Davis Bunn's Blog, page 18

Reader Advice: Bullets Shot Through Gas Tanks Do Not Cause Explosions

Chuck writes: 

Gold of Kings was an excellent book.

One minor flaw in the story: You can’t shoot a bullet through a gas tank of a car and cause an explosion. Makes for good movie but won’t work realistically. Check with any fire investigator and they should affirm that info.

Even a tracer won’t cause the care to explode. It may ignite the gasoline as it flows out of the tank but it will not explode.

Still a good story and you will probably never use that line again, but just in case.

 

Dear Chuck,

You know, I worried about this a lot. But I needed an explosion. I wanted that guy to get toasted. The story cried out for it. Of course I got it wrong here; it’s the risk when story hunger gets in the way of facts.

I remember one time early in John Grisham’s career, he actually asked in the afterword for readers NOT to write and tell him he’d moved a block of DC ten blocks closer to the White House, or something like that. I prefer to get the readers’ responses, myself. But in any case, I’m really glad you enjoyed the tale.

Readers Sound Off About ‘Unlimited’

Every Thursday for the next few weeks, I’m sharing excerpts from reader reviews of Unlimited, which released September 1, 2013. The major motion picture of the same title will debut in U.S. cinemas October 16, 2013.

Please click the link next to each reviewer’s name to read their full review.

“Davis Bunn has the incredible ability to transport the reader to places never seen. As the daughter of a thirty-four-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol, the scenes are strangely familiar. Bunn’s imagery of the desert landscapes, the food, and the people are amazing, and the Mexican resentment for border control is clear. The corruption portrayed in the novel permeates the culture and is both riveting and heartbreaking as the children are caught in the crossfire of the drug war. The story underscores the importance of respect for the rule of law, and electing people of integrity to power.”

-Katherine Wacker, Katherine’s Chronicle blog

“There is plenty of intrigue and nail-biting action to make this mystery fly. This is Davis Bunn’s best Christian fiction novel yet!”

-Dawn Cronk, Amazon

 “From the moment you open this book, Davis Bunn draws you into the intense hunt that has already started.  He continues to turn up the heat on the characters until it doesn’t seem as if they can take anymore.  And then he turns it up again.”

-Rick Estep, Rick’s Readings: Reviews from a Man’s Perspective

 “Unlimited has all the elements one expects from a Bunn book: authentic characters, adventure, intrigue, international or unique setting, high stakes, interesting plot twists, and unusual happenings that could be real. Readers will not be disappointed in the suspenseful tale as sorrow and success compete to determine which will reach unlimited potential.

-Mary A. Hake, Amazon

 “…An action packed story that should certainly be made into a movie. Oh wait! It is a movie, starring Fred Thompson and Robert Amaya.” (Limited U.S. release October 16, 2013.)

-Russ Hanley, Amazon

“…Mystery, romance, action, drama all rolled into one story.”

-Deb Killian, M2M blog (Missionary to Missionary)

Reader Question: Is There a Strong Faith Community in Oxford?

Alexis writes:

I’ve been enjoying your books for years, the most recent being Alexis writes:

I’ve been enjoying your books for years, the most recent being Full Circle, which of course is set in Oxford.

That book, along with my shameless adoration for the “Inspector Lewis” series which is set there, leads me to wonder how many Jesus-followers (besides yourself!) might live in Oxford and how many Christian organizations, even schools or educational programs, or other “initiatives” for lack of a better word, might exist in Oxford.

I suppose I am, essentially, wondering how much of a Christian community it might have and what kinds of Christian activities are happening there. I know Oxford as a university is 800+ years old, and people of every conceivable faith (including none) must live and work there. But something about how you wrote Full Circle, and even (strangely, for a secular series) a few things that have come up in the “Lewis” episodes, have made me wonder.

A university setting is the perfect place for inquiry, and alongside the many many students and professors who have passed through its halls, we know there have been some luminary believers such as C.S. Lewis.

I’m just wondering what sense you might have about this, since it seems you live in or just near Oxford itself. I have a special place in my heart for this city, as well as all England, and if I knew that there were exciting things going on there spiritually, it would be a hope-giving thing to know.

 

Dear Alexis,

There is indeed a vibrant community of believers at Oxford, but it does not correspond in many ways to what is expected of such a gathering in the US.

The UK culture is largely agnostic. They simply don’t care about faith. So those who do believe find great companionship among others of the faith. And they do so without the barriers that are so prevalent in the US.

The faith community includes Greek and Russian Orthodox, charismatic, Mennonites, Quakers, Catholics, and every other such church. We vehemently disagree with one another on many issues, and at the same time remain united in our devotion to Jesus.

‘Rare Earth’ Audio Version Released

Rare Earth (which won the 2013 Christy Award for Suspense Fiction) is out in audio! You can order it in either unabridged CD or MP3 format.

Click the icon to listen to an audio clip:

You can purchase the audio version from many online booksellers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or ChristianBook.com.

Rare Earth unabridged CD format, ISBN #978-1-4558-8764-4,  $9.99
Rare Earth unabridged MP3-CD format, ISBN #978-1-4558-9163-4, $9.99

Pinterest Users: Here’s a Contest Just for You!

To celebrate the launch of UNLIMITED, my publisher and I are giving away a $50 Fandango gift card plus a copy of the book.

Ten additional winners will receive a copy of UNLIMITED.

Enter right now by clicking this link on my Facebook page: http://woobox.com/mp5qew.

You can enter once per email address per day.

Rack up bonus entries by sharing the contest with your Facebook and Twitter friends!

This is a fun contest to give you a sneak peek of scenes from the movie, Unlimited (opening in theaters October 16, 2013). If you’re a Pinterest user, I hope you’ll repin the images to your boards. However, pinning is not required to enter.

If you don’t have a Pinterest account, enter on the form on the Official Rules page http://bit.ly/15vTr8u or send a blank email to unlimitedbunn@aweber.com (no subject line or message needed).

Enter by October 13, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Winners will be announced October 14, right here on my blog.

First Reader Reviews of UNLIMITED

Friends,

Here are excerpts from some of the first reader reviews for Unlimited, which released September 1, 2013.

“Unlimited is a dirty, dusty, gorgeous, and painful story; one that never wants for anything but what it beautifully is, and calls us to change and be reborn just as its characters are.”

-Daniel Leonard, GoodReads

“Unlimited leads you into the hearts and lives of the vulnerable and the lost, the tragic and dirty truth of the border drug wars, the thrill of invention, the passion of those who are called to serve, and the grace and forgiveness only experienced through a relationship with a loving Savior.”

-Shari Bradley, Amazon

“Unlimited is not only a fast-paced mystery with the highly intriguing premise of a machine that would generate unlimited energy; it also highlights the human side of the drug wars in Mexico. Unlike the bland statements in the paper or on TV of the plight of the people of Mexico, this puts a “human face” to the war: the fear, corruption and death endured by the people of Mexico, especially the most vulnerable, the children.”

-Mary K. Taylor, Amazon

“…A well blended story of suspense and political intrigue with a touch of science fiction, a subtle romance, some danger and adventure.”

-Pamela Morrisson, Daysong Reflections blog

“Simon is not a very likeable character, and the more we learn about him, the harder it is to believe that he is worth caring about. The first hint that there is hope for him is that he jumps at the chance to help his former professor even though doing so jeopardizes Simon’s life.”

-Sidney W. Frost, Amazon

“Suspense, suspicion, friendships and trust are woven throughout the pages, along with a touch of romance.”

-Lynn Riddick, Novel Crossing

“With every one of his books that passes through my hands, I conclude that Davis Bunn could not outdo his own work with the next, and this time was no exception. Unlimited is by far my favorite of Davis’s books. I am totally thrilled to know that he was involved with the screenplay for the movie of the same title, and look forward to enjoying that as well.”

-Nicole Sager, GoodReads (Nicole is author of The Heart of Arcrea and two subsequent novels. An avid reader and dedicated coffee-drinker, Nicole resides in the warm state of Texas.)

“It’s a world of mysterious secrets wrapped around a device to harness “wasted energy” and turn it into cheap energy for the Mexican poor… it’s also an inspirational story of encouragement and hope based on the life of “successful entrepreneur/NASA spacecraft scientist, Harold L. Finch” who believes everyone has unlimited potential that few realize.”

-Gail Welborn, Examiner.com

“A story of betrayal, loyalty, trust, friendship, love, redemption, deceptiveness, orphans, border control, corruption & courage.”

-Lu Ann Worley, Rockin’ Book Reviews blog

 

Conflict, and More Conflict in ‘Hidden in Dreams’

By Mary A. Hake

Guest Reviewer

Suppose key figures around the world had the exact same dream at the same time—or I should say nightmare?—an ominous vision of global financial crisis.

Dr. Elena Burroughs, whom we met in Book of Dreams, returns in its sequel, Hidden in Dreams. Both of these compelling novels relate powerful stories that stand alone, but I recommend reading them in order.

Once again, readers are catapulted into shattering events played out upon an international stage, although this book is set mainly in Florida during hurricane season (suggestive of the turmoil brewing without and within).

Elena, a psychologist and university instructor, becomes entangled in the web of dreams, transposed from an objective observer to unwilling recipient. Her faith and her search for the truth will not allow her to remain silent about either the possible divine element or the warning these night visions convey.

The conflict and sense of doom comes through like pressure building before a tornado, making one want to race the storm until it ends. Throw in a demanding editor bugging Elena for another best-selling book, experimental drugs for ADHD that may allow sinister use, a too-handsome nemesis who switches to colleague and longs for more, her deceased best friend’s skeptical sister who demands Elena’s aid, and the widowed college president who comes to her assistance amid a developing relationship, and you have more than enough conflict for any Bunn book.

Mary A. Hake is a freelance writer and editor, with hundreds of published pieces in periodicals and books, including a Creation curriculum for children. She also frequently reviews new books. Mary is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers and has helped with OCW conferences for many years. In addition, she chairs her local Library Advisory Board. Her website is maryhake.com.

Southern Writers Magazine Giveaway – 2 Copies of Strait of Hormuz

The September/October 2013 issue of Southern Writers Magazine is out – both the digital and print versions.  I am honored to be featured on the cover of this issue. Editor Susan Reichert did a bang-up job on the story.

I’ve teamed up with Southern Writers to give away two autographed copies of my upcoming novel, Strait of Hormuz. This book releases November 1, 2013 and is the third and final story in the Marc Royce adventure series.

The contest runs from today through September 15; the winner will be announced September 16.

Click here or click the image below to enter!

I highly recommend Southern Writers Magazine — it’s packed with great articles to inspire and instruct writers, and is a fantastic introduction to many authors. A robust lineup of authors is featured in the September/October issue — you can see the full list here: http://www.southernwritersbookstore.com/september–october-2013.html

Here are some subscription options:

Print – 1 year (6 issues) – $52.99 + shipping
Print – Single Issue (Sept/Oct 2013) – $12.99 + shipping
Digital – 1 year (6 issues) – $29.99
Digital – Single Issue (Sept/Oct 2013) – $8.9

Southern Writers is also on Facebook and Twitter, and they have a blog. You can follow them here:

Suite T blog: http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernwritersmagazine
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthrnWritrMag

‘Unlimited’ Releases Sept 1 — Read Chapters 1-3 Instantly

From my Facebook page… .hope you’ll share it!

Post by Davis Bunn, author.

Is There Such a Thing as a ‘Perfect Hero’ in Fiction?

My most commercially successful novel ever is the story about a virtually perfect woman. It’s called The Quilt.

It’s about a woman who decides that she wants to sew a final prayer quilt and she uses it as an opportunity to bind the entire community together and teach the power of meditative prayer to her town.

The only way you can forgive this woman for being so good is because she’s dying. She can’t sew the quilt herself because her arthritis is so bad she can’t hold a needle.

When writing a story in our post-modern world, structure your hero so people will care.

Ask yourself: What is my hero’s flaw?

The more perfect you make your hero, the greater the hero’s flaw needs to be.

Agree/Disagree? I’d love to hear your thoughts.