Interview with William G Bentrim author of The Christmas Knot

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: Welcome William to my blog. Why don't you introduce yourself to my readers and tell us a little bit about yourself.

WGB: William George Bentrim, I am retired. My careers were teacher, guidance counselor, convenience store owner and computer networking company founder and owner.  First and foremost I am a husband, father and grandfather. I have always loved to read and my wish list of things to do included authoring a book. I have just published my 6^th and have too many to count in the wings.  I am a cynical Pollyanna who is delighted with his life and family.

DLC: That's a lot of experience and a nice amount of books too. Tell us about your latest story.

WGB: The Christmas Knot is my latest book. My target market is elementary or younger children. It features a 6 year old Hardy Belch who is the protagonist of my chapter books. Hardy, Tiny and Mardi attempt to help put up the Christmas lights and end up creating a minor disaster. Tiny is Hardy’s puppy and Mardi is his cousin. My goal is to show parental forbearance and that good intentions will win out in the end.

DLC: That's too cool. I've created a few minor disasters in my day putting up lights. lol So what inspired you become a writer?

WGB: My inspiration for writing came from my love of reading.  My father is responsible for my love of reading.

DLC: That's great to have been influence so positively from your father. Often we need an encouraging word to motivate or keep us going. What words of wisdom would you give to an upcoming writer?

WGB: Perseverance is the most important aspect of writing. Persevere in finishing the work and more difficult, persevere is marketing the work.

DLC: That is so very true. Never give up. Great advice. Where do you draw your creativity from?

WGB: The world around me motivates my creativity. Most of my work deals with social issues. An upcoming book was spurred by a 5^th grade girl’s dismay over being the shortest person in 5^th grade. Her self esteem was impugned and I wrote her a story about prevailing.  Now I am working to turn her story into one that hopefully will nurture self esteem in other kids who feel different. 

DLC: Do you find any particular part of the writing process more difficult than others?

WGB: The creative aspect of writing is easy; the difficult part is editing and getting illustrations in a timely manner.

DLC: Every author can sympathize with the editing part. Why did you choose to write children's stories?

WGB: My genre is eclectic. Children’s books would be the category. There are elements of fantasy and science fiction as well. Hardy Belch in later years discovers that his puppy Tiny, who grows to 240 pounds, is telepathic. I guess my most reoccurring theme is friendship and helping others.

DLC: Do you have any stories in the works?

WGB: I am currently editing Hardy Belch and Tiny return. The target market is tweens. It has an explanation of Tiny’s telepathy. There are stories about a Triceratops, a vanishing gold train and the infamous Bucks County Pennsylvania revolutionary era hooligans, The Doan Brothers Gang.

DLC: You're a busy man. I know there are many of my readers who have children and would like to check out your books. Where can they go?

WGB: My website www.bentrim.info has links to my blogs and information  about my books.

DLC: Great. William, I want to thank you so very much for taking the time to do this author interview with me. I'll be seeing you soon as we will talk again about your blog. =)


Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy