MindFlights exclusive: an interview with fantasy author Bryan Davis
 

It was a cool, rainy afternoon when I met fantasy author Bryan Davis an hour or so prior to one of his book signings in New York. I'd arranged to treat him to dinner but he insisted on treating me instead after my long drive from Connecticut.

I've met many writers but few with the zeal, energy and drive that he displayed. Between trips to the buffet counter, he advised and encouraged me in my writing, and later, having returned to the bookstore, I watched as he chatted with fans, answered their questions, and signed their books. Everyone to whom he spoke left with a smile to drive away the gloomy weather.

His love of writing is exceeded only by his love for the Lord and for his family. As a result his books carry strong, biblical messages backed by personal conviction.

Bryan Davis is the author of the acclaimed Dragons in our Midst series, and The Oracles of Fire series (AMG Publishers). Zondervan Publishers has contracted him for a fantasy trilogy. His third Oracles of Fire novel is set to release in June 2008, and his first novel through Zondervan, Beyond the Reflection's Edge is scheduled to release in May 2008. Mr. Davis has also authored several non-fiction works. He maintains a writing blog at dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com.

A special thanks to Mr. Davis for taking time out of his busy schedule to give this interview:


Q: Mr. Davis, I am certain that many people are curious how you began your career. When did you decide you wanted to make writing your profession?

A: About fourteen years ago, I decided that the best way to teach my homeschooled children to write would be to write a story myself and allow them to participate. The process worked so well, not only are they avid writers now, a passion to write was ignited within me. I learned that stories were a great way to reach young people with truths that could change their lives. I was a computer professional at the time, and the thought kept coming back to me that all my efforts in that job really amounted to nothing on the eternal scale. I wanted a career that would have lasting value, so I set out to learn the craft and the industry. Although the first story was never published, I pressed on with other stories and began attending writers' conferences. About two years later, I had a dream about a boy who could breathe fire. That led to the Dragons in Our Midst series, though it took persevering through two hundred rejections over an eight-year period to get it published. Now, after almost five years as a full-time writer, I am ecstatic over how everything has turned out. This career is literally a dream come true.

Q: How many books have you published so far?

A: Traditional royalty books—eight. Three more are coming out in 2008, so that will make it eleven by the end of the year. I also have four work-for-hire children's picture books.

Q: Of the books you have written and are in the process of writing, do you have a favorite?

A: It's hard to call any book my favorite, but Eye of the Oracle gave me the most satisfaction. It is by far the longest, and the story spans thousands of years, so it was difficult to write. Yet I think it worked out very well, and I have heard from many readers who say it changed their lives.

Q: What age group comprises your primary audience?

A: Our target group ranges from ten to sixteen for Dragons in our Midst and Oracles of Fire, but many of my readers are older, with a significant cluster in the eighteen to twenty-six-year-old range. I have heard from readers as young as seven and as old as ninety-four. Our target group for Echoes from the Edge will be thirteen to eighteen.

Q: You are very active in promoting your books around the country. How many appearances did you make last year?

A: Since I had to write four books in 2007, my touring schedule was lighter than in 2006. I appeared at 71 different venues and gave 92 talks. (I don't count bookstore signings as a talk.) In 2006 I appeared at 105 different places and gave 215 talks. These include schools, homeschool groups, bookstores, libraries, writers' conferences, education seminars, and parent meetings.

Q: You previously said that it took eight years to get the Dragons in our Midst series published. That is a long time. Would you like to offer any advice to Christian would-be novelists?

A: First, if you have a passion that just won't go away, write your passion and don't worry about the market. Otherwise, your writing will reflect a lack of heart. Second, keep working on the craft. Read books on writing, go to writers' conferences, and get critiqued by knowledgeable people. Third, learn the industry and make contacts through conferences and Internet writing groups. Don't give up. If you have a passion, it's there for a reason.

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