1.When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I honestly couldn’t recall the precise moment it sunk in that storytelling was something I had to do. I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. It started with simple rhymes in toddler-hood and grew to full-blown novels by the time I reached high school. I still write simple rhymes, just with more intent.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
That depends on the genre. The fantasy and supernatural books that I’ve written have only taken a few months, at most, whereas my junior fiction tends to take a little longer. Probably because I enjoy the experience so much that I don’t want it to end!
3.What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
I work on a 1000 word-a-day minimum, and try to be at it by 10 o’clock every morning. It isn’t always feasible with a bustling household — my son is active in school and soccer, my husband works 14-hour days, and we’ve a small farm to run — but I do my best! Slow or not, I keep telling myself that progress is progress. So far, it seems to be working out.
4.What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know that it counts as a quirk, but I do a lot of story-boarding and character illustrations. Drawing things out gives me a better idea of what I’m dealing with. For whatever reason, it’s also been an excellent way to counter writer’s block.
5.How do books get published?
Tenacity. The best of books will (and HAVE) been rejected countless times before they make their way to the public eye. This goes self-publishing as well in that, if you get it wrong the first time around, your readers will tell you and your book will stagnate. You have to keep pressing on despite the obstacles if you want to succeed in this business — or any business, for that matter. Don’t give up!
6.Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Even before I began writing The Sons of Masguard, I had a fascination for pirates and ships and oceanic terminology. I’d stockpiled a host of books on the subject and still turn to them for inspiration or information when the need arises. I don’t know that it’s any more handy than Google, but I’m still a major fan of ink and paper.
7.When did you write your first book and how old were you?
My first “book” was written in the third or fourth grade. It was about an albino stag with magic antlers. If memory serves, it was called “The Stranger” and it was gripping, edge-of-your-seat stuff. No, really, it was. I swear.
8.What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
We live on a homestead in the foothills, so I do a lot of gardening, beekeeping, that sort of thing. I hatch chicken eggs in the springtime and can vegetables in the fall. We even have guard geese: Filbert, Gertrude, and Mildred. They’re every bit as intimidating as they sound. Also, just to keep thing interesting (and to fight the notion that moms are barefoot kitchen workers), I play a boatload of video games. I’m a geeky stay-at-home mom, if there is such a thing.
9.What does your family think of your writing?
They couldn’t be more supportive. My husband, who is recording the audio-book for The Sons of Masguardas
we speak, happens to be a trained vocalist and an accomplished actor — so I definitely lucked out on that end of things! And you know you’re doing something right when your eleven year old storms into your office, slams your book down on your desk, and says, “Why did you kill so-and-so?” It really confused him with I hugged him and said, “THANK YOU SO MUCH!” I was just so thrilled that he was that attached to any one of my characters.
10.What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That “jive” is an overused and misunderstood word. Usually, people mean to say “jibe,” as in “That doesn’t jibe with current technology.” Jibe is a sailing term that means to tack back and forth with the wind. Somewhere along the way, we turned it into “jive.” That’s probably not at all what you were looking for with that question, though, huh? *Cheeky grin!*
11.How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Around eight in total. Closer to twenty, if you count the children’s stories that I’ve not yet illustrated. My favorite is, and always has been, The Sons of Masguard. I’m still so in love with the characters. It’s probably illegal in several states. Don’t judge me.
12.Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
If so, what are they?Oh, goodness, I’m the worst person to ask! If there’s a trick to being a skilled, effective writer, I’ve yet to learn it. I guess I’ve always stood by the Franz Kakfa way of thinking when it comes to fiction: “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” I believe that, as long as you’re speaking from your heart and presenting your characters honestly, you’re doing something right.
13.Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Most of the feedback I’ve received has come from school visits — which I just love being able to do! They always seem to say, “More Maya!” It’s coming, I promise!
14.Do you like to create books for adults?
Writing is a wonderful experience regardless of the format, but I would have to say that Junior Fiction and Children’s books are where I find the most fulfillment. I can’t help but adore the purity of the themes. The current trend of pushing all character types into varying shades of gray just seems a bit tiresome, to be honest. Reality should never be confused with a lack of integrity. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve read about a “flawed” character only to say to myself, “This guy isn’t flawed… he’s just a jerk.” I crave nobility and decency in my heroes — something that junior fiction still seems willing to embrace.
15.What do you think makes a good story?
For me, a story — any story — is all about the characters. Telling their story through their eyes. Nothing turns me off faster than a story that jerks the characters around as though they have no center. That’s just me being a schmuck, though. Really, any book that keeps the story moving forward is something to write home about.
16.As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I remember being in elementary school and doing that silly jump-roping game where kids spell out their desired career. Do kids still do that? Or has it been supplanted by something electronic? Ugh, I’m so far behind… Anyway, mine was always N-O-V-E-L-I-S-T. Whether or not that was delusional is yet to be determined, but I did always see Marine Biologist as a backup career. I can still name all 78 specification for anyone who’s interested.
Find her books here on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Sons-Masguard-Mosque-Fortune-ebook/dp/B00CCID3ZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366798603&sr=8-1&
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Author Danielle Benji 