Exclusive Interview with
Vali Benson
Let’s start with your Career as a writer!
When did you start writing?
As a youngster, writing was always my favorite subject in school. Writing was always a passion of mine but life got in the way. Now that I am retired, I can pursue my passion full time.
What makes writing your passion?
I love to tell stories. More than that, I enjoy creating worlds and sharing it with people.
How long have you been writing?
From the moment I could hold a pencil. I have been writing professionally for about three years.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
In a word - disbelief.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
My story takes place in Tombstone, AZ in 1880. It features real people who actually existed in that time and place as well as fictional characters used to complete the narrative.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The never ending quest for the next great story idea.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Don't take it personally.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I don't try to force ideas and I recognize that writing is a process. To new authors I would advise to only pursue projects that you are passionate about.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
You are doing great! Stick with it, its worth it!
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes I read my reviews. When I receive one that is not so great, I remind myself that its no big deal because my book is not for everybody, different people have different tastes.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I'm just pleased that someone read my book.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Absolutely but not intentionally.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I'll skip.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes I do. First impressions count for a lot in the world of book selection.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
Yes, I feel a connection with my readers and I am thrilled when they want to interact with me.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I'll skip.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I have so many that I adore, I could not choose a favorite. However, as a child, Margaret Mitchell was a big influence on me. I adored her use of imagery and still do.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I'll skip.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
No. Hindsight is always twenty/twenty but I feel books are an encapsulation of the best effort that the author is capable of at that point in their life.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Nobody. I want to be the best writer I can be.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Nothing. I have more important things to focus my energy on.
What would you say to your readers?
I appreciate you more than you could ever know!
Thank you for sharing! Let’s talk about your Personal Life!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Tucson, Arizona. I am married with two sons and two grandchildren.
What is your day job if you have one?
After starting and selling two successful businesses, I am happy to say I am now retired.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Any "serious" writer who says they don't read all the time, I don't take seriously.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I'll skip.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
No.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I'm always working and I constantly have ideas that I want to explore.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Kids today simply lack the joy of a book. Technology has robbed today's youth of any kind of attention span which is a trend that I don't see reversing anytime soon.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
I'll skip.
What is your favorite music?
I like that old time rock and roll.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I still can't believe I am a published author!