Monday, May 5, 2014

Interview with Historical Fiction Author Bill Christy

Bill Christy, a native Kansan, was raised on a farm and educated in Kansas. He became a Certified Public Accountant and retired as a financial administrator in higher education. Bill has 8 grown children and lives with his wife in a small college town in central New Mexico. He has published two family chronology books about his mother’s family and published one book prior to this: TOMMY DE BURGH/A SOLDIER’S LEGACY.

Welcome back to my blog. It’s so nice to see that you’ve written another book. Even though this novel is considered historical fiction, it is about your great grandfather from Ireland. The events are historic but written in story form in first person. Please tell us about The Dynasty of Laurence Burke: Legacy of an Irish Immigrant.

In my prior research I had all the material needed to follow the time line of Laurence’s life but that did not tell his story. I decided to let him tell his own story by connecting all the known events of his life. He had left Ireland just ahead of being arrested by the English for violation of the Penal Codes and started with nothing in America. He made his fortune in Kansas starting with a homestead and helped many people along the way. A fine example of what hard work and honesty can accomplish. He is the hero of my family. The stories are his even though I put the words in his mouth.

That’s wonderful. Since this story is so personal, I bet you felt real close to your ancestor. What inspired you to write this novel?

Yes, it is personal even though he died when I was about two years old. My great-grandmother survived him and brought him to life for me. I have been inspired to write about his life for years but could not find a way to put it into a story. Historic is dull and hard to capture in a story. I wanted to honor the truth but in researching history you find out that there are many different versions of truth so I followed the documents and filled in the dots to retell the family tales about him.

As you know, I teach people how to write their family’s stories at libraries. It’s so important for our children to know who their ancestors are. What kind of research did you do for this book?

I was able to find many recorded documents from County and Community records. I carefully followed a time line of his life and gathered publications of the period and gathered tons of information from extended family in America and in Ireland. I also made two trips to Ireland and England. I have about ten years of research in the books and have written and enjoyed every minute of it.

You love to write historical novels concerning your ancestors. This is the second one you’ve written. What intrigues you most about writing these stories?

I enjoy writing about things I have learned about and that inspired me.

Thank you, Bill, for this wonderful interview. I love the cover of your book. I know this will be an enjoyable read for those who like historical novels.

11 comments:

Amy C said...

Wow what a great interview with Bill Christy. He's a new author to me and he sounds great.
campbellamyd at gmail dot com

My Hyer Space said...

I love to read historical novels. Great interview. Would love to read this boojk. agent3547 at aol dot com

Shirley said...

I love historical novels based on real people. This sounds like a real winner. Thanks for the interesting interview and introduction to an author that I didn't know about.
straitfromthehive(at)gmail(dot)com

clenna said...

Ireland is my favorite country and I love to read about the struggles that many of the Irish endured. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance.

clenna at aol dot com

michelle k said...

Very interesting, I love historical novels and am also interested in geneology.

Sarah Perry said...

It's great that you have decided to honour the hero of your family. I like books that have a lot of truth to them, and have always been fascinated with Ireland in general so this sounds like the perfect mixture. Thanks for your interview!

oddball2003 at hotmail.com

LAWonder said...

I do love historical fiction books especially those from actual facts. This sounds like an awesome story.
I appreciate the opportunity to enter this drawing & having the chance to win it and add it to my book/review shelf.
Thank you.

Missy said...

This sounds like a great story to be told and a great book to read. I love historical fiction. midnightsun_55(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Linda: I have received some wonderful reviews from readers of THE DYNASTY OF LAURENCE BURKE. My thanks to you for your teaching classes and to Red Mountain Shadows for the editing and book covers. My thanks to you for making it all possible. Bill Christy, author

clenna said...

Thanks - I just found out I won this book. I am very excited. I love the history of Ireland and love talking to the people with their beautiful accent. Thank you again.

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations, Clenna. I know you'll enjoy this book. Bill's a great author and enjoys writing about his family's history.