Davis Bunn's Blog, page 22

Reader Enjoys Audio Version of ‘Heartland’

Kay writes: 

I have only had the opportunity to read four of your books, but wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed Heartland. I listened to it, while traveling. I can’t recall the reader’s name, but he did a wonderful job. I felt such a connection with your characters and was very uplifted by your story. Thanks so much for your interesting and inspirational writing.

Dear Kay,

I have never actually listened to the audio version of Heartland; most authors find it difficult because the book has to be shortened in order to fit the time allotted. It is like reading a condensed version of one of our books.

The key to a good version of either is to only take out what is not crucial to the major plot, and the logic of the climax. I am very, very glad to hear they did a good job, both with this edit, and the actual read.

Just in case you are interested, I have done one other book about Hollywood, which I remain intensely pleased with. It is entitled My Soul To Keep, and if you have a chance to read it, I hope you find this a worthy effort.

When God Speaks, How do You Respond?

Phyllis writes:

By accident I happened upon your books. I started with the books written about God speaking to a man in the still of a lake about going to Washington and being a light there. As I read, all I could think was that you must have some special relationship with God to be able to write about His presence in that way.

Few know what it is like to sense and hear God. Yet, I know that God speaks. Do I hear and if I do, do I obey? I guess that is why I have enjoyed reading what you have written about people that hear and walk as God calls them.

The Dream Voyagers was such a stretch for me, but made me keep thinking, “What if…?”

Just lately I wanted to recommend this book to a young family member and have looked it up on Amazon. Feedback from readers state they wish there would be a sequel to the book. Will you ever do more writing like this or add to this book?

Thank you for your contribution to Christian literature. I have greatly enjoyed your work.

Dear Phyllis,

It is remarkable to still be receiving mail about The Presence twenty-one years after it was published, and ten years since it went out of print. I can only hope and pray that the Spirit remains vividly strong in these current works as well.

As for your question regarding a sequel to The Dream Voyagers, while I did dearly love working on those stories, I have moved on. It is unlikely I will return to them, though you never can tell, there is always the chance that things might resurface, and the characters begin to insist on being brought back once more. In the meanwhile, I have heard from other fans of the Dream books that they really connected with one of my stories about Hollywood— My Soul To Keep.

Crafting Fiction for Commercial Success: 2-Day Writing Intensive with Davis Bunn

Would you like to receive writing instruction in an intimate and professional setting?

If so, I invite you to join me September 14-15, 2013 in the San Francisco Bay area for “Prose in Motion: Crafting Fiction for Commercial Success.”

This two-day intensive is sponsored by Writing for Life Workshops, the brainchild of best-selling authors Susanne Lakin and Geraldine Solon.

Their goal is to host a series of multi-day workshops on the writing craft in a venue other than a huge conference setting. They chose to host these workshops in heart of Silicon Valley, a location that offers easy access from the entire Bay region and is close to three major airports.

“Prose in Motion” will be at The Marriott Courtyard in Newark, CA.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn:

How can writers craft their fiction so it sells—without selling their soul?
Is there a secret to fashioning a novel so it will hit the best-seller lists?

During this event for intermediate fiction writers of all genres, we’ll go deep into the technique and structure needed in your fiction to make it grab the attention of publishers and readers.

We’ll cover:

First line, first paragraph, first page: how to create a winning first impression
How to make “point of view” your ally
Right-brain energy: how to transform the outline process into a vital experience
Creating a pitch and premise that sell
Plotting, subplotting, and the interweaving of successful scenes
Upping the ante: the discipline of daily output and how to maintain the emotional and story threads
The three-thousand-year legacy: How understanding the Heroic structure and Post-modern story can work to your advantage
The wonder of three dimensions: How to create characters and dialog that leap off the page

Here is the tentative schedule for our two days together:

Class: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM

Lunch: 12:30 PM-1:15 PM (included in price)

Class: 1:15–5:00

Registration for “Prose in Motion” opens January 14, 2013 with a week-long registration and give-away of all kinds of door prizes.

The cost of the two-day workshop is as follows:

Early Bird rate: $315 if registered before May1, 2013
Early Bird rate for members of any CWC (CA Writers Club) or ACFW chapter: $295 (you must provide the name of the chapter/region you belong to) if registered before May 1, 2013.
Regular Rate: $350 May 1–August 31. Registration closes August 31.
Fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.

Your registration fee includes:

Two full days of writing instruction and exercises
lunch each day
registration materials (including a padfolio, pens, neck badge, and other cool items)
raffle tickets for the drawing to win books
editing services
chocolate and other goodies
all handout materials

Lodging is not included in the workshop price. Attendees must make their own room reservations at the hotel. The Marriott is offering a discounted rate to our participants of $84 a night plus tax for either/both nights of September 13th and 14th up until August 22, 2103.

Hotel Reservations - code M-P11X0E or refer to Writing for Life Workshop Room Block.

Contact either 1-800-321-2211 or 510-792-5200 to book your room.

Remember, registration opens January 14 – mark your calendar!

Readers Ask: Will There be a Sequel to ‘Another Homecoming’?

Chandy writes: 

I recently read Return to Harmony. I really enjoyed it.

Did you and Mrs. Oke have plans to write a sequel? I understand her health isn’t well. Any chance a sequel could still happen?

Dear Chandy,

Return to Harmony was followed by Another Homecoming, which drew on the same emotional threads but was a different story. I think right now that if Janette were up to doing another book, we would continue with the Acts of Faith series.   But you never can tell.

Readers Share Thoughts about ‘Lion of Babylon’ and ‘Rare Earth’

John writes: 

I am a fan of good Christian fiction books. I just downloaded Lion of Babylon; this is the first time I have read anything from Davis Bunn.

When I started the book I could not put it down. As a Christ follower, it was so inspiring to read about the Middle East and be reminded that Jesus is moving amongst all that is happening in Iraq.

Although I know this is a fiction book, I believe Mr. Bunn is spot-on in his novel. I’m a new fan and look forward to reading more of his books.

Erick writes:  

I wanted to let you know I finished Lion of Babylon and have started Rare Earth. I am really enjoying the way you incorporate the character’s Christian faith into daily living and the jobs and positions they find themselves.

In Royce’s case it has been interesting for me to reflect on his heart. I wasn’t a Christian when I was at West Point and later a platoon leader so I wasn’t concerned about how I’d mix my faith and a profession that was designed to bring me into confrontation with others. But since those days I’ve often thought about how I would handle having Jesus living in me and through me and being called to maybe kill others.

I am still not at a defined answer on that, but Lion of Babylon has made me think about it again as I see how you worked through his faith and profession

Charles writes: 

I so enjoyed Lion of Babylon. It reminded me of my time in Baghdad in 2005. The novel’s setting concerning kidnappings of Iraqis was a point of view that we didn’t have. We only tracked foreigners who had been kidnapped — the Iraqis taken were just beyond our ability to gather information. While there, I had the opportunity to address the Baghdad Optimists Club. The place has amazing contradictions.

Dear Erick and Charles,

Lion of Babylon marked a number of firsts for me as an author. Though I lived and worked in the Middle East for four years back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, I have never used these experiences in the structure of a story. My desire was to tell one, when or if it came, with a clear voice from within the Arab community.

Because I speak virtually no Arabic, this was basically impossible. Then I was introduced to an Iraqi over studying at University College, and through the most amazing circumstances we forged a friendship which resulted in his granting me the Arab’s view.

As you have worked there, you can fully understand just what an amazing gift this was. They are so closed to outsiders, and so assuming that we seek to misunderstand, or place Israel at the center of the Arab universe. It was a gift, and it is great to know that you feel I have used the gift well.

Brian writes: 

I really enjoyed the spans over Kenya in Rare Earth. I’ve been to Kitale but I didn’t realize there was a dormant volcano so close by.

I’ve also been in Kibera and I don’t think words can describe it. Did you visit there?  When I go through there the children run alongside in a sing-song chant, “How are you? How are you? How are you?”  No one should have to live like that.

I bought this on my Kindle but my friends are coming over next month and I bought them a hard copy to read and take back to Kenya. He is from the Luo tribe. He explained to me that he can tell people apart by the size and shape of their nose.

I loved the story of the creation tree. You should write that as a children’s book.

Dear Brian,

As for the volcano, there are dormant ones all over the Rift, but none that threaten Kitali with an actual eruption. That was based upon experiences elsewhere and imported.

Thanks for the very kind words regarding the creation tree story. I made all that up, but it is based upon the stories I heard told to children while there. Maybe I should do as you suggest. That is, if I can find the time!

 Steve writes: 

Rare Earth drew me in with its fast-paced introduction. As a former member of the U.S. Navy, attached to the U.S. Marines, I appreciate “spec-ops” situations, and you were dead-on with your descriptions.

What kept me was the heart of the hero, Marc Royce. I’ve noticed (as I’ve read more than one of your novels) that your characters can be captured in a single word:  integrity. No matter how you slice them, no matter the situation, no matter the personal cost to the hero, your characters remain true to themselves — and true to God.

I will never be able to look at a “third-world country” the same way, ever again. Having your eyes “opened” is never a pleasant experience . . . but often a necessary one.

Dear Steve,

I never served in the armed forces, and it has been especially important to me personally that I carefully research all such components. Hearing I struck the right chord with a man of your background means the world, as does your summary comment regarding my main characters.

Susy writes: 

Are you writing a sequel to Rare Earth or at least another one with the main character?

Dear Susy,

Yes indeed, I am now in the process of doing the preliminary sketches for a new story based upon Marc Royce. The working title is ‘Straits of Hormuz’, and it is due for release in the autumn of 2013.

Readers Ask: Can You Make ‘The Centurion’s Wife’ and ‘The Book of Hours’ into Movies?

Wendy writes:

Whilst I was reading The Centurion’s Wife I could picture it all brilliantly as a play or even a musical. Have you written it as a play?

Pat writes:

I really enjoyed The Book of Hours. For years I’ve wondered have you ever considered making a movie from this book?

Rather than make a movie for tv or theater, just make a DVD movie to be rented or sold at a video store. I’d really like to see this story on DVD. Maybe even consider making a five-disc DVD movie as a set or series. That way I could see the whole story over a period of time at my convenience.

Dear Wendy and Pat,

Work on such things as plays, musicals, and films are dependent upon a production team deciding to move it forward. The writer becomes a relatively small though important component of a very large creative effort.

The only project that is definitely headed in this direction is Unlimited.

Readers Ask: What Happened With the Storm Syrrell Series?

Joyce, Bonnie, Nancy, and Pam ask:

I recently read Gold of Kings and just finished The Black Madonna.

Usually, your books tie up all the loose ends, unless there is a sequel. The ending of The Black Madonna appears to lead to a sequel, but I don’t see one on your webpage.

Is one in the works, or did I miss it?  I’m sure I am not the only one who needs to know about Raphael’s recovery! And I absolutely must find out the conclusion to the romances of Emma and Storm!

I know, I agree, and yes, I very much want to. But as you may have heard, the film side of my work has taken off recently, and next year will be all about that. So for the moment, let me just assure you that Storm’s beau does revive, and they, well, hmmm….

‘Rare Earth’ Reviewer Relates to Marc Royce

By Debbie Jansen

Guest Reviewer

Davis Bunn is becoming one of my favorite authors.  Not just because I like good fiction, but because his stories can target an important issue in my own life.

In Rare Earth the main character, Marc Royce resembles a lot of Christians.  He wants to make a difference in his world.  He wants to help struggling people.  Unfortunately Marc Royce didn’t have the skills necessary for the job he felt called to do.  When an earthquake and volcano devastated an area between Kenya and Uganda– Marc volunteered to step out of his comfort zone and take emergency supplies to hurting people.

Marc knew his decision to go could mean his life.  Marc knew he would be hated by workers from the U.N.  Marc understood he was untrained and unprepared.  Yet, he went.

In the first chapter I totally identified with Marc.  I’ve experienced times when I stepped out and stood on the volunteer line.  I was nervous, anxious, feeling alone and yet very much alive.  When I’m at my most vulnerable, that’s when God shows up.

In chapter two Marc is faced with a dangerous situation.  It could mean his life as well as the lives of other workers.  He had to become a leader or get ready to die.  I smiled and whispered “YES!” when God showed up in Marc’s actions.  He took control of the situation.  He bellowed orders and was very different from the Marc of the first chapter.  I’ve experienced that kind of “God” calling situation and it’s a Christian high that can’t be replicated.  It is very true that God equips those he calls.

Parents….this book will be a great gift for your teen. While I’ll leave the nail-biting details a mystery, I am impressed with Bunn’s ability to lead the reader to think deeply about their own “mission” from God.  Through the entire book I wondered if I was on track with God’s plan for my life.  I’ve been a Christian for 54 years, yet this exciting book challenged my resolve.

Teens (and some adults) question God on a regular basis.  Should I do this?  Can I be strong?  Will God protect me?  Is this for real?  It’s important that we find answers to those questions based in truth.  Davis Bunn masterfully guides you through those questions building the reader’s desire to follow God’s path.  It’s an exciting story that will lead you to a clear understanding of God’s calling in your own life.

Please…get the book Rare Earth!  Not only will you have a great time but you will close the back cover with a new resolve to be all that God has called you to be.

This review was originally published on Debbie Jansen’s blog, “The Mommy Detective.” Reprinted with permission from the author.

Readers Ask: Can I Enroll in Your Creative Writing Class at Oxford University?

I have wanted to write about this for months, and a recent email from Sarah M. is the spark I needed:

Sarah asks:

Are any of your creative writing classes at Oxford open to outsiders or are they only open to full-time enrolled Oxford English majors?

Yes, there is one creative writing program that is part-time. Students come three times each year for intensive periods of about three weeks each, then in between they are required to do substantial writing on their own.

My teaching is part of a diploma program, however, which takes two years. It is sort of like an associate’s degree, an AA, from a US college. You do not need to be part of the Oxford English department for either of these programs, though some students are.

This whole deal is both complex and surprisingly simple. Basically, Oxford is part of England’s university system, sort of like a state uni in the US. Only all universities over here are part of this, without exception. Which means that if the national government lays down a rule, all colleges have to do what they say, including Oxford.

Harvard’s entire faculty and administration would have one giant heart attack if Washington told them to do something. Yale would declare war on the United States. Here, Oxford just does it.

The national UK government ordered all universities to set up ‘community outreach programs’, which meant they had to offer classes to people in the area. Basically, it’s like night school. Only this is Oxford. Which means everything is a lot fancier.

Here, they set up this separate department, called Wolfson College, and attached to this is Rewley House. The names don’t mean anything unless you’re here, and then it’s this sort of mild put-down. As in, oh, you teach at Rewley. Hmmm. How…nice for you. Like that. It’s a place where lesser mortals work. Like me.

The only way Oxford’s English department—called a faculty—would ever permit a class in creative writing would be if it was kept at arm’s length. They despise us. They claim it’s like the premier architectural school in the whole world offering a course in bricklaying.

So I teach in the creative writing diploma program at Rewley House, and am attached to Wolfson College. And all of my students are admitted to an Oxford University Department of Continuing Education degree program, which in England is spelled, Programme. And the English faculty would rather cross the road than allow my shadow to fall upon their shoes.

Being Oxford, the level of my students is, well, kind of amazing. Let’s see. I have 22 students this term. One of them is a medical doctor from London, born in Lebanon. Another is a professor from London in bioscience, born in Iran. Another is the former President of Brasenose College, one of Oxford’s richest colleges—I’ll explain the college system another time. Two are professors at Oxford’s medical school. They both want to be the next Michael Crichton. Another is the head of Rewley’s administrative team. One is a CIA operative on loan to British Intelligence. And I have the resident playwright from the Shakespeare theater in Stratford-on-Avon, who wants to write novels on the side. And there is a mega-rich hotel magnate who thinks it would be relaxing to write fiction. Welcome to Oxford.

And now for a word about pay.

Because the UK government sets down the rules for continuing education, and because all unis around the nation are governed by these same rules, I am paid according to guidelines that are the same for Oxford as they are for the Utter Bumpkin Polytechnic in Hangman’s Bottom, Scotland. Which is to say, not much at all.

Last year, for teaching the first-year’s intro to prose, tutoring fourteen students, then serving as final tutor and Examiner for the five who chose prose as their main course (more on that next time), I was paid less than three thousand dollars.

My first paycheck was for two hundred and seventeen dollars. When I opened it up and stopped laughing, I decided it would be nice to mail it back with a little cover note saying, Obviously, you need this more than I do.

My dear sweet angelic wife had something else to say about the subject, namely, ‘Are you nuts?  This is a paycheck from Oxford University!  You will cash this thing, and you will thank them.’

So, thank you.

I really do love this gig. And I understand what Isabella was going on about. Namely, I could basically go anywhere and apply for a teaching job, and have this nice little past-history thing to slip in at some point. Just so long as I blur the line where it asks for my most recent salary history.

Ripped from the Headlines: ‘Hidden in Dreams’ (Reviews)

Characters You Can Care About

By Michelle Vasquez, Life in Review

Hidden in Dreams  is a fast-paced, action-packed suspense thriller that seems all too realistic in the times we live in.

Dr. Elena Burroughs is trying to make a fresh start with her life. She accepted a position as a professor at Atlantic Christian University and has settled into her new home in Florida. Then she is approached by Rachel Lamprey, who was her best friend’s sister, but is nothing at all like Miriam was. The woman is demanding and cold, and insists that Elena help her with a top secret issue that has come up with her company’s recent product testing.

In the past Elena has been known for her work with dream interpretation. One of Rachel’s test subjects is experiencing a recurring and realistic dream about economic disaster. When Elena gets involved they discover other people around the globe who are having the exact same dream, and Elena begins to have it too. As she searches for answers, things become more and more grave turning this into a fight for their lives.

I very highly recommend this book and give it 4/5 stars! The writing is outstanding as always from Davis Bunn who never fails to entertain and impress me with his writing talent. I love suspense but I’m also a very character-driven reader. I have to care about the characters in order to really enjoy a story, and this one definitely had characters that I liked, related to, and cared about. I liked Elena right from the beginning. I was drawn into the story emotionally because I felt so connected to her. I felt her emotions, turmoil, and fear.

The story hooked me right from the start, and I could hardly put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. The story line with potential world-wide economic disasters was very relevant considering the state of our world today. That made this book all the more compelling. I have been a long time fan of Davis Bunn’s books. He writes a wide range of Christian fiction from historical/Biblical fiction to suspense thrillers and I enjoy them all. I always look forward to reading anything he writes.

Ripped from the Headlines

By Lena Nelson Dooley, A Christian Writer’s World

When I started reading Hidden in Dreams, I felt it could have been ripped from the headlines. And I wondered where Davis Bunn was taking the story. Very soon, the book moved into the realm of suspense. I don’t want to ruin the suspense or the story by telling you too much. So I’ll just tell you how I feel about the story and the writing.

As usual, Davis Bunn’s writing is superb, with excellent pacing. My own writing limits my reading time, so I am only able to choose few of the books I really want to read. And I can’t waste my time on books without all the elements I like in a story. This book contained them all in a pleasing balance.

Besides a dynamite story, I want strong characters. Most of the main characters must know the Lord and live out their dilemmas with a Christian world view. They have faults and can question God’s presence in their lives. And in this story, they do. These characters grow through the story.

I like a plot line that keeps me turning pages. I loved this one so much, I finished reading it during the lulls of a baseball game, which I really love.

And the story has to have a romance. Mr. Bunn handled this romantic thread masterfully. The romance doesn’t have to overshadow the suspense, and it didn’t, but it was strong anyway.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more about these characters.

Lena Nelson Dooley is the award-winning author of Maggie’s Journey, Mary’s Blessing, and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico (www.lenanelsondooley.com)