WIND IN THE WIRES - Janet Chester Bly - One Free Book

Welcome back, Janet. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

The theme of all our fiction is to prepare the hearts of readers to receive God’s truth. But whether fiction or nonfiction, Bly books deal with relationship issues and encouraging readers to trust God more deeply in the tough hassles of life. Writing westerns was my late hubby Stephen’s genre. That grew out of his love of Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey fiction, his lifestyle growing up on a farm and later working on a ranch, and his knowledge gained of historical details of the era.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The day in February 2006 when Stephen and I celebrated my birthday in Paris at the Eiffel Tower and it was gently snowing. So fun. And romantic. I’d love to have that event to live over again.

How has being published changed your life?

Being published confirmed for me my God-given task, my main ministry. I know where to invest my time, strength, and gifts. Also, this has been an avenue for gaining so many acquaintances and friendships that never otherwise would have been possible. I’m thinking of readers and other writers, as well as various folks in the publishing field.

What are you reading right now?

I have started re-reading all of my Anne Perry mystery novels. The Thomas Pitt and William Monk Series were some of her Victorian mysteries. I also have appreciated her World War II Series. She intrigued me so much as a writer that I did some research, was privileged to make personal contact with her via mail, and wrote an article on her work and her life. During the process I discovered a shocking truth about her personally. If you’re interested, you can find it out here: http://www.blybooks.com/2015/02/anne-perry-mysteries/

What is your current work in progress?

I am working on three different projects in succession this Spring.

a.) Stephen’s first published book was entitled Radical Discipleship. With a bit of edit and adaptation, it is being re-released as 9 different eBooklets in The Following Jesus Series. Find the first two, The Way-Paver Society and The Pallet Carriers Union here: http://www.blybooks.com/ebooks-estories/

b.) Most of our novel series for kids are out of print. I am re-releasing them one at a time, starting with a fiction for boys 8-14 years old, The Nathan T. Riggins Series. Check out what’s available so far here: http://www.blybooks.com/genre/books-for-kids/.

c.) I’m aiming by the first of May to begin working on Book 2 of the Trails of Reba Cahill Series. Hope to have that book ready in the Fall.

What would be your dream vacation?

These days a Reading Retreat sounds wonderful with nothing on the agenda except to read and look at beautiful scenery. In fact, have such a vacay scheduled sometime the next month in northern Idaho with a friend. Other vacations I love are anywhere I can include research for a story idea in the mix.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

First of all, they have to be in one of the western states. That narrows it down a bit. Second, it has to be somewhere I/we spent some time or will be headed to. On location research is important. The beginning scenes in Wind in the Wires happen in a fictional town just like the one I live in, so that makes it so much easier. But then one of the characters insists on taking a long journey in a Model T to Goldfield, Nevada. That required a lot more work. Gets me out of the house on the road. Delightful part of my job.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Whoever is reading this blog right now. Would love to sit with you and listen to your stories, and empathize with your troubles. I’d like to find out who you are and what you’ve done and what your plans are for the future. I love meeting new people and finding out interesting things about them. There are always pleasant surprises. And who knows? You could be the inspiration for a character in a novel sometime.

Good answer, Janet. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I used to have all sorts of hobbies, such as making wreaths, pottery, and embroidery. But all of those fell to the wayside when I started writing. Besides, I overdid it on all those activities. I made so many for friends and family and myself, there was no point in continuing.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

My husband was my partner and helpmeet in everything. We were so prolific because we had learned how to work together, support each other, and divided up all our various duties. As a widow, my main obstacle is the stuff of everyday life. I have to do it all myself now. There are so many details I once shared or didn’t have to do at all that now require my full attention. It’s unrelenting and saps my creative energy at times. One way I overcome being overwhelmed by it all is to remind myself it will never be completely finished. I will leave this world with undone tasks. Stephen did. So will I. That relieves the pressure that somehow I’m supposed to get everything done right now. I focus on one thing at a time. Also, I have found a tremendous power in taking time at the end of the day to enjoy and appreciate each project that does get done. I thank God for all He helped me do. That helps me cope and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Pray through every step of the process of your journey. Make the writing from the very start about your relationship with God. Keep Him front and center. Also, when life happens, don’t consider it as intrusions on your writing. Realize that nothing is ever wasted. The good and the bad, the joys and the ugly, they’re all grist for what you’ll communicate to your world of readers.

Tell us about the featured book.

A cowgirl searches for love and family. An old man seeks justice for two cold case murders. Their

journey together exposes lies and betrayal. Will the truth be too hard for either to bear?

    

It’s 1991. Reba Cahill loves ranching with Grandma Pearl in north central Idaho. But there’s a lot of work and only two of them. Reba wants a husband to come alongside. But she finds few prospects in the small town of Road’s End (pop. 400).   

Reba is also missing something else: her mother. Deserted by her at three years old and never knowing her dad, she feels a sense of longing and loss. And bitterness. 

When elderly, quirky Road’s End citizen Maidie Fortress dies, she’s given an expensive piece of jewelry that turns Reba’s world upside down. She’s led down unexpected paths and toward unsuspected admirers. Will the facts also ruin all hope for romance?                  

Please give us the first page of the book.

May 1991, Road’s End, Idaho

She must find the runaway heifer. And get to Maidie’s funeral on time.

Reba Mae Cahill urged her black quarter horse to trudge through the spring green, muddy terrain. Recent rains and snowmelt gummed the pine-dotted, wild flower sprayed, high mountain prairie. Puddles and small ponds, tall grass and shadows made search tedious.

Johnny Poe stalled.

“Come on, boy, Don said he saw her near here. Got to find that cow before Champ Runcie does. And return home quick.”

They rode the moss-covered wood post and barbed wire fence line as she checked the steel stays. A strong whoosh of wind made a ringing sound in the wires. She scanned the long length of Runcie Ranch fencing. Her glance caught at a break in the fence next to stacked tires filled with large rocks supposed to hold the fence in place. Certainly enough space for a moon-eyed, red bovine stray to escape. She peered closer and spied a cut at all five lines, now splayed on the ground.

Why would anyone do that?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

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Thank you, Janet, for sharing this new western with us.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Wind in the Wires: A Trails of Reba Cahill Novel

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