Interview with William G. Bentrim, Children’s Author

I had the privilege of interviewing William G. Bentrim, a wonderful children’s author from bucolic Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Bill and I became friends through our interaction as children’s authors on GoodReads. He has been kind enough to let me interview him for my blog and will also be interviewing me.

Bill has written several children’s books, first for his grandchildren, and now for all children. His books, I Like to Whine, Daddy Goes on a Trip, Mommy’s Black Eye, and The Adventures of Hardy Belch, can be found on Amazon.com, Doylestown Bookshop, his website and someday soon practically any bookstore.

But now on to the interview.


BJS: Tell us a little about yourself.

WGB: It has been suggested that I am a hyperactive adult. That is certainly possible. I have a tendency to jump in with both feet whenever I tackle a project. I am retired. I had a computer networking company for 25 years and sold it. Prior to working with computers I had owned and operated a convenience store. My first real career was as a teacher and guidance counselor. I have had an exciting eclectic life that would not have been possible without the support of an absolutely wonderful wife and family. I am besotted with my grandchildren and love spending time with them. Golf and bridge are my primary recreations at this stage since my knees no longer tolerate volleyball or basketball. All in all I am one deliriously happy soul.

BJS: What is your latest published work?

WGB: “The Adventures of Hardy Belch” is my latest work. The Adventures of Hardy Belch chronicle the exciting and unbelievable adventures of a normal 12 year old boy and his 240 pound telepathic dog. Hardy and Tiny (his best friend and dog) find themselves in many predicaments but as a team and best friends they always end up helping others. Combining mystery and humor each story is written to entertain, and highlight the value of friendship, planning and selfless actions.

BJS: Why did you write this book?

WGB: My eldest grandson was getting too old for my picture books. I wanted to write a chapter book that would be appealing to pre-teens. I can’t seem to get away from trying to sneak in moral lessons though.

BJS: Where do you get your ideas from?

WGB: I am so full of ideas that I often feel my head is going to explode. In the computer business, it took my brother and my wife to keep me grounded and profitable. I have so many ideas I despair of ever getting them all in print but I am trying.

BJS: What are you working on right now?

WGB: “The Further Adventures of Hardy Belch” and “What About Me?,” which addresses the feelings of abandonment that well siblings often feel when there is a seriously ill sibling.

BJS: What advice can you share with other writers?

WGB: Write, write some more and then sit down and write more. You will only get better if you write more and get feedback from those who read it. Don’t be afraid to self publish and don’t feel like you must find a “publisher.” If you do great, if you don’t and want in print, do it yourself. My books are selling and I have done it without a publisher.

BJS: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

WGB: Life is grand and writing is a hoot. When I had a delightful 7-year-old come up to me and tell me “Mr. Bentrim, I loved your book,” it gave me a sense of fulfillment that is difficult to describe. If one child is moved or helped by one of my books I am a success in my mind. Rachel, with her kind comment, allowed me to feel like I am really an author.

BJS: Thank you, Bill.