Davis Bunn's Blog, page 31

‘Like Thanksgiving Dinner After a Week of Junk Food at 7-Eleven’

Peta writes: 

Once I started reading The Damascus Way I could not put it down. I was rather excited to read this book and I just loved to immerse myself in the story and even imagined myself as a bystander looking on as the story unfolded.

Just fantastic. Thank you, from Western Australia

Lorie writes: 

With delight I found your book, The Damascus Way, and read it in 2 days.

What a great and uplifting book! Reading it was like enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with best friends, after a week of junk food at the 7-Eleven!

I do indeed thank the Lord often in my prayers for good writers who write spiritually and emotionally nourishing books to uplift the rest of us. And you are one of the best!

Interestingly, I notice that when you write with Oke, your plots are less tense and breathtaking, but appealing in a softer way. I like you in both modes!

Dear friends,

Thanks so much for the truly wonderful notes. I was thrilled to hear that you connected with the story to such an extent that it transported you to the place. It happened to me several times during the writing, most especially during the trek to Damascus. Again, thanks so much for writing.

'Like Thanksgiving Dinner After a Week of Junk Food at 7-Eleven'

Peta writes: 

Once I started reading The Damascus Way I could not put it down. I was rather excited to read this book and I just loved to immerse myself in the story and even imagined myself as a bystander looking on as the story unfolded.

Just fantastic. Thank you, from Western Australia

Lorie writes: 

With delight I found your book, The Damascus Way, and read it in 2 days.

What a great and uplifting book! Reading it was like enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with best friends, after a week of junk food at the 7-Eleven!

I do indeed thank the Lord often in my prayers for good writers who write spiritually and emotionally nourishing books to uplift the rest of us. And you are one of the best!

Interestingly, I notice that when you write with Oke, your plots are less tense and breathtaking, but appealing in a softer way. I like you in both modes!

Dear friends,

Thanks so much for the truly wonderful notes. I was thrilled to hear that you connected with the story to such an extent that it transported you to the place. It happened to me several times during the writing, most especially during the trek to Damascus. Again, thanks so much for writing.

Reader Calls ‘Book of Dreams’ An ‘Intense Read’

Brandi writes: 

Book of Dreams was an intense read. I know it was a work of fiction, but it could have been the headline story in our newspapers today. Mr. Bunn is very adept at using current events and historical Biblical facts to weave a riveting tale.

The blurb on the back of the book focuses on Dr. Burroughs and her interpretation of dreams. While that is an important element of the story, I thought a more important element was the way she learned to lean on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all circumstances.

Dr. Burroughs is taken on an excursion that she definitely did not plan to take. In the end she comes to realize that trusting God is the only way to live the journey that is her life.

The plot twists and the well-defined characters made this a classic Bunn novel. When I turned the last page I was left feeling as if I had gained knowledge, both in the political and spiritual realm. For me this was not a quick and easy read. It was more of a slow yet absorbing read. I came away from it feeling that it had been time well spent.

Dear Brandi,

What a delight it was to read your comments on my new story. You have certainly managed to see to the heart of the matter, for the Holy Spirit’s impact on our lives and our vision was precisely why I wrote.

In order for this to work as a novel, however, it is important to create a structure where the moral becomes the hidden treasure. You read the story for entertainment, you carry away the kernel that takes seed over time and reveals itself gradually. Or rather, that is the author’s hope. Which is why I found such joy in your comments.

Cathy writes:

Book of Dreams is a great book. I read it when it first came out and I go back to it from time to time. It’s hard to put down and even though I don’t know much (if anything) about economics, I understood this.

Pamela writes:

Just finished reading Book of Dreams… was captivated. Stayed up rather late many evenings, but it was worth it. Liked how Holy Spirit was leading throughout the book. Evil was there but God was the main character, and that made it superb. I’d give it a 9+ !

Reader Calls 'Book of Dreams' An 'Intense Read'

Brandi writes: 

Book of Dreams was an intense read. I know it was a work of fiction, but it could have been the headline story in our newspapers today. Mr. Bunn is very adept at using current events and historical Biblical facts to weave a riveting tale.

The blurb on the back of the book focuses on Dr. Burroughs and her interpretation of dreams. While that is an important element of the story, I thought a more important element was the way she learned to lean on the Holy Spirit's guidance in all circumstances.

Dr. Burroughs is taken on an excursion that she definitely did not plan to take. In the end she comes to realize that trusting God is the only way to live the journey that is her life.

The plot twists and the well-defined characters made this a classic Bunn novel. When I turned the last page I was left feeling as if I had gained knowledge, both in the political and spiritual realm. For me this was not a quick and easy read. It was more of a slow yet absorbing read. I came away from it feeling that it had been time well spent.

Dear Brandi,

What a delight it was to read your comments on my new story. You have certainly managed to see to the heart of the matter, for the Holy Spirit's impact on our lives and our vision was precisely why I wrote.

In order for this to work as a novel, however, it is important to create a structure where the moral becomes the hidden treasure. You read the story for entertainment, you carry away the kernel that takes seed over time and reveals itself gradually. Or rather, that is the author's hope. Which is why I found such joy in your comments.

Cathy writes:

Book of Dreams is a great book. I read it when it first came out and I go back to it from time to time. It's hard to put down and even though I don't know much (if anything) about economics, I understood this.

Pamela writes:

Just finished reading Book of Dreams… was captivated. Stayed up rather late many evenings, but it was worth it. Liked how Holy Spirit was leading throughout the book. Evil was there but God was the main character, and that made it superb. I'd give it a 9+ !

Reader Comments on My Radio Interview with Giovanni Gelati

Carolyn writes:

That was some interview Giovanni Gelati  had with you! Thanks so much for providing it for us. I surely learned a lot about your writing life, your "inner life" as you face new opportunities and challenges, the history of your writing, and Isabella's work.

If I hadn't listened to that YouTube piece on your daily schedule, I'd wonder too when you have time to sleep! Considering the extremely high quality of your books, I am absolutely amazed that you aim for two books a year. But I thank the Lord you do!

Your devotion to and passion for your writing are amazing–and a clear indication of the strong focus our great God has given you and maintained the past 20 years. May the era of short stories for you take a very long time in coming!

Whereas Gelati was talking in generalities, you weren't content to answer in kind. You graciously gave him and us so much detail–about that which he brought up and that which he didn't. That to me is a strong characteristic of your books. There is nothing superficial about that which you write. When I've finished one of your novels, I feel I've been to a feast–because you've GIVEN SO MUCH of your experience, your talent, and your heart!

Readers, please note, you can still hear Giovanni Gelati's webcast.

Dear Carolyn,

It is rare these days that interviewers move away from the standard questions and delve more deeply. Giovanni certainly did that, and as a result made his interview into something I truly enjoyed and appreciated. Glad it struck a chord with you as well.

Downloadable PDF of Books by Davis Bunn

Margie writes: 

Thank you for the blog post that included the list of all the books you've written! Without a doubt, I have at least 30 of these books in my personal library. By my reckoning, I have all but 24 named on the list and I believe I may have a few others that I have failed to add to my library list.

I also have one that I did not see on the list titled, The Messenger. Obviously, I am quite a fan!

Dear Margie,

Thank you so much for this, and to Gary for this incredible work putting the list together. I tend to focus upon the books that are still in print, but it's great to see such a clear list. The names do certainly take me back… seeing them and recalling the work and the joy they represent.

You people certainly are wonderful, and it so good to know that you continue to find pleasure in my little tales.

Here is a downloadable PDF of the list of my books.

Please visit the Books page on my website for detailed information about my books in print.

Please Don’t Hate Me for Loaning ‘Lion of Babylon’ to a Friend

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for your incredible notes regarding Lion of Babylon; it really has meant the world. I am hard at work completing the edits on the sequel to Lion, entitled Rare Earth and due out in May 2012. Hearing your enthusiasm really meant a lot at a tiring point in the process.

Warmest regards,

Davis

Gary writes:

I loaned Lion of Babylon to my church treasurer. Wednesday night she asked if I had another Davis Bunn book, she was almost finished with this one. She said she couldn’t put it down at all, and she hated me because she had so much to do. I told her I did have another great Davis Bunn book, his latest one, Book of Dreams. I assured her she would hate me even more when I give her that book to read.

You didn’t realize that your writing would cause people to hate me, did you? I can handle it, just keep writing.

Dear Gary,

What a hoot. Thank you so much for the wonderful news. Please apologize to your treasurer for me, I hate to stand between anyone and all the stuff that can’t be put off!

Jocelin writes: 

I am avid reader and many years ago, I had read some of Davis Bunn’s books. My local library had just gotten a copy of Lion of Babylon in and was displaying it on their new book shelf, so I picked it up to read.

I could NOT put it down! It was a superb read! I almost felt like I was in Iraq right there with Marc fighting with him to rescue Alex. And even the most minute details were accurate, such as mentioning the breaking of bread and sharing of salt as a sign of friendship. It was not a typical Americanized read, but a book of a well-studied author who truly knew his characters, subject, and setting. A definite must read for all believers!

Judy writes:

Loving it!! Got it for Christmas!

Sid writes:

It is a great book. My book club is discussing it in March.

Gwen writes:

This is such a great book. I hated to put it down to go to bed, work, and anything else that took me away from it.

Michael writes:

I am an avid reader, a preacher, a writer, and an Army veteran. I admit that the title caught my attention because I am an avid prophecy freak.

What I found was not prophecy, but was a wonderful peace of work. The characters are rich, and complicated. The settings are written in a way that transports the reader into the scene. The deep undercurrents of character relationships nearly force the reader to care about each “person” in the story.

Then there are the rich contrasts and mixing of cultures that are done so well as to make us understand both that there are many differences in our lands, and that we are all truly humans made in the image of God. In short, this work is one of the very finest works of fiction I have ever read. My compliments to the author indeed.

Donald writes:

This is one of my wife’s favorite books as well. We are both excitedly waiting the next one in the series. It is a “DON’T MISS” book!

Dorothy writes:

Once again, Bunn has written another great novel/ thriller…this time set in modern day Iraq. It is abundantly obvious that he has done his homework on life in war-torn Iraq and it shows on every page. What a difficult situation it is…both politically and in everyday life.

I heartily recommend this book to you and it will be in the church library and probably in the public library now. It is a ripping good story and well worth reading for both men or women. Just read it!

Alicia writes:

Just wanted you to know how much my whole family enjoys your books. We hope you will write more with Marc Royce as your “hero”!  Also, will soon pick up Book of Dreams.

Jinger writes: 

Lion of Babylon is an awesome book. Thanks for the reminder to just be a servant of Jesus.

Dear Jinger,

It remains a steadfast dream of mine to foster hope where only God can reveal it, and because of this aim, Lion holds a very special place in my heart.

Please Don't Hate Me for Loaning 'Lion of Babylon' to a Friend

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for your incredible notes regarding Lion of Babylon; it really has meant the world. I am hard at work completing the edits on the sequel to Lion, entitled Rare Earth and due out in May 2012. Hearing your enthusiasm really meant a lot at a tiring point in the process.

Warmest regards,

Davis

Gary writes:

I loaned Lion of Babylon to my church treasurer. Wednesday night she asked if I had another Davis Bunn book, she was almost finished with this one. She said she couldn't put it down at all, and she hated me because she had so much to do. I told her I did have another great Davis Bunn book, his latest one, Book of Dreams. I assured her she would hate me even more when I give her that book to read.

You didn't realize that your writing would cause people to hate me, did you? I can handle it, just keep writing.

Dear Gary,

What a hoot. Thank you so much for the wonderful news. Please apologize to your treasurer for me, I hate to stand between anyone and all the stuff that can't be put off!

Jocelin writes: 

I am avid reader and many years ago, I had read some of Davis Bunn's books. My local library had just gotten a copy of Lion of Babylon in and was displaying it on their new book shelf, so I picked it up to read.

I could NOT put it down! It was a superb read! I almost felt like I was in Iraq right there with Marc fighting with him to rescue Alex. And even the most minute details were accurate, such as mentioning the breaking of bread and sharing of salt as a sign of friendship. It was not a typical Americanized read, but a book of a well-studied author who truly knew his characters, subject, and setting. A definite must read for all believers!

Judy writes:

Loving it!! Got it for Christmas!

Sid writes:

It is a great book. My book club is discussing it in March.

Gwen writes:

This is such a great book. I hated to put it down to go to bed, work, and anything else that took me away from it.

Michael writes:

I am an avid reader, a preacher, a writer, and an Army veteran. I admit that the title caught my attention because I am an avid prophecy freak.

What I found was not prophecy, but was a wonderful peace of work. The characters are rich, and complicated. The settings are written in a way that transports the reader into the scene. The deep undercurrents of character relationships nearly force the reader to care about each "person" in the story.

Then there are the rich contrasts and mixing of cultures that are done so well as to make us understand both that there are many differences in our lands, and that we are all truly humans made in the image of God. In short, this work is one of the very finest works of fiction I have ever read. My compliments to the author indeed.

Donald writes:

This is one of my wife's favorite books as well. We are both excitedly waiting the next one in the series. It is a "DON'T MISS" book!

Dorothy writes:

Once again, Bunn has written another great novel/ thriller…this time set in modern day Iraq. It is abundantly obvious that he has done his homework on life in war-torn Iraq and it shows on every page. What a difficult situation it is…both politically and in everyday life.

I heartily recommend this book to you and it will be in the church library and probably in the public library now. It is a ripping good story and well worth reading for both men or women. Just read it!

Alicia writes:

Just wanted you to know how much my whole family enjoys your books. We hope you will write more with Marc Royce as your "hero"!  Also, will soon pick up Book of Dreams.

Jinger writes: 

Lion of Babylon is an awesome book. Thanks for the reminder to just be a servant of Jesus.

Dear Jinger,

It remains a steadfast dream of mine to foster hope where only God can reveal it, and because of this aim, Lion holds a very special place in my heart.

The Best Advice for Aspiring Authors: Attend a Writers’ Conference

Rachel Ann writes:

I wanted to extend my appreciation and admiration of your work. I have read The Book of Hours, The Black Madonna, and The Damascus Way. All three, distinct and fresh, spoke to my heart and I thank you for writing!

I am embarking on a novel of my own; I have been writing since childhood and I also wrote a play three years ago in college. My newest work is set in the French Revolution.

Thanks again for writing and for being a godly example of what a Christian writer should be!

Dear Rachel Ann,

I wish you every success in your own creative efforts. If you would allow me to give you some advice, here is something that I feel has proven to be of benefit to a number of other aspiring authors.

The most important advice I can possibly offer a Christian author is this:

Attend one of the major Christian writers’ conferences.

Eight are listed below. I have selected these because they are large enough, and so well-established, that every major publisher and agent will attend at least one of these each year, and perhaps more.

This is a crucial component of a successful conference. Do not be swayed by one that is quicker, closer, or cheaper. You need to have the connection to the commercial world, and see your work through the eyes of those people who have the power to offer you a contract.

Christian vs. General Market Conferences

There are a number of significant differences between one of these Christian conferences and the mainstream counterparts. Most of these began as church-based ministries, and ALL of them see their work as a service to our Lord. The same is true for the teachers. We come in order to serve God and further the Kingdom’s work.

Structure of a Writers’ Conference

The days are basically split in two. In the mornings are ‘major tracks’, ongoing classes designed to cover the basic nuts and bolts of your chosen direction—fiction, non-fiction, song and poetry, magazine articles and greeting cards, and screenwriting. The afternoons are focused upon the commercial side of the writing world—meetings with agents and publishers, classes on pitching and presentations and marketing, and so forth.

Advantages to Attending

Two other advantages come from attending such a conference. The first is, you have the opportunity to discuss your work with other authors, and know what it means to translate a private dream into a commercial reality.

The second is, you are granted a set of realistic expectations and tools for change. Both of these are vital components to growth and success.

The main Christian writers’ conferences are held annually (Click the conference name to visit its website): 

Writing for the Soul Conference

Denver, Colorado

February 16-19, 2012

Florida Christian Writers Conference

Near Leesburg, Florida

March 1-4, 2012

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference

Near Santa Cruz, California

March 30-April 3, 2012

Northwest Christian Writers Renewal Conference

Seattle, Washington area

May 18-19, 2012

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference

Near Asheville, North Carolina

May 20-24, 2012

Write to Publish Conference

Wheaton College, Illinois

May 30-June 2, 2012

Oregon Christian Writers Summer Coaching Conference

Willamette Valley, Oregon

August 13-16, 2012

American Christian Fiction Writers Conference

Sept 20-23, 2012

Dallas, Texas

The Best Advice for Aspiring Authors: Attend a Writers' Conference

Rachel Ann writes:

I wanted to extend my appreciation and admiration of your work. I have read The Book of Hours, The Black Madonna, and The Damascus Way. All three, distinct and fresh, spoke to my heart and I thank you for writing!

I am embarking on a novel of my own; I have been writing since childhood and I also wrote a play three years ago in college. My newest work is set in the French Revolution.

Thanks again for writing and for being a godly example of what a Christian writer should be!

Dear Rachel Ann,

I wish you every success in your own creative efforts. If you would allow me to give you some advice, here is something that I feel has proven to be of benefit to a number of other aspiring authors.

The most important advice I can possibly offer a Christian author is this:

Attend one of the major five-day Christian writers' conferences.

Six are listed here. I have selected these because they are large enough, and so well-established, that every major publisher and agent will attend at least one of these each year, and perhaps more.

This is a crucial component of a successful conference. Do not be swayed by one that is quicker, closer, or cheaper. You need to have the connection to the commercial world, and see your work through the eyes of those people who have the power to offer you a contract.

Christian vs. General Market Conferences

There are a number of significant differences between one of these Christian conferences and the mainstream counterparts. Most of these began as church-based ministries, and ALL of them see their work as a service to our Lord. The same is true for the teachers. We come in order to serve God and further the Kingdom's work.

Structure of a Writers' Conference

The days are basically split in two. In the mornings are 'major tracks', ongoing classes designed to cover the basic nuts and bolts of your chosen direction—fiction, non-fiction, song and poetry, magazine articles and greeting cards, and screenwriting. The afternoons are focused upon the commercial side of the writing world—meetings with agents and publishers, classes on pitching and presentations and marketing, and so forth.

Advantages to Attending

Two other advantages come from attending such a conference. The first is, you have the opportunity to discuss your work with other authors, and know what it means to translate a private dream into a commercial reality.

The second is, you are granted a set of realistic expectations and tools for change. Both of these are vital components to growth and success.

The main Christian writers' conferences are held annually (Click the conference name to visit its website): 

Writing for the Soul Conference

Denver, Colorado

February 16-19, 2012

Florida Christian Writers Conference

Near Leesburg, Florida

March 1-4, 2012

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference

Near Santa Cruz, California

March 30-April 3, 2012

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference

Near Asheville, North Carolina

May 20-24, 2012

Write to Publish Conference

Wheaton College, Illinois

May 30-June 2, 2012

American Christian Fiction Writers Conference

Sept 20-23, 2012

Dallas, Texas