Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Barbara M. Britton

I interviewed Barbara M. Britton, and discovered some interesting things. Her book, Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey is a work of Biblical fiction and was released on April 1st. Barbara, please tell my readers a little bit about your book.
Barbara-  Naomi’s story was inspired by the last three chapters of the Book of Judges where the tribe of Benjamin is almost wiped out by the other tribes of Israel. The remaining Benjamite men have to abduct wives for the tribe to continue. I wondered what it would be like to be one of the girls kidnapped.  
Nancy- Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you write in?
Barbara- I write in the genre of Biblical fiction. I like to take little known Bible characters, or events, and bring them to light. I had no idea of the abduction story in Judges until I was hunting for my next story to write. I was shocked that I had never read this account before in the Bible. I have written in other genres (YA, Historical), but those stories don’t have book contracts, yet!  
Nancy-  Do you have any rejection stories to share?
Barbara- Oh boy, do I! I had been writing for eight years before I received my first book contract. I sold the fourth book I had written which was the first book in my Tribes of Israel series—Providence: Hannah’s Journey. I amassed over two hundred rejections between those four books, and I even had rejections on Providence. I tell inspiring authors to keep writing even if your book doesn’t sell. By the time I sold Providence, I had almost finished Building Benjamin. I am so glad I had another book to offer my publisher, or my life would be even busier than it already is.
Nancy-  Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?
Barbara- I enjoy meeting readers and talking about books. Since I write in the genre of Biblical fiction, I can also talk about my faith and my relationship with God.  I hope my novels inspire people to read the original story in the Bible.
Nancy-  Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?
Barbara- Definitely! When my first book was released, I had been on my writing journey for nine years. My mantra was the same as Dory’s in Finding Nemo, “Just keep swimming.”  I would heartily recommend joining and getting involved in professional writing organizations. It helps to have friends who understand the business of publishing and can encourage you along the way. There is a lot to learn about the craft of writing and the business side of publishing a book, so I attended writing conferences for knowledge and networking opportunities. I also didn’t follow the traditional path to publication. My story was noticed through the mentoring program Pitch Wars (#PitchWars, check it out), and I don’t have an agent (though, not from lack of trying). I love writing Biblical fiction, so I guess I was really stubborn that my characters would have their day in the universe.
Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.1) I raised a guide dog for the blind through a 4-H program in California.2) I was afraid of cats until we adopted a stray.3) I got over a fear of crickets when my son bought a gecko and it was still alive when he left for college. I inherited the duty of feeding the lizard live crickets. 
Nancy- What’s next for you?
Barbara- After Naomi gets her day, I will be promoting my third book, Jerusalem Rising: Adah’s Journey. Currently, I am writing another book set in the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures.
BOOK BLURB   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.
You can read the first chapter of Building Benjamin here: Excerpt Link  How can my readers buy your book? Readers can go to the publisher’s home page at Pelican Book Group. comCheck out my Book Trailer.Buy Links…. Amazon, BN, Target   ,MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Barbara M. Britton was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, but currently lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb kicked off her Tribes of Israel series in October with the release of “Providence: Hannah’s Journey.” Naomi’s journey, “Building Benjamin” is out now. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. You can find more information about Barbara M. Britton here:
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