Welcome to Inside the Mind where we here at The Faerie Review interview authors and creators.
Lily: Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview JB I enjoyed reading Heir to the Underworld. What inspired you to write it?
JB: To be honest, the media’s portrayal of Hades. I can count on one hand the number of times he HASN’T been a villain and still have several fingers left over. I wanted to write a more accurate version of him.
Lily: He’s definitely villianized a lot. Is Benjamin as a character inspired by anyone?
JB: Well, all the characters have a little bit of me in them. And there is some of Harry Potter in him too (although that was unintentional). But no, I didn’t have someone specific in mind when I made him (at least not consciously).
Lily: I think it’s great that you put a little bit of yourself into all your characters. Which ancient Greek god’s powers would you want to get?
JB: Hecate’s. I’m all for magic.
Lily: Magic would definitely be a perk. Is there another book in the works?
JB: Yes. I’ve finished the second book and am editing it now. It’s focus will be on Gavin Swift. Hopefully I’ll be able to get it published. I also have another finished book that I’m editing that has nothing to do with the New Gods of Olympus series.
Lily: I’m interested in read Gavin’s story. I’ve found the whole idea of new Olympian gods intriguing. Now we’d like to talk about you as a writer. Do you have a ritual you go through before you write?
JB: No ritual, I just write whenever I feel motivated to (which sometimes takes a bit of work with all the distractions of the world).
Lily: I can understand that, there’s a lot going on around us all the time. What’s your favorite time of day to write?
JB: Night time, when it’s not too hot (my computer is against the window which gets the afternoon sun and I’m not a morning person).
Lily: I’m not much of a morning person either. Do you use an outline or let things flow as you go?
JB: Before I start I always have a rough, one-sentence, chapter outline so I know what will happen in any given chapter. Keeps me from getting writers block.
Lily: That’s a great way to side step the block. Let’s finish up with some fun questions and get inside your mind. What superpower would you have if you could have any?
JB: Magic. Barring that, telepathy.
Lily: Sounds like you lean towards the Dr Strange category. Would you rather never be late again or never stand in line again?
JB: Never be late.
Lily: Ok, what is your favorite and least favorite food?
JB: Favorite: Eggs for food product, Lasagna for cooked food. Least Favorite: Durian (if you don’t know what that is, be thankful).
Lily: I’ve seen it on cooking shows, and from what I understand it has a very strong, horrible smell. If you could bring any mythical creature to life, what would you choose and why?
JB: I’m an old fashioned nerd so dragons. They are so cool. Phoenix could be a close second because they are less likely to kill us all.
Lily: I wouldn’t mind bringing a few dragons back. What’s your favorite word?
JB: Potato!
Lily: One of my favorite foods actually. Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
JB: I love cooking?
Lily: Cooking can be really fun. How can readers discover more about you and you work?
JB: Just ask me. I’m pretty open.