I recently had the opportunity to interview best-selling (and award-winning) suspense author, Ace Collins. Ace has published more than 60 titles, including The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Farraday Road, and Jefferson Burke and the Secret of the Scroll. Ace frequently speaks across the country and on radio and has appeared on national television shows, including Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, Fox and Friends, Entertainment Tonight, The Early Show and more. When not writing, he works as a magazine editor and graphic designer, as well as host for a charity organization radio and television broadcast. Ace and his wife, Kathy, are based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Ace Collin's newest suspense novel,
Darkness Before Dawn, released in March by Abingdon Press.
On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards’ husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas, the teen, comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He’s a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. Angered by her senseless loss, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further—until the D.A. intervenes.
The results of the brutal trial enrage Meg, leading her down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?
Hi, Ace! Welcome to my blog! I’ve just started reading your newest book,
Darkness Before Dawn. Tell us a little
about the story.
This is much
different than my other books in that it is a value story that punches the hot
button topics of today, but the main theme is the personal cost of dedicating a
life to revenge and retribution and the freeing power of forgiveness. This is a
book about a life dramatically changing and I have been told by many who have
already read it that it is also a book that is changing lives.
What inspired you to write Darkness Before Dawn?
My best friend was
killed by a drunk driver when I was in high school. I watched firsthand the
toll that took on his family.
Darkness Before Dawn
touches on some controversial themes not often handled by mainstream Christian
fiction, like abortion, suicide, and vengeance. While you were writing it, were
you ever concerned how publishers and readers might receive the story?
There is no doubt I
was concerned if a publisher would even touch it. It takes courage to release a
book like this. While there is no profanity or sex, this is very gritty stuff
for the Christian marketplace and for me. It deals honestly with issues that
most of us what to paint as either black or white and yet there is a lot of
gray in all of them. I wanted people to think about what others have gone
through to give them an idea as to why some folks in pain make decisions we
might not agree with or understand. I also wanted to present that Hollywood’s
romantic idea of “going Rambo” on others takes a horrible toll on both the
giver and those on the receiving in. It is not heroic; it is ugly.
What message do you hope readers take away from Darkness Before Dawn?
I want them to
consider a couple of things. The first is the cost of dwelling on hate rather
than embracing forgiveness. The second is to develop an understanding that old
pat answers usually are not what people in pain want or need to hear. There are
other things as well, but those two stand out.
I was amazed to read that you’ve written over fifty books. To
a new writer like me, that’s astounding. How has your writing style and methods
changed over the years?
I started out in
nonfiction and still write in that area some, but in truth, while I grown as a
writer my style is still pretty much the same. I am a storyteller and that is
really what I have always been. My stories have gotten more complex and most
now center on heroes who are searching for a calling, but the style has
remained consistent. I also write both secular and Christian books, but I don’t
thing you will find a difference in either one. I am who I am and that comes
out in my work.
What types of changes have you noticed in the industry over
your career?
To a certain extent,
publishers have moved out of the publicity arena and turned it over to writers
and the role of the print media in pushing a book has diminished. I think the
internet has captured the attention of a certain percentage of former readers
so that fewer are picking up books now. So the market is tighter than it once
was.
You’ve written a variety of genres in both fiction and
nonfiction, everything from suspense to biographies. Do you have a favorite?
I love fiction and
especially love whodunits or suspense. I love history so dropping elements from
the past into my work is something I try to do as well. But as long as I get to
tell an interesting story, I enjoy both genres.
What are you working on currently?
I just finished a
devotional book with popular music as the theme and I am about to complete a
courtroom drama centering on racial prejudice set in both 1964 and 2014. After
than I am doing a nonfiction book on heroes that happen to be dogs, a comedy
whodunit, a sequel to a novel that is currently out and a romance set in the
1930s.
What’s an average writing day like for you?
It varies, sometimes
the days are long and I write a lot. Last week I turned out over 38,000 words
in four days, but there are other days I take off, spend time with the dogs and
let my mind clear. Mainly it is all about deadlines. I write four or more books
a year, so I have to stay at my iMac a lot.
Do you have any advice for new writers, like me?
Never worry about
rejections, my bestselling book was rejected 27 times over a decade before it
found a home. If you believe in an idea, just keep reworking the proposal and
keep plugging. Also, writing is a team project and your editors are not just
your best friends, but your MVPs. So listen to them.
I enjoyed researching 1920s automobiles for my upcoming
novel, so I was thrilled to learn that you restore vintage cars. Do you have
one that’s your pride and joy?
I just finished
driving it…my favorite car is a 1934 Auburn 652Y that has been maintained but
never restored. Drives as if it were new. I love the art-deco styling, the
attention to luxury and the thrill of windows down movement. I actually use it
as a second car and drive it about three to four times a week.
I noticed that you’ve written books about the beloved canine
star, Lassie. Can you tell us about your own pets and the impact they’ve had on
your life?
Kathy and I own three
cats that we rescued, T.C., Buffy and Tiger. T.C. spends a lot of time with me
in my office each day. Our dogs are both collies. Baby is the sister of the
current (10th generation) Lassie and Sammy is a dog we rescued who
was born blind. I have learn a great deal from him. He does not let his
handicap slow him at all. Each day, with his joy and enthusiasm for life, he
teaches me a new lesson.
Thanks for joining us, Ace!
*****
Want to see more interviews? Read
Ace Collins's interview of new suspense author Lisa Carter.
Giveaway Alert:
Abingdon Press is putting together a collection of suspense novels as a giveaway package. If you love suspense and would like to be entered to win, tweet and/or post about this interview (and other participating interviews) on your social media accounts.
Use the hashtag #ILoveSuspense. Every use of the tag will enter you for the book drawing. (Hint, feel free to use the "Tweet-worthy" links below to automatically post to Twitter.)
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