Giveaway and Author Interview: Throw the Devil Off the Train

Welcome back to Writing for Christ Stephen Bly, I am excited to have you here for a second time. J

What has changed in your writing life since you were last here? 

The biggest change is that I have to do my writing from a hospital bed. Have been in the hospital more days than not since February, due to complications of prostate cancer. Just completed 6,000 words on my next novel, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot.

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

You mean besides my recent release, Throw The Devil Off The Train? Other than that novel, I haven’t been reading fiction in recent days, but my wife has been reading aloud 365 Daily Fascinating Facts of Faith: The Who, What, When and Where of Christianity by Barbour Publishing. Our daughter-in-law gave it to us for our long hospital hours and we’ve truly treasured it. 

Do you have favorite authors?

There are many. I learned character development from John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. I learned to write action scenes from writers such as C. S. Forester, Louis L’Amour and Dashiell Hammett. C. S. Lewis and Joseph Bailey inspired me in writing from a Christian worldview. William Saroyan’s writing encouraged me to forget the formulas and do it my way.

  

What do you find the most enjoyable part of writing or connecting with readers? 

I love getting into the zone of my characters, seeing them come alive in my mind and watch what they say and do. It’s my privilege to get it all down as quick as I can before they move on. 

I also enjoy contact with folks who know my characters almost as well as I do, who also consider them as friends. That’s a great delight for me. 

What do you find the most ideal atmosphere for writing? Do you ever get those surroundings? J 

I’ve written in my bunkhouse, out in the woods while camping, and while all alone in motel rooms. As I mentioned before, I’m now confined to a hospital bed where I’m poked and prodded, tossed and turned by a myriad of nurses, night and day. This is not my favorite or chosen environment, however, it helps me to know that I can write anywhere, under any conditions.  

Okay, something fun for those writers out there: In what point of your writing career did you surprise yourself by writing the most words ever in the shortest amount of time? 

I once had to write a complete 75,000 word novel, from beginning to end, in three weeks. . .due to circumstances that got out of my control. I did get it done, so I know I can do it. But I prefer two months at least.  

Thanks for being here again! It has been a joy and we wish the very best with your novels.

Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Stephen's latest novel, Throw the Devil off the Train.

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

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 July 8th.

**ATTENTION!!**

Stephen Bly passed away earlier this month from his battle with cancer. This interview was scheduled BEFORE this happened and he will be greatly missed. I grew up reading his YA titles and my sister after me. The CBA and Christian readers have lost a great writer. PLEASE keep his wife and family in your prayers and if you wish to leave a comment for them, you can visit his obituary on his blog: http://blybooks.blogspot.com/