Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Bley
Bonnie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Wyoming, and spent my formative years in the border reservation town of Hardin, MT, situated in the southeastern corner of Montana. My love for writing began at an early age and it was my 9th grade English Literature Composition teacher, Mr. Edwin Auker, who instilled my passion in writing with a focus on non-fictional work. My educational journey took me to Aberdeen, SD, and Bloomington, MN, where I honed my skills and knowledge. I earned my Associate of Science Degree in Medical Technology. I also took courses from The Institute of Children’s Literature, to refresh my writing skills.
In the late 1980s, I made Minnesota my home, and to this day, it remains the backdrop to my life. I have worked as a nanny, a medical laboratory technician, and in the transportation recruiting industry. Although Minnesota has become my primary residence, I remain deeply connected to my roots in Montana and Wyoming, considering them the bedrock of my identity. It is within this intricate tapestry of my experiences that I have woven the compelling narrative of “Stolen Voices: Missing and Murdered in Big Horn County.” This poignant work sheds light on the stories of Indigenous People who have tragically gone missing or been murdered in the very county where I spent my upbringing, offering a heartfelt exploration of a community’s struggles and losses.
I have won literary awards from The BookFest, Literary Global, Person of the Year, Regal Summit, Story Trade, and American Writing Awards for my work on Stolen Voices: Missing and Murdered in Big Horn County. I have also gained the endorsement of two MMIP Advocates for my work on this title. I was a presenter for Best Buy during Native American Heritage Month in November, 2024.
When I am not writing or marketing, I enjoy spending my time by playing the piano, chasing and viewing the Northern Lights, hiking, travelling, attending live concerts, and spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy my volunteer work being a youth mentor for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Minnesota, doing enrichment activities at The Wildcat Sanctuary with rescued wild cats and also providing support to the caretakers by washing all the dishes that are used to feed the entire sanctuary. I also enjoy volunteering for Feed My Starving Children by packing meals for children around the globe struck by famine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The most challenging aspect about writing Stolen Voices was conducting the interviews of survivors, victims, advocates, and gathering data. It wasn’t a challenge to connect with everyone for interviews, but it was processing the heartache and pain of their trauma that I listened to them speak to me about and the realization of the dangers they were putting themselves in just by talking to me.
I edited my manuscript at least ten times. It definitely evolved through those edits. During the writing process for Stolen Voices I met people along the way that helped improve the book. I also utilized valuable feedback provided by seasoned experts in the literary field to be able to create the best version of a refined manuscript.
I usually go into a zone when I write. I will block time out of my schedule sometimes planned, but most of the time when the mood strikes. This can last a few hours or in some cases a few days. I will shut everything around me out, listen to music, and start typing. When writing, I write first and edit later, so I let whatever is in my mind spill out onto pages.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most known for my multi-award winning book Stolen Voices: Missing and Murdered in Big Horn County. It is a work of Non-Fiction, True Crime, Short Stories that high light the stories of victims of violence and the issues surrounding the community where I grew up. I am very proud of the work I have done on it and of the response from the community, readers, and award panels. Stolen Voices is a little different than other books as it tells the stories from the victims point of view. It differs from many other books as there are no happy endings in this book. It is raw, gritty, and compelling and it will stay with you long after you read it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m not a big believer in luck and coincidences. I do believe the actions and decisions I make play a large role in what happens in life. I do still follow some superstitions for good luck just in case. I find myself praying to the angels and God for the ability to make the wisest decisions for me. but I honestly feel that setting goals, being determined and willing to reach those goals with a positive attitude and giving gratitude for success is what is most important. I take setbacks as teachable learning moments in life, and I take the gains no matter how big or small with gratitude and joy. My success has been a bit of snowball effect of doors of opportunity opening and being able to walk through them without fear or regret. On my journey I had someone tell me not to get in the way of my own success and not to sabotage my own success with fear, doubt, and insecurity. I took those words of wisdom very seriously.
Pricing:
- Hard Cover $21.99 USD
- Paperback $14.99 USD
- E-Book $8.99 USD
- Available on Audiobook narrated by Katie Dwyer
- Available on Amazon and On-Line Retailers globally
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bonniebley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniebley4/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonnieBleyOfficial
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonnie.bley
