I'm thrilled to welcome Bodie to share about the Thoene's newest release. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I think every author writes their own emotions into characters and reactions to conflict. As I write I search my own heart and ask, "How would I feel? What would I do?" Very often over the years when faced with a problem, I have found that what I write, provides an answer to my personal problem as well as to the character.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
At age 17, my cousin Robin and I, saddled our horses and went camping in the high Sierra mountains. (see
http://www.robinhanley.com/ ) After a twenty mile ride, we stopped and discovered that neither one of us had packed the food. It was sort of like an episode of SURVIVAL! In three days we caught two tiny fish, killed a bull snake which we fried up and ate, then we robbed a nest of quail eggs and lived on wild goose berries. We survived to tell the tale!
Sounds as if you were true survivors. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I began writing for the local newspaper at the age of 15.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Except for authors like Steinbeck and Willa Cather and Tolkien, I rarely read fiction for fear it will affect how and what I write, but I love biographies and history. Walter Lord is one of our favorite historians.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I don't run. I ride horses.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
Often I use the names of friends, readers and family members.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Getting 4 kids through college.
I have two grandkids in college this fall, so what you did was monumental. What is your favorite food?
Sees bordeaux candy and rocky road ice cream
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Deciding what to write next is usually my greatest dilemma. So many books to write and so little time! Usually I toss a coin and start or I work on two projects at the same time.
What advice would you give to an author just starting out?
For every new author I would say, "learn the basics of journalism." That way you'll never be blocked.
Tell us about the featured book.
The Gathering Storm is completely different from anything we have ever written. It is a first person love story set in the midst of the beginning days of WW2.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
website http://www.thoenebooks.com/
autographed books and audiobooks http://www.familyaudiolibrary.com/
Look for Bodie Thoene on Face Book
Thank you, Bodie, for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit with us.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
Thank you for the great interview! I think if I ever rode 20 miles & then discovered we'd forgotten the food I would have turned around and gone back down the mountain. Foraging for food is not something I would ever be good at. I admire people who can!
ReplyDeleteI love books set during the WWII period and would so love to be entered into the giveaway for a copy of The Gathering Storm. Thank you so very much for the opportunity.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
this is exactly the kind of book I enjoy reading, thanks for the interview!
ReplyDeleteI would really enjoy this book! Please sign me up. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteplhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!
ReplyDeleteseizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to read this book! This couple has a wonderful talent for writing. Thanks for the chance at winning this book:)
ReplyDeleteesterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
The Gathering Storm sounds wonderful; I love WWII books. I haven't had Sees chocolates in a year... now I'm craving them. Your interview reminds me of the days I taught journalism. First class was always teaching it's ABCs: accuracy, brevity, and clarity. I'm hoping Gathering Storm sells like crazy!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds wonderful. After reading several books lately that have been set in WWII, I find that I really enjoy learning about this period of history.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteMy sister really enjoys the Thoene's books. I don't think she's read this one yet, so I will enter this contest for her.
ReplyDeletenina4sm[at]gmail[dot]com
Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
Excited about this--they're two of my favorite authors!
ReplyDeletehismercysurrounding(at)yahoo(dot)com
I really want to read this. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe Gathering Storm sounds like a great read for me as the kids head back to school. A little break for mom. :-)
ReplyDeletecoolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
What a great concept for a novel.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Lee D.
lee[at]computertutorne[dot]com
Thanks for the interview.If I had got to the end of that 20 miles and had forgot the food, I would have ditched it all and went back down. I would love to win your book, I like books that are about people during the wars. Thanks for the chance to win. ybutler@oppcatv.com
ReplyDeleteLoved their series from several years ago set in WWII. Would love to read this one too!
ReplyDeletenot sure that bull snake would be on the top of my menu choices but fun interview
ReplyDeletemsboatgal at aol.com
I love their books so please enter me for this one! Enjoyed the interview. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeletejackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet
I have loved the Thoenes' books since I started reading them twenty years ago! Thanks for this great interview. I introduced my MIL to their books, too, and she has been reading them and loving them, too! I am so glad to see an interview with them out here in cyberspace.
ReplyDeleteWhat writing talent. Interview was very good. Book will be exciting to read. Please enter me in the giveaway, and thank you.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
Please count me in.
ReplyDeleteYou are one brave lady, Bodie. I love your WWII books and would love to read this new one.
ReplyDeletejulesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have all of their books on WWII so far. Please enter me for this one to add to my collection. They are the best on WWII. Thanks.
ReplyDeletedesertrose5173 at gmail dot com
A love story in WW2? Wow! I'd love read it. Please enter me.
ReplyDeleteletrassantas at hotmail dot com
THE GATHERING STORM sounds like an intriguing read and so different from other books I've read written by the Thoene's.
ReplyDeletePut my name in the pot for a chance to receive a copy.
A J Hawke
ajhawkeauthor [at] aol ]dot] com
Would love to read this one!
ReplyDeleteLove the Thoene's books.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me:):)
This sounds like an intriguing book! I have always enjoyed reading books set in WW II. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
great interview. I would love to win this book to read. thank you so much
ReplyDeleteTrishbazin(at)yahoo.com
I love anything written by the Thoene's. Thank you for the interview and good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteI recently read a book set in this time period and really enjoyed learning about the way things were then. I would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice interview. This is an era I always enjoy reading about.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the interview with Bodie and Brock Thoene. My husband and I have read many of their books(the Zion Covenant series, Zion Chronicles series, Zion Legacy series, and Shiloh Legacy series)and enjoyed them very much. I love history, and historical fiction is my favorite to read.
ReplyDeletePlease enter my name into the drawing for a copy of The Gathering Storm. Thank you.
I love stories set in WWI and WWII. Taking history and weaving a great story is really awesome.
ReplyDeleteYour interview was great and I would not have been on a horse but if I had and forget the food, I would have had to go back and get it. lol. I don't eat rattlesnake either. lol
Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Excellent interview...loved how you survived without bring food...bet you never did that again!!
ReplyDeleteMy parents met and married during the WWII period. I just finished A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin!
Thank You!
Maureen
Hmm... Like it!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for this one.
ReplyDelete~Steph
soklad@hotmail.com
Thanks for the intro to one of my long-time favorite authors.
ReplyDeletejanemaritz at yahoo dot com
Please enter me. I've heard good things about these authors. :)
ReplyDeletebooklovercb[at]yahoo.com
It is fascinating to me that you rarely read fiction!!! And yet have written so much great fiction! It just seems crazy to me! WOW!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book!!! shondaet@gmail.com
ReplyDeletePlease enter me! Looks great
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
~Katie G.
Please include me, The Gathering Storm sounds terrific. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have been a fan of the Thoene's since I was a teenager! This book sounds amazing, as all the rest of their work- thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read your book. I enjoyed reading your interview!
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com