I’d like to welcome a fellow IWU writer, Mary Findley, talking about her book, Benny and the Bank Robber 2: Doctor Dad. Welcome Mary!
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Can you tell us a little bit about your book?
Benny and the Bank Robber 2: Doctor Dad is a Children’s/YA Historical adventure, second in a series. Benny made it safely to his aunt and uncle’s house in frontierMissouriin the first book. He even outwitted a bully, found a legacy of his late father, and saw his best friend released from prison. In this second book, Benny thought it would be easy for his mother to remarry, but complications keep arising. Boarding school seemed like an excitng challenge, but a deadly secret society makes Benny wonder who he can trust. It includes a Christmas ending about the cost of trying to convince family and friends that Jesus came to Earth with nothing to be the Prince of Peace.
What about this story made you have to write it?
Benny and his historical, American-based adventures have been part of me since our oldest son was young. I wanted these stories to give boys and girls (and older readers, as Benny grows up through the books) adventures they could grow up with through the series.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned during the creation of this book?
I didn’t know a lot aboutAmericain the 1800?s, the time period in which the book is set. Especially I was surprised how difficult it was to travel just fromPennsylvaniatoMissouri, as I describe in the book. Later readers will learn other facts about travel as Benny moves along theOregon Trailwith his family.
What was the hardest part to write?
There iare some scary moments for Benny in the books, traveling with an escaping bank Robber and being singled out by the secret society that blackmails and even kills uncooperative students. I worried about scaring off my readers, but it’s important for young people to know how to face dangers with God’s help.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I make soft sculpture handcrafts and puppets, collect swords and knives, and read a lot on my Kindle Fire, an early Christmas present from my wonderful husband. We travel together as he drives tractor trailer and I help him with finding loads and trip paperwork while writing, editing, making covers and maintaining our blog.
Can you share a little of what you are working on now?
I have a Steampunk-themed Mystery Graphic Novel in the works based on favorite literary characters united to fight crime. I also have an allegory about persecution and spreading the Word of God, and more Benny adventures, of course!
What advice would you give a new writer?
Write it well, make it clean (free from all possible errors) and learn to create and market your own e-books. Get it “good” and get it out there!
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