Davis Bunn's Blog, page 20

Political Challenges Minus the Doomsday Mentality, Says Reviewer of ‘Hidden in Dreams’

By Carol Kelley

Guest Reviewer

I love reading great books, whether reconnecting with an old favorite or discovering something new. Recently I became reacquainted with one of my favorite authors, Davis Bunn. His recent novel, Hidden in Dreams, combines fascinating subject matter and memorable characters with a suspenseful plot. I was hooked from the first chapter!

You can count on Davis Bunn’s books to deliver an action-packed read, and Hidden in Dreams is certainly no exception. The story centers on Dr. Elena Burroughs, professor, psychologist, dream interpretation expert and author. She is hearing alarming reports – numerous individuals scattered across the globe are all experiencing the same disturbing dream.

Then Elena’s own nightmares begin. Could they be legitimate prophetic warnings, or perhaps something more sinister?

Her faith, friendships, and professional principles are all about to be severely tested.

Hidden in Dreams speaks to current economic and political challenges with amazing accuracy, yet without lapsing into a doomsday mentality. As you read, you will find yourself drawn into Elena’s challenge to differentiate between subtle shades of truth and error, and your own powers of discernment will be tested along with hers.

Dream interpretation can be extremely subjective, as Dr. Burroughs knows. She learns to trust her intuition and discern what is true, and also comes to value the prayers and perceptions of trusted friends.

I give Hidden in Dreams a 4 star (out of 5) rating. While I devoured the book eagerly, some of the descriptions and dialogue were a bit clichéd. But I applaud Davis Bunn for writing a well-researched, fast-paced novel about dream interpretation.

This topic is of great personal interest to me. My husband and I both firmly believe that God wishes to communicate with his children; dreams are one way that he can convey truth to us. I appreciate that Bunn outlined some historical and spiritual principles for interpreting dreams, while also emphasizing the importance of exercising sound discernment. In life as in dream interpretation, things are not always as they first appear!

This review was originally published on Carol Kelley’s blog, Global Vision Connection. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Readers Ask: What is the Quirkiest Thing You have Ever Done?

Quirky. Hmmm. That is a very interesting word.

When I first read this question, a dozen or so different images flashed through my head. Most of which I would rather not talk about. Basically, most of my ‘quirky’ events have also included some element of danger, since a lot of my life has been centered  around travels in areas that don’t show up on most tourist agendas. And there is of course the matter of the sports I love, such as surfing, and glacier hiking, and so forth.

The first image that came to mind was from my honeymoon. Isabella and I went to Kauai. We had been there for six days, when the first of the big winter swells hit the island’s northern shoreline.

I am an east coast boy, where waves tend to gradually build in size. Even in hurricane season it takes many hours, or days, for the waves to grow significantly.

That day on Kauai, I was surfing the largest waves I had ever seen, possibly twelve to fifteen feet high, and I was scared every time I took off. Then out of nowhere a new set arrived, and suddenly I was facing a twenty-five foot wall. From one set to the next, the waves doubled. It looked like the Matterhorn was about to land on my little head.

Is that quirky?

What about you, friends? What’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done? Please share!

‘Perilous Stakes’ in ‘Rare Earth’, Writes Reviewer

By Mary A. Hake

Guest Reviewer

Davis Bunn’s books never disappoint. Intrigue and danger stalk the characters through this suspenseful novel. Marc Royce, whom we met in Bunn’s masterpiece Lion of Babylon, is geared for another wild adventure—this time in Kenya.

Are those dispatched to aid native refugees somehow involved in further disrupting their fragile lives? US and the UN involvement up the perilous stakes, and Royce wonders whom he can truly trust.

Forging ahead amidst chaotic circumstances, Royce works to bring hope and justice to the group he’s sent to assist. Impressed by Charles, the native pastor, and Philip, the wise young head chief, Royce works with them to solve a problem much larger than he expected to uncover. He also falls for the Jewish Christian relief worker, Kitra, whose brother has gone missing.

Bunn, as usual, weaves an involved plot into a fascinating story filled with thought-provoking issues. Philip had dreamed of a hero who would deliver his people, a shujaa. He told Royce that Royce must decide if he was ready for this role. They both knew the true meaning of a real hero—sacrifice. Royce proves his willingness and ability to give his all to the task.

Some violence is involved, of course, but I appreciate the author skipping explicit details.

This book was just announced as a Christy finalist in the Suspense category. Congratulations to one of my favorite authors!

Early Bird Rate on Two-Day Writing Intensive With Davis Bunn

Announcing Prose in Motion: a first-time-ever two-day workshop I’ll be teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area this fall. This event will take place at the Silicon Valley Courtyard Marriott in Newark, CA, and will offer full-day instruction as well as buffet lunch. The dates are September 14 and 15 and will be packed with great instruction to help you take your fiction to the next level, whether you are a beginning or seasoned writer.

Take advantage of the special early bird rate through the end of April 2013.

Visit www.writingforlifeworkshops.com for all the details. Space is limited to ensure a personal experience, and this special rate is made available for you for a limited time, so register soon!

Related article on my blog:

Writing for Life Workshops Come to Silicon Valley

Readers Ask: Have You Trained to be a Secret Agent?

Gary writes:

After reading two books about Marc Royce, I realize that of all your books and characters, he is the clearest picture of the man you have become. His strengths are those that I have pictured of you: take-charge, confidence under pressure, quick assessments with a plan to bring about the right course, spiritual to the core. Reading Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth has been like watching you in your day to day life. Of course, the adventure and danger are truly Marc’s, but the way he handles situations is truly Davis. Thanks so much for your fantastic writing, please don’t quit. I learn so very much about life.

Dear Gary,

While I am immensely grateful for this comparison to a former secret agent, who is trained in hand-to-hand combat and any number of guns, alas, that is not me.

I studied karate, yes. And I have friends on the force who take me out to the firing range and introduce me to their weapons. But I am a neophyte. I do it like I do all research, so there is this level of authenticity to the tale. But what you have described about Marc’s inner realm, that touched me deeply . I would like to think I have some small vestige of these traits.

Reader Question: How Can I Experience God’s Presence in Daily Life?

Charis writes:

I got a copy of your book, The Presence (TJ Case Series #1), from a friend last Sunday, and it has upset my week.

I am a Christian, have been for nearly 20 years; pastor’s wife right now. Your description of TJ’s relationship with the Lord is almost too true to believe. So easy. Is it really that easy to stay in experience the Presence on a daily basis? I want that.

I think that most of my life has been like Jeremy. And, as Reverend Wilkins said, it takes a strong man to follow the quieter voice of the Lord. I do not possess that kind of strength. But I do know that I want the Presence, quiet or otherwise, every day.

Dear Charis,

There are certain times when I read responses from readers, and feel as though my responsibility as a believer and writer have been met, at least in this person’s heart.

Jeremy does indeed represent for me and many others the disciple’s heart, where things are far from clear, but there is a true conviction that service and support, harmony and strength-giving, are essential elements to coming closer to the divine will.

I personally feel that those who do not hear the divine voice are in fact the stronger, just as the Scriptures tell us, for they follow through faith alone. It can be an arid walk, the path rough, the going sometimes in utter dark save for the heart’s lone candle illuminating just that one next step.

And yet by following His lead, and remaining true in the depths of hardship and yearning, I believe the servant becomes the true recipient of the kingdom. I truly do believe.

Reader Question: Where Can I Find Information About Acadians?

Wendi writes: 

I have recently remembered your book, The Meeting Place (Song of Acadia #1), as I have been trying to locate information about an ancestor. I wanted to know if you have a list of the sources of the information of the French movement out of Canada. My ancestor was born in Lower Canada and I am having trouble locating any additional information.

If you have a list of histories or other articles that you use for research would you be willing to share those with me in my search for my ancestors?

Thank you for any help you might be able to provide.

Dear Wendi,

Information on where the Acadians were shipped has recently become the basis for a number of academic articles. But the information is still extremely spotty when it comes to individuals.

Perhaps the best sources would be to travel to the Acadian Museum in Truro or Halifax, and ask one of the resident academics for who they feel would best be able to assist you.

Alternately, a genealogist based in one of the former Acadian settlements would certainly have worked on this issue before now.

Janet Jehn has also created a related website that many say is the absolute best for such information. You can find this at www.acadian-cajun.com/age.htm

Readers: Do you have additional resources to share with Wendi?

Related Post

Review of The Meeting Place by Casey Herringshaw

Reader Letter: ‘You Should Write About The American Family Farm’

Lynn writes: 

I was thinking about you today because a way of American life is dying and thought you would be the perfect author to write about it, especially with your business background and insight.

I believe the American family farm is becoming a thing of the past. I walk with a lady who is a fourth-generation farmer (she is 85 and her husband is 86) who just fascinates me with the stories of the past and how things are so different now. Their son presently is the farmer and might be the last of the family to farm. The story should be told while we still have families that are working together going to fairs to show their livestock and produce.

In our area, families used to get together to do their own butchering, canning and harvesting. They were also tied to God because of their reliance on His provision for growing their crops. These aspects are also becoming rare.

In Illinois much of our land is being bought up by people from other countries or is becoming “corporate” farms. We have mega feed lots and pig farms (one has 2500 pigs in it).

I have read many stories about the pioneer families, but few that capture the past, and present of the American farmer and thought this might be a very neat project for you to tackle.

Dear Lynn,

 My own family were tobacco farmers on land that they have tilled longer than America has been a country. My cousins still farm this land, in eastern NC, just outside a town called Zebulon.

The town has been swallowed by the growing bedroom community that supplies workers to the Research Triangle, and by the Siemens semiconductor plant.

A lot of the farming families, my own included, find almost any work easier than farming, which makes them incredibly valuable workers for incoming industry. It is why Siemens built where they did, to hire people like my cousins, who can basically do anything they put their hand to. Farmers are like that. It’s an intriguing concept, and I will think on this.

Readers Ask: What Was the Most Valuable Advice You Received as an Unpublished Writer?

I finished six seven books before my first was accepted for publication. I made my first presentation to a New York agent with the third novel. She thoroughly disliked everything about my work. Her letter was one page long, and was perhaps the most painful set of words I have ever been forced to confront.

The most telling of her criticisms was, “your characters are one-dimensional cardboard cut-outs and your dialogue is flat.”

The worst thing about her comments was, I knew she was right.

I ditched novel four, which by then was almost completed. And I knew it was basically just more of the same. I then spent three weeks trying to decide whether to ditch the writing gig entirely. Remember, I was running a consulting group and struggling every day to make time for the writing. And after three and a half years, this was the result?  My family wanted me to quit, I was exhausted most of the time, I hadn’t been on a date in over a year. This was a life?

But there was nothing else I wanted to do with my life. That was the only answer I had. Everything else paled in comparison to the thirst, the desperate longing to write, and the compelling agonizing joy that came from meeting the empty page.

If I was going to continue, I had to change. I had to improve. I had to break out of this rut and grow. But how?  I was living in Germany. I had no contact with any writers’ group. The books on writing that I studied didn’t say much about how to survive a savaging from a NY agent. So I improvised.

I began taking a pocket recorder into every contact with other people outside of business. Coffee with friends, dinners, family, sports, everything. For a month I recorded everything I heard, then went home and wrote it all out. The exercise defined boring. I truly loathed the experience.

But by the end of that month, I owned those people. I could take a kindly grandmother and turn her into an assassin, and make it work, because I had her individual traits and the revelations she made in her conversation, mostly unconscious.

From there I began working on point of view from the standpoint of revealing both the viewer and the outside world, something I identified in the writers I most admired. Little one-paragraph sketches developed into longer pieces, as the characters began to take on tasks. Action and tension became real because they were developed from the inside out.

Four weeks into this grueling exercise, I woke up in the middle of the night from a dream where I heard an old man’s voice telling me a story. I got up and wrote it out, four and a half single-spaced pages. Nothing but dialogue. Two men and one woman. The story still holds me. When I finished, just before dawn, I knew I could leave that exercise behind. The lesson was not learned. It was mine.

Space-break for a fast forward ten years:  My breakout novel The Great Divide was released by Doubleday.

The NY Post had this to say:  “Bunn’s excellent characters reveal a strong good-vs-evil story. His dialogue is racehorse fast. That’s some feat.”

I agree.

Reader Letter: The Maestro

Shari writes:

My question is regarding your book The Maestro. I found a copy of this book at a used book store and of course, bought it.

I had no idea when I first began reading it the impact this book would have on me. It was so strong in pointing out our need to forgive, even the deepest hurt, the bitterest heartache, when we realize we have no control over those relationships (father, mother, siblings, husband, wife, children) we have been placed in the middle of, to change their response toward us…we can’t “get” them to love us, or even accept us for who we are.

I felt Gianni’s pain that you described in the book regarding his father’s rejection of him, and Professor Doktor Schmidt’s demand to stifle his creativity.

The whole book was captivating and real. But most of all, the truth of God’s Word, especially His promise from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.”

I am wondering why you don’t list this book in the forward pages of your current books (it’s not even listed on your website)?

Dear Shari,

What a beautiful email, and what a pleasure it was to revisit The Maestro. The reason it is not listed is because it has been out of print now for about ten years. When a book has been out for that long, I tend not to promote it as a title because folks find it so hard to locate. But we have recently heard from Amazon that they want to put all my backlist on their Prime lending site. So all this could change within the next year to eighteen months.