Monday, May 02, 2011

OVER THE EDGE - Brandilyn Collins - Free Book

I'm welcoming one of my favorite redheads today. Tell us about your salvation experience.

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 ABA since I know so many CBA novelists and have been with them and/or had them to my home at one time or another. Anne Rivers Siddons—characters. (And I love her vocabulary!) Dean Koontz—characters and wordsmithing. (Plus he seems like such a cool guy.) Harlan Coban. (Great suspense author.) Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants. Loved that book.

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 Stanford University’s Department of Medicine. They have a beautiful home and can give their daughter everything she needs. Theirs is a life others envy.

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:

Charlotte Kay said...

Please enter me in this giveaway:)
I love Brandilyn's previous books!!!!!!

Charlotte Kay, Ohio
charlovesmark at gmail dot com

Deanna said...

Please enter me!
Deanna (Ohio)

Unknown said...

I would love a chance to win this book!

Jordan from SC
lizzielaura17(at)yahoo(dot)com

Lourdes said...

Like all her other books this one sounds great. Please entr me to win.

Lourdes Long Island, NY
Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com

Linda Kish said...

Sounds great. Count me in please.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Sheila Deeth said...

I'd love to read it

sheiladeeth at hotmail dot com

Elyssa said...

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

Unknown said...

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!

Jenny said...

Ooh, this looks like a really good book! I'd love a chance to win it.

jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

NY!

Ira said...

Looks like a very interesting book. Please enter me!

NY

icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com

The Jesus Freak said...

Awesome giveaway! Count me in! I'm from NY!

thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com

Pam K. said...

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

Unknown said...

Whoops! I forgot to add that I live in Arlington, TX. LOL

Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Sandy Jay said...

This sounds very interesting. I really want to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.

forwhlz at gmail dot com

Michigan

~ Brandilyn Collins said...

Thanks, Lena, and all of you who commented. May you enjoy Over the Edge.

Coolestmommy said...

Loved the trailer and I think the idea of Lyme Wars is fascinating. Please enter me to win.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Lorna Faith said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Melanie Carter Winkler said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

apple blossom said...

love to win thanks

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Linda said...

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

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me in the giveaway.
Sounds Interesting.
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Kristen said...

I'm on the edge of my seat all ready!! Thanks
Kristen from WA

writerjan said...

This book sounds fascinating—and important. Please enter me in the giveaway.

Thanks,
Janice, from Canada

Shirley said...

I would LOVE to get this book! Brandilyn is a fantastic writer! shirley at shirleymcclay dot com

Manitoba

Wendy said...

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

kylady717 said...

This sounds like a very good book to read and learn about Lyme Disease. I would like to win it. Thanks,

Mona G. /Ohio

kylady717 said...

Would love to win this book, please enter me for this contest.Thanks,

Angela C./Ohio

Jackie S. said...

I would love to read this book.....sounds fantastic! Please enter me.....from GA.
Thanks!!!

peachykath said...

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

Unknown said...

Looks like a really great read! Please enter me for a chance to win!
Kari in Oregon

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this book, please include my name in this contest. Thanks

Shirley T./Illinois

Emily said...

Please enter me!

Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

NY

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this novel of suspense :)

karenk...from pa
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Jo said...

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

rbooth43 said...

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

Cindy W. said...

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

Sarah said...

Oh my goodness I would LOVE to win this! I adore Brandilyn Collins =]

Ann Lee Miller said...

I'd love to win Brandilyn's book. :)
Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert, AZ

Bakersdozen said...

I would love to read this. I live in S. California.