Interview with Bradford J. Beyer, Author of Silopi

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Silopi: A True Story of Love and Resilience?

This story was thirty years in the making. While cleaning out a storage room one day, I stumbled across some memories from my time in the military. One of these items was a photograph of a tiny black-and-white kitten curled up on a copy of the Stars and Stripes newspaper sitting on top of an Army footlocker. I showed the photograph to my wife, who told me to finally sit down and write the story of how I rescued this tiny creature, the bond we shared, and how her arrival in my life was one of many waypoints in my journey that led me to where I am now. I wanted it to be a reminder that we all have a story to tell and that love can be found in the most unexpected places if we have the resilience to push forward while also taking the time to look at the world around us.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Silopi: A True Story of Love and Resilience, what would they be?

What a great question. Some of the songs that come to mind are “True Companion” by Marc Cohn, “Next Thing You Know” by Jordan Davis, and “I’ve Loved These Days” by Billy Joel.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I find reading to be a lot like listening to music. Your moods and interests can change depending on where you are in your life. I have always loved to read about where people come from. As such, I have often gravitated to biographies, memoirs, and books about history. I’m therefore not surprised that the first pleasure book I wrote was Silopi. Still, there are times when I find myself longing for a good mystery or even a good horror story.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

At present, I am reading Andrew Klavan’s The Kingdom of Cain: Finding God in the Literature of Darkness. My 92-year-old father has recommended The Women by Kristin Hannah. That is at the top of my TBR list at the moment and is dutifully waiting on my nightstand.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write in Silopi was how she stumbled into my life. In the dusty landscape of Turkey, this tiny creature found me twice in as many days, and she quickly made it known that she belonged to me. It was a funny and heartwarming part of the story that I was excited to bring to life.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Perhaps one of my favorite sayings is, “Ships are safe at harbor, but that’s not what ships are made for.” This is a statement I have often made to my sons as I reminded them that it is very easy to always do what you’ve always done. But we are not meant to rest on our laurels. We must continue to grow and push ourselves, especially when new opportunities feel a bit uncomfortable. This easily coincides with another quote from a dear friend with whom I coached little league baseball for many years: “It’s hard to do hard things.” This is another motto I have tried to live by and pass along to my sons. Yes, something might be hard, but that does not mean you should shy away from it.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I have been told by many readers that they have both laughed and cried while reading this book. I can think of no greater compliment, because that is life. I hope the one thing readers can take away from my book is the importance of resilience. The only difference between those who succeed and those who fail is the ability to keep pushing forward. There will always be setbacks and disappointments, but you have to keep going and remain confident in the belief that God has a plan for you and is constantly working in your life.

Bradford J. Beyer is the author of the new book Silopi: A True Story of Love and Resilience

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