Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.
The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Sarah Ladd is (winner coming soon—stay tuned) ! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week please welcome Ace Collins in the spotlight! To win a copy of his new book Darkness Before Dawn (Abingdon Press, 2013) , leave a comment on this post.
What is the smartest writing advice you ever got? Write about what you know.
What was your biggest break?
Writing the book Lassie A Dog’s Life. That was the first book that not only hit the bestseller charts, but was made into two TV specials and got on all the network morning shows and CNN.
I’m inspired by . . .
. . . today’s college kids. They are much more invested in making a positive impact in the world that my generation was. They care less about money and more about making a difference.
My great adventure has been . . .
. . . Marriage. I am married to an amazing woman and each day offers new joys and wonders. Thirty-eight years after I said “I do” I still love being Kathy’s husband.
The one thing I hope to discover is . . .
. . . My potential. I just want to see how much I can grow and how long I can keep growing.
If I could go anywhere, it would be . . .
. . . I need to go back to Auburn, Indiana again.
If you have only an hour . . .
. . . I want to call and thank everyone who has impacted me life.
Describe yourself in one word?
Curious.
If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?
If you are taking about material things; my 1934 Auburn.
What has been your most surreal, “pinch-me-I’m-dreaming” moment so far?
Having a bestseller. That was simple beyond comprehension.
What drives you to succeed?
I don’t know that I can describe it. I’m a storyteller and I have all these people inside my head that want to get out. So, in a sense, it is wanting to share those stories that pushes me on.
Best Surprise
When my wife was offered a job at Ouachita as a professor in the education department. It was so wonderful to see her dreams fulfilled and for us to get to move to this incredible section of Arkansas.
Best Saturday Afternoon Read
I like to pick up a biography about a classic Hollywood film star.
Best Forgotten Custom
Few know why mistletoe is a part of Christmas. Because I know I fully embrace what it originally meant.
Best Way to Break a Sweat
I run and the second best way is to walk our collies.
Best Style Icon
For me it would be Cary Grant.
Best Time-Waster
Watching college basketball.
Best Indulgence
Anything with peanut butter in it.
Best Advice
Plan for the future but live this moment as if it all you have.
Interesting interview. I’m off to find out about the history of the mistletoe. Ü
Very interesting interview ! I enjoyed it very much! So sweet to mention your wife, and the love you have for her! Sounds like a very passionate Author! Would love to win n read book !
Looking forward to reading Darkness Before Dawn. Thanks for a chance to win the newest release.
Thanks for the interview and I do appreciate the comments. And Shelly, I married way above myself.
Excellent and informative interview. Thanks for this introduction about the author and this amazing novel.
it is amazing to me when asked if he could go anywhere he said he would want to go to Indiana.i would pick a foreign place.
Cynthia, here is a car museum in Auburn that I love and I have a passion for classic cars. Ace
Loved your Jefferson Burke book and hope for another one soon! I love believable Biblical archaeology mysteries.
Thanks so much. I loved the Burke book as well. I really enjoyed writing the character of Lisa Marie Cho in that novel.
Enjoyed the interview and would love a chance to read your newest book.
Would love to win a copy of this book – it sounds like a good Summer read!
I’m a fan of Cary Grant too!
I really enjoyed the interview. I was going to ask why you wanted to go back to Indiana, but I see that you’ve already answered that question. I haven’t read any of your books, yet, but I just ordered one of your books last week. I am looking forward to reading it.
Nancy, my favorite actor is Bogart, actress Jean Harlow, I have collected a bunch of Harlow stuff, but Cary was the style icon.
KayM, thanks for the order, I have been a lot of places and live in my favorite place, Arkansas, love the Ouachita Mountains and all our lakes and rivers, but do like the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum.
Looks like an awesome book, I love the name!
Janae,
Thanks so much. It was the only name for this book.
Ace
What a down-to-earth interview. It’s interesting to hear that you still desire to know your “potential”… Congratulations on your book!
Thanks for your kind words Celita. I just try to play with words and get them in the right order. Just love my life.