WIN ANY BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE CONTEST!!!

FIRST... congrats to Isaac McCurdy for winning Contest #4 and correctly answering "A white dragon," when asked "who is Sorcha?"

In a tribute to the Team Effort of all the authors going on the MOTIV8 Fantasy Fiction Tour, I am kicking of a new contest that will run until August 30th!

Instead of answering a question about my book, you will need to do a little detective work and peruse the blogs and websites of the 8 authors going on tour and answer the 8 questions below. One winner will be chosen from the correct answers and will win the book of their choice from any of the authors!

1. Bryan Davis - What white creature will be on the cover of Book 4 in the Oracle of Fire Series?

2. Wayne Thomas Batson - What is Wayne's occupation?

3. Donita K. Paul - What is the name of Donita's "Shop" to buy cool dragon stuff?

4. L.B. Graham - L.B. would like to have a house by the sea some day and call it "what?"

5. Sharon Hinck - What was one of Sharon's favorite television shows growing up?

6. Christopher Hopper - What is the name of Christopher's wife?

7. Jonathan Rogers - How many children does Jonathan have?

8. Eric Reinhold - What is the first creature Ryann meets in Aeliana? (Hint: it's on my book website).

SEND YOUR ANSWERS LISTED 1 - 8, PLUS YOUR HOME STATE & CITY TO:

Eric@RyannWatters.com

Christian Retailing Latest News!

ICRS: Journey begins for Christian fantasy authors

In a move somewhat paralleling familiar mythical tales, eight fantasy writers from different backgrounds and publishing houses will unite to embark on an epic journey, Oct. 4-11, for a common goal-to increase awareness of the Christian fantasy genre. Announced in a Tuesday press conference at the International Christian Retail Show, the tour will assemble eight fiction writers, each from a different publisher, including Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, NavPress, WaterBrook Press, B&H Publishing Group, Tsaba House and Creation House.
"Our belief is that fantasy opens up eyes to the spiritual world," said L.B. Graham, author of "The Binding of the Blade" series from P&R Publishing.
The authors will do book signings, visit book fairs and speak in homeschool meetings during the tour, raising awareness for a genre that is strong in the general market, but is underrepresented at Christian retail.
"It's a world (Christian retail) needs to be involved in," Graham said.
This year's tour features Graham along with Bryan Davis, Sharon Hinck, Eric Reinhold, Wayne Batson, Jonathan Rogers, Donita K. Paul and Christopher Hopper, and has doubled the number of participating authors from last year.
Several of the authors will contribute blogs, vodcasts and their itinerary on the tour's Web site, www.fantasyfictiontour.com

Update on Book 2!

I believe this has to be one of my favorite fantasy pieces of artwork. If you haven't been to my website and seen everything on Book 1 (excerpts, contests to win books and name characters, etc.) go to www.RyannWatters.com. The picture above reminds me of a little mentioned character in "Ryann Watters and the King's Sword," Sorcha (the White Dragon), who plays a key role in book 2, "Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith." I have just completed Chapter 8 and the book is outlined, so I hope to have it completed by Christmas. Busy...busy...busy...

Corey Wolfe will again be the cover artist and I have some cool ideas in mind for that. As my daughter is my harshest critic, I have headed her words and book 2 is longer and filled with some intense action! In addition, there are new fantasy characters galor, including: several unicorns, a pegasus, halfling, dwarves, 2 almost identical twin bulls and even a new fantasy race... the Hugons.

I am in the process of interviewing an up and coming artist to do the chapter sketches for book 2 and so far I have been pleased with his work. As I go through that process, I will put up a few samples so you can tell me what you think!

Now, I'm off to the ICRS (International Christian Retail Show) at the Orlando Convention Center. A book signing, interviews and a media kick-off tomorrow morning with 4 of the 8 authors going on the West Coast Fantasy Fiction Tour www.fantasyfictiontour.com.

Eric