About Christy Brunke

Welcome, friends! I’m blessed to be a mom, a pastor’s wife, and the bestselling author of the fictional book, Snow out of Season. But my greatest claim to fame comes from being a child of the King. Because of that, I’m passionate about my family, unborn children, and God-written love stories. Though I used to live in China, now I love serving in ministry here in Maryland. Praying you’ll be blessed as you read my blogs, my story, and my award-winning novel!

Brandy Vallance, Operation First Novel Winner

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Christy Brunke

I still remember the lovely dinner I shared with Brandy Vallance at the Writing for the Soul conference and the moment Jerry Jenkins announced she won the 2013 Operation First Novel contest. Today, I have the privilege of interviewing this award-winning, Christian romance author.

Brandy Vallance winning the Operation First Novel contest

Brandy Vallance receiving a $20,000 check for winning the Operation First Novel contest.

Hi, Brandy! Can you tell us about your journey from a girl with a dream to an award-winning author? How many years did it take?

Hi, Christy! Thank you for inviting me on your blog today. My journey to traditional book publication took fourteen years. There was a lot of learning involved and eleven drafts of The Covered Deep. I did freelancing for a time and had fifty articles published. The best part of the journey was all the friends I met along the way. And now that my first book has been published, the same holds true. I love meeting fellow writers and readers.

When someone connects with something you write, it’s magic. (Tweet that!)

When you walked across the stage to claim your $20,000 check, you looked stunning. Did you have a feeling you were going to win or were you completely surprised? What went through your mind when they called your name?

Thank you, Christy! Wow. What a question. I dreamed a lot about that evening before it happened. I prayed a lot. I wanted it so, so badly. Because of all the other disappointments I had had, I was almost afraid to hope. I had mentally prepared myself not to win. That way, if I didn’t win, I wouldn’t be crushed.

However, I also prepared myself to win and took a big risk. I invited a complete entourage of friends who had been most influential in my writing journey. Going into it, I knew we’d either be celebrating or commiserating afterward in the parking lot. To tell you the truth, one of my primary thoughts that night was that I didn’t want them to be disappointed.

When Jerry Jenkins announced my name, everything just fell into place. I was really calm because even then the reality hadn’t hit me. It took a couple of days. Even now when I look at the cover it all seems surreal.

**How did you come up with the story for your winning novel, The Covered Deep? Did you have a similar experience as the heroine (but, perhaps, not quite as dramatic)?**

As I mentioned earlier, The Covered Deep morphed over eleven different drafts. Bianca started out as an English aristocrat, if you can believe that! Eventually, the bits and pieces of who she became all fell into place.

One day in a vintage photography store, I stumbled upon a photograph of a woman. It was like a lightning moment for me. I couldn’t stop staring. The longer I looked, the more she spoke to me. My imagination went wild. You can see the photograph on my Pinterest board.

I gave Bianca the hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio, where I lived for a little while. I spent some pretty magical summers around that area.

I stayed on my great aunt and uncle’s dairy farm, which included an old stagecoach halfway house. For fun, I’d jump off the stacked, high hay bales down to the hay piles below.

I’d roam the hills and visit the old cemeteries just to read the poetry on the headstones. My dad and I spent a lot of time driving through Shawnee Forest, which Bianca references in chapter one. There are also a lot of Indian mounds in that area, which Bianca talks about too. So, some of Bianca’s background definitely came from my experiences.

As far as the story, that evolved bit by bit. I knew I wanted the hero to be an Indiana Jones type. I also knew I wanted him to be English.

I started imagining interesting ways to place opposing characters together. I asked myself a lot of questions. What would happen if an Appalachian woman were thrown into the opulence of London? What if Bianca’s hero had a secret past?

With every question I tried to push the story deeper and explore more. I added the Holy Land to the story simply because I wanted to go there. In the end, that element added a lot to the motives and story arcs of the characters.

One of the best things about writing is when your subconscious clicks and the characters begin talking to you. In the end, I just had to write their journey—their struggles, dreams, and failures. A couple of times I rebelled against what they were saying because it was scary for me to write. It wasn’t until I let go of fear that I was really able to write The Covered Deep. I know that probably sounds strange to non-writers.

Ultimately, I think it’s about trusting ourselves. Many times we subconsciously know what has to be written. I have to remind myself of this every time I sit down to write. I always tell myself that if a scene or book doesn’t scare me, I haven’t done my job. When you get the feeling that you’re naked for the world to see, that’s the point when you’re starting to get it right.

Did you get to travel anywhere exciting to do research?

I did go to England, Scotland, and Wales in 2011, but that was after I had already written The Covered Deep. It was a surreal moment to be able to stand in the British Museum in London where I had Bianca and Paul first meet. All the characters of The Covered Deep became so real to me that I could almost see them walking around London. Even now, hardly a day passes without me thinking of them all.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your heart with us today! Where else can they go to learn more about you and your inspirational historical romances?

Brandy Vallance award-winning historical Christian romance author

Photo courtesy of relzreviewz.com.

Website: http://www.brandyvallance.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBrandyVallance/

Facebook Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/brandy.colevallance

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandyVallance

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brandyvallance/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8035640.Brandy_Vallance

Readers, check out my review of the novel that won Brandy Vallance a publishing contract as well as a $20,000 check! Just click “The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance!”

My Operation First Novel Story

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Christy Brunke

Operation First Novel winner Snow Out of Season

My Operation First Novel Story

Have you ever had an impossible dream?

Ever since I won a Butterball turkey in a short story contest in sixth grade, I’ve dreamed of penning novels. But first I met other adventures.

I earned a degree in English and writing then moved to China to study Mandarin and teach at a university.

Two years later, I returned to the States where I attended seminary, taught music and drama, and fell in love with a zany youth pastor.

After I got married, I considered the unique gift God had given me and how different my life would be if Mark wasn’t in it. A story grew in my heart, one I felt compelled to share.

However, 98 percent of books submitted to publishers get rejected. And only 16 percent of traditionally-published writers were able to debut with their first book. Most wrote at least one novel before finally being able to get the second, third, or fourth published. Did this story even have a chance?

Birthing Two Babies

Despite the odds, I decided to pursue that long-delayed dream, knowing the faithful One who had called me was the God of the impossible. To learn how to write fiction, I took classes, attended conferences, and joined critique groups.

Last year, my second daughter was born on June 10th, but the deadline for the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest was September 10th. Between round-the-clock diaper changes, plus caring for my two-year-old, I finished my story and submitted it.

The next month, I was shocked to learn the Christian Writers Guild had closed. Was the Operation First Novel contest cancelled too?

A Desire Fulfilled

The following month, New York Times bestselling author Jerry Jenkins decided to continue the contest under his own name.

Jerry B. Jenkins Clarice G. James Christy Brunke

Me and Clarice James with New York Times bestselling author Jerry Jenkins.

That December, I discovered I was one of eleven semifinalists. The next month, at the Writer to Writer conference, Jerry announced I won third place. Snow Out of Season—that original story that wouldn’t let go—would be published!

From March to May, in-between moving, starting a new ministry, and trying to sell our house as well as buy another, I revised my story. Then I worked with Carol Kurtz Darlington from Mountainview Books to hone it more. Finally, my novel was off to the copyeditors and typesetters!

In October, Sandra Byrd, the bestselling author of To Die For and Mist of Midnight, read an advance review copy and said, “The story caught me with characters so real I feel I might see them on the street, and it held me with breathtakingly clever story telling.”

In November, Library Journal gave Snow Out of Season a starred review, calling it an “astonishing tale with a gratifying ending,” and named it their Christian Fiction Debut of the Month.

The book releases December 1, but I received my author copies yesterday. Words can’t express the feeling of finally holding my published book, the result of six years of prayer, perseverance, and birth pains.

What has God called you to? Put your little hand in His, and He’ll lead you on the adventure He has chosen, impossible or not.

The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Christy Brunke

The Covered Deep award-winning novel by Brandy Vallance

The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance

Are you waiting for your true love to arrive, but the years keep passing with no sign of him on the horizon? What if he came, but with a heavy price tag attached?

As I anticipate soon holding my published book—compliments of Jerry Jenkins’ Operation First Novel contest—I wanted to look back at the previous year’s winner, Brandy Vallance.

In The Covered Deep, Vallance takes us on a thrilling adventure from post-Civil War Ohio to London and, eventually, Palestine.

Synopsis

Unlike many girls in her small Appalachian town, Bianca Marshall dreams of something—and someone—more. In addition to being brilliant, devastatingly handsome, and a “more than capable kisser,” her soul mate must adore her, quote both Shakespeare and the Bible, and be “a foreigner, possibly a disgruntled duke.” After reading through her list, Bianca deems it “perfectly reasonable.”

Later that day, her father, a fellow dreamer, comes home with a newspaper advertisement about an essay contest. Sir Adrian Hartwith, a distinguished member of the British aristocracy, is offering four winners a tour of the Holy Land. Applicants need only complete an acronym and share their goals, hobbies, and spiritual beliefs as well as a regret from their past.

Much to her surprise, Bianca is chosen and embarks on an all-expenses-paid trip across the ocean. At the British museum, she meets Sir Adrian and the other three winners. She immediately starts falling for Paul Emerson, a historian who seems to satisfy every longing on her list.

Then the fourth member of their party is introduced—a stunningly beautiful widow who makes Paul’s face turn white. Secrets are slowly revealed as they journey from Europe through Palestine, exposing the sinister motives of their host.

My Thoughts

Brandy Vallance, award-wining author of The Covered Deep

Brandy Vallance, award-winning author of The Covered Deep

This beautifully-written romance addresses a common issue in an uncommon—even ingenious—way, all the while managing to engage not only my heart, mind, and senses, but my funny bone as well.

Though the beginning is wonderfully-reminiscent of Pride & Prejudice, the theme goes much deeper than the beloved classic. With poetic prose, memorable characters, and a unique plot, The Covered Deep will resonate long after you turn the last page.

I would recommend this novel to historical fiction fans, women awaiting their knights in shining armor, and readers who enjoy edgy inspirational romances like Francine Rivers’s Redeeming Love.

Want to learn more about The Covered Deep and its author? Check out my interview with Brandy Vallance!

Gabriel Network 5K: Running for Their Lives

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Christy Brunke

My husband, Mark, and I recently finished our first 5K, helping to raise $15,000 for women facing crisis pregnancies. This was the fifth annual 5K hosted by the Gabriel Network, a faith-based community of churches, businesses, and individuals that has helped thousands of women in D.C. and Maryland.

The Gabriel Network's mission hope for women

Photo courtesy of http://liveactionnews.org/

Gabriel Network: For Pregnant Women in Crisis

“We are the ‘What Now?’ organization after a mother chooses motherhood and embraces life,” said former board president Johanna Coughlin.

Through the Gabriel Network (GN), women struggling with unexpected pregnancies can receive free counseling, baby products, and even transitional housing. To raise support for these things, GN hosts several annual fundraisers. From galas and crab feasts to golf tournaments and 5Ks, they’re committed to raising the necessary resources to support women who choose life.

Last month, a forecast hurricane threatened to sabotage this year’s 5K, but volunteers and supporters encouraged people to pray. By the start of the event, the rain had stopped, but it was still damp and chilly at 50 degrees. Under an overcast sky, 47 of us ran 3.1 miles on a lovely trail around Lake Elkhorn in Columbia, MD.

The Gabriel Network 5K

Photo by Paula Sampugnaro.

“I just recently started running, and this was my second 5K race,” said Columbia resident Tracey Cyr. “I really enjoyed participating . . . because I felt that I was supporting a great organization. Before the race began, when the director asked the runners to pray for the moms and babies, it made me feel that God put me there for a reason.”

A few parents pushed their toddlers in strollers while some older kids and teens jogged the course on their own.

“I love the Gabriel Network’s mission and what they do to show the love of Christ to women in need,” said 15-year-old Megan Tatum. “As a high schooler, sometimes it’s hard for me to know what I can do against issues like abortion. I’m too young to vote, and I don’t have a steady income…. This 5k was an opportunity for me to not only donate money, but set aside time to pray.”

Stephen Wallace executive director of the Gabriel Network

Photo by Paula Sampugnaro.

Though some of us walked part of the trail, seeing it as an opportunity to meet like-minded people, most jogged, and some ran to win. Ifeanyi Ezeh, another Columbia resident, finished first at 21 minutes and 20.9 seconds.

“This 5K was even more successful than last year’s,” said GN’s Executive Director, Stephen Wallace. “Our volunteer committee led by Tiffany Farley planned a great event, and our generous sponsors really came through. I think the threat of the weather kept a number of runners at home, but even with that the spirit of the runners was strong. There were a lot of smiles and even more prayers for our moms.”

Ways You Can Help

Want to help, but weren’t able to participate in the 5K? You can still donate online, volunteer, or partner with your church to adopt a woman in need. Discover all the ways you can serve—or be served—at GabrielNetwork.org.

Big Dreamers with Down Syndrome

Posted on October 31, 2015 by Christy Brunke

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the role Trisomy 21 plays in my novel, today I’d like to highlight some big dreamers with Down syndrome.

Actors

Big Dreamers with Down Syndrome actor Chris Burke

Photo courtesy of: http://tvlistings.zap2it.com.

If you grew up watching Life Goes On, like I did, you probably remember Corky, a boy with Down syndrome. Chris Burke, who also has Down syndrome, played this character.

When Burke was born, his parents were told to put him in an institution. Instead, they raised him themselves, nurturing his gifts and encouraging his dream of becoming an actor.

After his first professional role in the made-for-TV movie Desperate, ABC executives were so blown away by his performance, they created Life Goes On with Corky as the starring role. But Burke’s success didn’t end there. He’s since appeared on many films, miniseries, and TV shows. He even played Taylor in Touched by an Angel and co-starred in the movie Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted.

Burke’s success opened the door for other entertainers with Down syndrome. They include Lauren Potter (Glee), Jamie Brewer (American Horror Story), and Luke Zimmerman (The Secret Life of an American Teenager).

Artists

Big Dreamers with Down Syndrome painter Bernadette Resha

Bernadette Resha. Photo courtesy of: http://www.chattanoogan.com.

People with Down syndrome have also made their mark on the art world. Painter Bernadette Resha has been interviewed on NBC, PBS, and Prime Time Country, her work displayed in galleries across the country.

Big Dreamers with Down Syndrome artist Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson. Photo courtesy of https://sentinel63.wordpress.com.

Canadian Jane Cameron’s designs were developed into tapestries commissioned by Mirabel Airport, Reader’s Digest Canada, and the office of the Prime Minister.

Folk artist Michael Johnson paints animals and nature scenes similar to the work of Edward Hicks and Henry Rousseau.

In 2002, he won the American Veterinary Medical Association’s national art contest. In 2010, he was chosen out of over a thousand professional artists to display his watercolors at ArtPrize, an international art competition.

Musicians

While art has allowed Johnson, Resha, and Cameron to find a voice, Yizhou Hu finds his self-expression in music. Born in China in 1978, “ZhouZhou” grew up attending orchestra rehearsals with his cellist father.

One day, a documentary filmmaker noticed ZhouZhou copying the conductor’s movements. His assistant jokingly invited ZhouZhou to conduct the song. When he did, he left the orchestra stunned at his performance. ZhouZhou has since become an internationally-esteemed conductor. He’s even lead the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and China’s National Symphony Orchestra.

Sujeet Dasai a married musician with Down syndrome

Sujeet Dasai. Photo courtesy of: http://romesentinel.com/

Born a little closer to home, in Syracuse, New York, Sujeet Desai has also achieved international success. He plays seven instruments and has traveled to thirty states and eleven countries doing solo performances.

In 2006, he married Carrie Bergeron, a motivational speaker who also has Down syndrome. “There were two dreams in my life,” Desai told a crowd before his wedding day.¹ “One was to become a professional musician. The other was to find a beautiful girl and get married.”²

Today, Desai has realized both dreams.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these short bios of some big dreamers with Down syndrome! Do you know someone special with Down syndrome? Share in the comments below!

Marni Pyke, “Down syndrome doesn’t wither couple’s dreams,” Daily Herald, http://sujeet.com/daily_herald.html. ↩
Marni Pyke, “Down syndrome doesn’t wither couple’s dreams,” Daily Herald, http://sujeet.com/daily_herald.html. ↩