NO ROAD HOME - Brian Stockwell - One Free Book

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.               

I’m not sure that I have intentionally written myself, so much as I have written characters which reflect those that I love. I have been blessed with very strong women in my life.  My female characters reflect the drive, heart, and uncompromising spirit that makes me proud to be their husband, father, friend, or brother. I have also been blessed with three sons, and their passion is my inspiration to be a better man. In short, I write my family; as they are the best part of who I am, and what I am becoming.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I think that laughter is one of the greatest gifts that God gave us. I love to make people laugh, especially when my wife is in the room. It’s not unusual for me to ask a random stranger where the pitchers mound is located at a football game, or order a piece of pie ala mode; but then ask the waitress to “warm just the pie, not the ice cream.” Awkward smiles are some of my favorite expressions to elicit from strangers. I think of the story that they will tell when they get home, and isn’t that what it’s all about anyway?

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I have always been a storyteller, even since my days as a young child, but I think that I am still discovering myself as a writer. Stories come to me through my perception of everyday life. I hear stories in sermons and lectures, but mostly through nature and the observance of others. I believe that story telling is a gift. Writing however, is a talent that comes only with the honing of your gift. Just like all of life, it is a process, and I am committed to giving my utmost to the process and God’s glory.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Ok, I know the answer that I am supposed to give, but if I were to be honest, I would have to admit that I love suspense thrillers and novels of international intrigue. Not surprisingly, I also like to read historical fiction, as well as biographies and such. For me, novels are the way that I process truth, as my mind is disarmed and open to receiving what the author is offering. I will buy a book to get lost in a great story, but if you give me great characters, I am a fan of that author forever.

Then you might like my historical novels. The reviewers and readers are always talking about my characters. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

My faith of course keeps me grounded, but I have to give credit to my wife Vicki for keeping me sane. I’m a former Marine, and I tend to look at life through a rather intense lens. Vicki, my children, and my grandchildren, bring me back to center, and whatever sanity I claim, it is they that deserve the credit, and God who deserves the glory.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

All of the characters in the No Road Home series are derived from names of friends and family in my life. My main character; Addanen, comes from a friend of the family named Briann. Since my first name is Brian, spelled with only one “n” at the end of my name, I would sometimes tease her and call her “add an ‘n’”, and the nickname, “Addanen” stuck to become the heroine of my story. It was wonderful to imagine my loved ones, and develop their alter-egos, and exotic lives.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

There are many things in my life that I am proud of; my marriage to Vicki, the birth of my children, my wonderful job, my amazing friends, and so on. But the one accomplishment that stands out above them all, is a moment in March of 1973, when I stood before a congregation and gave my life to Jesus Christ, and was baptized in His name. All my blessings flow from that one moment in life. Everything that I am, and all that I will ever be, is because He loved me first. Thank you Lord Jesus for being my greatest achievement in life.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A lynx, definitely a lynx. People would ask me, “hey, aren’t you a bobcat?” And I would say, “no, I’m a lynx. It’s a totally different animal, from a totally different region of North America.” Identifying the differences and educating others would be the best part of being a lynx.

What is your favorite food?

Well, if my wife is reading this article, my answer is brown rice and black beans, otherwise, the answer is pizza. Everything on it but anchovies, smothered in feta cheese and sliced sausage. Oo lala.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Of course, finding time to write in a “full time world” is an enormous challenge, but for me the greatest roadblock was the belief in myself, and having faith that I had been called to write this book. We do not live in a world of encouragement. Were it not for my faith in Christ, and my family’s faith in me, I could have never found the strength to write No Road Home. I am thankful everyday for goodness of the Lord, and the “signs along the road” that detoured my roadblocks of doubt and fear, and kept me on the road of purpose and renewed faith. We serve an awesome God.

Tell us about the featured book.

No Road Home is an epic story about the lives of those who lived in the shadows surrounding Jesus during His “passion week” here on Earth. Many of the characters will be familiar to most of the readers, but the “story behind the headlines” type of portrayal brings their lives into a sharper focus, as we begin to see the important role that they played. I humbly submit, that you will never view the final week of Christ’s life in the same light, after reading this book. It has opened my eyes to the importance of being a good example for Christ in my life, and given me a greater understanding of my purpose and stewardship to the community around me. I hope it will do the same for all of you!

 How can readers find you on the Internet?

Through my publishers website at www.Tatepublishing.com the book is available in print and as an ebook. It is also available on Amazon.com or directly through the author at Brianstockwell@comcast.net

Thank you, Brian, for giving us a peek into your life.


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