Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 18

Only 10 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: This photo is a bit blurry because I took it while in a moving car. It's one of the terminals at O'Hare airport in Chicago. From this terminal, the heroes in the story embark on their greatest and most dangerous adventure.

News: Today is my fiftieth birthday.

Reviews:

Mr. Davis really out did himself. From the first sentence to the last, I kept turning the pages. I'm a big fantasy fan, and I would recommend this to anyone who can read. I can't wait for the next book. ~ Courtney Martin, Age 17

Beyond the Reflection's Edge is sure to take your breath away as you struggle to keep up through car chases, fights, and dimensional travel with Nathan, a young hero you'll cheer on, and Kelly, the girl with whom you'll sympathize. Easily Mr. Davis's best novel, it has an enjoyable, complex plot you can read more than once. ~ Lauren Stoops, Age 14

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 17

Only 11 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: The photo shows a tourist boat on the Chicago River heading for a drawbridge. As you might expect by now, there is such a boat in the story. It's a small part but crucial for someone's survival. Besides, it's a nice photo, and I wanted an excuse to put it on the blog.

News: I have a few advance reader copies of the book left. If you want one and will post reviews at places like Amazon and Christianbook.com , please contact me.

Reviews:

The first word that came to mind when I finished reading Beyond the Reflection's Edge was "Beautiful" and that's exactly what this story is. Bryan Davis so starkly contrasts good and evil amid a unique inter-dimensional mystery, the reader is left feeling that they received a glimpse of the pure love of Christ. Excellently crafted. When it was over, I wanted to read more! ~ Scott Appleton, Author & Editor for MindFlights Magazine

Bryan Davis had done it again in his new action-packed thriller Beyond the Reflection’s Edge. Composing a novel of faith, hope, and love, Mr. Davis has created a complex story worth reading and re-reading. This book kept me entranced, you won’t be able to put it down! ~ Bryce McLemore, Age 14

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 16

Only 12 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: The photo is from a maintenance room underneath the performance stage at Ganz Hall in Chicago. I had to duck to keep from hitting my head on the ceiling. The gray door is the way the hero ... well, you'll have to read the story. Anyway, it was fun to really get down and dirty in my research.

News: For my book tour, I added a fifth school in the Grand Rapids area, Orchard View Elementary.

Reviews:

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge was a perfect blend of fantasy and suspense. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Once again Mr. Davis has combined two elements of literature into a seamless masterpiece. This book was incredible and is one I will definitely read again. Excellent work, Mr. Davis! ~ Gabrielle Schultz, Age 15

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge exceeded my expectations, thought provoking and unique. It is an intricate story involving alternate universes and realities, an edge of your seat, page-turning adventure. I would say this is a must read for all who have an interest in Christian Fantasy. ~ Christian Johnson, Age 13

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 15

Only 13 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: Yes, that's a restroom in the photo. To be precise, it's one of the men's restrooms at Newton High. So why am I showing it here? Again, an important scene from the story takes place there, a very unusual scene.

News: I added another school in Grand Rapids to my schedule. I will be at Algoma Christian School in Kent City on May 15.

Reviews:

Bryan Davis has outdone himself again! I have been hooked on his stories since Raising Dragons and Eye of the Oracle and I thought he couldn't possibly create another work as good as these. The thrilling, mind-bending plot in Beyond the Reflection’s Edge captivated me, proving me wrong, while at the same time the witty, lovable characters captured my heart. I loved this book and I can't wait to see what Bryan Davis comes up with next! ~ Rachel Harris, Age 16

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 14

Only 14 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: In this photo, I'm at Newton High in Iowa checking out the school's office. A scene from the story takes place there, so I had to get a look. During the hero's time in the office, he learned a little bit more about the heroine than she wanted him to know.

News: I scheduled another school in Chicago, Calvary Christian School in Naperville. I will be there on May 22.

Reviews:

Beyond the Reflection's Edge is phenomenal! Exciting adventure, haunting mystery, loving friendship, and tons more starts on page 1 and doesn't stop until the end of the story! On a scale of 1-10, this book is a definite 20! ~ Lynn Lee, Age 11

Beyond the Reflection Edge is yet another masterful work that keeps you on the 'edge' of your seat the entire time you are reading it. (Though that won't be long since you will have a hard time putting it down...) Bravo, Mr. Davis I will be waiting for the next book in the series with high expectations that I don't think will be disappointed. ~ Daniel Brandstetter, Age 16

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 13

Only 15 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: In the story, the heroes flee the villain through a fire escape window at Ganz Hall. In the photo, Tim Shoemaker tries out the window to see if my escape scene is feasible. He didn't climb down the exterior stairs, but we were convinced that it would work fine.

News: I have received my copies of Beyond the Reflection's Edge, so if you ordered a copy from me, you will likely get it very soon.

If anyone out there is a teacher, a homeschool group leader, a youth pastor, a librarian, or any other position that might influence potential youth readers, and you would like a free copy of the book to review and recommend, email me at bryan at dragonsinourmidst dot com.

Reviews:

In this nonstop drama that kept me guessing from beginning to end, Bryan Davis has created a fascinating study, in edge-of-the-chair mystery form, of the working of the free will as lives play out in parallel dimensions. This book took me on a gripping adventure in which true-to-life characters use music and mirrors to find places of refuge and escape as well as places to lurk. This is an exciting and enjoyable tale in which we get to see the Master Composer's handiwork being performed in people's lives. I've enjoyed Mr. Davis' other series, and this new one may very well be the best one yet. ~ Peter Blaskiewicz, Community College Teacher

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 12

Only 16 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: My research travels took me to St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. I needed a performance hall somewhere between Chicago, IL, and Newton, IA. I searched the Internet and found the Galvin Fine Arts building at St. Ambrose. The staff members were very helpful as I toured the facility, and I was able to use their hall in the story.

News: A young blogger posted a very nice review of Beyond the Reflection's Edge yesterday. Click here to read it.

Reviews:

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge is a thrilling novel, whose main characters are intricate and unique. I could not put it down and even when forced to, my thoughts were constantly drifting back, eager to find out what would happen next. The way that he mixed music in was amazing, something that I’ve never seen in any book. An amazing mixture of humor, danger, and mystery, with a new twist to multiple dimensions, a dash of love, and an underlying theme of Christian values make it a book not to miss. I loved it and will definitely have a place of honor on my bookshelf. ~ C.J. Giacomini, Age 18

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 11

Only 17 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: Another place that hosts important scenes in both of the first two books is the Wal-mart in Newton, Iowa. I visited the store and took quite a few photos, including this one that shows the fact that the store has a one-hour photo developing service. Since the story involves a very strange camera, photo developing comes into play in both books.

News: I spoke about the importance of the fantasy genre at the Middleton, TN, public library on Saturday. We had a good gathering of people, including a few young people who were already fans of my books. Middleton is where my family and I moved a few months ago, so it was fun to get to know some of the locals.

Reviews:

Mr. Davis has established a reputation for excellence in Christian fantasy with his Dragons in our Midst and Oracles of Fire series, and he has definitely shown how he earned that reputation. His writing style grabs you at the start and pulls you into the story. He also manages an amazing mix of a good plot and character development in Beyond the Reflection's Edge, so much so that by the end of the book, you not only love the storyline, but you feel like you know the characters personally. Once you start reading this book, you just can't stop. ~ Ben Crawford, Age 17

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 10

Only 18 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: An astronomy observatory takes a prominent role in this story, so I visited a small observatory in Iowa and interviewed an amateur astronomer. We talked about how observatories work and what can and can't be done with both optical and radio telescopes. The photo shows the astronomer working on one of his telescopes.

News: I received a final release copy of the book! It won't be long now.

Reviews:

Bryan Davis has done it yet again with his new series Echoes from the Edge. This is a heartwarming and action filled adventure that will keep you reading and asking for more when you are finished. The way he intertwines violin music and cross dimensional travel is simply amazing. If you’re looking for an engaging book with Christian values, Beyond the Reflection’s Edge is the book for you! ~ Jonathan De Reus, Age 16

Innovative, heart warming, haunting. These are just a few of the many words that describe Bryan Davis’ new thriller Beyond the Reflection’s Edge. It will sweep you off your feet with its freshness and originality, and will have you rooting and caring for the characters before the book’s end. Be sure to pick up this finely crafted tale. Great read for anyone twelve and up. ~ Kaleb Steiner, Age 17

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 9

Only 19 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: Quite a bit of action in this book takes place at a high school in Iowa. I searched the Internet for a small town school and sent emails to several asking for research help. The librarian for Newton High School responded, so I chose their school. The photo shows the front of the building.

The next photo shows some of the students who helped me. I thought it was important to visit the school and talk to some of the students. They gave me a lot of great input, and they weren't timid about criticizing an early draft. I am very thankful for their help.

News: I heard from Zondervan that the book is in their warehouse, so it will be in stores on time for our scheduled release date.

Reviews:

Amazing! Bryan Davis has created a masterpiece in Beyond the Reflection's Edge. I was captivated by the thrilling plot, realistic characters, and the break-neck pace. The fact that it is a Christian novel made this the perfect book. A stunning tale, alternately chilling and tender, Beyond the Reflection's Edge is a must read! ~ Jessica Fulcher, Age 15

Beyond the Reflection's Edge held me spellbound. I literally had to force myself to put it aside to sleep at nights until I could find out how things would come out. Once again, Bryan Davis has created an action packed, fast moving plot that both held me captive and challenged his characters. I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2. ~ Chris Shupe, Age 27

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 8

Only 20 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: I have a scene in which my hero has fallen into the Chicago River. I spoke to a young man in Chicago who regularly jumps into that river, so I was able to get a first-hand account of how cold and cloudy the water is and how it smells. In the photo, the river diver is the guy on the right with the pole leaning against his shoulder. The man in the middle in Tim Shoemaker, my friend who helped me conduct research in Chicago. The young man on the left is Tim's son.

Tim is also an author as well as a teacher and speaker who specializes in family devotionals. If you want to see one of his books on Amazon, Click Here.

News: I am working on adding the Dallas area to my May tour. I will announce the events here as soon as they are firm.

Reviews:

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was almost impossible to put down. The message of love was so powerful to me, and made me tear up at the way it was written. This was a very unique plot, and I enjoyed the characters, and the contrast between Nathan and Kelly. ~ Nikki Wright, Age 16

Wow! Beyond the Reflection’s Edge is just as powerful, action-packed, and deep as Dragons In Our Midst and Oracles of Fire. Each word continued to drag me into the story and share Nathan’s and Kelly’s adventures. Sometimes I felt as though I could hear the music, even if I didn't necessarily know one of the pieces Nathan played. I say "Bravo!" to Bryan Davis. Keep it up - I can't wait to read the next one! ~ Connie Wolters, Age 26

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 7

Only 21 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: In the escape scene I mentioned yesterday, the hero and heroine had to ride Chicago's 'L' train to escape their pursuers. To get the feel for the chase, I rode the route and took this photo with the Sears Tower in the background. This kind of research helped me to capture the feel of the scene.

News: You can now read the first chapter of Beyond the Reflection's Edge. Click Here
Publishing Info:
Author - Bryan Davis
ISBN - 0310715547
Release Date - May 1, 2008
Retail Price - $12.99

Reviews:

"I loved it! The detail and complexity are amazing! Everything fits together like a puzzle just waiting to be solved ... and the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat, just waiting, wondering, what’s going to happen next. It pulls you in, and doesn't let go until you’re finished. ~ Rebekah Hagan, Age 15

At the risk of sounding like every other person who has reviewed his books, Mr. Davis has outdone himself yet again. Beyond the Reflection's Edge is a book of action, mystery, parallel dimensions, betrayal, faith, and love that only he could pull off. I hated to put it down, even when I had to. The first of what is sure to be a bestselling series. Bravo Mr. Davis once again! ~ Claire Bookhop, Age 15

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 6

Only 22 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: In the story there were a couple of scenes in Chicago in which the hero and heroine had to escape using a fire escape that had a swinging ladder for the lowest set of stairs. Here is a photo of what a typical Chicago fire escape looks like, including the ladder in the folded up position.

News: I am working on writing book #3 in this series. If you will pray for me I would appreciate it.

Reviews:

Music, mirrors, mysteries, and multiple dimensions. How do they fit together? Read Beyond the Reflection’s Edge and you'll find out! This is a marvelous puzzle of a story, a tale of families and friends bound by love and faith in the midst of scientific discoveries that could change creation for the better...or the worse. A great read for teens and young adults. ~ Jason Waguespack, The World of Rigel Chase: Legend of the Shaper

Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear. Beyond the Reflection’s Edge is one part creepy, two parts cool! Cleverly combining cutting edge technology, creative thinking, and classical music, Bryan Davis weaves together a wonderfully suspenseful plot with humorously memorable characters in a truly scientific fiction. Also, because Beyond the Reflection’s Edge pays homage to so many classics, the reader will find it comfortably accessible, whether they are fans of Dorothy (Wizard of Oz), Marty (Back to the Future), or Neo (The Matrix). As the story races along and the suspense crescendos, this engaging novel gets harder and harder to put down … even as the lights dim. One thing is for sure. I will never look at a fun house of mirrors quite the same way again. It’s the mirrors! ~ Chip Conrad, Age 39

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 5

Only 23 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: There is a car-chase scene in the book where my main character comes upon a drawbridge and is trapped. Here is a photo of the drawbridge in Chicago. I just happened to be there when the span opened, so I took as many pictures as I could. It helped me write the scene in a realistic way ... well, as realistic as the fantasy elements in the story would allow.

News: Our current release schedule will bring the second book in the series, Eternity's Edge, to stores in October of this year.

Reviews:

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge is an amazing story of fantasy, adventure, and an unparalleled exploration that will keep you turning pages until you're done. You won't be able to wait for the next one. Seriously. Brain aneurysm type problem here. ~ Casey Rochester, Age 16

I loved how Beyond the Reflection's Edge pushed me not to be satisfied with appearances, but to search for truth. It's so beautifully complex in that each page brings light to a new facet of the plot. Several times I read until late at night because I couldn't stand to leave Nathan and Kelly hanging! ~ Anna Mottaz, Age 15

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 4

Only 24 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: There is a scene in the book that take place at a performance hall in Chicago. My friend and I checked out several possible places in downtown Chicago until we settled on Ganz Hall. Every door, every hall, every staircase, and even the fire escape you will read about in the book, I looked at and photographed.

This is a photo of the stage at Ganz Hall.

News: The name of the third book in the series will be Edge of Chaos.

Reviews:

The first chapter of Beyond the Reflection’s Edge contained more emotion and action then some books ever reach. From there, the story builds in depth to an extraordinary conclusion. Nathan, Kelly, Clara and Francesca, like the much-loved characters of Davis' prior books, are realistic and touching portrayals of faith in action. I can't wait for the next installment. ~ Julie Dick, Age 15

Bryan Davis' Beyond the Reflection's Edge is his best work yet. He is able to once again touch the hearts of readers and illustrate the virtues of love, trust, sacrifice, and the power of music. Filled with unforgettable characters, intense action, and heart-wrenching moments, this book is a must-read for teens and adults alike. If you picked this book up just out of curiosity, you can't put it back on the shelf! ~ Thomas Bowers, Age 15

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 3

Only 25 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released.

Trivia: There is a scene in the book that take place at O'Hare airport in Chicago. A friend of mine and I went there and mapped out where the characters went. It was important for me to see the layout, the roads, and the surrounding neighborhoods. I wanted to get everything right.

News: I am planning a couple of book tour events in Chicago, probably May 23 and 24. It should be fun to promote in the city where some of the action takes place.

Reviews:

Such a beautiful, captivating story of genuine love, blended with plenty of action, adventure and suspense. Completely heartwarming, yet a riveting mystery. Beyond the Reflection’s Edge definitely keeps you on your toes! An awesome book! An absolute must read! ~ Melissa Puckett, Age 22

Beyond the Reflection's Edge is a literary roller coaster that never slowed down. I loved every minute of it. I don't think I will be able to find a book of this caliber anywhere else among the genre. Bryan Davis did a masterful job and I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel. ~ Kyle Wolter, Age 14

Christianbook.com is taking pre-publication orders. Here is a link.

Beyond The Reflections' Edge # 1 By Bryan Davis / Zondervan

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge Day 2

Trivia: The idea for Beyond the Reflection's Edge came from my second-born son. I wanted an idea for a new fantasy series. After I conducted a brainstorming session with my family that produced no good results, he came into my office with an idea about a mirror that showed an open trunk while in reality, the trunk wasn't open. That was the seed that sprouted Beyond the Reflection's Edge.

News: I have a few advance reader copies left. If you are able to do a review (blog, magazine, newspaper, etc), please let me know, and I'll send one to you.

Reviews:

Edgy, exhilarating, enthralling, a showcase of refreshing and compelling ideas. I used to think that no book could ever beat Dragons in our Midst, but this latest story is not only Bryan Davis' best yet, it is by far the best novel that I have read to date. I started reading this book one morning, and could hardly pry myself away from the pages until the next morning. ~ Siobhan Baird, Age 19

Full of high adventure and spiritual truth, Beyond the Reflection's Edge had me spellbound from the first page to the last. Mr. Davis's writing is, as always, crisp, clean, and magical, evoking powerful images and emotion, bringing to light a certain depth of understanding and realization that only the best fiction can deliver. As a Christian, a musician (particularly as a violinist), and a reader, this book managed to encapsulate nearly everything that I hold dear: God, artistry, and the mysterious complexities of the universe that God has created. Bravo, I say. I can't wait until the next book. ~ Taylor Sasse, Age 17

Only 26 days until Beyond the Reflection's Edge is released!

Countdown to Beyond the Reflection's Edge

Beyond the Reflection's Edge will be released on May 1, so I will be posting trivia, news, and reviews as the day draws near.

Trivia: I started writing this book over three years ago.

News: I will be giving away free book cover posters during my promotional tour. See my online schedule: Click Here

Reviews:
Beyond the Reflection’s Edge has left me speechless. This book has action, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, mystery, puzzles, and times when you just sit back in your chair and sigh... It is beyond awesome. The plot will have your head spinning and your mind cranking. You simply cannot find a place to stop! If ever there was an author that has the brilliance of J. R. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Bryan Davis is that author. ~ Kristen Konzelman, Age 14

In a mysterious and fast-paced way, Bryan Davis has brought to life one of my childhood dreams of another somewhere beyond a mirror. Alice has nothing on this one! Never before have I seen a story so intermixed with high voltage action and tender moments. This clean and new hybrid of suspense, fantasy, and the Christian faith will have you starving for more. ~ Sandi Dalton, Age 15

27 days till the release date!

Mount Hermon Report

I am back from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference. After teaching the teen track and leading critiquing sessions that lasted well past midnight, I am exhausted, yet pleased and satisfied. What a great group of teens (and not-so-teens)! We had about fifteen students in the track, of which three or four were (*ahem*) just a bit older than teenagers.

In the photo above, I am teaching the track students about how fantasy characters work in the traditional story structure. This is the room we used for our major morning sessions.In this photo, you can see the room we used for our nightly critique sessions. Three of our adult members seemed to want to sit together on the front row. Were they intimidated? Maybe. On two occasions we quit just after one in the morning, and on the final night, we finished up at 2:15 a.m. We laughed so hard, some cried, but not from any harsh criticism. I think most of our track members point to these sessions as the most fun we had.Above, you will see our dining facilities. With the buffet style meals, we certainly had plenty to eat. Several of our female conferees were singing praise songs, giving us lovely background music while we waited for our next class.
Please meet Ezekiel, a six-sport athlete who encouraged me to eat ice cream with him as often as possible (He didn't have to twist my arm too hard). He was a delightful gentleman and a passionate writer, a true blessing to have in the teen track.My daughter's hippo (his name is Negative) came along with me, and everyone loved him. Here he is, being the life of the party, wearing a St. Patrick's Day necklace.Here I am at the author autograph party where dozens of authors had the opportunity to sign their books for conferees. The dining room was truly abuzz with chatter and laughter. What a great time!Here's a photo of the teen group, or at least what was left of them on the final day. Some people had already gone home. I will treasure this picture. I feel quite a bond with these budding authors.And best of all, my lovely wife was with me! Although she spent some time hiking through the amazing redwood forests in the area, she attended some of our classes and critique sessions. As always, she was a huge blessing to me.

Mount Hermon is a great conference, and I'm looking forward to teaching there again next year. If you have a desire to attend one of the best writers' conferences in the country, check it out. I hope to have an even bigger group next year.

Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference

The Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference begins on Thursday. Since I will be teaching the teen track there, I won't be posting for about a week, but I hope to come back with news and photos from the conference.

Please pray for me as I try to inspire and instruct a new crop of young writers.

I also ask for prayer for my wife. She fell yesterday while hiking with my daughters, and she is in severe pain. The emergency room doctor said that nothing is seriously wrong, so we don't know why her pain is so intense. Please ask God to heal her.

Eternity's Edge Cover Revealed

The cover for Eternity's Edge, the second book in the Echoes from the Edge series has been revealed. As you can see from the image to the left, it is really mysterious. Click here for a larger image. Let me know what you think!

Florida Writers' Conference Report

I recently returned home after teaching the teen track at the Florida Christian Writers' Conference. I thought you blog readers might like to get a glimpse at the fun we had.

The first photo shows most of our group on the last day of the conference. We had eighteen students earlier. A few had to leave before the shot was taken.


The second photo shows me teaching in our classroom. That particular slide explains some of the symptoms of "preachy" writing. I frequently showed movie clips to demonstrate the various aspects of storytelling. I think watching short scenes from familiar movies helped students understand how great stories develop.

We also had consultation times. In the third photo, I'm having a meeting with one of the students. We talked about writing projects, how to improve stories, and strategies on getting published. Often, I simply encouraged them to keep on writing, to persevere in what God has called them to do.

We also conducted three critique sessions that lasted up to four and a half hours, all three ending sometime between 12:30 and 1:00 in the morning. Then we would get up early for breakfast and our 8:30 class. Sound like torture? Far from it. Both this year and last year, students tell me these sessions were the highlight of the conference.

Below, you will see one of our students reading a manuscript. Usually, we projected the document on the screen. This was one of the few times a student read from a paper copy. After the reading, the other students and I would offer our thoughts. Lots of laughter made these sessions unforgettable. (For my students - Does this photo catch your eye?)


Below, you will see a typical sight at the conference, students working on laptops. I gave them assignments each day, so when class wasn't in session, they stayed busy ... with their homework, I hope. In the motel lobby it wasn't unusual to scan the area and count more than ten laptops propped open and conferees pecking away at the next mega best seller.


And finally, with the following photo of one of our mealtimes, you can see that there was plenty of time for fun and fellowship. Considering that I am still corresponding with students from last year, the friendships we make at these conferences don't fall by the wayside. I count some of these super teens as real friends.


Plans for next year's conference are underway. For teens that attended this year or last year, please note that I am planning to present new material, so new challenges await.

Check this site for information about the conference. I hope to see even more students there in 2009.

A New Series with Zondervan

I'm pleased to announce that I signed a contract with Zondervan for a two-book speculative fiction series that will likely debut in 2010. This time my target audience is adults, so that will be a new adventure for me.

Don't worry, faithful readers. I'm confident that those of you who are thirteen or older will enjoy these stories, and you'll be two years older by then anyway.

As usual, these books will be a contemporary/fantasy blend, but I'll be adding a significant amount of science fiction, as well, so they might be dubbed science fantasy. We'll see. When the story gets worked out in my mind, I'll try to give more details, including possible titles.

I am thankful to God for this opportunity. Please join me in celebrating His goodness.

Coincidence?

I have posted about this topic before, but I'm bringing it up again because of another weird event. Here are the related posts:
Number 1
Number 2
Number 3

Do strange things happen to you that make you wonder if you have received some kind of sign? They happen to me quite frequently. Sometimes I figure out that an odd occurrence is a sign, such as the dime and two pennies "coincidences" that I posted about in the links above. Sometimes I don't figure out why it happened and hope I'll learn someday, or maybe there was no reason at all, what we call a mere coincidence.

This past Friday and Saturday I was doing my taxes, which is already a mind-bending experience, and I was going through all my expenses, including my post office receipts for book shipments. I came across this one and gave it more than a double take. Note the circled date and the amount charged. I didn't notice it at the time, but since I was entering the data in a spreadsheet, the numbers really stood out, especially since I wrote a book called Circles of Seven.

A mere coincidence? After all the amazing stories in my life, I'm not ready to assume that. I will keep my eyes open for a meaning.

How about you? Can you relate a strange event that left you wondering? Either tell me about it in a comment, or blog about it and post a link. I'd love to hear your stories.

And if you have a guess about the numbers on my receipt, let me know.