Janet Chester Bly is the widow of Christy Award winning western
author Stephen Bly. Together they published 120 fiction and nonfiction books for adults and kids. Janet and their three sons finished Stephen’s last novel, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, a Selah Award Finalist. Down Squash Blossom Road is Book 2 in the Reba Cahill contemporary western mystery series. Book 1 is Wind in the Wires. Find out more at www.BlyBooks.com
INTERVIEW
If you had to
describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?
I’m
a city girl with a country heart who doesn’t corral horses or mow my own lawn,
but I enjoy my Idaho mountain top small town where I rake lots of pine needles
and cones and survive the long winter, one snowstorm at a time.
What do you do
when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?
Besides
reading? Lots of books on my TBR pile. Years ago I used to make pine bough
holiday wreaths. Any extra time these days is given to library board (as president)
and church board (as clerk) and ministering with the church worship team and
choir (as director).
What
was your favorite book as a teen or child?
I
don’t remember the title or author, but I found the novel on my grandmother’s
bookshelf when I was staying with her as a teen and will always remember this
scene … the female protagonist cutting up the baby clothes she just knitted and
flushing them down the toilet. The poignant sadness remained with me all these
many decades later. When I finally grow up, I’d like to write memorable scenes
like that.
Tell us three
things about yourself that might surprise your readers.
I
love Matt Damon and the Jason Bourne movies … and anything starring Tom
Selleck.
I
don’t like coffee at all … except if it’s a latte or frappuccino or as an ice
cream flavor.
I
rode horses only because of my late hubby, Stephen, to be with him. However, I
never feel real comfortable around them, even though I do love to watch them
run.
What genre did
you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?
Even
the early children’s stories we did years ago centered around a mystery of some
sort. Adult novels co-authored with Stephen were cozy mysteries, such as The
Hidden West Series and The Carson City Chronicles. Now that I’m writing solo,
my new series, The Trails of Reba Cahill, is contemporary western mystery with
a touch of romance. Stephen had the resource of the history detail expertise,
1880-1910 in the Old West. I’ve always loved mysteries and in order to try to cross-over
with appeal to Stephen’s historical western fans, I’ve kept with the western
theme, but with a contemporary setting. That worked better for me. Some have
called my stories CowgirlLit, especially with the road adventure slant, much
like Stephen’s CowboyLit One Step Over
the Border and his Horse Dreams
Series. Find out more here: http://www.blybooks.com/cowboy-lit/
What has been
the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best
compliment?
Toughest
criticism … too many people and names in my stories and
some readers get lost.
Have tried to correct that with fewer characters, but also added a Character
Names List to the newest novel just released, Down Squash Blossom Road. Hope that will help!
The
best compliments … when readers couldn’t tell where my late husband’s
contribution ended on his last novel, Stuart
Brannon’s Final Shot, and my three sons and I began as we finished the
project for him after his passing. Also, when reviewers mention they wondered
if they’d enjoy my stories as well as Stephen’s and were pleasantly surprised
to discover they did. High praise, indeed!
Any other genres
you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?
Not
really. I like what I’m writing … western flavor, mystery to solve, and a touch
of romance. However, I certainly enjoy reading
all types of different genres.
If you could go
back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what
would it be?
As
I think back to 1975 and later, I’m so thankful I attended writers conferences,
learned the basics of submitting manuscripts, and was encouraged to do a lot of
writing for my ‘slush piles,’ right from the beginning. I also got to know a
lot of writers before I was one myself. Also, the best thing that happened was
to get my hubby involved in writing too. Together we accomplished way more in
being prolific than either of us ever would have done alone. To God be the
glory!
Do
something different? Can’t think of a thing. Except … perhaps read a lot more.
What is the most
important piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?
Today
is so different. Anyone can publish a book about anything, anytime. That’s the
benefit and also the bane. If you want to become a good writer and find a
reader base, get a critique team that fits for you, that will provide excellent
feedback and edit suggestions you respect and make you better with each project.
My
hubby and I had a rule that either of us could edit the other with any amount
of red marks we wanted, but the creator of the project had the last say on what
stayed and what got deleted. We learned from each other that way over the years.
We each had a different approach that complemented the team effort. Everyone
needs dependable critique partners. That might take some time to find. I
recommend you hire at least one pro, if you’re not under contract with a
mainline publisher. And perhaps trade editing favors with other writers too.
Janet is giving away a copy of her book, Down Squash Blossom Road. Either paperback (U.S. only, please), or a .pdf version for digital readers. Leave a comment, along with your contact information, and we'll pick a winner next week!
Janet, thank you for sharing more about you and your late husband. You were definitely a great team together. I enjoy learning more about authors. I look forward to reading your books--my TBR list just keeps growing. LOL marilynridgway78[at]mail[dot]com
ReplyDeleteMarilyn: I know about that rising TBR pile! As the saying goes, so many books, so little time.
DeleteLoved the interview, I like the fact that you don't like coffee at all! My aunt always told me that I don't even make a good Norwegian because I don't drink/like coffee, lol. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of your newest book.
ReplyDeletewfnren at aol dot com
Wendy: The biggest shock to my coffee drinking friends was when I learned to enjoy lattes. My late hubby was a boiled campfire style black as aces coffee drinker. Another way that opposites attract! :-)
DeleteEnjoyed the interview. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteKim: Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteIt is wonderful that you and your sons were able to complete Stephen's last book and that you did it so well! Stephen Bly books were always requested in the library where I worked.
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail (dot)com
Connie: Thanks for your note. Feel so privileged and grateful that I and my sons were able to finish that novel and so soon after losing him!
DeleteGreat interview! The comment about toughest criticism was interesting. Since I have read the book and posted reviews in various places, I noticed the list of characters and places in the back of the book. I thought the myriad of characters simply added to the quirkiness of the book and made it more entertaining. This is not an entry to win the giveaway. I want to recommend the book to other readers. It was quite enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteEdward: Thanks so much for checking in and adding your perspective!
DeleteThanks for the great interview. I love getting to know authors better. I love the genre you write in and I also have a TBR pile. I would be sad if I didn't have a few books waiting for me. Thank you for sharing about your husband. You were blessed to have a supportive spouse who also loved writing as much as you do. I'm embarressed to say I have not read one of your book, but I hope I get the chance to.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Deana
Jhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com
Deana: Always a great privilege to connect with a potential new reader! Thanks for commenting here!
ReplyDeleteInteresting interview and thank you for the giveaway redeemed1ru(at)comcast(dot)net
ReplyDeleteA western mystery with a touch of romance!! It doesn't get any better than that! Thanks for sharing the review, interview & giveaway! rw620 AT aol DOT com
ReplyDeleteAnn & Robin: Thanks for the comments!
DeleteGreat interview. :)
ReplyDeletefallingfan at gmail.com
Emily: Thanks! Appreciated!
DeleteGreat interview! A new author for me! Would love to start reading your books. I loved the Stuart Brannon Series!
ReplyDeleteBeverly: Delighted to hear you read and enjoyed the Stuart Brannon Series! Stephen and now I make sure there is a Stuart Brannon reference in every story written by us. Can be challenging at times, especially in a contemporary novel, but also fun. Always have a private chuckle every time I find the place that works!
DeleteInteresting interview. You are a new author to me. Would love to read "Down Squash Blossom Road". Really like the cover also.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Dianne: Love discovering new potential readers. Thanks for compliment on cover. Ken Raney designed it. He's the husband of writer Deborah Raney.
DeleteInteresting interview. You are a new author to me. Would love to read "Down Squash Blossom Road". Really like the cover also.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the great interview and giveaway. Wish you could remember that book you read as a teen....sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeletetumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Gail: Thanks for note. It was so long ago and the book I read long gone. Sad! Maybe will discover it again sometime.
DeleteA great interview! Thank you! mauback55 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteMelanie: Thanks for your note! Appreciated!
DeleteA great interview! Thank you! mauback55 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteVery nice interview Janet. I will always remember when my daughter interviewed you and Steve for her senior project. You both were so helpful and gracious. Maybe one day she will write her own book. I too was a neighbor for many years. Will always remember the picnic get togethers at The Crossing. Much love
ReplyDeleteDebbie: What a delight for you to stop by and leave your note. Blessings to you and your family!
DeleteThank you for the giveaway! It is a great interview. I have one of your husband's last books. It was hard hiding it from my husband, he read it first! Look forward to reading your books.
ReplyDeleteJennifer: Thanks for the kind words. Appreciated!
DeleteGreetings, everyone! So appreciated all those who commented. Just made the random draw of names and the one to receive the giveaway is Dianne Casey! Congrats, Dianne! Will send you the info by email.
ReplyDelete