Interview with Author P. J. Benney

What do you do?

I write predominantly fantasy and science-fiction but I plan to branch out in the future. About 50% of what I read is SFF. I try to read some literary fiction as well for variety.

Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing. 

I started writing seriously in about 2008. I read a little fantasy and science fiction and thought, huh, this is easy. I could do this. How wrong I was. Everything I wrote was awful – but we all start somewhere! Along with a few friends, I participated in National Novel Writing Month in 2009 – for those of you who aren’t familiar, go to nanowrimo.org for details! – and successfully wrote the worst historical fiction known to man. To this day, zero people have read it (a record I intend to keep.) After that, I came back every year. I credit NaNoWriMo with my decision to study Creative Writing at university. Three years after graduating, I published Déjà Moo as a Kindle ebook.

What is Déjà Moo: A Lawnmowers, Inc. Novel you ask? Well, look no further!

When his prize-winning Holstein vanishes from Hyde Park, celebrity cattle-trader Daniel Wesley finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that threatens to destroy his future and rewrite his past. As the story unfolds on live television, reclusive witch Cynthia Pannettière grows certain her missing ex-boyfriend is behind the disappearance.

Cynthia and Daniel join forces to track down their respective loved ones, but with a detective hunting a loose werewolf in Camden Market, a coven of magi controlling London’s biggest news channel, and a reporter desperate to expose a public scandal, it’s only a matter of time before the city discovers both the fate of the bovine superstar, and the existence of magic itself…

So, how did you go about getting published?

I originally sent the manuscript out to about a dozen agents. I don’t think any of them knew what to do with a novel about a celebrity cattle trader. The ones that got back to me praised my style, tone and sense of humor, but apologized that they weren’t sure how to market such a niche piece of work, and one even said they hoped I would prove them wrong. I thought it was a really reasonable response, and decided to self-publish.

What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?

My place is anywhere with coffee, music and a desk. I prefer longer writing sessions, i.e. weekends, but that’s not always an option so I’ll take an evening slot when necessary. Really, I’ll make the most of any opportunity. No excuses!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love cooking, rollercoasters and hedge mazes. I’m also big on television. I love a historical/period drama. Anything with sword-fights and poisonings and royals.

That seems to be the trend nowadays. So, do you have a favorite animal?

Apart from cows? My Patronus is a dolphin.

Cows are cool, I’ve even had the pleasure? of bottle feeding a few over the years. Now, on to one of my favorite topics, do you have a favorite myth? If so, tell us about it!

The legend of Atlantis. That was actually what I wrote my first ever (terrible) novel about. I read Plato’s Critias, where the story originates, and thought it was supposed to be a kind of example, or analogy for an imagined “perfect city” rather than a factual account of a real place. But it’s inspired so many contemporary stories that I can’t help but love the idea of a lost city.

 

Tell us about your next book project. 

I’m writing a sequel to Déjà Moo entitled Bovine Intervention. It picks up about three months after. All the characters have gone their separate ways, but a single occurrence quickly reunites them – whether they like it or not. This also started life as a NaNoWriMo draft, and I’m working on version 3 now, so I have a good idea how it’s all going to end!

That’s awesome, so what are you reading now?

Several books. As always. Firstly, The Bees by Laline Paull. It’s about the innermost workings of a hive, told from the perspective of a newborn bee who is put to work. It’s incredibly oppressive and almost fantastical, but really compelling. I love bees so it’s a good fit for me. I’m also reading The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. It’s a collection of short stories surrounding the colonization of Mars. Last night I started We Won’t Feel a Thing by J. C. Lillis. It’s a YA novel with a sci-fi twist. I haven’t got very far but I loved Lillis’ other book so I’m expecting great things.

So, where can we find you?

Well, you have some options. One is my website www.dejamoo.co.uk. I try and post regular updates including news, resources, promotions and other fun articles.

The other is my twitter account, which is the best place to contact me or read about what I’m up to; you can find me @pjbenney.

Well, it was a joy having you P. J. Benney and I hope to hear from you again sometime! 

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