In The Lime Light – E.J. Bennet – #AuthorSpotlight
This Weekend’s Author spotlight is on Enesha Bennet author of the YA/Fantasy novel, Secrets of the mind and also the children’s book author of My little brother which features her own children.
E.J Bennett is a stay at home mom of two young children, a girl age 5 and a boy age 2. Due to her little boy been born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, E. J found that she has no time for a full time job. She wanted to do more with her life than be a stay at home parent so she wrote her first children’s book My little brother to help other children and families who are expecting or have a baby born with a cleft lip. E.J then went on to write her first YA/Fantasy novel, Secrets of the mind.
Hello EJ! Booknvolume is happy you stopped by for a natter. Can you tell us about your books?
The first book I wrote and published is a children’s book which is called My Little Brother. I wrote my little brother through the eyes of my daughter to help children gain a better understanding about children born with cleft lips and palates. Although cleft lip and palates are one of the most common birth defects little is known about the condition.
I went on to write two more children’s books The Seasonal Fairies. My daughter has a big love of fairies which sparked my idea. I then went on to write my first YA/Fantasy book Secrets of the mind. This is about a teenager who is plagued with nightmares of men with haunting red eyes. The novel has many twists and turns.
What Inspired you to write your book?
I love to read. I have had a love of books from a young age. Ideas for stories seem to be constantly floating around my head. One day I decided to put my story to paper.
From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?
I like to write in first tense. I guess the reason is while I am writing I like to pretend I am the character which gives me a better focus to write and explain what my characters are feeling at the time.
How would you describe your “Voice” or Style of writing?
My writing style is like a paint brush that clearly paints an image. The thoughts, feelings and metaphors I use are like colors to create each scene, making them different and stand out in their own right.
What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?
I like to write Fantasy and Paranormal. As a teenager I loved shows like charmed, Buffy the vampire slayer and Angel. So my writing generally reflects on what I like to read and watch.
Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?
I just let the words flow, then when I get to around chapter 3-4 I think oh I forgot to plot. I then plot and plan out my story but my characters always have other ideas and take me in new exciting directions.
Do you have a favourite or least favourite character? And Why?
I don’t think I have a favourite or least favourite at this time. With this been the first in my series I may think differently has the characters progress.
Can you Share an insight or secret about your books?
My book was originally around 600 pages long and after a discussion with my editor we got it to 274 pages the rest of the pages that we had taken out have been turned into 1.5 which is called Inner secrets and looks at the story from the other characters points of views and also reveals some secrets.
What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?
The advice I would give to other aspiring authors would be to join facebook groups for supporting authors. I have met many talented authors who are always ready to give you a helping hand or that little kick or inspiration you need.
I would also advice to keep writing, some days you will feel your writing is rubbish. Writing rubbish is better than not writing at all and that rubbish may become a vital part of your story if not it can be weaned out or created into something imaginative when it comes to rewrites.
GREAT Advice 
