Shadow of Fear
Shadow of Hope

Janet Chester Bly Interview

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Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I’m a city girl with a country heart. I don’t corral horses or mow my own lawn. I’m no womba woman. But I followed my late husband Stephen Bly, a Christy Award winning western author, to the country to write books and minister to a small village church. When I lost him, I stayed. Here in this little western town of Winchester, Idaho, I manage Bly Books. And rake lots of Ponderosa pine needles and cones. And survive the long winter snows.

Together—his, mine, and ours—we published more than 120 fiction and nonfiction books for adults and kids. I and our three sons finished Stephen’s last novel, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, a Selah Award Finalist. My newest release is Down Squash Blossom Road,  Book 2, Trails of Reba Cahill, a contemporary western mystery series with a touch of romance. Book 1 is Wind in the Wires. Find out more at www.BlyBooks.com

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: After my late husband graduated from seminary and began to serve in a church, I wondered if I should go back to school or train for some sort of career. That began a search into all kinds of ventures, one which included attending a writers’ conference. I was enamored with the the whole process of producing and publishing, as well as the creative people I met. The following year, I returned to the conference and never considered another occupation. That was forty years ago.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A: My first sales were for fillers, articles, and poems for various regional and specialty magazines. When I got my husband interested in writing too, he published lots of articles and short stories, then nudged us to try nonfiction, inspirational books. Our first fiction was for kids, ages 8-12 yrs., the Crystal Blake Series, the adventure mysteries of an early teen rodeo barrel racer. I’m hoping to re-release that series later this Spring. We co-authored several cozy mystery series too, such as The Hidden West Series (contemporary with a husband-wife writing team) and The Carson City Chronicles (historical 1880s, set in Nevada). The Trails of Reba Cahill Series is my first try at solo adult fiction. I’ve been so grateful for the positive responses. Book 3 is scheduled for release in late Spring 2018.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Down Squash Blossom Road?

A: Cowgirl Reba Cahill’s schedule is full. Save the family ranch. Free her mom from a mental institute. Take another road trip. Solve a murder and kidnapping. And evade a stalker. Can she also squeeze in romance?

Reba Cahill focused on the duties of the ranch, along with her widowed grandmother. But a crippled Champ Runcie returns to Road’s End in a wheelchair and seeks revenge for the accident that put him there. He blames Reba’s horse. Meanwhile, a letter from her estranged mom forces her and Grandma Pearl back on the road: I can leave now. Come get me. Love, Mom

When they arrive in Reno, her mother issues a demand and refuses to return to Idaho. They head west instead. In California, Reba’s friend Ginny’s marriage is on the rocks. The family business is threatened. And squabbles turn deadly.

Reba digs deep to find the courage to forge a relationship with her mom and escape a crazed man’s obsession. She also hopes for a future with a horse trainer who offers her a new horse to replace the one she lost in the accident. But why does he have a photo of a pretty woman on his wall?

And what secret lies down Squash Blossom Road?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Down Squash Blossom Road?

A: The professor told aspiring young author Jo Marsh in Little Women, “Write what you know.” My inspiration stirred from the lifestyles and stories of the folks of the high mountain Idaho prairie where I live. The Cahill Ranch activities and the characters of Road’s End are much like the ones just down the road from me. Because I’m also on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, the many tribal references derive from my neighbors, including a certain squash blossom necklace, a central part of both Books 1 & 2.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: That within even the most horrible circumstances,  some redeeming gift can be found, if one’s heart is open to it.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: When cowgirl Reba Cahill has an unexpected God moment in the house of her worst enemy …

Reba considered what to do next. Should she make a noise to waken Champ? Should she nudge him on the arm? Or should she forget the whole thing, steal away, and return home?

She took a long look at the stooped figure, dressed in loosened American flag bolo tie, robe tucked over his lap and slippers on his feet. A glass pitcher of Syringa and Indian Paintbrush on the end table beside him. A speck of sympathy emanated for the man.

Perhaps if Champ knew the whole story … But that was absurd. He must never be told.

Reba backed up a few steps.

Out spit a growl. “What are you doing here?”

Reba recoiled as Champ’s head rose and he honed in on her. She quickly studied the grim, rigid face. She extended a kind of peace smile offering, a nervous gesture without a hint of inner warmth. At the same time, she pulled out the lawyer’s letter and shook it open. “I’m here about this.”

“It’s a lawsuit.”

His terse reply resembled the old Champ in every way, like the whip across her back. “I know that.” She studied his angry expression. His response ignited her own inferno. She couldn’t hold back now. “You’re the one who should face charges.” She shouldn’t be saying this, she knew, but no one was here to stop her. The forbidden words exploded. She no longer had control. “Maidie’s fiancé Zeke Owens falling off your roof.” She breathed in sharp. “Because of the oil.” For a moment she feared she’d faint. “And the rape.”

Now she had done it. Those words of direct accusation could never be taken back. But she couldn’t forget the shock of reading Maidie’s old diary, of the revelation disclosed on those pages.

His complexion turned bloodless, gray like pewter. She truly feared he’d rise from the wheelchair and slug her. Or worse. “That’s ancient history and a lie,” he roared. “You’re full of lies. That’s defamation of character. I’ll sue you for all you’re worth.” He stopped to gulp for breath. His hand flailed around the table and knocked over the flower vase.

Reba trembled with rage. She reached for the crumpled bouquet to set it straight in the vase as water spread across the carpet. “Maidie wrote down everything that happened to her.”

“Doesn’t matter. She was a crazy woman. Many people have stories to attest to that. Besides, none of that has anything to do with your killer horse. If you had trained and disciplined him properly, I wouldn’t be paralyzed.” The old fire of confidence still burned in Champ’s eyes.

Reba fought for self-control. She strode to the kitchen for a towel to dab at the soaked rug. Pearl was right. She made everything worse by confronting Champ. She shouldn’t have come.

Trust Me, Reba Mae.

Reba stood stock-still a moment with a shiver of goose bumps. Who said that? She twirled around the Runcie kitchen, in the house of her most persistent enemy on earth. She wasn’t in the church barn this time or meditating out on a sacred hill. Yet she recognized the pressing, penetrating voice of her heavenly Father. The sacred hollow of divine contact.

“Lord, I know that’s You.” She wiped weepy eyes with a towel and lifted the other hand toward the ceiling with her faltering faith. “I’m trying to trust You, Lord, but it’s so hard.” A hiccupped sob escaped. “Please help me.”

She waited as long as she dared before she slipped back to the living room and gently positioned the towel on the rug to soak up the spilled water. The old man’s eyes were closed, but she presumed he wasn’t asleep.

“Goodbye, Champ,” she said, as a test and a farewell.

She headed to the front door fully expecting another outburst. When none came, she stole out of the house, hugged Blair Runcie, and took her grandmother home.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: To continue the heritage that my husband and I began together. To do the thing God called me to do. To bring positive light into ugly and dark places. To prepare reader’s hearts to receive God’s truth. And I can’t not do it.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: Some of the rude and pleasant awakenings … once published didn’t mean you stayed published—the rapid throwback of out-of-prints … the surprise of foreign editions and our books discovered in all corners of the world … no matter how many (almost two million) Bly books published, the bazillions of readers who never heard of you .

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Keep your day job.” My advice is not to depend upon writing to make your living. Learn at least one other skill to support your writing habit. And also this that was told to me as a young beginner … “Success is never certain and failure is never final.” It’s an ups and downs journey. Always be looking for the one next thing to do.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: I am working to re-release my husband’s Austin-Stoner Files, three contemporary mystery adventure series, and as mentioned above the six book Crystal Blake Series for kids. Also, I’m rewriting two different devotional books into a single format entitled, Grace Spilling Over, before I begin Book 3, Trails of Reba Cahill, Beneath a Camperdown Elm, scheduled for Spring 2018 release.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A: Travel. Sing with my church choir (I’m director). Engage with visitors to Broken Arrow Crossing, the false front town in my yard that my husband built. Host outdoor parties and events at Broken Arrow Crossing. Be with my family who all live within 50 miles down the mountain from me … 3 sons and wives, 4 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren.

 

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. Follow Janet Chester Bly on AMAZON http://amzn.to/2epkofq

Follow Bly Books on Amazon Author Page for new releases:
http://www.amazon.com/author/stephenbly

‘Like’ Bly Books on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BlyBooks

Bly Books Blog: http://www.blybooks.com/blog/

Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetchesterbly

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetcbly/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/269265.Janet_Chester_Bly

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blybooks/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janetchesterbly

Google+: http://bit.ly/2iXYwaQ

Check out other authors at On the Western Trail blog:

www.blybooks.blogspot.com

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: I love to hear from readers and other writers. Contact me with comments or questions or just to connect: janet(at)blybooks(dot)com

Download Now! 5 Free Chapters of Down Squash Blossom Road, Book 2!

Click here: http://www.blybooks.com/books/squash-blossom/

Sign up for Almost Monthly Bly Books News and receive 5 free chapters Wind in the Wires, Book 1 … http://www.blybooks.com/contact/stephen-bly-books-newsletter/

Janet Chester Bly interview with Susan Sleeman
February 27, 2017

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I’m a city girl with a country heart. I don’t corral horses or mow my own lawn. I’m no womba woman. But I followed my late husband Stephen Bly, a Christy Award winning western author, to the country to write books and minister to a small village church. When I lost him, I stayed. Here in this little western town of Winchester, Idaho, I manage Bly Books. And rake lots of Ponderosa pine needles and cones. And survive the long winter snows.

Together—his, mine, and ours—we published more than 120 fiction and nonfiction books for adults and kids. I and our three sons finished Stephen’s last novel, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, a Selah Award Finalist. My newest release is Down Squash Blossom Road,  Book 2, Trails of Reba Cahill, a contemporary western mystery series with a touch of romance. Book 1 is Wind in the Wires. Find out more at www.BlyBooks.com

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: After my late husband graduated from seminary and began to serve in a church, I wondered if I should go back to school or train for some sort of career. That began a search into all kinds of ventures, one which included attending a writers’ conference. I was enamored with the the whole process of producing and publishing, as well as the creative people I met. The following year, I returned to the conference and never considered another occupation. That was forty years ago.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A: My first sales were for fillers, articles, and poems for various regional and specialty magazines. When I got my husband interested in writing too, he published lots of articles and short stories, then nudged us to try nonfiction, inspirational books. Our first fiction was for kids, ages 8-12 yrs., the Crystal Blake Series, the adventure mysteries of an early teen rodeo barrel racer. I’m hoping to re-release that series later this Spring. We co-authored several cozy mystery series too, such as The Hidden West Series (contemporary with a husband-wife writing team) and The Carson City Chronicles (historical 1880s, set in Nevada). The Trails of Reba Cahill Series is my first try at solo adult fiction. I’ve been so grateful for the positive responses. Book 3 is scheduled for release in late Spring 2018.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Down Squash Blossom Road?

A: Cowgirl Reba Cahill’s schedule is full. Save the family ranch. Free her mom from a mental institute. Take another road trip. Solve a murder and kidnapping. And evade a stalker. Can she also squeeze in romance?

Reba Cahill focused on the duties of the ranch, along with her widowed grandmother. But a crippled Champ Runcie returns to Road’s End in a wheelchair and seeks revenge for the accident that put him there. He blames Reba’s horse. Meanwhile, a letter from her estranged mom forces her and Grandma Pearl back on the road: I can leave now. Come get me. Love, Mom

When they arrive in Reno, her mother issues a demand and refuses to return to Idaho. They head west instead. In California, Reba’s friend Ginny’s marriage is on the rocks. The family business is threatened. And squabbles turn deadly.

Reba digs deep to find the courage to forge a relationship with her mom and escape a crazed man’s obsession. She also hopes for a future with a horse trainer who offers her a new horse to replace the one she lost in the accident. But why does he have a photo of a pretty woman on his wall?

And what secret lies down Squash Blossom Road?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Down Squash Blossom Road?

A: The professor told aspiring young author Jo Marsh in Little Women, “Write what you know.” My inspiration stirred from the lifestyles and stories of the folks of the high mountain Idaho prairie where I live. The Cahill Ranch activities and the characters of Road’s End are much like the ones just down the road from me. Because I’m also on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, the many tribal references derive from my neighbors, including a certain squash blossom necklace, a central part of both Books 1 & 2.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: That within even the most horrible circumstances,  some redeeming gift can be found, if one’s heart is open to it.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: When cowgirl Reba Cahill has an unexpected God moment in the house of her worst enemy …

Reba considered what to do next. Should she make a noise to waken Champ? Should she nudge him on the arm? Or should she forget the whole thing, steal away, and return home?

She took a long look at the stooped figure, dressed in loosened American flag bolo tie, robe tucked over his lap and slippers on his feet. A glass pitcher of Syringa and Indian Paintbrush on the end table beside him. A speck of sympathy emanated for the man.

Perhaps if Champ knew the whole story … But that was absurd. He must never be told.

Reba backed up a few steps.

Out spit a growl. “What are you doing here?”

Reba recoiled as Champ’s head rose and he honed in on her. She quickly studied the grim, rigid face. She extended a kind of peace smile offering, a nervous gesture without a hint of inner warmth. At the same time, she pulled out the lawyer’s letter and shook it open. “I’m here about this.”

“It’s a lawsuit.”

His terse reply resembled the old Champ in every way, like the whip across her back. “I know that.” She studied his angry expression. His response ignited her own inferno. She couldn’t hold back now. “You’re the one who should face charges.” She shouldn’t be saying this, she knew, but no one was here to stop her. The forbidden words exploded. She no longer had control. “Maidie’s fiancé Zeke Owens falling off your roof.” She breathed in sharp. “Because of the oil.” For a moment she feared she’d faint. “And the rape.”

Now she had done it. Those words of direct accusation could never be taken back. But she couldn’t forget the shock of reading Maidie’s old diary, of the revelation disclosed on those pages.

His complexion turned bloodless, gray like pewter. She truly feared he’d rise from the wheelchair and slug her. Or worse. “That’s ancient history and a lie,” he roared. “You’re full of lies. That’s defamation of character. I’ll sue you for all you’re worth.” He stopped to gulp for breath. His hand flailed around the table and knocked over the flower vase.

Reba trembled with rage. She reached for the crumpled bouquet to set it straight in the vase as water spread across the carpet. “Maidie wrote down everything that happened to her.”

“Doesn’t matter. She was a crazy woman. Many people have stories to attest to that. Besides, none of that has anything to do with your killer horse. If you had trained and disciplined him properly, I wouldn’t be paralyzed.” The old fire of confidence still burned in Champ’s eyes.

Reba fought for self-control. She strode to the kitchen for a towel to dab at the soaked rug. Pearl was right. She made everything worse by confronting Champ. She shouldn’t have come.

Trust Me, Reba Mae.

Reba stood stock-still a moment with a shiver of goose bumps. Who said that? She twirled around the Runcie kitchen, in the house of her most persistent enemy on earth. She wasn’t in the church barn this time or meditating out on a sacred hill. Yet she recognized the pressing, penetrating voice of her heavenly Father. The sacred hollow of divine contact.

“Lord, I know that’s You.” She wiped weepy eyes with a towel and lifted the other hand toward the ceiling with her faltering faith. “I’m trying to trust You, Lord, but it’s so hard.” A hiccupped sob escaped. “Please help me.”

She waited as long as she dared before she slipped back to the living room and gently positioned the towel on the rug to soak up the spilled water. The old man’s eyes were closed, but she presumed he wasn’t asleep.

“Goodbye, Champ,” she said, as a test and a farewell.

She headed to the front door fully expecting another outburst. When none came, she stole out of the house, hugged Blair Runcie, and took her grandmother home.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: To continue the heritage that my husband and I began together. To do the thing God called me to do. To bring positive light into ugly and dark places. To prepare reader’s hearts to receive God’s truth. And I can’t not do it.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: Some of the rude and pleasant awakenings … once published didn’t mean you stayed published—the rapid throwback of out-of-prints … the surprise of foreign editions and our books discovered in all corners of the world … no matter how many (almost two million) Bly books published, the bazillions of readers who never heard of you .

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Keep your day job.” My advice is not to depend upon writing to make your living. Learn at least one other skill to support your writing habit. And also this that was told to me as a young beginner … “Success is never certain and failure is never final.” It’s an ups and downs journey. Always be looking for the one next thing to do.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: I am working to re-release my husband’s Austin-Stoner Files, three contemporary mystery adventure series, and as mentioned above the six book Crystal Blake Series for kids. Also, I’m rewriting two different devotional books into a single format entitled, Grace Spilling Over, before I begin Book 3, Trails of Reba Cahill, Beneath a Camperdown Elm, scheduled for Spring 2018 release.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A: Travel. Sing with my church choir (I’m director). Engage with visitors to Broken Arrow Crossing, the false front town in my yard that my husband built. Host outdoor parties and events at Broken Arrow Crossing. Be with my family who all live within 50 miles down the mountain from me … 3 sons and wives, 4 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren.

 

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. Follow Janet Chester Bly on AMAZON http://amzn.to/2epkofq

Follow Bly Books on Amazon Author Page for new releases:
http://www.amazon.com/author/stephenbly

‘Like’ Bly Books on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BlyBooks

Bly Books Blog: http://www.blybooks.com/blog/

Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetchesterbly

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetcbly/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/269265.Janet_Chester_Bly

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blybooks/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janetchesterbly

Google+: http://bit.ly/2iXYwaQ

Check out other authors at On the Western Trail blog:

www.blybooks.blogspot.com

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: I love to hear from readers and other writers. Contact me with comments or questions or just to connect: janet(at)blybooks(dot)com

Download Now! 5 Free Chapters of Down Squash Blossom Road, Book 2!

Click here: http://www.blybooks.com/books/squash-blossom/

Sign up for Almost Monthly Bly Books News and receive 5 free chapters Wind in the Wires, Book 1 … http://www.blybooks.com/contact/stephen-bly-books-newsletter/

Interviewer Info

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Susan Sleeman
SUSAN SLEEMAN is a bestselling and award-winning author of more than 25 inspirational/Christian and clean read romantic suspense books.

About Janet Chester Bly

Janet Chester Bly is the widow of Christy Award winning western author Stephen Bly. Together—his, hers, and theirs–they published more than 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 her newest release, Book 2 in The Trails of Reba Cahill contemporary western mystery series. Book 1 is Wind in the Wires. Find out more at www.BlyBooks.com

 
Recent books by Janet Chester Bly

Down Squash Blossom Road (Trails of Reba Cahill) ( …
Release date: 09/02/2016

Book Preview

 

INTERVIEWS
February 27, 2017

 

Comments

  1. I enjoyed getting to know Janet better and being reminded of the advice given to Jo in Liitle Women. We all do better when we are familiar with a task or venture and if we aren’t familiar, it is to our advantage to learn all that we can!
    Blessings!
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot) com

    Reply

  2. I love the answer given for the question of her inspiration to write. Especially the phrase “I can’t not do it”!
    Amazing woman and writer.

    What inspires you to write?

    A: To continue the heritage that my husband and I began together. To do the thing God called me to do. To bring positive light into ugly and dark places. To prepare reader’s hearts to receive God’s truth. And I can’t not do it.

    Reply

  3. Love to read this book and like to say my favorite part of this interview is when asked what inspires you to write
    To do the things God called me to do To bring positive light into Ugly and Dark places..that means a lot to me .Thank you for the interview and keep bringing your light to us.

    Reply

  5. I always appreciate reading interviews of Janet Chester Bly’s. Susan, you did a great job in your questions. “Success is never certain and failure is never final.” It’s an ups and downs journey. Always be looking for the one next thing to do.” Great advice no matter what we are doing!

    Reply

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