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
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.
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