burned a little rubber and burned up a brake pad or two, but were otherwise no worse for wear. Thank you, Jesus.

We're waiting right now, staying in a missions building for Living Waters Fellowship in a not-so-friendly part of downtown. I have to admit I'm not very comfortable having my daughter Kayla here, so any prayers would be MUCH appreciated. Battling dragons is one thing, but gangs with handguns? Yipe. ;-)

We have a signing at Timeless Treasures Christian Bookstore in Brooklyn today at 5pm. Details later if we have internet. Bryan Davis, his daughter, and my daughter and I are staying with Roheryn in NJ this evening.

Fantasy Fiction Tour Report, Day 9: Belair, MD & Newark Delaware

Hey, all! The Fantasy Fiction Tour authors are all camped out in a Panera Bread who's managers allowed us to stay after hours to use their free WiFi! Suh-weet. Today we hit Christopher Matthews Christian Bookstore in BelAir, Maryland. What a great turnout. Met wonderful people, signed a lot of books, let a lot of young people play with sharp, pointy things.

In NewArk, we did a driveby of a Borders. Cool thing: they had 9 of my books FACE OUT. And one of the managers said, "I love your books!"

We spent the evening at Days of Knights--a medieval gaming shop. Double-sweet.

And here's the video link: Fantasy 4 Fiction Tour Video.

Fantasy Tour Update, Day 7 & 8: Richmond, Ellicott City, Washington D.C., and Alexandria

First of all: A HUGE thank you to Christopher Hopper and his wife Jennifer for taking the very little down time we've had on this tour to upload, edit, and post all these AMAZING Fantasy Tour Video Updates. A picture is worth a thousand words, so moving pictures are worth billions. Seriously, these videos capture the excitement and fun of the tour in a way that words don't seem to communicate.

New Tour Videos are Up. Click on the links below to go and see them!

Day Four and Five
Day Six

Recap: Richmond, Virginia
We marched into the Barnes and Noble Broad Street to find a beautiful display of our books and absolutely PRIMO placement up front and center in the store. A great day there with special guest visitors once again. This time it was Indie Recording Artist and Award Winning Vocalist, Denise Dovel. Check out Denise's incredible music by clicking HERE. She also happens to be my sister-in-law. We also had a visit from author Katy Pistole. She writes YA books in which horses play a big role. If you are someone who loves horses, check out Katy's books by clicking HERE. We met a lot of wonderful people, including a young DW fan named Dean who's been writing some pretty fantastic stuff himself. The manager was so pleased with the product and sales that he had us sign ALL of the remaining copies of our books. That means they aren't worried about returns. Coolness.

Ellicott City #1: His Way Christian Books
Traffic coming out of Richmond was unreal. We hit Fredericksburg and {sound of tires screeching to a halt}. After several detour attempts and U-turns, we finally got moving again. From there, it was "Mr. Sulu, warp factor 9!" We hauled up 95 to get to His Way--40 minutes late, unfortunately.

I felt horrible because His Way is my home bookstore. They were the first to offer me a booksigning when The Door Within had just released. And Michelle Black, the Author Liason of the local His Way chain has worked SO hard to make this event a reality. Custom, hand-painted banners adorned the ceilings (See top picture), swords along the floor to lead customers to the amazing throne-like signing area in the back--all painstakingly created by Michelle and the wonderful staff of His Way. Oh, and there were readers there too. LOTS of readers. There must have been 40+ folks there when we walked in the door. We signed and chatted and hugged and mugged (for photos, that is) until the doors closed and the store hours ended. It was amazing.

Next Day we zoomed over to First Presbyterian Church of Washington D.C., Condi Rice's church it turns out. Met some wonderful folks there and sold some books, but the highlight was getting to speak to their youth group. 30+ teens in one room. And they were as guarded as they could be when we walked in the room. After we spoke, they were as open as they could be. God was working there, I can tell you that. WHOA!!

Of to Alexandria for a very important event. The Barnes and Nobles Potomac Yard. Beautiful store and wonderful chance to do some readings. But also, a reporter for the Washington Post covered the event and is planning a big article on the Tour. Look for it in the Washington Post Metro/Religion Section Wednesday or Thursday this week. Also, please pray that the article would be a positive feature on Christian Fantasy. Momentum is building, and a good write-up in the post would REALLY be a huge catalyst.

Then {yes, same day} we flew back to Ellicott City for a signing at another one of my "home" stores. They had a SWEET arrangement of our books, once again, front of the store. And people came out in droves. We me tons of neat fokls and sold a gazillion books. Some parents went from author to author, buying each and every book available!

Okay, that's all for now. We're off to Belair, MD, Delaware, and then wrapping up in New York.

Family Break

I've not posted Saturday and Sunday because I'm back in my hometown for this leg of the tour. I'm spending time with my family, but more--MUCH MORE--to come in the coming days. All I can say is God is awesome.

Fantasy Fiction Tour Report, Day 6: Charlotte and Raleigh

Okay, something happened today that, had it been the only event of the entire tour, would have been enough for me. This morning we walked into the Barnes and Noble of Charlotte, North Carolina and found several fantasy fans waiting for us. Among them was a nice young lady who brought Bryan Davis a beautiful painting of a dragon's eye--and theme music she had composed to go with it.

But also among the folks waiting was a precious, precious family who blessed me on a level that I can barely describe. First of all, they drove from Rocky Mount all the way to Charlotte, stayed overnight there just to make sure they could be there when the author of The Door Within books arrived. I just about fell over. Really? I think to myself. I had no idea what was to come.

This family was a mom, two girls, and a son. They'd all read my books and professed to love them. But one of the daughters, a young lady named Shelby, just 13 years old, walked up to me and told me, "Your books changed my life." I just lost it. {Cue tear floodgates} She went on to tell me how she could finally see how vain so many pursuits of the world were, and how she now will walk the narrow way. She told me that God has taught her through my books that this world is not all there is and that she longs for heaven. AND, she brought me a manuscript she'd written...100 pages, a story she'd developed from one of the settings from Final Storm. She wanted me to read it to tell her what I think of her work. I'm loving it so far...it is so completely from her sweet, humble heart, and I am overcome. Her mother told me just before the family left: "Your books have radically changed our whole family."

If you happen to read this blog today, regular or not, I have something to declare to you from the rooftops: God is the keeper of the great and the small. Only God could have taken my inadequate words and touched hearts so deeply. And only God could have seen into my heart and known how desperately I needed to know that I was serving Him. And this morning before we even left for the event, I grabbed all my suitcases and was just about to leave the home where we stayed the night. I happened to glance at the table and saw a napkin. I thought, "Yeah, get the napkin. You might need to blow your nose on the road or something." Or something. No detail escapes God's notice. He sees your deepest need and waits for the perfect timing.

One day, I will thank Him in person. I will fall down on my knees and kiss his nail-scarred hands.


For a little video update click HERE.

Fantasy Fiction Tour Update, Day 5: Knoxville and Asheville

I said Tennessee is a gorgeous state, and as we drove east across the rest of the state, I found I am guilty of understatement. The Smoky Mountains were just incredible. I found myself conjuring all sorts of adventure that might occur under the canopies of the trees that draped every peak and valley.

Shown above is the Fantasy 4 at the Cedar Springs Christian Bookstore. Wow, did they treat us well. They placed us in the front of the store on a platform no less. We certainly don't deserve it, but it's really great to be where we can greet people--all the people--as they come in the store. One thing that went on behind the scenes--in transit actually--is I got to listen to Bryan Davis and Christopher Hopper swap faith stories. You know, those "this is what God did" kind of stories. I have to tell you I was absolutely blown away. I am just about speechless because the stories of miraculous God things that these men have witnessed--in person--not hearsay, they're simply unbelievable outside of God's divine intervention.

By the way, James Somers stopped by. So great to meet him. For those who don't know him, he's an author of two SciFi books called The Chronicles of Soone. Very cool stories. Pray for James as these books are now in the hands of some heavyweight publishers. We've got some great fantasy on the way, but very little CBA SciFi. Shown above: we had another unexpected visit. A splendid lady named Kathryn walked in and saw our swords. She mentioned that she teaches stage swordplay at the local college {where was that class when I went to Maryland U?} Anyway, several authors with puppy dog eyes pleaded "teach us! teach us!" And without a moment's hesitation she began to school us on proper stance, footwork, guard, and attack. {Where was she when I wrote The Door Within?} As you can see above, we actually staged a combat scene--put a few notches in our beautiful new swords. But it was 300% worth it.


Tomorrow: Charlotte and Raleigh, NC.

Fantasy Fiction Tour Report: Day 4 Manchester and Nashville

Tennessee is a beautiful state. I now understand why so many people, including tourmate Bryan Davis, have up and moved there. A lot of the main highway was cut into the sheer rock of the meandering southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. So as we drove through, it was like passing within dwarven mines delved in days of old. Strata of gray, brown, orange, red, and white stone glistened in the sun. And then, the road would spiral down between great green humps of mountain, shrouded in gossamer white mist. It reminded me so much of the mountains of New Zealand as they appeared in the Lord of the Rings movies. I half expected to look over the guardrail and see two slender gray boats, directed through the currents of the Anduin by a reluctant king and his motley fellowship. {sigh}



Our first stop on the Tour took us to a wonderful little Methodist church in Manchester, TN for a meeting of Homeschooler Moms. Very nice people--as Tennesseans all seem to be--and the Fantasy Foursome had the first chance to test our speaking program. Funny how God works. Each of the 4 authors developed a 20 minute speech/reading, independent of the other authors. In fact--way back in the formative stages of the tour, we discussed topics so that we WOULDN'T overlap. But God had other ideas. Turned out that there was a wonderful thread woven through all four messages...a thread God seemed to wish to use in the lives of those who came to visit.


Then, that evening, we visited Borders in Nashville. The staff there had us set up nicely with posters and more than ample space to wield swords {ahem}, which we did. Bryan Davis even had an impromptu duel with a customer. She defeated the Dragon Master without breaking a sweat. If you ask me, he let her win. ;-)

We also met a brilliant young man named Austin who {prepare to feel intimidated} at the age of 13, has written a 400 page manuscript and submitted it to Thomas Nelson. FOUR HUNDRED PAGES. I don't think I'd written anything longer than 2-3 pages by that point in my writing career. Christopher said, "I think I was still climbing trees when I was 13." The next Christopher Paolini, maybe?

There were several other wonderful young folks, three young ladies in particular who seemed to enjoy bantering with us in British accents. Too fun.

The photo you see above shows some of the wonderful kids who came by. And by the way, look to the right of author Christopher Hopper. See the guy in the brown shirt? That's guitar legend Phil Keaggy who happens to be Uncle Phil to Christopher. Eddie Van Halen was once asked, "What's it like to be the greatest guitarist in the world?" Eddie replied, "I don't know. You'll have to ask Phil Keaggy." Nuff said. That was a blessing.

We finished the evening with a long drive to Oak Ridge, during which we all realized how exhausted we were. Sharon would turn and say, "Wayne, what day is it?" To which I would reply, "It's still Wednesday...I'm pretty sure."

Tomorrow: Knoxville, TN and Asheville, North Carolina...

Fantasy Fiction Tour Report: Day 3

Day 3 of our stay in Atlanta brought the Fantasy 4 for our first "together" signing. It went spectacularly well with hundreds of retailers coming by to get books. I reiterate: remember, these retailers own or manage bookstores or even chains of bookstores. If they like the books, they order them for their stores and…the genre grows.

The taste of medieval banter between us was balm to the soul (I know, I'm weird that way), and I so look forward to more goofing around in fellowship with these wonderful people.


I'd love to tell you more, but I am just plain exhausted. Some day the tale of Author Christopher Hopper and his wife doing a beatbox rap to get us free parking must be told. But tonight, I must go and read, and then sleep much as we hit the road for Tennessee tomorrow morning.

I'd like to leave you with this photo as a reminder of why we do what we do. Bryan Davis got an email from this young man who is a fan of our books, and he was excited to hear that Bryan was going to be in town with me. I couldn't make the signing in Gainesville this evening, but Bryan was nice enough to bring this young man one of my books. The look on his face is worth more than all the royalty checks in the world.

Fantasy Fiction Tour Report: Day 2

Day Two of the Fantasy Fiction Tour found my agent and I getting up at 7a.m. and then deciding NOT to go to the gym after all. lol We went back to sleep.

Thanks for your prayers. The Hoppers arrived safely, albeit with very little sleep. We were a little alarmed about Sharon Hinck though...at first. Bryan Davis, Christopher Hopper, and I met at the Tsaba House booth for our Meet and Greet Kickoff, but even as the start time ticked off, there was no Sharon. We'd all read her email about getting a terrible sore throat and thought, uh oh. Turns out, she had so many people in line for The Restorer that she could barely tear herself away.

So, we all met for the very first time. Funny though. I felt so strongly that I'd known them for years. God's like that. Kindred spirits. And it was upon this meeting that John Cooper, owner of our Tour Sponsor: Real Armor of God, met us and girded us with sword and shield. My sword, The Ranger Sword is shown below. I cannot tell you how fun it is to hold this puppy!

If you'd like to see the other cool swords, shields, armor, etc. at Real Armor of God, click on the pic above. Seriously, if you think you want some medieval weaponry in your life, you will not find any better than RealArmorofGod.com.

From 11-12, Bryan, Sharon, Christopher, and I met dozens and dozens of retailers. We talked Christian Fantasy. We talked about our books. Everyone seemed to really get into it. Things are happening here. Glory to God for what He's doing here, and thank you so much for your prayers. We are seeing the results.

If you'd like to see a video of highlights from the floor of the International Christian Retail Show, click HERE.

Or visit:
http://www.fantasyfictiontour.com/?p=73

At 12:30, my agent, Gregg Wooding, and I ate lunch with my Senior Editor at TN and the Vice President of Children's Publishing. It was a wonderful meeting. During the meeting, I mentioned a new fantasy concept that I've been working on for some time. It's a huge, epic plot that I am LOVING so far. It could be as many as 5-7 books! Well, long story short, the VP said, "Send me a proposal." I just about fell out of my chair. ICRS Answer to prayer #216.

From 5-6 I did a Thomas Nelson Publishing Event called a Personality Party. This is where the publishers invite the top 100-200 retailers to come and meet noted authors and get new books signed. This was really cool as I got to sign about 200 copies of Isle of Swords about a month before the actual release. These copies are given to retailers free of charge, but the potential is astronomical. The idea is, each one of these retailers reads (and hopefully likes) the book. SO, they then order stacks of books for their stores or even for a whole chain of stores. See what I mean about ICRS being a BIG deal for the future of Christian Fantasy?

About noonish, we found out that RNS (Religion News Service--think Christian AP) carried a story about Christian Fantasy based on the Fantasy Fiction Tour. Awesome article: Move Over, Harry, Because Christian Fantasy is Back. Check it out if you get a chance.

God is just blowing the doors off during this first real day of ICRS. But I saved the best surprise for last. We're a half our into our Meet and Greet when my agent gets a call. Turns out it's The Washington Post. They want to do an article on the Fantasy Fiction Tour. At 3pm, I spent an hour with a wonderful reporter/columnist talking about all kinds of things related to my books, Christian fantasy, the Tour. It was amazing. She had really done her homework and seemed to know quite a bit about what we're trying to do. AND, she's going to come out an cover not one but two of our signing speaking events! The Post will be covering our signing in Alexandria, VA, and our event in Washington D.C. Including photos! This is the Washington Post we're talking here. A circulation of what? 20 Million?? Are you kidding me?

Please keep praying about this. Attention of this type could be HUGE for the Christian Fantasy Genre, as well as, for our books. ;-)

And also, if you can at all make it to one of the events being covered by the Post, that would really be great. The dates, times, and locations are listed below:


Sunday, July 15th (9:15am)
National Presbyterian Church
4104 Nebraska Avenue N.W.
Washington D.C. 20016
202-537-0800

Sunday, July 15th 3:00 - 5:00pm
Barnes & Noble
Potomac Yard Store
3651 Jefferson Davis Highway
Alexandria, VA. 22305
703-299-9124

Thank you again for your prayers. More tomorrow:

Never alone!

WtB

Fantasy Fiction Tour Report: Day 1

Well, the Fantasy Fiction Tour is off to a, uhm…well, a rather dubious start. I'm waiting in a line at BWI Airport when my cell phone rings. It's author Christopher Hopper. "Wayne, it looks like we're going to have another Tour vehicle."

"What?" I'm stupefied (not unusual, btw).

CH explains, "My flight got bumped. I have to drive to Atlanta."

"WHAT??" I'm stunned. Immediately, I'm thinking, I can't believe the enemy got to us this fast! "You have to drive from Buffalo, NY to Atlanta? What time will you be getting in?"

"4 a.m."

So, please pray for safe travel through the night for Christopher and his wife.

And then there was a little lost luggage incident for me. And if not for divine intervention, I would have been doing my first booksigning tomorrow--wearing shorts!

This picture is pretty much my view out of the window where I'm staying with my agent Gregg Wooding. God is good.

Much more tomorrow. We have the Official Fantasy Fiction Tour Kick-off Event at 11am. I'll be donning my cape, shield, new broadsword, and backhanger sword all for the first time.