Hello Bookworms!!
Today’s post is going to be lots of fun! It has been a
while since I have had an author interview, but today I have one for you! A
couple of weeks ago, I reviewed Flowers
Darkly by author Gina J. Bentley. Today, Gina is going to give you some
insight into her world and the world of Flowers Darkly. Enjoy!
1. Let’s start with a fun
question, how amazing does it feel to have released your first novel?
It
feels wonderful! I began writing Flowers
Darkly almost three years ago. At first, I didn't tell anyone I was writing
a novel because I knew it'd be a long process. It ended up taking even longer
than I'd anticipated. I eventually had to let go of a timeline, and be content
with whenever I finished it. I wanted it done right! It's awesome now because
readers tell me how characters, plot elements, or lines impacted them. I lived
alone with these things for years, so to be able to finally share them in the
book is truly an amazing privilege.
2. Where did you find the inspiration for Flowers Darkly?
I
found inspiration for the novel in many places: British television, classic
literature, dreams, music, and even sermons. Someone said "good artists
borrow; great artists steal." I definitely stole some inspiration! As an
example, I based aspects of Nicholas Graham on Robert Hardy's portrayal of
Siegfried Farnon in the BBC series, All
Creatures Great and Small. I studied Hardy's facial expressions as to get
the subtleties right in my descriptions of Nicholas. Since the novel took three
years to write, I had time to pool lots of ideas and incorporate them into the
story.
3. Who was your favorite character to write?
My
absolute favorite character to write was Nicholas Graham. He has a presence
that transcends the page, causing me to think I may find him in line at the grocery
store or sitting next to me on a flight. It's difficult for me to believe I
created him: he always gently told me what he would say and do. Of all the
characters, I've probably gotten the most feedback from readers on Nicholas.
One reader described him as "perfect," and I couldn't agree more. I
think as he impacts the characters in the story, he impacts us as well.
4. Given the opportunity, would you move to a new
country like Miri? If so, where?
It's
funny you should ask this question because I allowed Miri to experience my own
dream of moving to England. I've been in love my entire adult life with England
and British culture, primarily through its television and literature. Like
Miri, I worked for a division of a British company, where I met Brits whose
friendliness, character, and manner only increased my admiration for their
culture. I got to travel with Miri to England in Flowers Darkly, and I hope my readers do as well.
5. Are there plans for more novels from Author Gina J.
Bentley in the future?
Yes! Another novel is brewing in my heart and begging to be
written. This one will likely stay state-side, but I expect it to have just as
much romance, humor, and biblical truth as Flowers
Darkly.
I would like to
thank Gina J. Bentley for giving See Lizzie Read this interview!!
For more
information about Gina J. Bentley’s works, both present and future, visit her
website!
To purchase your
copy of Flowers Darkly click here!!
Until next time,
Lizzie <3
