Ask the Author: June Bryan Belfie
Answered Questions (7)
June Bryan Belfie
My favorite couple is Rhett Butler and Scarlet O'Hara. "Gone With the Wind" was the first long novel I ever read. (Probably around age 15) and I was fascinated with their strange relationship.
In my own books, I like Antony and Julia from my Julia series. Antony reminds me of my own dear husband - Italian, exciting, and of course, handsome!
In my own books, I like Antony and Julia from my Julia series. Antony reminds me of my own dear husband - Italian, exciting, and of course, handsome!
June Bryan Belfie
I've just published the fifth book (and last) of a series called, "The Zook Family Revisited." It followed "The Zook Sisters of Lancaster County." I wasn't planning on a second series, but the first was so popular and people wanted to know what happened to the sisters, that I began the second series. Fun to write.
The final book, "An Amish Cradle" was a continuation of the previous books, so I didn't have to do any brand - new thinking. It has a prologue so that the ends could be tied up and not leave my readers frustrated.
The final book, "An Amish Cradle" was a continuation of the previous books, so I didn't have to do any brand - new thinking. It has a prologue so that the ends could be tied up and not leave my readers frustrated.
June Bryan Belfie
That's tough to answer. I do write in spurts. I wrote one book (first draft) in three weeks, but that's unusual. It usually takes a couple months. The book is called "All About Grace" and my husband has read it three times! It a romance Christian novel about a girl who finds herself with an unwanted pregnancy.
Inspiration. Hmmm. Well, I pray about it sometimes. I also look at old magazines for ideas. A good cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate help, and I must have quiet. I hole myself away sometimes -- no phone, no music, nothing. Then when my characters take over as I'm writing, I know I'm inspired. Yes, they can take a sudden turn and wow! The book takes on a whole new idea! Love it!
Inspiration. Hmmm. Well, I pray about it sometimes. I also look at old magazines for ideas. A good cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate help, and I must have quiet. I hole myself away sometimes -- no phone, no music, nothing. Then when my characters take over as I'm writing, I know I'm inspired. Yes, they can take a sudden turn and wow! The book takes on a whole new idea! Love it!
June Bryan Belfie
Years ago, I wrote a short story called "Julia" which turned into a novel, which turned into three! I loved the story line and characters. It took place in Rome, Italy, Long Island, NY, France, India, Philadelphia. Yup, my gal traveled. And she loved.
But her mother...golly, I'm not going to spoil it!
I have completed the three books and I'm working on the cover production now. Hopefully, all three will be out before spring. I'll keep readers posted on my website, (JuneBelfie.com) or here on Goodreads.
I'll go back to Amish stories after they are out. I already have a plot developing in my head.
But her mother...golly, I'm not going to spoil it!
I have completed the three books and I'm working on the cover production now. Hopefully, all three will be out before spring. I'll keep readers posted on my website, (JuneBelfie.com) or here on Goodreads.
I'll go back to Amish stories after they are out. I already have a plot developing in my head.
June Bryan Belfie
Don't be in a rush to send out your manuscript as soon as you type "the end."
Let it rest a while and then read it again. And again. Have someone else, who will be honest with you, read it and discuss it. Join writing groups, go to conferences, read about the art of writing, and most important -- read quality books. Don't be afraid you'll copy someone else's style. Your own voice will come through as you write more.
When you do begin submitting your work, start a new book or short story, or whatever it is you write. Don't get discouraged. Even if no one ever sees your work, it's a joy to write your thoughts and feelings. I believe it helps you understand who you are. Isn't that important?
If writing isn't a positive experience, take up rafting or knitting. Life is way too short to spend trying to be something you're not. Maybe God has something better in store for you. There are many gifts. Writing is only one of them.
Let it rest a while and then read it again. And again. Have someone else, who will be honest with you, read it and discuss it. Join writing groups, go to conferences, read about the art of writing, and most important -- read quality books. Don't be afraid you'll copy someone else's style. Your own voice will come through as you write more.
When you do begin submitting your work, start a new book or short story, or whatever it is you write. Don't get discouraged. Even if no one ever sees your work, it's a joy to write your thoughts and feelings. I believe it helps you understand who you are. Isn't that important?
If writing isn't a positive experience, take up rafting or knitting. Life is way too short to spend trying to be something you're not. Maybe God has something better in store for you. There are many gifts. Writing is only one of them.
June Bryan Belfie
For me, it gives me the freedom to do other things. I bore easily, and need to vary my activities. I've been an innkeeper, artist, active mommy who enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, sewing -- you name it. Loved the years when my children were young and at home. I also am an antique dealer and have done ebay and etsy. Oh, did I mention I love travel?
I also love writing about people who experience spirituality in their lives. Being a Christian is basic to my belief system and it's a privilege to share thoughts and Christian values with my readers in a non-threatening way.
I also love writing about people who experience spirituality in their lives. Being a Christian is basic to my belief system and it's a privilege to share thoughts and Christian values with my readers in a non-threatening way.
June Bryan Belfie
I rarely have writer's block. I have several books hopping around my brain at all times. One will usually come to the foreground of my mind, and then I'll concentrate on developing the story line.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more