Davis Bunn's Blog, page 40

Readers Comment About 'Acts of Faith' Series

Marsha writes:

Besides the Bible. I believe The Centurion's Wife is the best book I have ever read. I felt like Jesus was sitting beside me while I read it. I could picture everything that was happening in the book. I have shared my excitement with everyone I have been around. I will be sharing it with my Women's group next week. It's a must read for everyone! I even told my 16 yr. old son he needed to read it! Thanks so much!

Dear Marsha,

It certainly was delightful to read your lovely email, and I am so grateful for your note and all the warm enthusiasm behind your words. Though I have to tell you, I'm not certain a sixteen year old young man would find The Centurion's Wife to be as hot a read as you apparently have. If I could suggest an alternative, perhaps your son might enjoy another recent book of mine more – My Soul To Keep and Heartland are the two that come to mind.

Marion writes:

When I tried to download The Centurion's Wife, Amazon.com wouldn't let me download it [saying that I don't have an account with them]. However that seems to have changed and now I've just downloaded it from Amazon UK and am looking forward to reading it very much.

You are my very first download! I thought that it might be worth mentioning that on your blog in case any other of your UK contacts had had the same experience and given up.

Dear Marion,

It's so very good to hear from you, though I'm sorry to learn of your downloading trial. So glad you managed to work things out. Honored to be your first download, hope it proves a delightful entry into the world of e-reading.

Megan writes:

I just finished reading The Hidden Flame and I loved it, I couldn't put it down. But I was writing to tell you of an error in the book. Twice in the book Leah's name was used when I believe is was supposed to be Abigail's. I wasn't sure if you knew about these or not but just in case they are still printing the book I thought it could be easily fixed.

First in chapter one when Abigail and Jacob are headed to the alley and the soldiers are just showing up. Page 19 in my book.

2nd in chapter 41 when Linux gives Abigail the letter from Leah. Page 390 in my book.

Dear Megan,

Thank you so much for your email. It never fails to astonish when a reader such as yourself comes upon an error in the typeset. By the time the manuscript arrives at this stage, it has been read by three editors and three proofreaders and myself (a minimum of seven times) and Janette (ditto). Even so, such errors do slip by. We are so grateful, all of us, for your keen eye, and for taking the time to alert us.

Most of all, though, I am delighted to learn that you enjoyed the story.

A reader writes:

My book club of about 12-14 ladies, read The Hidden Flame and everyone loved it. Our name is "Inspirations from Christian Fiction". Now we will probably do one of the other ones in a couple months. We meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 1:00pm, rain or shine! Thank you for allowing God to use your talents for His glory!

My Response:

Thank you so much for this delightful note. If your group decides to read another of my works, perhaps you would enjoy having me 'join' you by either phone or Skype. Right now we are planning such chats for next winter.  Just something to think about. In any case, I'm so pleased to learn that you enjoyed the story.

Angel writes:

I want to thank you for writing this story. I have struggled with the story of Lazarus since I've heard it in the church sermon, I've always struggled with the part about how Jesus knows everything yet when he heard that Lazarus died, "he wept."

When I read Martha' version of Lazarus' death of how all hope was lost then Jesus came and how she "believes his entire life has been spent setting an example. His every instant was meant to bring eternity into the moment and hope to this fallen world. That he did this not only for us, but for everyone who witnessed that day and for those who hear of it. He did this to show that even in the darkest hour, when there is no reason to go forward, no possibility of a better tomorrow, he is there to comfort, to guide, to heal. He brings with him the gift of hope.

Impossible, glorious, joyful hope"…. WOW! I had to reread and reread it again because it was such an eye opener for me. Amazing! How great is our God to do such a thing for us…What Amazing love!

Dear Angel,

This is such a beautiful note. I can't tell you how much it means, to feel as though our work might have helped you make peace with what for you has been a difficult passage of the Scriptures.

I have to tell you, the same thing happened for me in the creation of these three stories. It was one reason why we focused on this particular section. Too often I have felt as though books about the Gospels got to that point of the resurrection and just started racing for the end. But there is so much glory here, so many new beginnings.

So while my own passage problem was not yours, the end result has been the same – a growing closer through the shared experience. Fiction can be such a great instrument for good, and growth, and healing. If only there were more such books to read. I am a voracious reader, I am famished for such stories.

Poll: Which Reader Submitted the Best Plotline About a Didgeridoo-Playing Character?

We've been playing "Davis Bunn Trivia" on my Facebook page all month. Readers have been submitting their guesses for a chance to win the entire Acts of Faith series.

Everyone who guesses the correct answer to any of the questions gets entered for a chance to win all three books in the series.  I'll be announcing the winner in my next e-newsletter. (You can subscribe here.)

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This week, I asked readers to guess what musical instrument I played as a child and teen. (I reveal the answer here.)  I received so many creative (and funny) guesses that I decided to award a bonus contest entry to the person who comes up with the best plotline that revolves around a didgeridoo-playing character.

Reality-show style, I'm going to let you, dear readers, choose the winner!  Below are the seven entries. Please read the plot synopsis for each, and vote in the poll at the end of the post. You can vote as many times as you want, so recruit friends to help you pick the winner!

1.  Luca Azzano

A jewel thief who hides his lute in his didgeridoo yet to hide his identity plays in a band as the didgeridoo player and ends up even killing with his didgeridoo

2.  Jessica Sipes

A sweet boy grows up knowing practically nothing except how to play the didgeridoo.

The instrument was given to him by his father on his death bed, the most valuable possession he owns.

The story could fallow him as he faces hardship and trials and then finally prevails!

3.  Amanda Sipes

Well, lets see, Elmer was in the forest sitting on his lawn chair just jamming away on his didgerrigoo to all the little forest animals. They always looked forward to when he would come out and play for them. Then one day he doesn't show up! So the little forest animals go to his house to see if he's all right. When they get there they send they feathered friends in the window too check on him, they return and report that he's not feeling very well. So the animals get together and bring him any food they can spare that they have seen him eat. They get him back to health and he continues to play for them.

4.  Kathy Hughes Dyer

The didgeridoo music invades his dreams nightly now, luring him back to his childhood surroundings. Oddly enough, he has no conscious memory of his growing up years. After his parents were found slain while on a mission trip in the Torres Strait Islands he was whisked back to the states and raised by his mother's only sister. The shock of what he witnessed……………….

5.  Esther Hardman

A young man in his late twenties returns to his old house, on a visit to his parents, and on a rainy day finds his old first didgeridoo. He dusts it off and begins to play it, finding sheet music nearby in the dusty attic. As the day passes, he continues to play and everything comes back to him. He wonders why he left off playing it. On one of his music breaks he is drawn to a weathered crack in the lining of the instrument case. After a few minutes he discovers underneath the lining are old papers, and a small journal that he never noticed before. What he reads in the journal and papers leads him on a journey of finding the didgeridoo's original owner. This journey is filled with suspense, intrigue and even a little romance. Definitely not the summer visit he was imagining this would be!

6.  Francesca Azzano

The old man's knees ached and his hands had become gnarled from the arthritis, he knew that it would not be long before the Lord called him home, with that thought he glanced at the door that led to the attic, did he have the strength to climb the stairs one more time? Did he want to go up there? He found the strength and climbed one painful step at a time. He found it in the corner the box, covered in dust. He opened it and looked at it, his didgeridoo. Could he pick it up and play it one last time or would it be too painful, physically, but more importantly emotionally. Were the memories of all those years and all that happened too much for him….

7.  Mary Ann Hake

A young man kept hearing this weird music in his dreams. He couldn't remember ever hearing it in real life. Then it started invading his waking hours. He couldn't shake it. When he saw a video of aborgines playing the didgeridoo he knew that was the source. He traveled to Australia to learn to play from them and felt called to live among them. As he explored their culture the faith of his childhood reawakened. This led to establishing a church where didgeridoo music was featured. People came from around the world to experience it.

Pick the Winner!
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Read Chapter 1 of 'Lion of Babylon' for Free

Dear Friends,

Yesterday I shared with you a short video about my own thought process as I penned my new novel, Lion of Babylon. Today, I'd like to give you to the opportunity to read Chapter 1 so you can see for yourself what the book is about.

I'd love to hear your responses to the first chapter! (If you like it and want to order Lion of Babylon, you'll find direct links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bethany House Publishers on the Lion of Babylon book page at davisbunn.com.

Lion of Babylon

This Writing Life: The Commercial End of Things

This past week, it's all been about stuff other than the creative.

Finance, marketing, distribution, investors, pending funds, letters of credit…It's like I've been sucked into my old world, back before I was able to live from the writing.

But to tell the truth, it's also been a lot of fun.

As I have said before, in this tough economic climate, the film lives or fades based upon the investors. And for three months now, the word has been positive from the funds who have been approached, but that's all it has been. Words.

Mind you, one reason why I can call this fun is because I'm six thousand miles from the fray. Working hard on my projects, sitting in our stone home in the Cotswold hills, listening to all this unfold over the phone, reading the emails. Far from the trenches and the sweat. Cheering them on from a safe distance, praying with them, then getting back to my own work in progress.

And then last Friday, the world shifted on its axis.

I called one of the main men simply because I had not spoken with him since my return. All the phone conversations had been with the lead producer. But this other gentleman is a great man and a good buddy, so I called to say howdy, and he said, 'Talk about divine timing'.

From then, it's been off to the races.

That day, they had heard from Lifeway. In case you're not aware, Lifeway is the sort of commercial umbrella that covers virtually everything related to the Southern Baptist Convention. So Lifeway's group includes all of the Baptist retreat centers – some of the biggest in the world, including an entire valley outside Santa Fe and another in the Blueridge Mountains – a massive distribution network, all of the Lifeway bookstores, the Baptist bookstore chain, Broadman and Holman publishers, teaching arms, and so on.

Lifeway has been a major backer of the Fireproof film and the new one slated for release in September, entitled 'Courageous'. They have decided to make our film, 'Unlimited', one of their primary films for 2012.

In the seven days since then, we have learned that a group of major evangelical business leaders are in the process of setting up a film fund. And they want 'Unlimited' to be one of their first three projects.

So while there is no ink on the page, and no check in the mail, things are looking really good.

Watch this space!!!

My Aim in Writing 'Lion of Babylon': A Thriller With Heart (Video)

The day before 9-11, Isabella and I were scheduled to check into the Millenium Hotel at the World Trade Center. This hotel was totally demolished when the first tower collapsed. But just before leaving England, we learned that the hotel had lost our reservations, and we ended up staying 30 blocks north, well inside the safety zone.

When the first plane hit the twin towers, I was interviewing a New York City police chief. As I watched the cops roar off, sirens flashing and people screaming in their wake, my world was forever changed.

In this 4-minute video, filmed in Malmesbury, England, I reflect on my own involvement with the Arab world, which began when I was 25 years old. I hope that the video will give you a better understanding of my motives for writing Lion of Babylon, and my passion for faith-based peace initiatives.

Click here to view the embedded video.

*Note: Lion of Babylon releases July 2, 2011 from Bethany House Publishers. Click here to pre-order your copy.

Notes from Davis Bunn Readers

Margie writes:

I love reading a novel that stretches you and makes you dig deep! One of the reasons that I love your writings…not just fluff to be easily taken apart, but real substance that has to be digested. The other author who really did that for me was Michael Phillips…I miss his writing! Trust you will be writing for many years to come.

My Response:

Thanks so much for this lovely note, Margie. It is a real boost, because this is precisely what I like in my favorite authors, and what I aspire to myself. I hope you find this in coming titles as well. Again, thanks so much.

Warmly, Davis

Linda writes:

Thank you and Isabella for the inspirational books you have written and I look forward to reading the ones to come. May God bless you in all your travels and writings.

My Response

Thank you so much for the very kind words, Linda. I hope this coming year is filled with great tidings and promise for you and yours. And great reading as well!

Margie writes:

I love your books and I love the Hallmark Channel…I hope All Through the Night will be chosen (to be made into a movie).

My Response

Thank you so much, Margie. It is actually under consideration right at this moment. The story is not quite as touchy-feely as most of those selected for filming, but the emotions behind the story are very strong, and the producer thinks we have a good shot. So we would really appreciate your prayers.

We should know something by early spring.

Brian writes:

I just read Kingdom Come. I LOVED IT. I found it in our church library and I think I may buy a couple copies to hand out to friends. I had never heard of it but I really enjoyed it and it was uplifting.

My Response:

It was great to hear from you, Brian. Wow, Kingdom Come. I have not thought of that book in years. It was a great time for me, crafting that story with Larry Burkett. That was the last book he worked on before passing on. A great opportunity to grow close, and grow spiritually, with a wonderful man. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

Where to Find Out-of-Print Books by Davis Bunn

Olivia writes:

I found a real treasure today. I went into a secondhand bookstore looking for some music. I didn't find anything in that department, but browsed through the Christian Fiction section and found 2 of your books that I have been wanting to get for a long while. One is Florian's Gate and the other is The Amber Room. They are in mint condition. Hopefully, I can find the 3rd book now called Winter Palace without too much difficulty.

Dear Olivia,

It is amazing to hear about this. Those two books were released some sixteen years ago. I can still remember driving down to my father's place near Elizabeth City, NC, reading The Amber Room as a finished book. There was a genuine feeling of having crossed a new threshold with this book.

I have experienced several such major transitions in my creative life, most recently with Lion of Babylon. But this was the first. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to relive this moment.

Like Adventure and Romance? You'll Like 'The Damascus Way,' Says Reviewer

This review was originally published on the Mommy's Minute blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.

By Sarah Brooks

Guest Reviewer

Have you ever wondered what it might have been like to live among the first century Christians?

In book three of the Acts of Faith Series, The Damascus Way, Davis Bunn and Janette Oke bring to life the struggles and fears of these early followers of The Way.

Facing persecution at the hand of Saul of Tarsus, members of the fledgling church flee from Jerusalem to settle in outlying areas. Julia, the daughter of wealthy merchant Jamal, soon encounters followers of The Way and finds her life taking a course different from what she originally envisioned.

Young Jacob, a caravan guard for Julia's father, embarks on dangerous journeys on the "Frankincense Trail" as well as relaying messages between believers in the area. As their paths intersect, Julia and Jacob must overcome their initial mistrust to accomplish an essential mission.

I'm always a bit hesitant to jump into a book mid-series, but I didn't find that to be a problem in this novel. I didn't feel like I was missing any essential information even though this is the third book in the series.

The story is interesting and well written, and definitely sheds light on what life might have been like for those early followers of Christ. As you might assume from the title of the series, "Acts of Faith," many of the characters and events in the novel are taken from the book of Acts. Of course, these are fictional accounts of what might have happened, but the story remains true to the Biblical account.

It's an easy read full of adventure and a little romance thrown in for good measure. If you're a fan of religious historical fiction, I'm sure you'll enjoy this collaboration by Bunn and Oke, both veterans of the Christian writing world.

Lion of Babylon: Best Novel from the Pen of Davis Bunn (Review)

By Pastor Gary Gilmore

Guest Reviewer

Muskogee, Oklahoma

Lion of Babylon is above all a book of hope. Undoubtedly the best from the pen of Davis Bunn yet, it offers bold hope to any who are seeking.

This book is about history, culture, faith, relationship, politics, government, love, trust and much, much more. Suspenseful to the max, plot turns without end, yet it is full of teaching, if one wants to learn about the world around them.

Marc Royce has become mired in nothingness since the death of his wife, praying for some direction, some purpose. God answers prayer. Suddenly Marc is virtually overwhelmed with more than his hands can hold: purpose, direction, hope and more.

The search for his friend Alex becomes the search for his own purpose. It is obvious that Marc's faith is powerful within him, and he is lead by the Spirit. How else could he know, how else could he so quickly understand, how else could he make such perfect plans, how else could he make the right contacts and friends?

In Exodus we see the Pillar of Fire by night and the Cloud by day. We see it again in Lion of Babylon. This is a great read, but don't cheat yourself with just one reading!

Surely, at the very least a second book is in the planning.

*Note: Lion of Babylon releases July 2, 2011 from Bethany House Publishers. Click here to pre-order your copy.

Gary Gilmore is the pastor of Bethesda Worship Center in Tahlequah, OK. He has pastored for more than 40 years, is an avid reader, and considers Davis Bunn his top author to read. Visit Gary's Victory Ground blog.

Readers Comment About 'The Damascus Way'

Lorna writes:

I just finished reading The Damascus Way and enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed the fact that you included Philip, the Ethiopian's conversion, and Saul/Paul in the story. Learning about how life would have been in that time period and the struggles faced by the early Christians was greatly appreciated by me. Thanks so much for all your hard work on this book and for making it come so alive to your readers.

I have only become acquainted with your books because of your teamwork with Janette Oke and am so glad to have read many of your books. In addition to the Acts of Faith series, I have read 11 of your own books. I have been amazed by the diversity of the subject matter in your books, from the gentle moving story in The Quilt to the suspense in a book like Imposter.

Your books have very involved, well-thought of plots and great development of your characters. Your attention to research is extremely evident in your books and make them seem so real. In your writing, I become a part of the story along with the characters and feel emotions through them. I appreciate the way you share your faith in your writings.

Thanks for your hard work to write such excellent books. I enjoy informing others about your writings. I look forward to reading more of your books in the future. Although I have not supported your books by purchasing them, I have read them by borrowing them from our local public library. They have been so good to carry so many Christian books in our library system.

May God continue to bless you in both your writing and teaching career.

Dear Lorna,

What a delightful email, and such an encouragement at this very busy time. I have been contracted to write my first feature film screenplay, and while it has gone well over this too-brief five week period, the work has been quite challenging. I am thrilled to make your acquaintance, and so pleased that you have found this sense of resonance with such a wide array of my work.

Sharon writes:

I've just finished The Damascus Way and am now picking up others of yours that I had not read. I'm devouring The Black Madonna right now. Can't lay it down.

You have been blessed by The FATHER with what you do. Keep up the good writing. There are 5 other ladies that I buy books for including my 90-year-old mother who delights in you (and Francine Rivers). They give me money and say, "Go buy books," so I do!

My husband Frank says we need to read slower or get you to write faster. Don't know how we'll master that… anyway just wanted you to know that there are Davis Bunn Fans everywhere – especially in Middle Tennessee.

Dear Sharon,

Thank you so much for this delightful note. It is such an encouragement, your timing could not be better. Please tell your husband that this particular hamster is spinning his little writing wheel just as fast as his fingers can churn. As for you needing to read slower, well, no. Don't do that either.

Please do extend my warmest regards to your grandmother, which I also send to you and your husband.

Brandie writes:

I just love ALL of your books!  I began reading Janette Oke with my mother…Love them all and hope to own them one day.

Dear Brandie,

What a great tribute, having Janette's books be a bond between you and your mother. I think Janette will be thrilled with this tidbit.

Kimberly writes:

Just finished The Damascus Way and loved it!

Dennis writes:

Laura Christianson turned me on to The Centurion's Wife. I'm working on my own manuscript in this era and can tell it's authentic to the time as well as being a well told story. Looking forward to getting to the next two in the series!"

Mary Ellen writes:

I'm almost done with the Kindle edition. Got the first one free from Amazon, had to finish the series. Loving them!

Gayle writes:

Thank you, Janette and Davis, for writing what is in your hearts and minds.

Laly writes:

Praise to the Lord. May he use this book to speak to the hearts of the people.

Gary writes:

Thanks for the Acts of Faith Series. Just wanted to say the stories were an encouragement to walk closer to and talk more with our Lord. I especially appreciate books that help one grow in the faith. Keep them coming. Thanks again for doing more than entertain.

Noel writes:

Thanks for this series. I absolutely loved The Centurion's Wife. I had never really thought about living conditions etc. at that time and you brought it to life so eloquently and with such amazing detail! I look forward to the other books in the series."

Brettnay writes:

I have read all of the Acts of Faith series, and I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed them. It has been such an encouragement to read stories about the early Church and how the people served our Lord! Thank you so much for writing this series. I would love for you to write more! Until then… I will be re-reading the first three!

Kim writes:

Thank you for the Acts of Faith series…I think I inhaled them! Please keep up the good, no, great work!

Gary writes:

Wow! Does this not sound like all the end-time authorities of the present. I believe Jesus is coming soon, very soon. I am a pre-tribulation rapturist; solidly so. But I just get tired of all the scripture stretching going on about the end-times. I could be wrong about my position, about timing, etc. But I just get so very weary of all the scriptural gymnastics. Thanks for pointing us back to the first-century, and showing us that we really haven't come that far, after all.

Vicki writes:

I just finished The Damascus Way and I wish there were more books in this series.

Dear Friends,

It has been amazing to see the public's response to The Damascus Way and the two earlier books in this series. Janette and I had such hopes for this. We felt so strongly that we should conclude our twelve years of working together on this high note. To have our readers come back with such affirmation, sharing with us our passion for these stories and the spiritual themes that supported them, has meant the world to us both.

Your kind comments encapsulate my ideal for all stories—to offer great reads that remain long after the book is set down, to entertain and at the same time to uplift and challenge and help heal and grow.