Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon

Today I am pleased to present author, Stephen Bly. Stephen is a prolific author of more than 100 novels! Stephen and his wife Janet live in Idaho and are full time authors. Stephen has graciously offered to give away a copy of his latest book to one fortunate commenter, so be sure and read to the end to see how to enter!

Welcome to Writing for Christ! Thank you for being with us today.



1: How long did you write before you were published?

I got published before I started writing. Let me explain. My wife, Janet, had attended several writer’s conferences. While transcribing my sermons one day she said, “Some of this is pretty good. I could clean them up into stories and articles and send them to editors.” I replied, “Do what you want, just as long as it doesn’t involve me. I’m not interested in writing.” Several months later, in December 1976, I received several checks in the mail from magazine publishers for two different articles. I looked at those and told Janet, “Hey, I think I could like being a writer.” After that, I wrote hundreds of articles and short stories for numerous magazines. My first book proposal, Radical Discipleship, was released by Moody Press in 1981. That was 102 books ago.

2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?
It’s always exciting. Publishing a book has never lost its amazement for me. Each one is such an honor and privilege. I never dreamed there’d be more than 1. . .or a couple. . .or a dozen. But my thought when I saw the first copy of Radical Discipleship? Wow, I better make sure I live up to that title (that wasn’t my original title for the proposal). I didn’t realize the pressure publication puts on the author to live up to certain expectations and standards.

3: What are you working on now?

Coming June 2010 is my next western novel, Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon, which is almost a novel as memoir for me. Set in 1954, in Albuquerque, it involves: A ’49 Plymouth. A 10-year-old boy. An open trunk. Six old cowboys. And a lady in distress. The memoir part comes from the fact I was 10-years-old in 1954 and one of the cowboy’s is loosely patterned after my granddaddy.

My WIP (work in progress) is set back in the late 1800s, mainly on a train ride from Omaha to Sacramento. I’ve got two different working titles for it: “Throw Away Heart” and “Lady-Broke.” I realize they both sound more like romances than westerns, but that’s my struggle right now. . .figuring out a title that my western fans will like, when most of the story centers around a romance. Don’t have a publication date yet for this one, but do have a contract.



4: Where can readers find out more about your books?

We’ve got a website that says a lot about our books with reviews and such, also a bookstore for PayPal orders: http://www.blybooks.com/  We’ve also got a brand new blog that includes western flair devotionals and info about our books: http://www.blybooks.blogspot.com/


5: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

No matter what the trials and troubles of life, faith in Christ gets you through to the other side.



6: What are two things that people wouldn't normally know about you as a writer and or person?
As a writer. . .I rarely know when I sit down at the computer where the plot’s headed. I research the place and times and know my characters as well as I can, then mix them together and see how they react.

As a person. . .few folks realize that my main hobbies include collecting antique Winchesters. . .and playing golf. My partner and I have a website for the Winchesters: http://www.tapaderaswinchesters.com/  I’m also privileged to be a roving editor for Big Show Journal magazine, which aims for gun collectors.

As for the golf, I used to play on the college team years ago, but just lately got real regular with it again. What I can’t understand is how come I play better now than I did back when I was young? My life might have taken a different turn if I had.

Thank you for being with us today!
Any final words for readers?

Maybe you weren’t born 100 years too late! Check it out in Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon.

Okay readers here is your chance to check out Stephen's brand new book!

 PLEASE LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS! If I draw your name and there is no email, YOU WILL NOT WIN!
For extra entries:
~Be a follower
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And a NEW one:

~Follow Stephen's blog, HERE

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.
Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on 5/22