CFBA Blog Tour - Brandilyn Collins and Amber Morn

I have to confess. Every time I see this author's book title, I have to do a double-take. It's so similar to my writing name that catches my eye every time. I'd like to believe there was a smidgeon of partiality to her title choice, but that would be stretching things quite a bit. She IS a big fan of my husband's writing...and she even has a character in this series patterned after him. But, that's where the favoritism ends, I'm afraid.

Oh well, a gal can dream right?

Anyway, back to our spotlight guest. :) I am honored and pleased to share Brandilyn Collins with you as part of the CFBA blog tour:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Amber Morn
Book Four of the Kanner Lake series
(Zondervan - April 1, 2008)
by Brandilyn Collins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense™. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline

“Don’t forget to b r e a t h e …®”

Brandilyn writes for Zondervan, the Christian division of HarperCollins Publishers, and is currently at work on her 19th book. Her first, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows.

She’s also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons), and often teaches at writers conferences.

Brandilyn blogs at Forensics and Faith. Visit her Website to read the first chapters of all her books.

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The whole thing couldn't have taken more than sixty seconds.

Bailey hung on to the counter, dazed. If she let go, she'd collapse—and the twitching fingers of the gunman would pull the trigger. The rest of her group huddled in frozen shock.

Dear God, help us! Tell me this is a dream . . .

The shooter's teeth clenched. "Anybody who moves is dead."

On a beautiful Saturday morning the nationally read "Scenes and Beans" bloggers gather at Java Joint for a special celebration. Chaos erupts when three gunmen burst in and take them all hostage. One person is shot and dumped outside.

Police Chief Vince Edwards must negotiate with the desperate trio. The gunmen insist on communicating through the "comments" section of the blog—so all the world can hear their story. What they demand, Vince can't possibly provide. But if he doesn't, over a dozen beloved Kanner Lake citizens will die...

Amber Morn is the climactic finale to Collins' widely read Kanner Lake series. All first three titles in the series, Violet Dawn, Coral Moon, and Crimson Eve, were bestsellers. Library Journal placed Crimson Eve on its Best Books of 2007 list, and hailed it the "Best Christian suspense of 2007."

A few early reviews of Amber Morn:

"… essential reading … a harrowing hostage drama." – Library Journal

"… heart-pounding … breakneck pace … satisfying and meaningful ending." – RT Bookreviews

"This cataclysmic ending left me breathless … Kanner Lake is the Best Suspense Series of 2007/2008." – deenasbooks.blogspot.com

"Collins has saved the best for a last .. a powerful ensemble performance." -- BookshelfReview.com

"… a staccato tempo … Sometimes you just have to close the book in order to come up for air." – Dale Lewis

"…a masterpiece of page-turning suspense with a cast of dozens." – Peg Phifer

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is the fourth book in your series, one that features a cast of characters that readers have come to love. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Because books 1-3 feature different protagonists with the same set of supporting characters—the bloggers at Java Joint—I wanted the finale to feature all those characters. And I wanted the story to revolve around the real Scenes and Beans blog, which was started with the release of Violet Dawn. I thought it would be cool thing to combine fiction and reality like this.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

There’s very little of me in these characters. As I was creating them for the first book in the series, I asked for suggestions for various quirks from my blog readers. I tried to incorporate as many of their ideas as possible. Old codger Wilbur, who’s always raising his shirt to show his scar from heart surgery—yup, that was a suggestion from one of my readers. I can’t imagine the series without that character.

And I wanted to feature a quirky science fiction writer. S-Man, as he’s called, is completely fictional, but as you know, Tiff, the manuscript he’s writing isn’t. One day we’re going to see Starfire, your husband’s novel, published.

3. What themes exist in Amber Morn that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I often have underlying symbolism in my suspense. Many readers don't see it because they're just caught up in the action of the surface story. And that's okay. But for those who want to think more about the story, or perhaps use the novel for a book club pick, I have discussion questions for the Kanner Lake series on my web site. These questions help lead the reader to some deeper thinking. For example, Violet Dawn is about a frightened young woman who has to make a terrible choice when she finds a body on her property. But that story's really about emotional scars, and how different people handle them. Wilbur, with the scar from heart surgery on his chest, is the overt symbolism. He deals with his physical scar by showing it off. He's proud of the trauma he's endured. Paige keeps her emotional scars totally secret, and thinks she can get away with that emotionally. That never works—not if you want to live a victorious life. Chief Edwards lives with his scars over the death of his son every day, going about his normal business, but dragging around this chain of grief. The ending scene between Wilbur and Paige is a subtexted scene that speaks to this symbolism. I didn't want it to be overt, and many readers may not have caught it. But of all the characters, crotchety old Wilbur was the one who addressed Paige's scars and how she should handle them.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The difficulty for Amber Morn came in handling so many points of view and keeping straight in my mind where every character was at any given moment. Also the time sequences. Things happen at a rapid pace at two main locations—Java Joint and the negotiation command post. Many times I needed to show what was happening at one location, then back up in time to show what happened at the other. This needed to be done without confusing the reader. The third difficulty was in concluding all the loose ends in the characters' personal lives. As the conclusion for the series, Amber Morn needs to leave the reader satisfied as to what happens to all these characters.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next novel is a stand-alone titled Dark Pursuit. Here's the back cover copy:

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, recluse and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she's rebuilding her life.

In Kaitlan's town two women have been murdered. She is about to discover the third. The only possible culprit? Her boyfriend, Craig, son of the town's police chief.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he'll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell's muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan's plight may be the stunning answer to the illusive plot he seeks ...

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Thank you, Brandilyn, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of Amber Morn.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Blog Tour - Camy Tang and Only Uni

It's nearing the end for Camy Tang's blog tour around the world, and I'm honored to be able to spotlight her here at A Fiction-Filled Life today. So, without further ado, let's get started, so you can gain some insight into the "loud Asian chick" who writes "loud Asian chick books." :) She's a great gal. I'm sure you'll love her books as much as I love her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Camy Tang is the loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick lit. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away five boxes of books and 25 copies of her latest release, ONLY UNI.

ONLY UNI
by Camy Tang
Published by Zondervan

ABOUT THE BOOK

Flirty biologist Trish Sakai has alienated her best friends and her family because of her wild behavior with her artist ex-boyfriend, Kazuo. Then she finds her father kissing another woman, and her mom suffers a heart attack. Convinced God is punishing her for her sexual promiscuity, Trish comes up with three rules from First and Second Corinthians: 1) Stop looking at guys, 2) Only date Christians, and 3) Persevere in hardship by relying on God. If she follows them, God will restore her life to the way it was before her mistakes. If she can somehow regain her chastity, she won't feel as dirty and unworthy as she does now. They're only three rules. How hard can it be?

Handsome Spenser finds himself attracted to his coworker Trish, but his dinner invitation gets slammed down with a lame excuse about Corinthians and rules. That cools his ardor pretty quick. But then Spenser discover that his old enemy Kazuo needs Trish as the "muse" for his unfinished masterpiece painting due in a few months for a gallery show. Kazuo pursues Trish with everything he's got, but Spenser decides to throw a wrench in Kazuo's plans by pretending to pursue Trish himself.

Trish is going nuts trying to stand firm against two hunky guys. Her three simple rules aren't so simple anymore . . .

Buy Your Copy Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is the second book in your Sushi Series and follows the path of another cousin. It also deals with the issue of sexual promiscuity, a topic not many Christian authors are able or willing to tackle. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I know that I struggled with my singleness when I was Christian, and I thought it was stupid to pretend Christians aren't lonely and have to often struggle against their own desires. I wanted to create a heroine who was struggling but honest with how she felt, and I hope I've accomplished that in Trish.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Trish, Spenser and Kazuo? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

The only part of Trish's experience that is like mine is her biology work. The rest is fiction, including Spenser, Kazuo, and their experiences. The three are each very different personalities, which is why they probably create so many sparks! Trish is a bit of a dingbat, and she's also fearless. Spenser is confident, a bit swaggering at time, and clueless at others. Kazuo is brooding, caught up in his own world. The three of them were very fun to write.

3. What themes exist in Only Uni that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I want readers to come away with the realization that God loves them no matter what happens, no matter what choices they've made. Grace is always so much greater than we can imagine, and it always seems to take us by surprise.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult parts to write were the scenes in the pregnancy crisis center, because that aspect of the story popped up rather suddenly as I was writing it, so they weren't scenes I had in my head when I plotted the story.

My favorite scene was the one where she sees her new rental house for the first time. Everything in that house is absolutely true--I got the stories from my ex-roommate, who had seen all of those things when she was house-hunting.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is SINGLE SASHIMI, and it comes out in August 2008. Here's the back cover blurb:

Drake Yu. Why would Drake call her after … what, five years? Six?

Venus heard in his voice that resonance that was almost a growl, that titanium-hard determination to get what he wanted. And he usually got what he wanted. The voice said: "I want you to work for me."

Not this time… If it was a choice between Drake and McDonald's—she'd choose french fries. She'd never work for him again. It would take an act of God.

Venus Chau is determined to start her own game development company and launch the next Super Mario-sized phenomenon. However, she needs an investor to back her idea. When Drake Yu, an old nemesis, approaches Venus with a contracting opportunity at his sister's startup, the offer to become Chief Operating Officer tempts Venus to think the unthinkable.

Venus would rather throw away her PS3 than work for Drake again … except Grandma bribes Venus to do this favor for Drake's wealthy family with a coveted introduction to the most respected investor in the game industry. It's also a short job—only a few months—so Venus won't have to stand Drake's presence for very long.

But one wild youth group, a two-faced assistant, and Grandma's determined match-making threaten to make them both fail—or go insane. With the encouragement of her three cousins, Lex, Trish, and Jennifer, Venus discovers that even a wounded heart can undergo a beautiful transformation …

* * * * *

Thank you, Camy, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Only Uni. Zondervan will be mailing your book directly to you in April.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

* * * * *

CFBA Blog Tour - Karen Ball and What Lies Within

You'd never believe from the content of her latest books that this author is a side-splitting riot when she does speaking engagements and live talks. Not only is she a prolific and established author, but she's been an editor of many top names in the Christian book industry and worked for Zondervan, among many other publishers.

Now, partnering with David Webb of B&H Publishing, she is helping to relaunch their fiction line with a new and innovative brand.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
What Lies Within
Multnomah Fiction (November 20, 2007)
by Karen Ball

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Ball , bestselling novelist, is also the editor behind several of today's bestselling Christian novels. Her love for words was passed down through her father and grandfather - both pastors who shared God's truth through sermons and storytelling. Blending humor, poignancy, and honesty, Karen's writing style is a powerful force for revealing God's truth. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, and their "kids," Bodhan, a mischief-making Siberian husky, and Dakota, an Aussie-terrier mix who should have been named "Destructo."

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nothing’s going to stop Kyla…

until the ground crumbles beneath her feet.

Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she’s called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend’s suggestion that she sell her business and marry him–and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.

Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars–and the nightmares–to prove it. Though he can’t fight overseas any longer, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.

Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won’t carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real–and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything…

* * * * *

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to be entered in a drawing for a FREE copy of this book. If you do not wish to be entered, say so when you post. This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Blog Tour for Tricia Goyer and Shadow of Treason

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tricia Goyer has published over 300 articles for national publications such as Today's Christian Woman, Guideposts for Kids, and Focus on the Family, and is the co-author of Meal Time Moments (Focus on the Family). She has led numerous Bible Studies, and her study notes appear in the Women of Faith Study Bible (Zondervan).

She has written seven novels for Moody Publishing: From Dust and Ashes (2003), Night Song (2004), Dawn of a Thousand Nights (2005), Arms of Deliverance (2006), A Valley of Betrayal (2007), A Shadow of Treason (Fall 2007), A Whisper of Freedom (February 2008). Night Song was awarded American Christian Fiction Writer's 2005 Book of the Year for Best Long Historical. Dawn of a Thousand Nights won the same award in 2006.

Tricia has also written Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom (Zondervan, 2004), 10 Minutes to Showtime (Thomas Nelson, 2004), and Generation NeXt Parenting (Multnomah, 2006). Life Interrupted was a 2005 Gold Medallion finalist in the Youth Category.

Also, coming out in the next year are: My Life, Unscripted (Thomas Nelson, 2007), Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah, Spring 2008), and 3:16-the teen version of the a book by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson, Spring 2008).

Tricia and her husband John live with their three children in Kalispell, Montana. Tricia's grandmother also lives with them, and Tricia volunteers mentoring teen moms and leading children's church. Although Tricia doesn't live on a farm, she can hit one with a rock by standing on her back porch and giving it a good throw.

SHADOW OF TREASON
By Tricia Goyer
BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book 2 in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series

Sophie discovers that nothing is as she first imagined. When Walt, the reporter who helped her over the border, shows up again after Guernica is bombed, Sophie is given an impossible mission. She must leave behind the man she's fallen in love with and return to the person who betrayed her. Another layer of the war in Spain is revealed as Sophie is drawn into the international espionage schemes that could turn the tide of the war and help protect the soldiers from the International Brigade ... she must find a way to get a critical piece of information to Walt in time.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. A Shadow of Treason follows A Valley of Betrayal. This is the first time you've written books as a series instead of stand alone. Which way do you like better?

I love writing in series. It was great to continue with the same characters. In my stand-alone books I fell in love with these people and then I had to say good-bye after one book. It was wonderful to be able to continue on.

2. In A Shadow of Treason Sophie must return to the person who betrayed her in an effort to help the Spanish people. It makes the book hard to put down because the reader has to know how Sophie's heart will deal with it. What gave you the inspiration for this element in your story?

There are very few of us who go through life without giving away a part of our hearts to someone who didn't deserve it. Even though Sophie had the best intentions, she gave away her heart and she was hurt-not only that she must revisit those emotions. I wanted to include this element-to delve into the topic that emotions are sometimes as big of a trap as any physical cage. Emotions are real and they guide us -- even when we don't want to admit it. Poor Sophie, not only does she have to deal with a war around her -- she also has to deal with a war within herself. It's something I've battled, and mostly likely others have too.

3. Spanish Gold is an interesting element that arises in this book. Without spoiling the story, can you give a brief history of this gold?

Sure. When I was researching I came upon something interesting. The Spaniards, as we know, had taken much Aztec and Inca gold during the time of the conquistadors. Well, at the start of The Spanish Civil War much of this gold was still held in Madrid. In fact Spain had the fourth largest gold reserves in the world at that time. The Republican government was afraid Franco would take the city and the gold. They had to get it out of Madrid and this included transporting priceless artifacts. The element of gold does make its way into my story. It was great to include this little-known (and true!) element into my story.

4. Another historical fact involved the Nazi involvement during this time: not only were the Germans active in Spain, but they had spy networks busy around the world. How did you find out about this?

I love reading tons of research books. Usually I find one little element that I dig out and turn into a plot line. This is what happened with my plot-line for the Nazi pilot, Ritter. I dug up this bit of research of Nazi involvement in Spain -- and the United States -- because a lot of people aren't aware of the Nazi involvement prior to WWII. The truth is they were busy at work getting the land, information, and resources they needed far before they threatened the nations around them. The Germans knew what they wanted and how to get it. And most of the time they succeeded!

5. A Shadow of Treason is Book Two. When will Book Three be out? Can you give a hint of how the story continues?

Book Three is A Whisper of Freedom. It will be out February 2008. The characters that we love are all still in the midst of danger at the end of Book Two. Book Three continues their stories as we follow their journeys in -- and (for a few) out -- of Spain. It's an exciting conclusion to the series!

6. Are you working on any non-fiction?

Yes, I have two non-fiction books that will be out the early part of 2008. Generation NeXt Marriage is a marriage book for today's couples. It talks about our marriage role models, our struggles, and what we're doing right as a generation. It also gives advice for holding it together.

I've also been privileged to work on the teen edition of Max Lucado's book 3:16. It was a great project to work on. What an honor!

---

Important Links!

First Chapter

Book 1, A Valley of Betrayal

Tricia's Website

Tricia's blogs:
BlogSpot
Gen X Parents
My Writing Mentor
My CCM
Shout Life

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Thank you, Tricia, for being in the spotlight. Readers, leave a comment for your chance to be entered in the drawing for a FREE book. If you don't wish to be entered, say so when you post. The contest is open to US/Canada residents only, but anyone may comment.