Author’s newest book to be set locally

Her first book landed her on television. Then she added novels to her repertoire. And the rest is history.

Or is it nail-biting suspense?

Author Brandilyn Collins, part-time Coeur d’Alene resident, has written eight successful novels (women’s fiction and suspense) since her true-crime story, “A Question of Innocence,” was published in 1995 by Avon. “Cast a Road Before Me” was her first novel, published in 1999.

She’s also written the acclaimed nonfiction book, “Getting Into Character,” published in 2002 by Wiley & Sons. The book draws on seven techniques from the art of method acting, adapting those techniques for fiction writers.

Currently, Collins writes “Seatbelt Suspense” for Zondervan, the Christian division of the large publishing conglomerate, HarperCollins Publishers.

Collins’ 11th book, “Web of Lies,” is due out in January. She’s now working on her 12th book.

Asked when her writing career began, Collins’ humorous side escapes.

“Oh, I’d say in second grade. I won the prize for the best short story in class. Wanna hear the first line? ‘Once there was a stallion named Betsy.’ I’ve been trying to write with equal eloquence ever since.”

Book sales affirm she’s done just that.

Collins grew up surrounded by a family of writers, and she earned degrees in both journalism and drama. Straight out of college, Collins started her own business writing marketing materials. But after 10 years of that and raising children, her desire to write fiction rose to the forefront.

Her first book soon followed, gaining media attention. Collins was surprised.

“That book wasn’t supposed to happen. I was researching my first novel – a suspense involving a murder trial. I attended a trial near our California home that was being nationally watched. Falling headlong into the story, I ended up with exclusive book rights from the defendant and her family, and I was off and running.”

That book became “A Question of Innocence,” launching Collins’ appearances on the Phil Donahue and Leeza Gibbons’ talk shows. Aside from “Getting Into Character” she’s been writing fiction since.

Her newest novel is set locally.

“My Kanner Lake suspense series is my first to be located in Idaho. I created Kanner Lake to be south of the town of Priest Lake. I love Northern Idaho. Don’t be surprised to see me using the area in future series.”

The first book in the series, due out in summer 2006, is about a woman trying to escape her past. The young woman settles in Kanner Lake only to come face-to-face with murder.

“I interviewed Tony Lamanna, Spirit Lake chief of police, for details on how the police in a small town the size of Kanner Lake would pursue a missing-persons-case-turned-homicide.”

Other details include a real North Idaho business.

“In the downtown shopping area of Kanner Lake, I’ve included Simple Pleasures, a beautiful gift shop actually located in Coeur d’Alene. The owner of the shop has graciously given me permission to use her store’s name in the book, along with her merchandise.”

The book’s acknowledgements will relate Simple Pleasures is in Coeur d’Alene.

“It adds a bit of true Northern Idaho flavor. In future Kanner Lake novels, I may use other Northern Idaho businesses with permission.”

Besides writing, Collins teaches regularly at writers’ conferences.

“If you’re up for some deep teaching of fiction concepts mixed with plenty of humor, I’m your gal. I teach mostly at Christian writers’ conferences around the country.” Collins advises aspiring authors to do their homework.

“Learning fiction is a very long road. Expect it to take years of hard, often depressing work before your ability reaches the publishable level (rejections are very depressing!). Those who are really writers at heart will survive this.”

And she believes writers gain innumerable skills by reading good authors.

“Dean Koontz is way cool. I also read a lot of Christian fiction. Speaking of which, if you haven’t read a lot of Christian fiction recently – and I mean in the last year – you have no idea what you’re missing. Throw out all your preconceptions.”

Collins’ suspense novels may be Christian, but they’re not for the meek.

“As for my Christian suspense, especially my ‘Hidden Faces’ series, the stories start out with a bang and clip right along. Read ‘em with a nightlight on (at least, this is the kind of thing I hear from readers – see reviews at amazon.com). The faith element is woven in.”

Despite her success, Collins isn’t slowing down.

“I’m always striving to learn the craft more. Harder-hitting stories, more beautifully written. Always, always better. That’s what I want to do.”