Interview date: August 11, 2013.

You’re from what much of the world calls “Down Under.” Granted that you’ve never been a North American, do you think Australians look at the world a whole lot differently than North Americans do?

MB: Well, apparently we are more like Canadians in temperament, if that helps. We don’t wear our hearts on our sleeves. Laconic might be the word.

Also, we don’t fear our government and feel the need to defend ourselves from it. Australia is a great deal more secular, which is sad.

Obviously, while there are a number of bestselling independent authors, most do this on the side. What is your “day job”?

MB: I’m a self-employed graphic designer, which saves money on book design and typesetting! Not all of my clients provide “commercial quality” text, so I have learned to edit over the years. Although, I still need editors for my books. Everyone needs editing.

When did you decide you wanted to start writing, and what motivated you?

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August 10, 2013

Indie: You were a Bible school teacher for many years. What were your favorite subjects to teach, and how did that experience contribute to your writing?

JB: I was a Bible college professor for 15 years as well as occupying positions as Registrar and Academic Dean. As the Dean I gave the other teachers the courses they wanted and I took the left-overs. As a result I taught a variety of subjects. My favorites were Greek, Theology, and Romans. Most of my books relate to those three subjects.

Indie: I had the privilege of being in some of your Bible school classes, and I distinctly remember a lot of (mostly dry) humor. What’s the funniest thing you can remember happening in one of your classes?

JB: One of my students at the front row was dozing with his feet stretched out in front of him, so I motioned to the class what I was going to do. I kicked the sole of his foot and startled him awake. We all laughed. Later he and I posed that same scene for the yearbook picture.

Indie: Given that penchant for creating laughter, what place does humor have in your writing, and is humor appropriate when writing about theological subjects? (more…)