Talkshow Thursday: Meet Barbara Britton

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Barbara Britton

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Your Tribes of Israel series sounds intriguing. You fictionalize little-known Bible stories. Where did you get the inspiration for the characters, and how do you weave them into true stories?

Barbara: I’m happy to be here, Linda. Thank you. It’s a joy to talk about ordinary people in the Bible who did extraordinary things. I found my first heroine—Hannah—after I read about the brave servant girl in II Kings 5. Naomi is caught in the chaos of Judges 19-21. I had no idea this crazy story finished the book of Judges. I found my third heroine in the names of all the builders who helped Nehemiah restore the wall around Jerusalem. I enjoy discovering new events and people in the Bible and making them into novels, so others can learn about their stories.

LM: You write for children and adults. What do you do differently in your writing to appeal to these very different audiences?

Barbara: Fortunately, I write in Biblical Fiction, under the Christian Fiction umbrella, which sets high standards for readers. Language is kept fairly clean in Christian Fiction and we don’t place “behind the tent flap” scenes on the page. Weaving a faith thread into the story reminds us how awesome our God is, and it shows us how God is there for us in difficult situations. I write fast-paced stories which appeal to both adults and teens.

LM: What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example, do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

Barbara: If only you could see my messy writing desk. When I sit at my desk, I’m working on some part of my writing. I love to listen to music, but not when I’m drafting a scene. I do have songs that inspire each of my stories. When I hear the music, I’m right into my story world (I guess that’s not good if I’m driving).

LM: Writing about ancient cultures and locations outside the U.S. must involve a lot of research. Do you have an unusual or favorite research story to share?

Barbara: “Building Benjamin” takes place in parts of modern day Syria. I had to research the border of Israel and Syria during a time of conflict. I was sure Homeland Security was going to show up at my door.

LM: LOL! You have lived in two beautiful areas of the country, but if money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Barbara: I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a chicken right now to travel outside the US and Canada. I would love to return to Hawaii, or visit Israel. Walking where Jesus ministered would be surreal.

LM: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Barbara: Since I just outed myself as a chicken, and a non-adventure seeker (except in my stories), I don’t have many quirky memories. I love to dance though, and I will dance pretty much anywhere there’s a dance floor and 80’s music.

LM: Good for you! What is your next project?

Barbara: “Jerusalem Rising: Adah’s Journey” will release in e-book on November 10^th and in print on December 1^st. Pre-orders are up now. I follow a daughter of Shallum who helped Nehemiah restore the wall around Jerusalem. There’s action, adventure and a boy-next-door romance. I tackle Nehemiah 1-8 in my third Tribes of Israel story.

LM: Both of these sound fascinating. I can't wait to read them. Where can folks find you on the web?

Barbara:

Website: http://www.barbarambritton.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Barbara-M-Britton-173432342754243/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BarbaraMBritton

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14983213.Barbara_M_Britton

Pre-order Jerusalem Rising here.

Author Bio: Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb brings little-known Bible characters to light in her Tribes of Israel series.

Building Benjamin: Love Grows Where God Grafts the Tender Shoot.

Naomi desires to dance well enough to catch the eye of a wealthy landowner. Her father needs a substantial bride price due to the deaths of her brothers at the hands of the tribe of Benjamin. But when Benjamites raid the Ephraimite feast and capture young girls, Naomi is bound and carried from her home by Eliab, a troubled shepherd who needs a wife.

As Naomi awaits rescue, she finds Eliab has a strong faith in God and a just reason for abducting her. A reason that affects all the tribes of Israel. The future of the tribe of Benjamin hangs in the balance, but if Naomi follows her heart and stays with Eliab to rebuild his lineage, she must forfeit her family and become a traitor to her tribe.