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This interview was originally posted on the blog Eliza Gales Interviews. Be sure to head over and check out not only my interview, but the countless others she has posted there as well! :)
H.C. Bentley is the author of the upcoming novel Her Last Love; here is a link to the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/HC-Bentley-941554982573874/
Q: What is, Her Last Love about?
A: Ultimately, it’s about two people finding their way back, in more ways than one. Lynn finds her way home, Carter finds his way back to the life he’s always wanted to have, and they both find their way back to each other. There are issues and struggles, as there are with any person or relationship, but it’s the paths the characters choose and the choices they make that make the journey interesting. The full synopsis is available on my website for anyone who’s interested.
Q: What makes Lynn worth reading about?
A: Having been in the military and on her own for so many years, Lynn is a woman who is used to being independent, and as such, a bit tough. But she suffers a very traumatic personal experience that has her questioning herself. She’s also vulnerable where her loved ones and emotions are concerned. Her evolution from soldier back to civilian, trying to regain her confidence while navigating the ins and outs of a relationship, makes her an interesting character.
Q: What do you think motivates Carter?
A: His kids are priority one for him. Without giving too much away, he knows that he is the only one who can make sure they’re safe, healthy and protected. But he also knows that in order to be at his best for them, he has to make himself happy as well. Which is where Lynn comes in.
Q: What experiences did you draw from when writing the book?
A: I’d say this book is 90% fiction, 10% personal experiences. I did travel extensively while I was stationed overseas, and I touch on that a bit in the book. I also do live in a small town, so I drew from that to – hopefully – give that feel to the story.
Q:Who are some of your writing influences and how can we see that in the book?
A: I am a HUGE fan of Nora Roberts. Several shelves on my personal bookcase are dedicated to her work. She has a way of drawing you in and making her characters seem like real people, someone you could know in your everyday life. I hope that is something that can be seen in my work, as well.
Q: What kind of a day job do you have and how does it help or hinder your creative work?
A: I work as a library cataloger. Basically, everything that comes into the library to be placed on the shelf for lending has to come through my office for labeling and entry into our system. But I do work with the patrons in helping find books, checking them out, etc., as well. I also have a part-time business doing photo restorations and photographing portraits. This, plus my kids, keeps me busy. It can make writing time hard to come by some days. However, with my job I get to people-watch and interact with different individuals, which gives me an endless supply of personalities to choose from when I’m building characters.
Q: What is the weirdest thing you have seen anyone do at the library?
A: Things at the library are, for the most part, pretty tame. We get our share of interesting people, sure, but nothing really weird has happened since I’ve been there. However, we do have some pretty comfy chairs for our patrons to curl up in while they read and sometimes they do nap. So I guess I’d have to say that’s probably oddest thing I’ve seen!
Q: What are you doing to promote your book?
A: Oh, wow, where to start! I’m pretty active on social media, on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I’ve been posting teasers and such there several times a week. I’ve got a giveaway going on my Goodreads page, and I’ve been contacting reviewers and bloggers to get my book out there. Also, I’ve got my book launch party planned as an author takeover event on my Facebook page on April 2nd, so the other authors that are taking part of that are promoting my book for me as well.
Q: What are some common misconceptions people have about the military?
A: I can only speak for me personally, but things about women in the military. There is still the attitude, for some, that the military isn’t a place for women. That they can’t do everything that a man can do, and so on. This may be true in regards to some women, but I served with some awesome female soldiers who could – and did – put the men to shame in different aspects of the job. I think it just depends on the individual woman and her determination to succeed. It definitely takes a certain mindset to be part of something, to succeed in something, that is primarily male dominated.
Q: If Lynn came to the library what is the first book you would recommend to her?
A: I think I’d have to start her out on the In Death series by JD Robb. The female lead in that book, Eve, would appeal to Lynn. Eve is a tough, no-nonsense, kick-butt-and-take-names kind of girl, but she also has a very vulnerable, maybe even soft, side to her. I’d like to think that Lynn could relate to her on some level.
Please note; Eliza’s interviews are done by email. All answers are unedited and come right from the lovely fingertips of her subjects.
Till next time,
H.C.