I’m happy to welcome back author Bentley Turner. Today, Bentley shares details about his writing journey and his new release, The Agency
Here’s Bentley!
What was your inspiration for this book?
“The Agency” is a historical and suspenseful thriller featuring Mason Cunningham, a well-educated former agent and now director of a small department at the CIA. Cunningham and his staff investigate sightings of UFOs. Later, however, Cunningham learns from one of his staff members that a retired agent who reportedly passed away has been seen. Cunningham investigates and uncovers information that can put his department and the CIA in jeopardy.
I was inspired by my interest in the government’s investigation of UFOs and whether I could write a historical thriller about a well-educated agent turned director.
What’s the best part of being an author?
The best part is reading what readers think about what you write.
The worst?
Once in a while a writer may have to cut or change a character or cut or change a scene. Such consumes time. I know this from experience. Although I have not written that many novels, I remember my first. I changed more than one character and changed the plot several times over a long period. In fact, the final version that was published took several years to write and edit.
Describe your writing space.
I have a large office with several desks and bookshelves. Although I have a few reference books, I do most of my research using my computer.
Which authors have inspired you?
When I was much younger, I read novels by Erle Stanley Gardner, John D. MacDonald, Erskine Caldwell, John O’Hara, Ernest Hemingway, Jame M. Cain, and a number of others. Later, I read novels written by Harold Robbins and Sidney Sheldon, among others. I prefer the earlier novels and writers. However, I do read novels by Linwood Barclay, Stuart Woods, and others from time to time. Overall, I would say the earlier writers have inspired me the most.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite is from the “Holy Bible.” I do not have one from another source.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To heal people.
Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies include walking and hiking in state and national parks–that is, until Covid hit.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
An aspiring writer must write or edit something almost every day–that is, if s/he is serious about becoming a writer. I try to do this regularly. Sometimes I’m satisfied with what I write, sometimes I’m not. Consequently, a writer must enjoy editing what s/he writes, too.
What are you working on next?
I just sent another mystery to the publisher that publishes my mysteries and thrillers. A different publisher has a nonfiction manuscript. I expect to receive reviews from this publisher in January or so.
Blurb
This historical suspenseful thriller features Mason Cunningham, a well-educated former Navy pilot turned CIA agent who becomes the director of the department that investigates UFOs. His job is not only to determine sighting locations but also determine the health of those who reported the sightings and experienced exposure to bright lights. When Cunningham learns that a recently retired agent, who reportedly died, has been seen by one of his staff members, his job comes to a crashing halt and an investigation begins. What he discovers just might put his department – and the CIA – in jeopardy.
Purchase Links
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