Tom
Bruner
https://www.facebook.com/dthomasbruner/
Tell
your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now,
where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
I am a
Southern California guy through and through. I love the beach. I played
basketball in high school and volleyball in college, but that was a long time
ago. I became a Christian over 30 years ago and am involved with the junior
high ministry at my church, Saddleback. I lead a group of young men who are in
the same grade once a week during the entire school year, we call this
Lifegroup. I started a group seven years ago, when I started with a group of 7th
graders and took them through last May, when they graduated from high school.
They are all now in college. So, I’ve started mentoring a new group of 7th
grader.
What
inspired you to author your book?
This will be
my third book. The first two I didn’t market at all because I had no idea of
what I was doing and the books were so so. Those two were my preparation for
this book, A Divine Conspiracy. As a Christian, one of the most guiling
questions I have is how did Lucifer talk a third of the angels in Heaven to
overthrow God? What could he possibly have said that would have them thinking
they were not being cared for or whatever? That is my inspiration. I know it
didn’t happen the way I portrayed it, but it did happen. I’m very happy with
the outcome.
Where
did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
While
scrolling through Fiverr, looking for a graphic designer, I came across a young
artist who was publicizing her minimalistic book cover. The one she was showing
was amazing. I think book covers have gone way overboard. I’d like to think that
by looking at the image of the front cover you would be moved. That’s how I
feel about this cover.
Who
has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
Easy. Stephen
King. I know his subject matter is not for everyone. I get it. But, he is
master storyteller. I’ve been reading him since the mid-70’s and am infatuated
with the way he lays down a plot.
What
were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
Portraying angels
accurately was hard at first. I have a friend who is a Dean at a Christian
University who was nice enough to read my first draft. He immediately pointed
out some material that wasn’t biblical. I didn’t do it out of malice but out of
ignorance. So, I was a lot more careful going forward. Describing Heaven was
fun, because nobody has any idea and I was free to create what I would like to
see and do.
Tell
your readers about your book.
We immediately follow Adlay, one of the first fifty angels ever created, from his waking breath, through his tour through the city of Perfect, a clothing store run by a talking rabbit, dining facilities to die for and other amazing cities all within Heaven, a newly created estate by God for his followers after they die. Adlay has to come to terms with the extensive physical training and the classes, one which is Worship with Lucifer, a beautiful Angel, who rubs Adlay the wrong way. Adlay suffers from dreams he has, showing him what true evil looks like. He is constantly under scrutiny by Lucifer and his henchman. Heaven becomes more stressful the closer Adlay gets to finishing training and discovering what Lucifer is really up to.
Who
is your target audience, and why?
Target audience is both readers who want a good story and Young Adults. YA because the Angels are great looking and in terrific shape. There is nothing ungodly in this story at all.
If
you were going to give one reason for anyone looking at your book to read, why
should they buy it?
I’d like to
give one but can’t. The most compelling reason to read my book is that it is
really good. Why do I say that? My editor who I did not know at all before
hiring her to work on this said this one of the best books she has ever read.
Really, she did. I’ve read over a thousand books and I know what works and what
doesn’t. I wrote the story the way I would want it told. Again, very happy with
the outcome.
I am also
hilarious. If you like to laugh, look no further.
What
do you consider your greatest success in life?
Taking a group
of 7th graders through six years of their life, encouraging and
teaching them what matters.
What
one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
I can tell you
what works and what doesn’t. Analyzation. So, when I see it, I can tell you
right then and there why it works or doesn’t work.
How
do you overcome writer’s block?
Read other
books.
What
one piece of advice do you have for new authors.
Get your ideas
on to a piece of paper before you start crafting the story. Have a good idea of
the flow of the plot and what will happen to the characters.
Tell
your readers anything else you want to share.
In these days
of uncertainty, take some time to be kind to one person today.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Divine Conspiracy