Tuesday, March 13, 2012

STUART BRANNON'S FINAL SHOT - STEPHEN BLY with Janet Chester Bly, Russell Bly, Michael Bly, and Aaron Bly - Free Book


Why did you become an author?
After my husband, Stephen Bly, graduated from seminary and began to pastor his first church, he settled into his God-given task. I wondered about mine. When I asked him what he thought, he said, “That’s easy. Do stuff for me and stuff for the church.”

I wanted a more specific job description. So, I began a search into all sorts of avenues. This led to attendance at several Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conferences in California. I entered the pub fellowship for the first time and figured out how to communicate in a way that would get an editor’s and reader’s attention. I felt I came home to what God created me to be.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?
A counselor. . .if I had plenty of training and experience and biblical insight.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?
I have often thought I would want to re-live my own history. . .to know what I understand now and do some things different. Otherwise, I have no inclination to want to live in another era. They all have their discomforts.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?
I have traveled to all fifty states, but not every corner of them. For instance, I’ve never been to Niagara Falls. I love waterfalls and that’s one of the grandest.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?
Steve and I loved Paris and hoped to return together. That didn’t happen. I’d like to see Australia or New Zealand sometime. All those strange animals. The land of The Lord Of The Rings and Quigley Down Under, a couple of my fav movies.

I’ve always loved Australia, too. I’ve read at least 300 books, fiction and nonfiction, about it, and Quigley Down Under is one of my favorite movies, too. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?
When I lost my husband last June, there seemed to be many things left undone, unsaid and unanswered. No perfect, satisfying end to his story or to our journey together. Threads left hanging still stretched beyond my sight. I’ve realized since then they we are all in the middle of our personal tales and that it may take epochs in eternity to see the full plot, to get the right point of view for specific scenes that puzzle us here. I know I must trust God about that. Most times I do. I often consider this verse: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8,9 NKJV)


Tell us about the featured book.
Background: Steve had a contract and deadline for Stuart Brannon: The Final Shot. He left us with 7,000 words, a one-page synopsis and a long list of character names. My three sons and I determined to finish the novel for him. We had four months to do it. We took on the challenge and counted it a privilege. This family affair also proved to be a healing process for each of us. We laughed. We cried. We worked hard. We tried to do it like Dad would do it.

Stuart Brannon: The Final Shot  released this month in hardback and e-book. Paperback edition releases in August. The original six book Stuart Brannon series will also be re-released later this year in paperback.

Blurb:  It's 1905. Two orphans flee Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Do they tell what really happened and risk a dangerous man's wrath?
Meanwhile, Brannon searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend and grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a charity celebrity tournament.

Please give us the first page of the book.

PROLOGUE

Early Monday morning, June 5, 1905, near Seaside, Oregon

At twilight, twelve-year-old Hack Howard lined his cot with a couple lumpy pillows and covered them with the thin blanket that was his orphan farm issue. He picked up his worn leather shoes with only one gap in the right sole so he could slink quietly through the room.

None of the dozen of his male roommates stirred or stopped snoring.

He slid the door open, then closed it to a slit as his face warmed, his breath quickened. Miss Penelope Tagg left her station, slipped down the hallway in her sleek nightgown and pink, silky boudoir cap over long strands of brunette locks for her early morning coffee break. Hack sidled past the opening with his lanky frame, then stole to the front door. He unlocked it with the key he’d made out of a spoon in the blacksmith’s shop.

“Hack, you’re slow in some ways. Some call you a simpleton,” Mr. Smythe, the orphan farm director had told him on several occasions, “but you’re not dumb.”

He slinked down the steps, threw off the branches from a bicycle he had hidden in the woods, then rode hard and fast to the dock at the beach. Like he’d done many times before.

CHAPTER ONE

Sunday afternoon, June 11, 1905,
south of Portland

“I thought you was dead.” The words rumbled out of some deep, dark pit of tales told at late night campfires and smoky saloons. Thick drops of dirty sweat careened down the bearded man’s face. A ripped-in-shreds shirt sleeve exposed a long, jagged old scar on his left arm. Bloodshot brown eyes glared into the future as if forecasting bad news. Very bad news.

“A common mistake.”

A faded, red bandana brushed the man’s bulging neck. His bronzed face held to the tight expression of a man looking for an advantage. “No foolin’. Argentiferous Jones said he shot you dead over a poker hand in Bisbee. I believe you was packin’ three queens.”

“He was wrong.” Every eye in the dining car watched the trigger of Stuart Brannon’s drawn Colt .44 revolver, ready to witness a sudden blast.

“I can see that now and would like to be given a chance to atone for my erroneous assumption.”

“I’m sure you would. You stopped this train on a tall trestle in the middle of a river, cold-cocked the conductor, stole the possessions of all the passengers and whatever else of cargo you found on board, and in the mix scared the women, children, and most of the men near to death. Out West a man can hang for such offenses.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Website: www.BlyBooks.com   
Blog: www.BlyBooks.blogspot.com

Readers, here are links to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Stuart Brannon's Final Shot (Western Standard) - Hardback
Stuart Brannon's Final Shot (The Stuart Brannon Novels) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

22 comments:

Unknown said...

i was sorry when i heard about Stephan's passing, but glad you brought his last novel to fruition, and that it helped you, as well.

Janet Chester Bly said...

Marianne: Thanks for the note. Yes, writing this novel for Steve was cathartic for myself and our three sons.
Blessings,
Janet

Lisa Nelson said...

I have enjoyed reading Mr. Bly's books for many years!
I am so glad that you finished his last book.
I am looking forward to reading it!!
Thank you for the giveaway!!
Lisa Nelson

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to read The Final Shot and catch up on Stuart Brannon's latest adventures. The original Stuart Brannon series is one of my favorites.

Julie
Spangle, WA

Anonymous said...

I learned some new things about Janet in this interview. Thank you for sharing more of your self with us Janet. We would love to win the book.
Linda L. Yakima, WA
dlarock(at)wolfenet(dot)com

Janet Chester Bly said...

Lisa, Julie & Linda: Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. Appreciated!
Blessings,
Janet

Pam K. said...

I think it is wonderful that Janet and her sons finished Stephen's last book. Since I read several of his books and enjoyed them, I'd like to read this one as well. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

Sharon said...

Janet - What a wonderful interview. So glad finishing the novel helped you and your sons through a difficult time.
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book.

Sharon said...

Forgot to say that I live in Eagan MN.
Sharon
smoore at tcq dot net

csthankful said...

I have always been in awe of the gift of writing that Steve and Janet have. I like the topic "Characters who grip your heart" because that is how all of the characters they have written about do for me...they become real. Even though Stve wanted to complete Stuart Brannon's story, I saw the process of how God gave Steve enough strength to complete what he did so that Janet, Russ, Mike and Aaron could run with it and make the book what it is today. All of the daily differences without Steve make today a gift also, even though it is not what any of us wanted. Steve's voice continues as he reminds us that God is Who the important one in all our memories of him and all the messages he shared. We can't ask for more than to ask our loving Heavenly Father what He wants us to do, learn and share each day and I am thankful to see you doing that Janni-Rae. Missing Steve is real.....but there will come a day when we will get to see him again and our Lord will be waiting to show us all He has for us then. THat will be a "wahoo" day. Love, Connie Sue Larson
from good ole Montana!!!

Judy Cooper said...

I have not read any of Mr. Bly's books, but was touched to read the story of his life and passing. I know it must have been so special for you to finish his book with your sons. That will be a beautiful memory for you. I do intend to read the books in this collection. Please enter my name. God Bless! Judy C. in Louisiana

Mary Preston said...

You must come visit Australia. Thank you for sharing.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Coolestmommy said...

Sorry to hear Stephen passed away--but I know he was promoted to heavenly places. The book sounds wonderful and I'm thankful you and your sons decided to finish it for him.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Judy said...

How wonderful to come together as a family and finish the work of Stephan. He will be greatly missed.

I would love to win this book.

Thanks for this giveaway.

Blessings!
Judy from Indiana

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Looks interesting!
Enter me!
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Faith said...

What an awesome interview.

It's wonderful that Janet and her sons where able to finsh Stephen's last book.

Faye, SD

Rebecca said...

What a family story - coming together to finish the father's book. It's a real blessing.
And I bet the book is wonderful! I'd love to read it!

(You should go to New Zealand too. It's wonderful, especially the South Island!)
Rebecca from NC

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Michael Bly said...

Thanks, everyone, for your commments and encouragement!

And, I agree: Mom should go to Australia/New Zealand some day!

Melissa M. said...

This sounds very interesting--and it is touching that the family finished his novel!

-Melissa from TX
misshoneybee(at)gmail(dot)com

Barbara said...

For many years I have enjoyed reading Stephen's books - and especially like listening to "Code of the West" audiobooks, read by him.

Thanks to Janet and family for your labor of love in completing this book and for the chance of winning a copy!

God Bless,
Barbara
Catawissa, MO

A.Jones said...

I've never tried one of Mr.Bly's books but would love to. Please enter me.

I live in New York