Gobsmacked by God!

UPDATE: Color me gobsmacked! (always wanted to use that word). Yesterday, I announced a need for Door Within books so that I could actually teach the book to my Reading classes. Then, as I was teaching, my phone started blowing up with Facebook alerts. When the kids were dismissed to go home for the day, I finally got a chance to check Facebook. 

 

 

I sat at my desk in tears. I got chills. Witnessing God at work blew me away. In less than an hour, you wonderful readers, family, and friends had purchased more than 40 Door Within books for my classes. By the time I drove home, you had purchased 60+ books. By dinner time, you had purchased 80+ books! And that doesn't even count those wonderful souls who donated $$$ via PayPal! I'm not finished sorting it all out, but I'm pretty sure I have enough books for this year and next year too!

 

 

To say "Thank you" doesn't begin to cover my gratitude, awe, and heart warmth over your generosity and kindness. You have been witnesses of God to me, in an act that I will never forget as long as I live.

You all literally SOLD OUT Amazon of my Door Within books, causing Amazon to order more from the publisher, not once but twice! And, in the process, you catapulted The Door Within to several high spots on Amazon's Bestseller by Category lists!

And, on top of all that, with news of your book orders, many of you posted such impassioned testimonials about The Door Within books that you have given me indestructible hope, amped faith, and an uncanny sense of wonder.

Thank you. Thank you. You have shown me that I am indeed, Never Alone.

-Wayne

Bat-Book Readers, Would You Consider Becoming a Patron of the Arts?

Greetings, wonderful Readers! Lots of book news for you! Read on:

Over the last six months, I've been blasting away at Dreamtreaders 3: War for the Waking World (set to release in October), and I think it's the best of the series. But...

...it's also the LAST contracted work. Since then, I had a very lucrative offer from a publisher for a three book series but, after a lot of prayer and counsel, I turned it down. To take that deal would mean shelving The Dark Sea Annals and GHOST for a while. I just couldn't do it. It felt oppressive, so I said no.

So what this means is that now, at last, I've made the leap. I am no longer under any contract with any publishing house. I am now on my own. I am my own publisher. YIKE! I hire editors, proofers, cover artists, designers—the whole nine yards. And that is where I could use your help.

If my books have touched your lives at all, would you consider being a Patron of the Arts to support my work? Patreon is a kickstarter-like company that allows you to support writers, artists, musicians, and creators you love with monthly pledges of as little as $1. I've been a part of Patreon for about a year now, and it has really helped me. Now, more than ever, I need kind readers to become Patrons.

In return, you'll get private access to my creation process: artwork, proofs, sneak peek chapters, private messages, and a host of other crazy creative benefits!

If you'd like a little more info on what it means to be my Patron, check out my Patreon Page:

https://www.patreon.com/WayneThomasBatson?ty=h

So what's next? Dark Sea Annals.

I'm hoping for a July / August release of both Sword in the Stars and The Errant King repubs, and then fall for Mirror of Souls (Book 3).

Thank you again, readers...friends. I love this adventure all the more because you are part of it with me.

Amazing Reader Art!

One of the central messages of the Berinfell Prophecies (Door Within series, as well) is that you are more precious and more important than you could ever imagine. Each of you is unique and utterly rare. One of the reasons we can all be sure this is true is that each of you have a completely unique talent/interest profile. Some are athletic, some are musical, some are artistic, some are linguistic, on and on the list goes with no end in sight.

From time to time, my readers share their talents with me. And recently I received two stunning pieces of reader art. Please take a look and enjoy. Post a comment if you feel so led.

This brilliant portrait of the "Sea Wolf" was drawn by Nichole!

This phenomenal rendering of Falon was created by Elizabeth!

Holy Bestsellers, Batman!

Once again, I am humbled by my readers. Thank you so much for reading. There seems to be a wonderful resurgence of popularity in The Door Within books, all my books, really. I'm still awed that God lets me do this and doubly awed that He seems to be working through these books in the lives of others. Please let that encourage you. If God can use me, He can use you. Maybe that's why Paul kept referring to himself as the worst of sinners. He wanted us all to know that God can forgive us no matter what we've done. And He can still use us no matter how broken we are. Thank you, God.

And once more, thank you readers. Please see the bestseller lists below and give God some serious glory for it. The top list is the CBA Young Adult Bestseller list. The bottom list is ECPA Young Adult Bestseller list. Cool, eh?

Bestseller List Bonanza!

Thanks to my incredible readers, I just got the news that FOUR of my books made Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Bestseller List for June 2010:

The Door Within is #6! 

The Final Storm is #16!

The Rise of the Wyrm Lord is #18! 

Isle of Swords is #19!

I think a FanFest is definitely coming soon!

Looking for Something to Read?

Don't worry, the adventures of FOO FOO will continue. But recently, I've been getting a ton of requests for book recommendations. I guess I write to slowly, and readers buzz through my five books like a brush fire. What's the matter with you people? Don't you know it took years to write those? What? You don't care? You need more books? Well, I guess I can help. See, part of the coolness of being an author is meeting other authors and finding out all the cool books out there. So, for those dying for something new to read, check my sidebar. I've listed a ton of Amazon links to books I personally recommend.

What about you? You know the kind of stuff my readers like. What other books do you recommend? I'll try to put Amazon links for them as well.


Never alone!

AT LAST The Treasure Hunt Results!

The Isle of Fire Treasure Hunt is over!

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





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

Rien Takhid*: 14770
Butterfli_1: 10150

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

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


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

BDeastman: 8460
Cson: 7520
JonM: 5250

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

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

You Oughta Be in Pictures & New Quest

Seen below are Treasure Hunters NateT and Jon M (Jon's in the middle pic) as they've charted a course to local bookstores in search of my books. Look what they found. Amazingly this Barnes & Noble store was having a sale: Buy one copy of The Final Storm and get two children free!




And now for the new QUEST.

419,375

That's the current Amazon bestseller ranking for Isle of Swords Hardback. That means out of the 3+ Million books Amazon sells, Isle of Swords is selling 419,375th best. That's not so hot.

Here's the quest. Buy a copy of Isle of Swords from Amazon from now until, well, until I say STOP, you'll get 300 points for the purchase. And this is repeatable. So if you want to buy Isle of Swords for yourself, and then for your cousins Larry, Moe, and Curly, you can do that: 300, 600, 900...get the picture? As always, email me the receipt.

Bonus Opportunity #1: Purchase Isle of Swords from Amazon, but use the widget link in my sidebar to get to Amazon and make the purchase, you get a bonus 50 points. Just be sure to tell me in the email that you went through the link to Amazon off my blog.

Bonus Opportunity #2: If my Amazon Sales Ranking # for Isle of Swords should dip below 10,000th at any time in the next two weeks, everyone who has purchased Isle of Swords during that span gets a bonus 100 points. *Of course, I don't check Amazon every ten minutes, but one might see the ranking before I do. EMAIL me to let me know. If you have such technical expertise, do a screen capture and send me the image too! It'd be fun to post that!

Happy Hunting!

-Wayne Thomas Batson

Young Authors...and Readers

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

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

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

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

Never alone.

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?"

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!

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.

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