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Ask An Author #35

Renee Stevens

Entry posted by Renee Stevens in Author Interviews

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Welcome back to another quirky question and answer session with your favorite authors!

 

In AtA #34, we had questions for authors Columbusguy, craftingmom, and pmdacey.

 

In AtA #35, we hear from authors AC Benus, Aditus, and Mark Arbour.

 

For their protection, the members who asked these questions shall remain nameless (unless they choose to reveal themselves). :lol: Please note that all author replies are copied as is, spelling errors and grammar eccentricities original to the individual.

 

Our first author today is San Francisco resident, foodie, and historian AC Benus. Since we last questioned him in AtA #30, AC Benus has been promoted to Promising status. Congrats again! Perhaps you know him from his poetry, or perhaps you’ve read one of his series, such as The Judas Tree Novellas. This author also likes to post poetry and trivia in his blog, and he’s responded to the poetry prompts. If you’ve ever wondered what a novel in progress looks like, go on over to AC’s gallery and check out the pics for his novel Dignity and its upcoming sequel Destiny. Jack and Dawn are the main characters (amongst an amazing group of supporting characters) in the first novel, but the second is going to feature Jack and Lincoln. Excited yet? In the meantime, we’ll just have to go re-read the original.

 

To AC Benus: Do you still have the first piece of work you wrote? What are your thoughts on it now that you are a far more experienced writer? Do you think you'll ever publish?

 

I have posted on
GA
nearly one of the first pieces I ever wrote; it is a short story called The Tower, and I completed it when I was fifteen and in my freshman year of high school. Although before posting it I was tempted to edit it for content (like the opening paragraph uses "He" to begin almost every sentence), I resisted and simply typed up my original. The older works I started (in the summer between 8th and 9th grades) I never completed, and do not have them. As far as my thoughts on The Tower, it strikes me as very, very sad that as a boy I was facing a loveless future simply because I was Gay and saw no way to connect with anyone in honesty and love, although if you had asked me what this little story was really about at that time, I probably would have told you that I did not know; now it obviously all had to do with me not wanting to come out, but thank God I did, and did not suffer the fate of my story's protagonist. As far as being published, I would love to be, and hereby formally invite all literary agents and publishers to reach out (lol, I know, as if that will happen…). The truth is that I am not good at self-promotion, and honestly need help with that. Thank you for a lively set of questions!

 

Next up is Promising Author Aditus, whom we last saw in AtA #32. Once a scientist, Aditus continues to let his curiosity guide him and many of his interests pop up in his stories. Just recently Aditus finished his story The Holly and the Ivy, a first-person narrative about family and secrets. Ahh, family and the holidays, aren’t they the greatest? :D And don’t forget to check out all of the poetry prompts Aditus has responded to! Did you know that Aditus makes a mean lasagna? It’s got five different sauces, of which I’ve made the Béchamel and the cheese. Yum!

 

To Aditus: What inspired the creation of Jonah from Red Running Shoes. Did the dove as a symbol play a role in his development?

 

Jonah was inspired by a real person. Someone you’d think has it all: He’s good looking, has a well-paid and interesting job, and a lot of nice friends. His issues, however, are what make him story-worthy.One reader very keenly concluded that Jonah has a typical INFP personality. For those who aren’t familiar with this, here are some facts: true idealist, always looking for the hint of good in even the worst of people, often a writer or poet. Add to this some quirks and baggage from the past that leads to a great fear of being betrayed, and you have an interesting character to write about. Those who read my stories know that my focus is usually on the characters of my stories, on their feelings, their reasoning, their reactions to obstacles life throws at them. You can see why I couldn’t resist Jonah.I like names and their meaning and read a lot about this topic. When Jonah’s character was shaping up, his name was suddenly there. I looked it up and found it strangely fitting. Doves stand for love, sacrifice, peace, and hope. I just had to use it. So, I guess the answer is no. The character was mostly finished before I named him, it’s nevertheless a very suitable symbol for Jonah’s personality.

 

Rounding out our authors today is the infamous Signature Author Mark Arbour. Does anyone have more likes or followers than this guy? C’mon, I mean, he’s only posted a chapter a week (on average) for the past, like, forever! (despite his little vanishing act last year, as if he has a life outside GA!) :P Mark is currently working on my favorite of his series, Brigemont #7, HMS Valiant and the eternal CAP series, with Black Widow. Can you tell that Mark’s a real fan of George W.? :lmao: Did you know that Mark Arbour has a Twitter page and a Pintrest site? Get connected so you won’t miss the very second that the next chapter gets posted. Plus, the uniforms posted on pintrest help give the Bridgemont series some extra depth and realism.

 

To Mark Arbour: Do your characters sometimes write their own stories, or are you always firmly in control?

 

My characters write their own stories. When I respond to reviews, I usually start with "I think.." which implies that I don't know for sure, and that's accurate. I define the field, set up the characters with their basic traits and personalities, and then let them drive the action. It's more fun that way, and it makes them live for me. I think for that reason, some of the toughest reviews I get are the ones that allege the characters in the story aren't acting in character, so to speak. Based on the way I write, that's a major criticism, and one that I take very seriously.

 

That’s it for now! For more info on these authors, go check out their stories, post in their forums, and/or catch them in chat!

 

See you next time, with authors Bill W., Robert Rex, and Sasha Distan!

 

I’m always in the market for new questions! Simply PM me (Dark).

 

Until next time!
Dark

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Carlos Hazday

Carlos Hazday 115,511

Posted

Excellent! As usual...

 

Thank you, authors. And thank you, Dark.

  • Like 1
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Valkyrie

Valkyrie 109,915

Posted

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I always look forward to the first Wed of the month and the Ask an Author feature.  It's nice to get to know the authors a little bit better. :)  Aditus' "Red Running Shoes" is one of my absolute favorite stories on this site.  It's well worth the read, if anyone hasn't read it yet.  Jonah ranks as one of my favorite and most memorable characters I have read.  I'm going to have to read it again someday.  :)

  • Like 3
Parker Owens

Parker Owens 61,810

Posted

"Red Running Shoes" had me hooked very early, and remains a story I look at over and again. Thank you for some additional insight in to Jonah, who I loved reading about. Many thanks, Dark, for organizing this.

  • Like 3
Aditus

Aditus 28,727

Posted

What about the other sauces, Dark? My favorite is the red wine mushroom sauce.

 

I know how hard it is to refrain from editing very early pieces, still I think you were right AC, in not doing it. They are time capsules, conserving our early self.

 

Thank you Val and Parker for your kind words. :)  Just as a warning though, let me quote Carlos: 'Yup, too much fucking drama. I can't stand that shit!! :rofl:

 

Thank you Dark!

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Valkyrie

Valkyrie 109,915

Posted

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I agree with Adi, AC.  It was definitely the right decision not to edit your early piece. It's interesting to look back and see how we progress as writers.  I was just reading some of my early prompt responses and cringing at some of the errors. lol  I'm not going to fix them, though.  ;) 

  • Like 2
Carlos Hazday

Carlos Hazday 115,511

Posted

What about the other sauces, Dark? My favorite is the red wine mushroom sauce.

 

I know how hard it is to refrain from editing very early pieces, still I think you were right AC, in not doing it. They are time capsules, conserving our early self.

 

Thank you Val and Parker for your kind words. :)  Just as a warning though, let me quote Carlos: 'Yup, too much fucking drama. I can't stand that shit!! :rofl:

 

Thank you Dark!

I get blamed for everything... ALWAYS! :P

  • Like 1
Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

its upcoming sequel Destiny

 

This must be written a while ago. ;) Destiny is fully posted and in my opinion better than Dignity.

 

Oh, and Jonah caused more ranting that most other GA story characters I've encountered.

  • Like 2
AC Benus

AC Benus 36,631

Posted

Thanks, Dark and Renee.

 

Here's The Tower, if anybody would like to check it out :) 

  • Like 3
Headstall

Headstall 306,112

Posted

What can I say about Jonah? I wanted to strangle him so many times. Adi, you did an amazing job of creating a character that got under my skin. He is one that is impossible to forget :) .

  • Like 4
Drew Espinosa

Drew Espinosa 143,144

Posted

Thanks, Dark and Renee.

 

Here's The Tower, if anybody would like to check it out :)

Just read it :) I really like it AC!

AC Benus

AC Benus 36,631

Posted

Just read it :) I really like it AC!

Thanks, Drew. And thanks for the review too!

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Cole Matthews

Cole Matthews 14,615

Posted

It's a hat trick!!!  Three awesome writers!!!   

albertnothlit

albertnothlit 3,781

Posted

I love these questions because they always give you a whole new perspective on the stories. :)

  • Like 1
AC Benus

AC Benus 36,631

Posted

I know how hard it is to refrain from editing very early pieces, still I think you were right AC, in not doing it. They are time capsules, conserving our early self.

 

Thanks, Adi. It just seemed like it needed to be left alone.  

AC Benus

AC Benus 36,631

Posted

I agree with Adi, AC.  It was definitely the right decision not to edit your early piece. It's interesting to look back and see how we progress as writers.  I was just reading some of my early prompt responses and cringing at some of the errors. lol  I'm not going to fix them, though.  ;)

Thanks, Valkyrie. I'm looking forward to the next Hollow Hills chapter!

  • Like 1
AC Benus

AC Benus 36,631

Posted

its upcoming sequel Destiny

 

This must be written a while ago. ;) Destiny is fully posted and in my opinion better than Dignity.

 

 

Thanks, Tim. You helped a great deal with making Destiny better, so I owe ya one.

  • Like 2
AC Benus

AC Benus 36,631

Posted

It's a hat trick!!!  Three awesome writers!!!   

Since I'm part of the three, I can say thank you! :)

Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

Thanks, Tim. You helped a great deal with making Destiny better, so I owe ya one.

 

Well, I liked it right from the start, so it wasn't because of anything I did. You made Destiny into a great tale of love and redemption.

Aditus

Aditus 28,727

Posted

What can I say about Jonah? I wanted to strangle him so many times. Adi, you did an amazing job of creating a character that got under my skin. He is one that is impossible to forget :) .

But you also said you trusted me and even though I made it difficult, you did. Thank you, Gary. :)

  • Like 2
AC Benus

AC Benus 36,631

Posted

Well, I liked it right from the start, so it wasn't because of anything I did. You made Destiny into a great tale of love and redemption.

Yeah, you liked the girl in the airplane seat in front of Linc a WHOLE lot, lol.

 

Thanks for your support, buddy. I appreciate it

Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

Yeah, you liked the girl in the airplane seat in front of Linc a WHOLE lot, lol.

 

:blink::no:  more like :facepalm:   :angry::pissed:   :fight:

  • Like 2
AC Benus

AC Benus 36,631

Posted

:blink::no:  more like :facepalm:   :angry::pissed:   :fight:

LOL

Drew Espinosa

Drew Espinosa 143,144

Posted

Oh, and Jonah caused more ranting that most other GA story characters I've encountered.

If you rant, it must be a good story, so I'm putting Red Running Shoes on the top of my "To Read" list :)

  • Like 2
Lisa

Lisa 6,470

Posted

If you rant, it must be a good story, so I'm putting Red Running Shoes on the top of my "To Read" list :)

Drew, definitely read this story. You won't regret it. It has everything: comedy, drama, food, awesomely handsome guys, great family, and beautiful scenery. But I think the best part of the story is the love that flows through it (does that make sense?).

  • Like 4
Lisa

Lisa 6,470

Posted

I love the way Addy and AC write. I have enjoyed every single story or poem I have read of theirs. They both have a beautiful way with words and writing descriptions and feelings.

 

I've never read any of Mark's stories yet, so I do have to get on the bandwagon. :yes: I know he has a big following, and he's a great author, so wth am I waiting for? :lol:

 

These were great interviews, Dark! :)

  • Like 3

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