Brandilyn, it was wonderful to see you at the ACFW national conference in Denver. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?
You know, when I write my suspense novels I don’t even have a spiritual theme in mind. I set out to write a good suspense story, and through the dangers and characters, the faith element arises. In this way the faith thread becomes a natural and integral part of the story.
Amberly, what other books of yours are coming out soon?
Book three of the Rayne Tour series (not yet titled) is going to be quite a whirlwind. The story will pick up a year or so after Last Breath ends, with Shaley pulled into immediate and terrible danger. That’s about all I want to say regarding the plot now. We can promise you that the series will end with a bang. Book three will release in the spring of 2010.
How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?
Brandilyn: I made the decision to pursue learning how to write fiction in 1989, just after Amberly was born. Ironic, huh. Who knew we’d one day be writing together?
Amberly: I never really thought about writing fiction until the chance for creating the Rayne Tour series was presented to us. It’s been a wonderful opportunity. I don’t think being a full-time novelist is in my future, however.
Brandilyn, what can you tell authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?
Keep at it. That’s all you can do. Keep studying the craft. Read, read, read, write, write, write. I went through 10 years of rejections before I sold my first novel.
And I thought my eight years was a long time. Now Amberly, tell us about the featured book?
Last Breath picks up immediately where Always Watching leaves off. If you haven’t read Always Watching yet—read that one first! Don’t even read the first page excerpt for Last Breath below. You don’t want to miss the excitement and twists in Always Watching.
In Last Breath Shaley faces a burning question, and she’s determined to get answers. But when Shaley tries to seek out the truth, it may not be the truth she’s hoping to hear. Meanwhile new danger arises. Havoc wreaks in Shaley’s once again.
I really like this story. Maybe even better than Always Watching. I know readers of Always Watching are going to like it too.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Your father sent me.
You know, when I write my suspense novels I don’t even have a spiritual theme in mind. I set out to write a good suspense story, and through the dangers and characters, the faith element arises. In this way the faith thread becomes a natural and integral part of the story.
Amberly, what other books of yours are coming out soon?
Book three of the Rayne Tour series (not yet titled) is going to be quite a whirlwind. The story will pick up a year or so after Last Breath ends, with Shaley pulled into immediate and terrible danger. That’s about all I want to say regarding the plot now. We can promise you that the series will end with a bang. Book three will release in the spring of 2010.
How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?
Brandilyn: I made the decision to pursue learning how to write fiction in 1989, just after Amberly was born. Ironic, huh. Who knew we’d one day be writing together?
Amberly: I never really thought about writing fiction until the chance for creating the Rayne Tour series was presented to us. It’s been a wonderful opportunity. I don’t think being a full-time novelist is in my future, however.
Brandilyn, what can you tell authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?
Keep at it. That’s all you can do. Keep studying the craft. Read, read, read, write, write, write. I went through 10 years of rejections before I sold my first novel.
And I thought my eight years was a long time. Now Amberly, tell us about the featured book?
Last Breath picks up immediately where Always Watching leaves off. If you haven’t read Always Watching yet—read that one first! Don’t even read the first page excerpt for Last Breath below. You don’t want to miss the excitement and twists in Always Watching.
In Last Breath Shaley faces a burning question, and she’s determined to get answers. But when Shaley tries to seek out the truth, it may not be the truth she’s hoping to hear. Meanwhile new danger arises. Havoc wreaks in Shaley’s once again.
I really like this story. Maybe even better than Always Watching. I know readers of Always Watching are going to like it too.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Your father sent me.
The last words of a dying man, whispered in my ear.
Were they true? What did they mean?
Guitars blasted the last chord of Rayne’s hit song, "Ever Alone," as Mom’s voice echoed through the Pepsi Center in Denver. The heavy drum beat thumped in my chest. With a final smash of cymbals, the rock song ended. Multicolored laser lights swept the stadium. Time for intermission.
Wild shrieks from thousands of fans rang in my ears.
I rose from my chair backstage. Tiredly, I smiled at the famous Rayne O’Connor as she strode toward me on high red heels. In the lights her sequined top shimmered and her blonde hair shone. She walked like a rock star—until she stepped from her fans’ sight. Then her posture slumped. Mom’s intense blue eyes usually glimmered with the excitement of performing, but now I saw only sadness and exhaustion. How she’d managed to perform tonight, I’d never know. Except that she’s strong. A real fighter.
Me? I had to keep fighting too, even if my legs still trembled and I’d probably have nightmares for weeks.
Your father sent me.
I had to find out what those words meant.
“You’re a very brave young lady,” a Denver detective had told me just a few hours ago. I didn’t feel brave then or now.
Yes, I have to read that book! How can readers find you on the Internet?
Amberly: Join our Rayne Tour group on Facebook! Here’s the link. My personal page on Facebook is here.
Brandilyn: Please visit my Web site to read about all my books, including the first chapters. I’m also on Facebook. And Twitter. My “Fans of Brandilyn Collins” group page is here.
Thank you, Brandilyn and Amberly, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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Brandilyn's great with mysteries--now I'd like to see how her daughter is doing. Please enter me.
ReplyDeletePlease enter my name in your draw. Thanks!
ReplyDeletewandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd like to enter, thanks
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview. It was great to read and know more about Brandilyn and Amberly. I'd like to be entered in your drawing. This is book sounds very good. I'd love to win it.
ReplyDeleteGod's blessings
Thanks for the interview. I apprecite being entered to win a book. It will be interesting to read a book with two generations' viewpoints. I am curious to see how well it blends. Of course, knowing Bradilyn's other writings, I'm sure it works and works well.
ReplyDeleteA J
ajhawke.blogspot.com
Lena, thanks much for the interview!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me! Sounds like a great read!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book, Please enter me!
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview! would love to be entered in the drawing for this book.
ReplyDeleteI got this book at the ACFW Bookstore. Can't wait to read both titles in the series. I keep hearing wonderful things about them.
ReplyDeleteLoved "Always Watching" and I'll read "Last Breath" whether or not I win a copy. Plus I'll be sharing the books with the teens and YA's in my world.
ReplyDeleteGreat intro page, gals! Thanks for the interview, Lena!
Blessings,
Becca[dot]Dowling[at]yahoo[dot]com
I just know 'Last Breath' is going to be great. The two of you make a great team.
ReplyDeleteEnter me, please, Lena -- I've been waiting since I read the final page of Always Watching.
ReplyDeleteYou two are definitely a dynamic duo! Please enter my name in the drawing. gcwhiskas at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteGreat duo. I love Brandilyn's books, and I'd love to start reading these.
ReplyDeleteIt seems a very good collaboration of mom and daughter! I Love the cover.
ReplyDeleteWaiting forward to have the chance to win this book :)
Mariska
cuniquas at gmail dot com
I love Brandilyn Collins!! I didn't know that her daughter wrote as well. I definitely want to be entered for the drawing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have this book! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I'm a big fan of mystery/suspense...Please count me in. thanks.
ReplyDeletekaren k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Enter me, enter me!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Kristen
I love Brandilyn's books!
ReplyDeleteSounds really good, a great
ReplyDeletereview, please count me in.
I enjoy a good mystery.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com
Please include me in the drawing for Last Breath. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview, filled with terrific advice. Thanks for the possibility.
ReplyDeletebgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ok out of all the giveaways you've ever done now I'm the most excited!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Brandilyn Collins books ! I've been anxious to read this new series by Mother and daughter. I know this is the second but who cares I'll get the first somewhere! I was just reading Forensics and Faith before coming here and I about danced a jig !!! Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy
The only way this could get better is if it were either both or paired with a Coble novel !!! Hehe my two favorite authors !
Anyway if you couldn't guess I'd LOVE to be added to the drawing.
Please enter my name in the drawing. The book sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com
I'm looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the interview and the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I would love to read this book, it's great to see a mother/daughter writing team!
ReplyDeletecarolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com
How fun!!! A team!!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to enter please.
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com
Looks very good. I wanna know Last Breath and Always Watching too.
ReplyDeletePlease, enter me in your drawing.
I hope I'm not too late to enter. I would love a chance to win this book.
ReplyDeletesharon54220@gmail.com
Dear Lena and Brandilyn, if it took you all eight and ten years to get your first books pubbed there is still hope for me who wrote my first book nine years ago! But, it was only when I joined ACFW 7 years ago that I actually began to study the craft. I'd love to win this book and keep up with Shaley and friends.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved Brandilyn's books. I didn't know about this series she has written with her daughter. I would love to read this and then share with the teen I care for on a daily basis. Thank you for the entry.
ReplyDeletekoinonia572001@yahoo.com