Author Spotlight with John Bennett
Tell our readers briefly about yourself.
A: I was raised by an amazing Italian family in New Jersey. Love them and cherish them for everything they have done. They have given me the tools to be something better than the average man, and that’s what I plan to be, above average. If I can live my life being an inspiration to my family, friends and my fans, I will be able to die happy, and fulfilled. I consider myself charismatic and love talking about my book. Not only that, but anything at all. Sports, life, you name it. I’m always up for conversations when they arise.
What books do you have available? Can you give us a short description of them?
A: I have my debut novel available on Amazon. It’s called, The Path of a Titan: The Proving. With as short of a description as I can do without going into a rambling mess, here it is.
The story is about a teenage boy named Carson, and the beginning of his journey to becoming a titan in the worldwide military. His first step is joining the military, and to do that, he needs to compete in the Proving.
Do you stay in one genre when you write or do you find yourself veering toward others?
A: So far, I have only published science fiction. However, I recently entered myself in my first writing contests that pushed me to write different genres for the competition.
Are you a panster, planner, or someone in between?
A: I don’t know what a panster is. But, after a quick look up, I will go with a planner. To elaborate, I write the whole story in summaries, then go forward into a rough draft by hand, then bring it to the computer where it is brought to life.
What is your writing routine like?
A: A few hours a day after the gym before dinner or for hours at a time late at night when I can’t sleep due to the thousands of ideas popping in my head.
Tell me about your favorite character that you’ve created?
A: As much as I cherish my main character, Carson, my favorite character is the antagonist, Robert Fox. He’s always going to be three steps ahead and he’s going to be a challenge for not only Carson to handle, but a challenge for me to even figure out if he can be defeated. I have given him everything he could possibly need to fulfill his diabolical aspirations so at this point, even I don’t know how to stop him. In layman’s terms, he’s my favorite, because he’s my enemy as much as he is Carson’s.
Where do you get your ideas for world building?
A: Movies, TV shows, any kind of inspiration that catches my eyes. I try to manipulate it and create something more original. One example of that comes from the original religion I have set in my world. While all four territories or “countries” follow the trinity, or Trinitism of the three holy saints of the afterlife. Each territory has its own spin on it to make it more their own and will conflict between each other throughout the ongoing series.
Do you add romance to your writing? Is it steamy or clean?
A: Of course! Every story needs some romance! However, my romance scenes aren’t like 50 shades of grey steamy. They are simple, but elegant. The point comes across as erotic, but the details are within the mind of the reader and not what’s on paper. If that makes sense.
What was your favorite scene to create?
A: Fight scenes! I have a good amount of fights in my book where the action gets real and hands begin swinging. I learned early on that it’s an art form to write a solid fight scene that doesn’t write out swing after swing, but clear enough to picture the entire thing. I strive to become that writer who can write the fight of the century and get everyone talking about it.
Where do you get character inspiration?
A: Carson was created as a person I would be in his situation. Or for lack of better words, the man I would like to be. As for everyone else, each supporting character has their own unique way of either lifting him up or tearing him down all while having a different twist on their own personalities that conflict or compliment themselves and others. Just like a normal person.
What genre do you prefer to read?
A: Science fiction, dystopia, maybe a good apocalypse story. But there’s got to be plenty of action. Hence, another reason why I wrote my own book. Something I can read myself and enjoy.
Do you have any specific authors you follow and try to craft your work after?
A: Peirce Brown, the author of Red Rising actually gave me the motivation to start writing my own book. His writing inspired me and wowed me to the point where I couldn’t put his books down. After finishing his third book, I made it a goal of mine to write a book better than his.
Do you have any recurring themes in your book?
A: Hah! For some reason, Carson always gets his ribs broken. Some way or another it happens, and he definitely brings it up when he realizes it.
What does your editing process look like?
A: Print out chapter by chapter, go over it with pencil for any typos and changes. Bring it to the computer, make the edits and do that about 10 times. Then finally, once I am happy with it, I send it to my editors, AKA, my wife and sister in law. Who, if I may add, did a wonderful job on it.
Do you have a preferred drink or snack that you eat/drink while writing?
A: Coffee or water. No food whatsoever, I won’t be able to concentrate.
When is your favorite time of day to write and why?
A: Seems to always end up being late at night when I get most of my inspiration to write. Why though? I don’t know. The wife and I watch our shows at night so when she goes to bed, I’m filled with storylines and character development ideas.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
A: North Carolina. My family rents out a beach house in Holden Beach every year. It’s become a tradition.
Marvel or DC? Do you have a favorite character?
A: Storyline and writing wise, gotta go Marvel. They absolutely wowed me with their attention to details and commitment to keeping the same actors throughout the series until they eventually kill them off. DC however, I just watched Peacemaker on HBO Max. Gotta say, I’m excited to see more of that show.
What hobbies do you have?
A: Writing has become a big part of my life in the past few years. Besides that, sports was always a passion of mine along with daily trips to the gym Besides that, I was actually an avid bowler back in high school. Averaged 210.
Where can our readers find you?
A: Facebook, Instagram, and you can find my book on Amazon. A website is in the developmental stages right now but will be up and running soon.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjohnbennett
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorjohnbennett
Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B091NBH6GX