Monday, May 10, 2010

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
~Be a subscriber

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

70 comments:

  1. I would love to read this book, it sounds good.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

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  2. I am a email subscriber.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

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  3. This sounds really good! Please enter me!

    God bless!
    ~Katie G.

    katiegalyean {@} yahoo {.} com

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  4. I am a follower.

    katiegalyean {@} yahoo {.} com

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  5. I would love to read this book. I enjoy Westerns. I am a follower and a subscriber.

    Thanks for the chance to win.

    Cheryl

    cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I'm now following Stephen's blog. Love that shirt he is wearing in the photo with his May 9th post.

    Cheryl

    cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. Please enter me:) Thanks!

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  8. This was a great interview! Would love a chance to win this western book. Thanks!

    Mollydawn1981 AT aol DOT com

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  9. I am a follow of WforC!

    Mollydawn1981 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am also a subscriber of WforC!

    Mollydawn1981 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am a fan of westerns and love Stephen Bly's books, most recently "Memories of a Dirt Road Town." Thank you for the interview and chance to win a copy of his new release, Casey.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  12. Extra entry:

    I follow Casey's blog

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  13. Extra entry:

    I subscribe to Casey's blog

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  14. Extra entry:

    I follow Stephen's blog

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  15. Hi, Casey!

    I'm a new Stephen Bly fan after reading "Creede of Old Montana." How fun that he got published before starting writing. :o)
    Please enter me for a chance to win his book.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have read a few books by Stephen Bly before and liked them, so I am sure I'd like this one as well.

    gijanechosen(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. This should be an interesting book!
    I'm a follower and a subscriber~

    Doreen
    priviesandprims @yahoo .com

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  18. Cowboy For a Rainy Day by Stephen Bly sounds great. I've not read anything by him yet. I'll have to check out his books.
    plhouston@bellsouth.net

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  19. Sounds like a great book...please enter me!
    ~Lauri
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
    l_meinhardt@yahoo.com

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  20. I'm following Stephen's blog also!
    ~Lauri
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
    l_meinhardt@yahoo.com

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  21. Casey: Thanks much for posting this interview. Sure appreciate reading all the comments!
    On the trail,
    Steve
    www.BlyBooks.blogspot.com

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  22. Love Stephen Bly's books and would love to read this book.

    cluedn@embarqmail.com

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  23. I am also a follower.

    cluedn@embarqmail.com

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  24. I love his books! He's been one of my very favorites for a long time. I follow your blog and now his blog in Google Reader. Please enter me. Thanks.

    quiltyreader(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. I am also following Stephen Bly's blog. :)

    cluedn@emabrqmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great interview! I'm a follower of both yours and Stephen's blogs.

    Blessings!

    carlagade [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love to win this book. Thanks
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  28. follower
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot]com

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  29. google friend follower of author Bly too
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  30. I would love a chance to win this book! :) I am a follower of this blog.

    Thanks!

    ~Amber

    stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the story of how you got started writing!

    Blessings,
    Heidi
    heidi at heidimthomas dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love the cover of this book. The silhouette of the young cowboy is so cute.

    I would love to be entered into your giveaway.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  33. I am also a follower.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am also a subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I Love westerns and would love to read this book.
    I am a subscriber and follower.

    rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great interview, thanks to both of you for sharing it. The new book sounds wonderful:)

    I am a follower and just became a follower of Stephen's blog.
    Thanks and blessings,
    Karen
    klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love Stephen Bly books. Read almost all of them. Please enter me. Sounds like another winner.
    Blessings,
    Trinity Rose

    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm a follower of yours
    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I've been a follower of Stephen's blog for quite a while now.
    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Please add me to win this book it looks very good and I would love the chance I am a subscriber to your blog Casey!:)
    lindseypa89(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love the old west books

    I follow on google


    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  42. I would love a chance to win this book!

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    I am follwing Stephen's blog!


    Katie M

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  43. Well, I tried to follow his blog, but something is messing up, so I cant. So, I guess I'll have to take away that 'extra entry'! :-(

    Katie M

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I am following Stephen Bly's blog!

    Mollydawn1981 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  45. sounds fantastic. Would love to read this
    trishbazin(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'd love to read this book.
    caliblue7 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. GFC Follower
    caliblue7 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Email Subscriber
    caliblue7 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Follower of Stephen's blog.
    caliblue7 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am a follower!

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I follow Stephen's blog.

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    BTW, Carman sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Please enter me. Carmen sent me. Thanks! bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I'm a follower.
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I follow Stephen's blog.
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Interesting sounding book! I wonder what the lady in distress is all about. Hmm.......

    Samitude/at/hotmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I would love to read this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I found your review to be intriguing and one that I think I would take pleasure in reading. He must me a great author with over 100 novels. Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway.

    steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Looks interesting...thanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

    * blog follower via GFC

    ReplyDelete
  60. This sounds like a great read and I love cowboys!

    lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love Stephen Bly books. i have not read this one but it looks good.
    Carman sent me.
    dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'd like to win this! Thanks for the giveaway!

    hismercysurrounding(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  63. We posted about your giveaway at Winning Readings.

    inspiredbyfiction[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi, please enter me into the contest.

    estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I am already a follower and an e-mail subscriber

    estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  66. And I'm now a follower of On a Western Trail.

    I enjoyed the post Ear Down. You'll should check it out.

    estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I have enjoyed Stephen Bly's books for many years. I have often thought he could be a great screenwriter--his dialog is so good.

    Vannie Doty
    vanniedoty@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Sounds so good, and I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for stopping by, I love to hear from those who traffic my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)