Burning Sky by Lori Benton Author interview and book GIVEAWAY

Today I’m interviewing Lori Benton author of Burning Sky. Here is my review of this wonderful book .

TRINITY ROSE Tell us about the featured book.

LORI Burning Sky is a novel about war, though no battles are depicted in its pages. But the Revolutionary War trails its aftermath of loss through the lives of those who survived it. This is a story about such loss—loss of loved ones, of home, of ability, and identity. It’s also a story of healing, of mending brokenness. It’s the story of wounded people learning to trust a loving God, to understand His nature in the midst of tragedy and pain. It’s a story of faith, hope, and love, spanning generations, races, and cultures, set amidst the war-ravaged New York frontier of 1784.

In the pages of Burning Sky you’ll meet Willa Obenchain, captured by Mohawk Indians twelve years previously and renamed Burning Sky. Stripped of both identities, yet haunted by each, she’s come home to Shiloh, New York to find the land and people she once knew irrevocably altered and largely unwelcoming. Willa wants to be left alone to mourn her losses, but God has other plans—plans for healing, for restoration. And He’s placed Scottish botanist Neil MacGregor in her path to begin the process.

TRINITY ROSE Has being published changed your life?

LORI I’ll say! The work load is heavier. Finding time to write is harder. Gone are the days when I wrote a book without distractions like editing the book I already wrote and promoting the one I wrote before that. It’s a juggling act, but one I’m determined to master and, God willing, I'll be given more opportunities to practice!

Another huge change is the readers. It’s been a delight and a blessing to watch readers react to my characters and story for the first time in the twenty+ years I’ve been writing novels. It’s both gratifying and creates in me a sense of intense vulnerability. It's still a little surreal, but in a good way.

TRINITY ROSE What do you find harder to do, come up with a character, get the scenery, or the plot?

LORI Setting detail isn’t hard if I’ve done my research. Making sure there isn’t too much, and that what is there is from a character’s close point of view, not my own (in other words, the description is something that particular character would notice at that particular moment), is the hardest thing about description.

Plot and character are more intertwined in my writing process. Plot often comes about because of character. Conversely, sometimes I create a (minor) character to serve a certain plot need. And plot is often dependent on historical fact. I can’t change history, so I weave my stories through it. Character is also largely influenced by the social mores and intellectual beliefs of the time period. I try not to create characters who are 21st century people in 18th century costume. All of it requires months of research, careful thought, and outlining before the writing even begins. At least that’s the way it works for me!

TRINITY ROSE Which do you enjoy more e books or print books?

LORI I have yet to purchase an ereader. I have a Kindle for PC program, but I don’t enjoy reading from a screen, especially since that’s what I do all day already. I want to turn off the computer and sink into a cushion somewhere with real pages in my hand, when I do find the time to enjoy a novel. As far as research goes, I highlight, make notations, and sticky-note my books to death, so I can find information fast when I need it. If all that was contained on some electronic device, I’d likely forget it was even there, much less be able to access it again quickly. Besides, overflowing bookshelves is one of the happiest sights I know.

TRINITY ROSE Thanks for taking the time answer questions for us and for donating a book.

LORI Thanks for having me on your website! I look forward to signing the book to the winner.



GIVEAWAY BURNING SKY
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ENTRY DEADLINE   OCTOBER 19, 2013