Janet Chester Bly & sons, Aaron, Michael, Russell
Author Interview with Widow and Sons of Western Author Stephen Bly
On June 9, 2011 award-winning western author Stephen Bly passed away due to a 5-year battle with prostate cancer. He had begun a new novel, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, part of his most well-known western book series. His family determined to finish it for him. Here’s an author interview with his widow, Janet Chester Bly, and their three sons.
1) What did you like the most about working on Stephen Bly’s novel, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot ?
Russell: Being part of the process of writing a book is exciting.
Michael: I love that Brannon has stuck to his principles and is still ‘fighting the good fight’ and ‘keeping the faith.’ His methods may be a little out of place in the modern world of the 20th Century, but the same guiding principles apply. And, he golfs!
Aaron: I really enjoyed getting to not only re-introduce myself to the characters of the original novels in the Stuart Brannon western book series, but to also be a part of creating additional stories for them. It was empowering.
Janet: Getting Steve into the book through his sons, through using as much of his own writing as we could. Getting a more intimate look into Steve’s favorite character, Stuart Brannon. The journey along the frontier of this man’s soul was like peering into my husband’s.
2) Any frustrations with this project?
Russell: Of course the obvious one, not having Dad there.
Michael: I would have liked to be able to spend more time during the process (I’m pretty sure I’m not the first person to want more time!). With jobs and families and responsibilities, it isn’t easy to dedicate all the time you’d like to a project, even one as important as completing my dad’s western book series.
Aaron: Only frustration was the fear that we wouldn’t be able to match the story writing ability that my dad possessed — that we’d let him down somehow. But I think we gave it our best.
Janet: The short length of time. We didn’t have ‘rest’ time to see the manuscript fresh. Had to turn it in after a frantic few days of critique and re-write. I was thankful that we were able to include some changes before the final print stage.
3) What were some of the surprises?
From left: Russell Bly, Michael Bly & Aaron Bly
Russell: Finding out how much of a ‘team’ that my parents were while writing.
Michael: It was great to see Mom in action! I’ve never seen her take charge of a writing project first hand or had the chance to witness her process. Maybe not a surprise that she could do it, but happy to see her go about it with such skill and determination.
Aaron: Given the circumstances and the time constraints, I think we did a pretty good job. I’m especially proud of some of the plot elements that presented themselves as the story unfolded.
Janet: I’m still astounded we actually got it done, that we’re able to do this author interview. All three sons stayed engaged with the project though they all had different areas of input. Also, am grateful I didn’t obsess over or get overwhelmed by the impossibilities of the task or the inevitable judgments on the quality of the finished project by our peer group. I only knew without a doubt that this was our appointed task … to finish my husband’s last novel and the finale of this western book series.
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YouTube video book trailer for western book series Book #7, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot BRANNON VIDEO TRAILER
Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot was a finalist for SELAH award in Historical Fiction, at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference
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Author Interview bios:
Christy Award finalist and winner Stephen Bly (1944-2011) authored 120 fiction and nonfiction books, 19 of them co-authored with wife Janet, including Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot of the Stuart Brannon western book series.
Janet Chester Bly has authored and co-authored with Stephen Bly thirty nonfiction and fiction books, including Awakening Your Sense of Wonder, Hope Lives Here, The Heart of a Runaway, The Hidden West Series and The Carson City Chronicles. She lives at 4,000 ft. elev. in Winchester, Idaho. Find out more at https://www.blybooks.com/ or http://www.blybooks.blogspot.com/
Russell Bly is married to Lois, father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross), and grandfather of 1-year-old Alayah. He is manager of Deranleau’s department store in Moscow, Idaho.
Michael Bly is married to Michelle and is Director of Business Operations for Inland Cellular in Lewiston, Idaho.
Aaron Bly is married to Rina, father of Keaton and Deckard. He’s Manufacturing Supervisor for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Lewiston, Idaho.
Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot by Stephen Bly with Janet Chester Bly, Russell Bly, Michael Bly & Aaron Bly, Book #7 of the Stuart Brannon western book series, is available in hardback/large print, paperback and e-book editions and can be ordered through your favorite local or online bookstore or through the Bly Books bookstore: https://blybooks.com/
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Find the story of the Bly family completing Stephen Bly’s last novel here FAMILY PROJECT
Character Interview with Western Hero, Stuart Brannon HERE STUART BRANNON INTERVIEW
Some tips on Writing the Western Novel on audio by Elmer Kelton CLICK HERE: WRITING THE WESTERN NOVEL
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The Bly House in Winchester, Idaho now serves as an AirB&B rental, owned by Winchester Lake Lodge. Find out more here THE BLY HOUSE
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your family! I’m going to have to pull Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot off my bookshelf and read it soon, now that I know the story behind it!