1) If you had to pick another format for your books to be shared what would it be -
musical, movie, public readings, serial release(a chapter at a time), graphic
novel?
I would choose movies. I love movies, all sorts of genres, except horror. Often
times while watching a well-done movie I pay close attention to how a scene is
set up, how characters communicate through body language, and how tension
builds through a scene. There is a lot to learn from a good movie. Plus settling
down in my comfiest clothes with a blanket and possibly a bowl of popcorn, then
allowing myself to be caught up in the story playing on the screen is always fun.
Still, I prefer novels, but occasionally a movie is better than “the book”.
2) What one author past or present would you like to mentor you?
John Steinbeck is at the top of my list. Many of his stories are dark and tend to look at
the underbelly of humanity, but I love the depth of his writing. It often feels melodic to
me, like a composition by Beethoven or Bach. It’s not unusual for me to read and reread
a portion of his work to get a better grasp of how he created the emotion and intensity of
a scene. He could take the simplest thing, like a fly, and use it to create tension. In my
mind, he was a writing genius.
3) What one book would you recommend that everyone read?
It is a book with the capacity to change lives.Oh, I love that book and its sequel Mountains of Spice. You are right this is an excellent book and for me to it has been several years since I've last read it.
4) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend?
Choosing only one favorite author is so difficult. There are many wonderful, creative and gifted writers. This is an agonizing decision.
If I must choose only one, it would have to be Lynn Austen. She creates entertaining
and heartfelt historical novels. Once I begin reading I cannot walk away from the book.
She always hooks me from the very beginning and the story is never a disappointment.
Ms. Austen packs a great deal of historical detail into her books and manages to do so
without intruding on the story. I always come away from one of her books not only
inspired but better educated.
5) What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer it?
“Is being a writer a gift or a curse?”
It is definitely a gift, but I cannot deny that sometimes it can feel like a curse.
I am thankful for the gift of writing, which was given to by God when I most needed
something in my life that required creativity, dedication and purpose. And I am forever
grateful for His mercy and provision.
Through the years, because of writing, I’ve met some of the most interesting people.
Writers and others in the industry are truly fascinating. They are thoughtful, sometimes
quirky, and always intelligent. Many have kindness at their core and some have become
dear friends. My readers have been a huge source of blessing to me and because of
the magic of social networking, I hear from them often. They write to tell me they are
praying for me. Or they want to share a part of their life with me. Sometimes, something
I’ve written has touched their life in a special way and they just want me to know.
Hearing from them is always an encouragement.
There is a special beauty in being a writer. Crafting a novel is hard work and requires
hundreds of hours. Even so, creating characters and their story fulfills something deep
in my spirit that is more satisfying than most everything else in my life. I think it must be
very much like the work of an artist who creates a painting or a sculpture or a piece of
music. Crafting what we hope is a thing of beauty is our joy.
Well, thank you, Bonnie, for taking the time today to visit and share with us.
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More about Bonnie Leon:Bonnie Leon is the author of twenty-two novels, including the recently released One
Hundred Valleys, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, Poland, and even Africa. She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and mentoring up and coming authors.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
Unveiling Truth Through Fiction
Now Available for purchase: One Hundred Valleys
After the death of her mother, Emmalin Hammond discovers she is not the heiress she’d always assumed she’d be. The revelation exposes her fiancé’s true intentions when he withdraws his marriage proposal, leaving Emmalin heartbroken and humiliated. When she discovers the father she believed to be dead is still alive and living in the Oregon Territory she decides it is time to meet the man who has been hidden from her all of her life.
Accompanied by her Uncle Jonathon, she sets out for the Oregon Territory in search of answers and hoping for a renewed relationship with her father. When tragedy strikes, she confronts the terrifying challenge of completing her quest alone. Faced with few options, she entrusts her life to a mountain man named Jacob Landon who agrees to transport her to a small settlement in Southern Oregon called Deer Creek, a place also known as the Land of One Hundred Valleys.
Emmalin is not prepared for the hardships of life in the Oregon wilderness. Each day presents a new challenge. Newfound friends, including the reserved Jacob Landon, who unexpectedly stirs her heart, come alongside to help her adapt. Yet she feels out of place. Should she brave the arduous journey back to Philadelphia for the life she once knew or remain and hope for something better in the Oregon wilderness?
Other titles by Bonnie Leon:
The Journey of Eleven Moons
Return to the Misty Shore
In the Land of White Nights, book two in the Northern Lights series.
To Dance With Dolphins
