Shirley Bahlmann Biz: Interview for "Heroes of Faith"

Friday, August 23, 2013

Interview for "Heroes of Faith"

What is a hero? (No, I'm not talking about the sandwich.)

Synopsis

Our fast-paced society loves adventure and it loves a hero—but what about Latter-day Saint heroes? Are there any? There are plenty!

Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Faith and Courage, is a collection of twenty-four riveting stories about people who rose above difficulties and impossible odds to emerge triumphant. You’ll read about stalwart men and women who stood firm and valiant in the gospel in spite of dangerous mobs, flying bullets, physical handicaps, extreme hardships, and dictatorial regimes.

It's fascinating to read about the exploits of real heroes and when that hero is acting in accordance with the principles of the gospel, the adventure is not only thrilling, but inspiring as well. In these days of increasing trials and tribulation, we can all use some worthy role models, especially those that strengthen our faith and increase our testimonies.

Author Interview

Shirley: When I read a description of your new book, “Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Courage and Strength,” I had to wonder if you’ve ever been bullied, or known anyone who has.

Marlene: Fortunately, I was never bullied. And except for one time at camp, I hadn’t known anyone who was bullied. I’m amazed at how the people in Heroes of Faith were bullied and persecuted, yet did not respond in kind. The section on missionary heroes was especially interesting—I can’t believe how their lives were threatened so many times and yet they did not back down from sharing the gospel. I love the other sections as well—it’s so inspiring to read about these amazing people who had such incredible spiritual and moral strength that enabled them to stand up for what they believed in despite heavy persecution. And the section on disabled heroes is awesome—to see how blind, deaf or physically disabled people were able to accomplish so much makes me want to try harder to do better.

Shirley: I got teased in junior high school for being so tall. If I could grab hold of the guy who was teasing me, I’d swing him into the lockers. I don’t suppose that’s the way the people in your stories handled their tormentors.

Marlene: Ha ha! People sometimes teased me for being short, but I wasn’t able to fling them into lockers. Perhaps this is why it’s so good to have role models—so we can see the way we should act, but don’t always!

Shirley: Where did you find your stories? How did you decide which ones to use?

Marlene: I did a lot of research at numerous libraries. I started at Utah State University. Their Institute also has a great library. (I went to BYU, which has a lot of great collections). Finally, I did a lot of research at the Church History Library in Salt Lake City. Their archives have a lot of tremendous records. I went through old newspapers and magazines, such as the Times and Seasons, the Elder’s Journal, The Contributor, and the Young Women’s Journal, as well as going through personal journals and records. As for deciding which stories to use, if the experiences made my jaw drop and gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling, I picked it. There were so many stories, though, that I put them into two books. One book has already been published, it’s called; Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines. You can get it on Amazon, or order it through Seagull Book.

Shirley: What’s your own personal description of a hero?

Marlene: I think a hero is someone who stands up for their belief knowing it’s gonna cost them—big time. You’re a hero if you do what needs to be done, forgetting about what consequences you’re going to face afterward. You’re a hero if, despite the risks and danger, you go ahead and act true to your beliefs. A hero is someone whose has strong convictions and act anyway in a way that shows their beliefs because they know deep inside that the end result is worth any and all discomfort, pain, and trials they have to go through.

Shirley: Perhaps I ought to change my ways and quit grabbing door-to-door salesmen and flinging them into lockers. Where can I get a copy of this book so I can mend my ways?

Marlene: I would definitely advise you to read this book and repent, although the word on the street is to avoid your house. That’s why you see salesmen glance fearfully at your door and slink on past. You can get Heroes of Faith at Seagull Book and other LDS bookstores. Online, you can get Heroes at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Faith-Stories-Courage-Strength/dp/1462111289/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375911655&sr=1-1&keywords=heroes+of+faith+by+marlene+bateman+sullivan

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heroes-of-faith-marlene-bateman-sullivan/1114333313?ean=9781462111282