Davis Bunn's Blog, page 33

Stretching the Bubble (Guest Column)

I invited readers to submit stories of experiences they have had which have stretched the bubble of their daily existence, and in so doing expanded their vision of God, and their connection to the divine. Cudos to Braxton Smith, who has offered one amazing view of just this sort of tremendous ride. Here's his story:

I just wanted to say….I flew today. I jumped out of a perfectly good plane with my daughter, Cameron Grace, and flew 13,500 ft to God's good earth. I cannot tell you how exciting it was for a 53-year-old man, a bit overweight, with thinning hair to partner (way too closely) with a man who guided me through the most exciting, heart grabbing moment of a life… but it was the most exciting thing this man has ever done.

Praise the good Lord for allowing Cameron Grace and I to land safely. It was a glorious look at this small Louisburg area of the world, from 13,500 ft.

My wife gave this to my daughter and me for a Christmas present because we had talked about doing "The Amazing Race" for years. So, we did it! We jumped, yes with someone in tow and control, BUT we jumped!

I am renewed. It was, in a matter of minutes, the one event that will allow me to go on. It bypassed religion, depression, complacency, the "I could haves," and moved myself and my daughter into another realm of life. Not death–LIFE.

God blessed me with Karen, who saw we needed this. She knows our father-daughter bond and she said here you go… go jump. I was so scared for months. I was scared until the day we did it, then I was calm…until we left the back end of that plane…then God showed me a glimpse of all His glory.

Part Mystery, Part Mystical, Says Reviewer of 'Book of Dreams'

By Kathryn Eriksen

Guest Reviewer

Have you ever read a book of fiction and felt like the author was deciphering current events in a clear and concise manner that made you sit up and say, "Of course – that's why that happened!"

When the story is told by a master wordsmith, the book becomes more than thought provoking… it almost becomes an explanation of why events occurred and the motivation of the individuals and institutions involved.

Book of Dreams by Davis Bunn is such a work of fiction.

Part mystery, part mystical, the characters come alive at the deft touch of Bunn's hand. The heroine,  Dr. Elena Burroughs, faces a troubling choice in her life that is only resolved when she relies on her faith and intuition to guide her. Because she is a psychologist with an international reputation of being an expert on dream interpretation, Elena is drawn into a troubling crisis that tests her fortitude, resolve and morals.

The underlying theme is one of good v. evil. Or more accurately, greed v. God.

Elena must choose which voice to listen to, and it is her guidance and insight that resolves the conflict. By sharing her faith in an open and direct manner, Elena inspires the other characters (and the reader) to "look within" for direction. Knowing that she is loved by God, Elena stares down her adversaries and remains undaunted in the face of even the most dramatic of challenges.

Christians will cheer as they read this book, for it reinforces our belief that God always prevails. Non-Christians will still be intrigued by the plot and factual details concerning the greed that created the current financial downturn. And perhaps, if enough readers caught the message of Book of Dreams, the economic climate that the world faces would shift away from greed and limitation to abundance and joy.

One can only hope for such a result from Book of Dreams.

Kathryn Eriksen is an attorney who discovered a passion for writing later in life.  The author of two books, "Walk With the Master," a Christian children's book about Jesus' life, told from a unique perspective, and "Images in America – Waxahachie." Eriksen is a teacher, speaker and writer about developing and growing in your personal relationship with Jesus and God.

This review was originally published at Kathryn's blog, http://kathryneriksen.wordpress.com/tag/book-of-dreams/. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Why You Should Attend a Writers' Conference

Renée-Ann writes:

I'm writing this with great excitement. I attended my first Writers' Conference this weekend. It wasn't one of the big ones, that last 4-5 days, but I'm amazed at the ton of information I brought home. It was hosted by the WFNB, Writers' Federation of New Brunswick.

I attended workshops with writers from different places in the Atlantic provinces. It feels like I took notes all day. This morning, they had an open mic session where many of us had a chance to read a portion of our story. It was the first time I read a portion of my book to anyone and was nervous but I loved it. I ended with a hook, line and sinker, and heard small gasps in the audience. I smiled and said they have to buy the book when it's published if they want to know what happens next.

With this said, thank you for encouraging me to attend such events. It was very fulfilling and educational.

Dear Renee-Ann,

This is excellent news! I'm thrilled you attended the conference, and just delighted to hear that it had such a powerful and positive impact on your creative direction. I wish you every possible success in putting these new lessons to practice. May it truly lift the overall quality of your 'game', and bring you ever closer to your goal of seeing your work in print.

Warmest regards,

Davis

Riding the Whirlwind

Dear friends,

This is the season to be thankful. Which means actually slowing down enough to think about what has been going on recently. It is strange, sitting here in England a few minutes after midnight on what will become Thanksgiving five thousand miles away, and taking this moment to do what I haven't had much time for recently – reflect.

I have managed during this intense period to maintain my sports, and today went for a 30 mile bike ride in the Cotswold hills, along a route I've never taken before. With everything else that was going on today, I carried this thunderous noise along with me in my head. It's only now, sitting here in the dark, wanting to make note of this time of thanks, that I actually 'see' the calm and the quiet and the hills and the colors that pretty much escaped me while I was out.

'Unlimited'

It has been a while since I wrote a blog post, and it may be Christmas before I can do another. The UNLIMITED film project appears to be taking off. The full funding is now in place, two million dollars, and a tentative start date for production has been set for late March of next year. For the past five weeks I have been pushing hard to complete the revised screenplay, and tomorrow I will start inserting the major changes requested by the producers and the director. I have just five days to complete this work. Because after Thanksgiving, they will begin to approach the stars.

Lifeway has now agreed to promote this film, this little project of ours, and we have been given the September 2013 release-date slot which the 'Courageous' film took this year. It is just so hard to believe this has come together as it has, after nine months of work.

Oxford

On top of all this, I am approaching the end of my first term as a full lecturer at Oxford University. I have seventeen students in my creative writing class. My actual lectures ended two weeks ago. I teach the first-year fiction section of this new degree program, then there is a lecturer on screenplay and another on poetry and songwriting.

Anyway, Oxford has a method of grading that is shared only with Cambridge in all the world. The students must write the first three chapters of what will become a full-length novel. This was submitted to the examiner – me – yesterday. Next week I will meet one-on-one with all seventeen, going over their work, pointing out what must be altered to bring them up to publishing standards, and assigning a grade. Everything but the actual grading I'm really looking forward to. That and the time commitment, coming as this does in such a hectic period, as I must read their work and then find seventeen hours for these tutorials.

Book Project

And then there is the minor matter of my current book project, which is due to the publishers at the end of December. This is a very tight date, because they have been selling the book for three months already, and the publishing date is set for next September. Which means I can't let them down. And I have really, really enjoyed working on this story. Even with this extra work on the screenplay, along with everything related to moving the entire film project forward.

So I probably have been busier at some point in my life, but just now I can't remember when that was. And being here in England it's all too easy to forget about Thanksgiving entirely. Or think about it in terms of missing the family time, along with the turkey and football.

Awards

And then, out of the blue, two amazing bits of news just fell into our lap. We have just learned that two of my recent novels have gained national awards. The Damascus Way was named one of the Ten Best for 2011 by Booklist.

And Lion of Babylon was named one of their six 'Best Christian Novels of 2011' by Library Journal.

Gratitude

So here I sit, now approaching one o'clock on Thanksgiving morning, carving out my moment of just pausing, taking a smooth breath, and knowing the pleasure of gratitude. And hoping that in the middle of everything going on in your lives, you are able to find your midnight moment and do the same.

Warmly,

Davis

Can Christian Fiction Help Rescue Our Nation?

Here is a wonderful article Carol Johnson shared with me, titled, The Saving Story: Can Christian Fiction Help Rescue Our Nation?"

By Carol Johnson, Charisma Magazine. Reprinted with permission from the author.

'An Adventure of the Mind,' Says Reviewer of 'Book of Dreams'

By Michelle Rayburn

Guest Reviewer

Have you ever had a recurring dream?

Imagine if you shared a dream with another person whom you had never met?

The world of dreams is mysterious and difficult to comprehend, but there are some who attempt to interpret dreams.

In Book of Dreams, Dr. Elena Burroughs, a young widow who is a psychologist at Oxford University, was known as a foremost authority on dreams. Her best-selling book titled The Book of Dreams had sold millions of copies and she made numerous speaking appearances at sold-out events until she lost her husband.

Elena hides in the mundane work of clinical appointments until she receives a referral for a high profile client with an unusual recurring dream. Around the same time, she received a set of copies of a book that is hundreds of years old. The instruction with the books—study one page until it speaks to you. The gilded vellum pages of the books, or plates, contained the words of the Lords Prayer in Aramaic.

Through the divine power revealed in the ancient book, Elena begins an exciting journey that puts her at the center of an international conspiracy. When she begins to share the dream of several others, their worlds collide in such a way to bring them together for the sake of a cause that will forever bond them.

Davis Bunn has once again created an action-packed fantasy that weaves together scriptural principles with the art of fiction to create a moving story of God's power. It's the story of emotional healing for a women consumed by grief as well as a demonstration of how God can work all things out for his glory.

At the cost of losing it all, one American Ambassador and a financial advisor to Rome hold fast to their integrity. And they nearly do lose it all. I like how this book can inspire leaders and politicians to take risks to stand up for what is right. It inspires with the message that God is still in control, even when it seems like all is lost.

Some readers might have a difficult time with the fantasy aspects of the book. As with many authors in this genre, Davis Bunn has a fantastic imagination and he takes the reader on an adventure of the mind.

It's important to remember that it's fiction. If there is any lesson to be learned from the book, it isn't about any theology related to these supernatural events. It's from the idea that readers, like Elena, can discover that a life fully surrendered to the will of God is a life worth living.

I think both men and women will enjoy this book, and I can totally see it as a movie.
Michelle Rayburn is a speaker, freelance writer, and musician with a passion for helping people connect the dots between faith, creativity, and everyday life. She's an avid reader and book reviewer. You can find her blog at Faith… Creativity… Life.

Still Waiting…

My posts on the discipline of waiting have really struck a chord with my readers. I continue to receive notes on this topic, and would like to share several of them with you:

Susanne writes:

Waiting is what my life is consumed with each moment of every day–waiting on God, learning to let go, and trust He will do what's best. He is working even if it appears he is not. This is the writer's hardest test of faith. Thanks for sharing. It helps me to recall all the doors God has already opened when I didn't expect them.

Lal writes:

Waiting isn't an easy thing… I have been wondering whether God has forgotten me at times. But when I remember the things He has done in my life the mood slowly passes and tiny drops of hope comes down in my heart and I wait for the showers to pour in.

Donna writes:

A post from Pastor Joel Osteen was about waiting…

"God has put dreams and desires in every person's heart. But most times, there's a season of waiting involved… Today, no matter what you are praying for, expect things to change in your favor. Today could be the day that God turns it all around. As you wait with patience and expectancy, you'll open the door for God to move. He'll fight your battles, and you'll see that abundant harvest He's promised in every area of your life."

My response:

Thank you for your thoughts, friends. It has been easy to put the waiting issue aside recently, as I am deeply involved in forging a new story, the sequel to Lion of Babylon. But the waiting remains, and so does the prayer, and the hope. Your lovely words are such a gift.

Related Posts:

Waiting, waiting, and more waiting
Practicing the discipline of waiting, by Joy Gage
Waiting…

A Reader Asks: Where Did Davis Bunn Grow Up?

Betsy Bernhardt writes:

In The Great Divide almost all of the characters' names (not all) have double letters in either their first or last names. I find that interesting–especially since your last name does, as well.

Now, would you share with us all just exactly where in NC you grew up?

Dear Betsy,

Every now and then a reader's question offers a surprise, and this one is another first. I have never noticed that about the names before. The powers of readers' observations sometimes is just astonishing. We have had readers write to correct the hair color of a child in two books in a series four years apart—no I am not going to tell you which books.

As for where in NC I come from, I was born and raised in Raleigh, then did my undergraduate studies at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. I left from there to the UK, where I did a masters in international finance, something that every novelist needs, wouldn't you agree?

'Book of Dreams' Ripped from the Headlines, Says Reviewer

By Pam Nelson

Guest Reviewer

I have read quite a few Davis Bunn books by now and all of them are highly enjoyable.  However, I think I can say without a doubt that Book of Dreams is my favorite so far.  The book grabbed my attention from page 1 and didn't let go until the very end.  In fact, I was greatly disappointed at the end…not by how it ended, but because there was no more to read!  It was truly a masterpiece!

Dr. Elena Burroughs is the main character, a psychologist and dream interpreter in Oxford, England, with the inability to completely deal with a personal tragedy in her own life.  She is soon joined by an interesting new patient who is experiencing frightening dreams on a regular basis.

When Elena is given an ancient book that she is required to decipher, things take a very interesting turn.  The book, which is fascinating in and of itself, has been in the possession of her very good friend for a number of years and has yet to be understood.  But when Elena takes possession, interesting things begin to happen and her life takes a dramatic turn.

Very soon after the opening chapters, the main character shifts from Elena, to a small group of people working as one unit (of which she remains the unofficial leader).  These other characters include Antonio d'Alba of Rome and financial advisor to the Vatican and Lawrence Harwood, the American Ambassador to England.  The character development is rich and you soon feel connected to each character for different reasons.

This book is not only about an ancient artifact, but is in reality about letting the Holy Spirit guide you and stepping out into unknown territory with the confidence that God is with you and will guide you.  The story sounds like one out of today's headlines, with the added bonus of the ancient thrown in.

If you are interested in international intrigue, this book is for you.  If you like romance, you will love this book.  If you enjoy a good mystery, look no further.  If biblical history is your forte, this is the book for you.

I would highly recommend this book.  It is one I plan to read again and again.

Pam Nelson has 3 married kids, 2 grandsons & 1 granddaughter (ages 8, 5 & 1 respectively). She also is the Women's Ministry Director for her church as well as Secretary/Treasurer for the corporation (church). Seven years ago, God blessed Pam with a brand-new heart via transplant, and she says every day is precious.

How Many Times Should an Author Redraft a Story?

Sameh writes:

We met at the 2009 writers' conference in Cocoa Beach, where you taught the morning sessions on fiction. I appreciate your encouragement, as thereafter I seemed to find my voice, and set out to write. I was lucky to find a great mentor, Prof. Susan Hubbard. I completed the manuscript, titled The Little Grammarian, in January of this year, and have been revising and re-revising it since.

Dear Sameh,

I am very pleased to hear you have found a good mentor and are making solid progress on your writing career.

There are elements of 'voice' that are only learned through extensive first drafting. Because of this, I would urge you not to make the critical error of equating your career with this first novel. It may require several stories before your internal voice is brought into harmony with the exterior demands of the publishing world.

By this I mean, do not under any circumstances feel you can REDRAFT your way into a career. You must learn to focus BEYOND this story, and see the goal as becoming a published author. Not merely the author of this work.

No doubt during your training as a psychiatrist you came across a multitude of misconceptions that, unless caught early and dealt with well, could potentially have wrecked your career. I assure you, Sameh, this is one such issue when it comes to writing. You must first draft. You must face the challenge of the empty page. You must start a new story. And you must move on.

I wish you every possible success,

Davis