Davis Bunn's Blog, page 39

Proofreader of 'Lion of Babylon' Shares How the Novel Impacted Her

Dear friends,

I wanted to share this note with you because it is one of the most astonishing testimonies I have ever received, about any book I have ever written.

Dear Davis,

I have been a freelance proofreader for Bethany House since 1997, and I have just had the pleasure of proofreading your amazing book, Lion of Babylon.

I was very moved by the story and what felt to me to be its purpose. When I proofread, I am of course "on the clock," so I will look forward to purchasing your book when it is published and sitting down to truly read it. However I had to write now, while it is fresh. You really have done something special with this book.

I want to tell you a quick story. In my freelance work, I sometimes proofread and edit for individual authors. For a few years I did some projects for a well-known evangelist/author. I found some of his work to be disturbing and negative, but I took it on nonetheless. I was at that time a stay-at-home mom and I appreciated any projects that came my way.

Then the events of 9/11 hit, and less than a month later, this evangelist/author contacted me by phone, asking me if I would proofread a book he had just written about the Koran and how Christians were in danger from all Muslims.

I listened. I listened some more. I asked him questions.

One thing that struck me was that he stated he would be using an error-filled translation of the Koran, and that I should not worry; just leave the Koran as is.

I objected mightily. We talked some more. And finally I asked him, "Why would you intentionally put out a faulty translation of the Koran and write a book that is intended to incite hatred for all Muslims?"

He then went into a tirade about how we were all in danger and that Muslims were our enemy, that our lives were all at stake, and that Christians needed to know this. At that point, I let him know that I would not take this project on.

He was very upset with me and ended the conversation as he always did, saying that he would pray for me to find God's truth in this matter and that he continued to pray for my Jewish husband to find Jesus.

I never heard from this client again. That conversation stuck in my craw for all these years. Then, while reading your book, I was so relieved to see the way you described the amazing transformation when the human-imposed divisions between us start to fade and we are united. Wow! You also shed much light on the complexities of Iraq and Iran. We just do not understand this well in the U.S.

As I said, I look forward to reading Lion of Babylon as a reader! As the first proofreader, I was very moved, and I had to write to tell you.

Warmly,

Sabrina Rood

Edmonds, WA

Dear Sabrina,

Your wonderful email has impacted me on so many levels, I honestly do not know where to start.

In twenty years of writing, this is the first time I have ever received such a reaction from a proofreader. You are doing a professional's job, pushed both by time and by the need to inspect the words with a magnifying glass. To have you connect at such a visceral level, despite these responsiblities, is such an accolade. Whatever else might come from this, I will hold your email as a true sign that this book does what I had intended, and hoped, and prayed for.

My wife and I have both endured such hostile antagonism towards the Muslim faith from within the body of believers. And it has distressed us, just as in your case. There was some very real concern on my part in starting this story, because I knew some people would resent my depicting the Arabs in anything other than a dark and dangerous light. But I hoped and prayed that my story might indeed find readers who hungered for a deeper and more compassionate understanding. Your kind words are a realization of my prayers for this story.

Thank you so much for writing.

Warm personal regards,

Davis

Bodacious Bookworms Praises 'Lion of Babylon' for Interweaving Fiction with Current Events

Missy Shay and her husband celebrate their anniversary together by inhaling a few books.

By Missy Shay

Guest Reviewer

*This review is reprinted from Missy's blog, Bodacious Bookworms. Reprinted with permission from the author.

I loved this new book by Davis Bunn.  I hate politics and do not always pay attention to what is going on.  I know the basics, but most of it is just too confusing to try to figure out.  I know we went to war because terrorists bombed the twin towers on 9/11.  Aside from that I have never really understood what was going on over there, until I read Lion of Babylon.  Davis Bunn explains what is going on in Iraq without being boring.  It's like something just clicked in my brain while reading it  This book would great for a man or woman because it is not a romance book at all.

Lion of Babylon is about an ex-CIA operative who gets pulled back into service when an operative who is a good friend of his goes missing in Iraq.  When he arrives in Iraq, he actually joins forces with the Iraqis to find out what is going on, there is more going on than just a missing person.

Is he missing because of political reasons or religious reasons?
How do the religious factions in Iraq and Iran tie in with his disapearance?
Will God help him on his quest to unravel the truth?

This is a must-read for everyone to help you understand the political, social and religious aspects of the war we are in right now.  Davis does an excellent job of interweaving a fictional story with the facts of what is happening right now.

If you don't care about any of that, read it anyway for a great suspenseful, focus-grabbing book!

Missy Shay is a Sunday school teacher who loves to bake, decorate cakes, sew aprons and read. She likes to read good Christian fiction and share what she reads with other people. You can find her blog at bodaciousbookworms.blogspot.com. Missy blogs about baking, decorating cakes, aprons and sewing at missyscakesandaprons.blogspot.com.

Fictional Characters Make 'The Damascus Way' Come Alive, Says Reviewer

This review was originally published at the Ramblin' Roads blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Karla Cook

By Karla Cook

Guest Reviewer

Over the years I've enjoyed several books written by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke, so I was interested to review their latest collaborative book, The Damascus Way. It's the the third book of the Acts of Faith series, which is historical biblical fiction set during the book of Acts.

I haven't read the first two books in the series so as I started this book I had the sense that there were people and events that I should know about. Still, it worked well as a stand-alone story.

Being familiar with the book of Acts in the Bible helped orient me. For example, I knew, without being told, just how Stephen had died. By the same token, though, the story was somewhat predictable. I was pretty sure I knew what would happen to Saul of Tarsus… and whaddya know? I was right!

The fictional characters intrigued me, and made the story come alive in ways I hadn't considered before. I always enjoy a good story that makes me think deeply, so I appreciated that about this book.

I felt like the book was well-researched, and I learned a lot about the lifestyle and culture of New Testament times. One scene in particular that stands out to me is when several of the characters are caught in a serious sandstorm as they are traveling. I hadn't thought about that being an issue that people in that day and area would have had to deal with.

I did enjoy the story overall, but I found it a little slow-moving in places, and predictable in others. However, if you enjoy biblical fiction, I expect you would enjoy it.

Readers Ask: How do Davis Bunn and Janette Oke Seamlessly Blend Their Writing Styles?

Mary writes:

Just finished reading The Centurion's Wife.  Was wondering how you & Janette Oke managed to blend your writing styles so seamlessly?

Dear Mary:

Janette and I have written twelve books together now, and our creative methods have progressed with time and prayer.

I suppose that is the one element that is most important, our sharing this desire to serve with our words. It keeps us both humble and focused upon a greater goal that the moment and all the stress that comes through the creative process. We may be giving birth to just words but there is still this risk of focusing down on the small, the momentary, and losing sight of the greater good, the higher purpose, and all that might flow from our work, such as inspiring readers like yourself.

Prayer has remained an essential component of our time together, and our lives.

Kelli writes:

I just finished reading The Centurion's Wife and I LOVED the book.

Not only was it a love story between Alban and Leah, but the fact that you wrote it from the view of a Centurion and a palace servant trying to find answers was what I truly enjoyed. I enjoyed how the search for truth led them closer to each other and of course I loved the fact that they found the truth. To think that what Leah feared the most ended up being a good thing.

When I read about Cleopas on the road to Emmaus, it made me think of a song called I Can See. It is a beautiful song I still have stuck in my head. We all know how the story ended with Jesus and that we as gentiles can accept him, but I like that you had Alban wrestle with whether he could be a follower of Christ. I look forward to reading the other books in this series. Thank you.

Dear Kelli,

It is now almost four years since I wrote The Centurion's Wife with Janette Oke, and your words took me right back to the creative process and the prayers we shared in this period.

Alban's struggle was a crucial component of our story, one we spent a great deal of time putting together. Alban represents the gentile believer in that period before Paul of Tarsus, when the entire believing community was made up of Judeans.

This transition had to be represented there in this early moment, and show the direction that the disciples' revelations would soon illuminate.

Karen writes:

Next year in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) we will be studying Acts of the Apostles. I have enjoyed the Acts of Faith series because you have not taken liberty with the characters or inserted elements that may not be scripturally correct.

What you have created very easily could be true if we really knew more about the lives of the Followers of "The Way."

Dear Karen,

The aim that Janette and I set ourselves was to maintain a sense of honest reflection upon the gift of God's Word, while creating a depth of character and narrative that heightened our connection to these vital events.

Anna, Tabitha, and Christi ask: Will there be a fourth book in the Acts of Faith series?

It is hard for me to accept that the trilogy – and my twelve years of working with Janette – have really drawn to a close. Janette does seem quite ready to call The Damascus Way http://www.davisbunn.com/book/the-damascus-way.htm her final book. It is a hard thing to write, as I have so enjoyed and cherished these joint efforts.

I still read these responses and feel my fingers reaching for the keyboard, as though I could somehow draw another book from our partnership. It has been so wonderful working with Janette, never more so than on this series.

Janette Oke Praises 'Lion of Babylon'

I received this lovely email from Janette Oke, regarding Lion of Babylon, which releases TODAY from Bethany House Publishers.

I have been granted the privilege of receiving an 'advance reading copy' of Lion of Babylon.

You have produced quite a read. For anyone wanting action and suspense they will certainly find plenty of both in this book. It was high energy all the way.

Davis, I find myself wondering when you will 'level off.'  Each book seems to outdo the last one.

Congratulations. I trust this one will bring more accolades your way.

Love,

Janette

Dear Janette,

I cannot thank you enough, first for having taken the time to read my latest book, and then for writing such wonderful words. Your email is a gift, for which I am so very grateful.

It remains such an honor and personal delight to have worked with you, and through this time together having forged a creative alliance as well as friendship. I have learned so much from you, both as a servant and as a writer.

At numerous times during the crafting of Lion I felt this bond. My aim was to move beyond this rather sterile structure used by most contemporary thrillers, and write a story that held to a thriller's pace, yet was based around heart-felt emotions.

Too often these days, action-stories are dominated by rage or vengeance or other negative emotions. I hoped to craft a tale that matched their pace, yet was filled with heart. If I have succeeded, it is only because of the lessons I have gained from our time together.

My warmest and best to you both,

Davis

Readers Ask: Does the Underground Church in 'Lion of Babylon' Exist?

JuJohns writes:

I just finished a preview copy of Lion of Babylon. Wow!  Now only was it gripping, but I feel like I learned so much about Iraq and the confusing political climate there.

I was wondering–is there really an underground church like the one you described?

Are there really "Jesus followers" who cross political and tribal lines like the ones in the book?

Thanks for a great, inspiring, and educational adventure!!

Dear JuJohns:

I'm thrilled that you found such inspiration and enjoyment in Lion of Babylon. That was PRECISELY the aim I had in mind and heart as I penned these pages.

To answer your question, yes indeed, this underground church exists, not only in Babylon but in virtually every country throughout the Middle East and Africa. Missionaries and local evangelical pastors are making huge strides in overcoming the very barriers you mentioned, through bringing the presence of Jesus into one heart at a time.

This Writing Life: A Farewell to a Dear Friend

A dear friend of mine passed away recently. His name was Cyril Price. He saved my career in Africa a long time ago. It happened in one of my first journeys to the Sudan as a business executive, in an amazing series of events. Because of his experience in the region, he turned what could have been an unmitigated disaster into a triumph. And so we became friends.

I was not there for his funeral, which was hard. But something happened on that day. Something that needs to be shared. Because I could not come to Cyril, Cyril came to me.

I decided to go out on my bike and pray for him in the English countryside. Cyril was a great walker. We have trekked many a miles, especially in and around the River Thames and the beautiful villages that rim the greatest artery of England.

I chose to make a major push through the Cotswold hills, forty miles and six climbs, including two I had never done before. It was a lovely day, the first fairly warm day of this summer season. The weather has been typically English, with two ground frosts since mid-May. But this day was warm and the clouds chased another like young sheep through a verdant blue meadow. And every wildflower in England had decided to bloom.

The roads I hold to for these treks are small, country affairs where oncoming traffic has to crawl past each other. But it doesn't matter really, because virtually everyone who takes these roads does so because they are not in a hurry.

I climbed the first ridge, a very solid push of about four miles, all uphill, turned onto a smaller road, descended into a narrow valley, climbed up the other side, and entered a different age.

The modern world was simply gone. Even the road was different, chalky white with age and dust and disuse, less than ten feet wide and fronted on both sides with a riot of blooms. Beyond the hedgerows, baby sheep sang to me. It was then that Cyril arrived.

I had not seen him since my return to England six weeks before, because his wife had been going through some very bad health issues. He, on the other hand, was fine. We spoke several times, it was hard taking care of Nancy, but he was good. Then his wife of almost sixty years went into the hospital, and he was abruptly called away from us, on to the next world.

Cyril's was always a quiet faith. He had grown up inside the Church of England's most staid and conservative branch, and never saw any need to change his ways. When I came to faith at age twenty-eight, and tried to describe the immense shift and how intensely I felt the Spirit's hand, he just smiled. He was happy for me.

But such immersions in the Spirit, or the sense of passionate calling I felt about the writing – which I took up two weeks after coming to faith, having never written anything before in my life – all this was completely alien to Cyril. He did not condemn. He did not criticize. He did not question my experiences or sense of divine calling. He simply was content with the walk that he had. Subtle and layered in centuries of tradition and oh so very British.

Cyril always had a remarkable sense of humor; it was here that his extremely British character was most pronounced. He savored the quick twist of words, the quiet jest that created smiles for days.

The last such time was a month before his final illness. He had confessed he would love to someday play a villain in one of my books. I knew he was unwell at the time, but actually how sick he'd become I don't think even Cyril realized.

I decided to go ahead and build him as the baddie now, because I was giving the final shape to a new story. It is entitled 'Book of Dreams' and is due out in October. Anyway, on that recent day I phoned Cyril because I had become increasingly concerned over just how back this character really was. He demolished careers, he plotted murders, he took pleasure in squiring around a professional female assassin. That day on the phone I described all this to Cyril, and finished with, "I don't want Nancy barring me from ever setting foot in your home again."

"My dear boy," Cyril replied. "Don't give it another thought."

"But you haven't seen how foul this guy has turned out. He's a total rotten scoundrel."

"Splendid," Cyril said. "I couldn't be happier. You have granted me the one role I have never permitted myself in life."

That moment upon the dusty sunlit lane, I heard his voice and felt his presence, as clear as the sunlight and the call of the baby lambs. He confided to me that he had always loathed funerals. He was glad to be here, with me, for this last moment on earth. I asked him about his family, and his wife, and he replied simply that his beloved lady would be with him soon enough.

We rode like that for about an hour. I did not speak with him again. But he was there. And suddenly he said it was time to go. He thanked me for this gift, and called it the perfect farewell.

I had a fleeting image of some of the trials he had endured; he was a flight navigator during World War Two, and lost so many of his friends to the Pacific war. Then he went into banking, and spent a dozen years posted in Africa, for the longest time in Cairo.

Finally there was an image of his final days, caring for Nancy and his own sudden decline. He said he had almost forgotten how much he loved his beautiful country. He called our time together perfect. Then he was gone. A puff of wind, a brief sensation of departure, and I was alone with the road and the day.

I have just gotten off the phone with his daughter. She said he was only ill there at the end for about two weeks. He knew his time was coming, and he drew away from the world. He refused to see his friends. He asked for everything to be taken from his room, most of the furniture, all his paintings, he liked the calm, he said. But he asked for his collection of my books to be placed on the table at the end of his bed.

Farewell, dear friend.

Readers Ask: Why Do You Re-Use Character Names?

Helen writes:

Just finished reading your Book of Hours. It's the 15th book of yours that I have read recently. Love your books!  My ancestry is traced back to the Chappells who came from France on the heels of William the Conquerer coming to England in 1066. So, Knightsbridge and the descriptions in The Book of Hours was especially interesting to me.

Wasn't the name Brian Blackstone a character in "One Shenandoah Winter"?  Or am I reading the books too close to each other?

Dear Helen:

Thanks so much. Book of Hours remains one I go back to once a year, and reread for the simple pleasure of a good tale well told. It's a healing balance between spirit and mystery, I feel, and never fails to make me smile. I'm so glad you've been touched by it as well.

As for your question, Helen, the answer is, I have no idea whether I've used Brian Blackstone as a character name before.

It is amazing to have this come up right at this moment. Yesterday my wife was reading the first few chapters of a new story I've been working on, and she told me that THREE of my characters' names have been used before, and another is a real person we know from the publishing world!

I was stunned. Isabella has caught me at this before, to be perfectly honest. It's one reason why her read-through is so vital. I get lost in the story, and can do some really silly things in the process.

So the answer is, there's just no telling what gaffe I've done.

The most important thing is, you enjoyed the tale. Thank you so much for writing and sharing that with me.

Here is additional reader chatter about The Book of Hours, from my Facebook Page: 

Karen writes:

I just started reading The Book Of Hours, and am overjoyed to have found your writing and books. I can't seem to put this book down; it's rich with culture, scenery, and you tell the story so well with each character's traits.

Tim writes:

This is one of my wife's all time favorite books! I don't think we ever got it back from loaning it out…

Kimberley writes:

It's one of mine, too. I've loaned it, lost it, bought it, loaned it, lost it so many times. Now I give it for gifts so others can just keep it. It's wonderful!

Sandy writes:

I just brought this book home from the library yesterday! Now I really can't wait to read it! I have read about 10 of your other books, and was sooo excited to see the review of this one!

Dear Readers,

Thank you all for these lovely notes. In case you're interested, I just heard from a film producer that they are trying to put together financing to make this a feature film. There are a lot of hurdles to cross, but it is lovely to see this little book gain such attention.

Suspense in 'Lion of Babylon' Will Keep You Up Late, Says Reviewer

By Beckie Burnham

Guest Reviewer

*This review was originally published on Beckie's blog, By the Book. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Davis Bunn has written another edge-of-your-seat, international suspense novel that will have the reader staying up way too late!  Lion of Babylon takes place in modern day Iraq, but the the country's past has always been part of its present. Following centuries of war, occupation and despotic leaders, Iraq is poised to create a modern democracy among its Muslim neighbors.  But many within Iraq's own government, not to mention the governments and corporations of the US and Iran, do not want this new Alliance to succeed.  Enter Marc Royce, a former intelligence agent turned forensic accountant, who is determined to rescue his best friend who is unexplainably missing.

Along the way Marc befriends Sameh, a lawyer and Christian, Jaffar, the Shia Grand Imam's son , and Hamid, a Sunni prison guard who once led the Bagdad police version of  a SWAT team.  While becoming a friend to Iraqis of different backgrounds may seem normal to an American, the reader soon learns that Americans are viewed with attitudes of distrust, fear and dislike that are often impossible to overcome.  But over and over, Marc proves himself not only worthy of trust, but of the title of Lion (lugal) — a warrior ready to defend the nation.

Bunn captures the country and people of Iraq.  The war-torn remnants of buildings and lives are vividly presented.  There is a certain weariness and despair that permeates the atmosphere and the characters.  But hope shines through in the determination of those who desire a free Iraq.  I especially was moved by the underground church scene.  People from all backgrounds — social and religious — joined together in worship of Jesus, not adherence to ritual or rules of religion.

Lion of Babylon is a great book for anyone looking for suspense, political intrigue or just a good story well told.  It is also a wonderful novel for anyone desiring to understand just what is happening in the Middle East today, especially Iraq.

Recommended.

About Beckie Burnham: I am a wife and mother of 3 nearly grown children — at least they think so — Daniel 21, Allison 19 and Thomas 18.  I live in middle Georgia with my husband of 26 years, Brian.  I work part time as book keeper for my husband's veterinary business. My favorite things besides my family are tea, books and cats. My kids joke I will end up with 20 cats running through stacks of books, while I sit sipping tea!  We have a one dog and 2 cats.  I have been reviewing books for  1 1/2 years and consider it part of what God has called me to do for Him. Visit Beckie at By The Book.

Christian Retailing Names 'Lion of Babylon' Top Pick for July 2011

I just received this amazing review from Christian Retailing (the leading trade journal for the Christian products industry). They selected my just-released novel, Lion of Babylon, as their Top Pick for July 2011. I feel so honored! The magazine is not yet available online, but here's a downloadable PDF of the review:

Christian Retailing July 2011 – Lion of Babylon Review (PDF)