I grew up in a Christian home and can’t remember a time when I didn’t go to church. So when I first became a Christian, I can’t say. Thirty years ago when I got married, Mark and I rededicated our lives—and marriage—to God. Then in 1998 I had a deeper experience with Christ, with the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?
I’m choosing from the
Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.
I teach the craft of fiction at writers conferences whenever I can. I also emcee the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. And I present keynote speeches—again when my schedule allows me to. Any speaking does pull time away from writing, so I have to be careful not to over schedule.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?
This didn’t really embarrass me as much as make me blink—hard. I was on my very first live radio interview regarding one of my early novels. And the very first caller to phone in was an elderly woman who accusingly demanded to know how in the world could I—who called myself a Christian—write novels, because they were lies.
Sheesh. Welcome to live radio.
I told her that truth can be told through Story—as Jesus did through His parables. I elaborated a bit on that and managed not to stumble. Later I had to laugh. What a way to break into interviewing.
People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?
I’m polite and ask the person what the book would be about. I nod and smile. Inside I’m thinking, “Don’t quit your day job.” I know that sounds harsh—but that’s reality. You don’t just sit down and write an effective book. Especially fiction. Learning the craft takes years of hard work.
Tell us about the featured book.
Over the Edge is the book I was born to write. It focuses on Lyme disease—a disease I know all too personally, as I’ve fought it myself. And it’s built around the “Lyme wars”—the battle Lyme patients have to fight against the medical community for proper treatment and testing. The story is exciting, suspenseful, and lives up to my Seatbelt Suspense® brand. At the same time readers will learn something about Lyme disease. At the back of the book is an Author’s Note that gives further information about Lyme disease and the treatment wars.
Publishers Weekly calls Over the Edge “a taut, heartbreaking thriller. Collins is a fine writer who knows how to both horrify readers and keep them turning pages.”
Here’s the back cover copy:
Janessa McNeil’s life looks perfect. Her husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, is a renowned researcher and professor at
But nothing is as it seems.
Forces are at work that will shatter everything—Janessa’s marriage, her way of life, even her safety. For her husband’s highly respected assertion that chronic Lyme disease doesn’t exist has done more than inform medical and insurance professionals. It’s ruined lives. One man’s life in particular.
Now it’s time to make Dr. Brock McNeil face the truth. To make him see the devastation Lyme disease causes—up close and personal. And this bitter man has found the perfect tools to extract his revenge …
Janessa and her daughter
Please give us the first page of the book.
How about the complete prologue? You can read it here.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Please check out my web site to read about all my books, including the first chapters. I’m on Facebook here. Oh, and very soon now—all of you with iPads or iPhones or iWhatevers—you’ll be able to download the free Tick Squish game created for Over the Edge. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? (But then, so does Angry Birds.) It’s a kick to play. And for those wanting a free sample of the book—conquering each level of the game unlocks another chapter of the book, from the prologue to chapters one through three.
Thanks for dropping by, Brandilyn,
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
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.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
41 comments:
Please enter me in this giveaway:)
I love Brandilyn's previous books!!!!!!
Charlotte Kay, Ohio
charlovesmark at gmail dot com
Please enter me!
Deanna (Ohio)
I would love a chance to win this book!
Jordan from SC
lizzielaura17(at)yahoo(dot)com
Like all her other books this one sounds great. Please entr me to win.
Lourdes Long Island, NY
Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com
Sounds great. Count me in please.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I'd love to read it
sheiladeeth at hotmail dot com
Please enter me! My aunt is a huge fan and is always telling me how great Brandilyn's books are. I'm from NY =)
lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
Just a few minutes ago, I wrote a comment to Brandilyn's novel and her personal battle with Lyme Disease. I knew I should have saved it before I tried to leave it...but didn't. You guessed it - somehow it didn't go through. I was supporting the validity of her novel and told about a mysterious disease that nearly killed me. God brought me back to this world and allowed me to live the rest of my life crippled for a purpose. Brandilyn has a purpose writing a book about the crippling illness she experienced and how the medical world doesn't always give validity to the dangerousness of an illness. I'm proud of Brandilyn for writing this exposure in fiction. Thank you for offering this important book, Over the Edge, as the giveaway; and thanks to Lena for the opportunity to win it. I hope I win. If not, then I'll buy the book. That's a promise.
In His Name,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
P.S. I hope this comment goes through!
Ooh, this looks like a really good book! I'd love a chance to win it.
jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com
NY!
Looks like a very interesting book. Please enter me!
NY
icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com
Awesome giveaway! Count me in! I'm from NY!
thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com
I read the prologue; very creepy! It does make me want to find out what happens after this.
Please enter me in the drawing for "Over the Edge."
Thanks.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas
Whoops! I forgot to add that I live in Arlington, TX. LOL
Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
This sounds very interesting. I really want to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
Michigan
Thanks, Lena, and all of you who commented. May you enjoy Over the Edge.
Loved the trailer and I think the idea of Lyme Wars is fascinating. Please enter me to win.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Sounds like an awesome book! Love your other books and you always keep me hanging by my 'fingernails!'
Please enter me for a chance to win this great book:)
Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com
I love to read books by Brandilyn Collins. Please enter me in the drawing for the book. I am excited and hope to win.
Miriam from Ohio
I would love to be entered in this giveaway, but i do living Australia, so i understand if it is too far away.
I think most people need to sit down and start to write, They have the story, but they won't write it.
MEL
melcwinkler@gmail.com
Over The Edge sounds like a really good read. I haven't read anything from Brandilyn but will definitely put her on my list. I'd love a chance to win this book. By the way, I love the name Brandilyn.
Judy Kay from IN
love to win thanks
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I have a friend whose son has been diagnosed with Lyme disease after 20 years of suffering. This would be a great book to share with them. Please enter me.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Enter me in the giveaway.
Sounds Interesting.
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
I'm on the edge of my seat all ready!! Thanks
Kristen from WA
This book sounds fascinating—and important. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Thanks,
Janice, from Canada
I would LOVE to get this book! Brandilyn is a fantastic writer! shirley at shirleymcclay dot com
Manitoba
Would love to read "Over The Edge".
Please enter me into the drawing.
Thank you for the chance.
Petoskey, Michigan
wdesirees[at]yahoo[dot]com
This sounds like a very good book to read and learn about Lyme Disease. I would like to win it. Thanks,
Mona G. /Ohio
Would love to win this book, please enter me for this contest.Thanks,
Angela C./Ohio
I would love to read this book.....sounds fantastic! Please enter me.....from GA.
Thanks!!!
Medical mysteries always intrigue me. I work in the health care field and always love reading stories involving the medical world. Please enter me in the drawing for this book.
Thank you
peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com
Katherine from Northern California
Looks like a really great read! Please enter me for a chance to win!
Kari in Oregon
Would love to win this book, please include my name in this contest. Thanks
Shirley T./Illinois
Please enter me!
Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com
NY
thanks for the chance to read this novel of suspense :)
karenk...from pa
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I have a very dear friend who is like a adopted daughter to me who has Lyme disease. Would love to read this book. Please enter me.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
OVER THE EDGE sounds like a book that everyone sould read because of the information about Lyme disease and the treatment wars.
Thanks!
Rebecca From NC
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh, I have heard great things about Brandilyn Collins. Would love to win a copy of Over the Edge. Thank you for the chance to win it.
I live in Indiana.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Oh my goodness I would LOVE to win this! I adore Brandilyn Collins =]
I'd love to win Brandilyn's book. :)
Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert, AZ
I would love to read this. I live in S. California.
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