Interview with John Bennett
How is everyone on this fine Tuesday? Well, I hope it’s been a good Tuesday for you. Though if you’re living in Texas, you’re probably melting. I know I am. Anyway, around here Tuesday means a new author interview! For today’s festivities, we have John Bennett. John Bennett is a sci-fi author whose book has been called the best read of 2021! Now, John Bennett wasn’t a new author to me. I never told him that because I didn’t want him to think I was being unprofessional, but my husband and I read his book last year. And it is one of the best sci-fi books. The fact that it was his debut is absolutely mindboggling. Very few authors get their books right on their debut, I know I didn’t so I hope you wear that badge of honor very proudly, sir! You deserve it! Getting to know John was actually a little different than I expected. Not in a bad way! He was much more down to Earth than I thought he would be. I guess that’s probably why we shouldn’t judge authors on their books. One of my favorite parts of John’s books is how he approaches the orphanage situation. I’m a former foster care kid who spent time in a group home. Lots of books I read gloss the situation over, as if it’s not a big deal. Well, I’m here to tell you that it is. And even though John’s book is in an alternate reality, I really loved that he emphasized how Carson’s situation affected him and his sister. As someone who can relate, it made me feel seen so thank you for that. Now, during our conversation, I asked John what his hopes and dreams are for his book. He answered that he wanted it to be loved by millions and a highly talked about book, I think his book deserves that. So, I’m here to encourage you all to read The Path of a Titan. You’ll need to clear your entire day for it though because I swear you won’t be able to put it down!
How did your writing journey begin?
A simple Mead notebook with a few ideas of places. From there, it snowballed into the massive world of tyke that is it is known as now.
What are your three favorite things in this world?
My wife, obviously. Coffee with a splash of French vanilla, and quite honestly my book. Writing my book has given me a new perspective on life and has shown me my calling. As for my wife and coffee, they are my motivation to continue it.
What is one thing/place/person you wish existed from your book?
Kylie. Being that she’s a super genius, she could turn this world into a sci fi world single handedly.
Tell me about your favorite holiday.
Christmas. The season of giving and finding presents for all 13 nieces and nephews and all 5 of my siblings as well as everyone else in the family. It’s always heart warming to see the smiles on their faces when they open up something you know they’ll enjoy.
What is something you would like more people to understand about the writing profession?
I’m just getting started. I’m going to be the best, and I’m going to learn ever facet of the trade so I can give back to teach and inspire others to do the same.
If you were stuck in an alien invasion, what superhero would you choose to save you? Why?
Omni-Man. If you are unfamiliar with the Amazon Prime series, Invincible, I’ll tell you this. Omni-man is just like Superman, except he doesn’t show any mercy. He’ll fly to the alien world and destroy their entire civilization before lunch. I have no doubts that he’d save me. However, he’d then try to enslave civilization to his will so when that happens, Superman.
What was the inspiration behind your book?
At first it was to make a better book than Peirce Brown’s, Red Rising. But now, it’s simply to make it as big as it can be. Hopefully it can be the next Star Wars where people create spin offs and Disney buys me out to create their own story after mine is done.
What is the best life advice you’ve ever been given? Do you live by it?
Stay humble. I always treated the man next to me the way I would like to be treated. My family raised me right, and with that, I intend to show the world that as well.
Does your book have a key theme or message? What is it?
I want my target audience to understand that following your dreams can be hard. There is no straight path. But if you believe and work harder than the person next to you, anything is possible. Don’t ever give up your passions, and don’t ever let anyone else falter what you want to become.
What does your ideal life look like?
Well off financially. Family is comfortable, kids are healthy, wife is happy in a big house in a nice neighborhood.
What was the highlight of writing your book?
Coming up with the Proving. At first it was going to be some menial course for Carson to get through. Nothing sci fi about it at all. But I came to a point where I realized that I was only using a small part of the world. Why not make something absolutely ridiculous all while showing off all the creatures and aspects of the new and unique world they live in. I have a whole world to use so why not use it? So, with that, the Proving was born.
Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
Being that I am new, I don’t have anything solid to say other than something I learned along the way. Writer’s block is deadly and can cause huge delays in our writing. The best way to get over writer’s block is to simply write. Just write something. A note, a page, a conversation, anything to simply “warm up your imagination.” Once you get something down, you’ll see if you like it and if not, erase it and try again. Eventually, you’ll push forward and through the wall of writer’s block.
Author’s message:
Thank you for having me. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @AuthorJohnBennett. You can only find my debut novel, The Path of a Titan: The Proving on Amazon. With that, I look forward to meeting all of you and hope to hear what you all think of my work.
