Christina Benjamin, Born in Georgia, and I grew up in Pennsylvannia. I now live in Florida
Did you always
want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
I’ve always
loved to write. It started when I was young and learned I had a knack for
making up stories and tall tales. It was a great creative outlet.
When did you
first consider yourself as a "writer"?
I first
considered myself as a “writer” after I officially completed my first novel,
The Geneva Project Truth. It felt funny at first to say I’m a writer, as my
actual job, but I love being able to say that now, since it’s truly something I’m
passionate about.
Did it take a long
time to get your first book published?
No, not really,
my husband helped me self publish and it’s been a fun process to have so much
input and control over the way we’ve published and promoted it.
Do you work
another job as well as your writing work?
Yes, I’m
currently a buyer, merchandiser and decorator for a community in Central
Florida, which is once again another fun way for me to be creative through
fashion and decor, which is a hibby I’ve always enjoyed.
What is the name
of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what
would you say?
The Geneva
Project Truth. It’s an epic tale of adventure, friendship, courage and self
discovery, laced with the limitless possibilities of magic.
Who is your
publisher? or do you self publish?
We self
published, but my husband is at the helm of that ship.
How long does it
usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing
it?
My first book
took about a year start to finish. Now that we know the process of editing and
self Publishing, I think the second one will go much faster.
What can we
expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of
a different genre?
I’m currently
working on book 2 in The Geneva Project Series. This one is called Secrets. I
have plans to make it at least a three book series.
Do you have plans
for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Yes, working on
book 2 and as I have said earlier in the Interview, I plan to write at least
three books in this series.
What genre would
you place your books into?
YA Fiction. Kind
of along the lines of Harry Potter meets Hunger Games mixed with the love
triangle in the Twilight Saga.
What made you
decide to write that genre of book?
They are my
favourite type of books to read and I found myself being sad when my favourite
series were all coming to an end so I thought why not write my own books?
Do you have a favourite
character from your books? and why are they your favourite?
Well I love the
main character Geneva. I can relate to her, the way she struggles with self
doubt and where she fits in. I also have a soft spot for Niv, because his
character was based on my dog.
If you had to
choose to be one of your characters in your book/books which would you be? and
why?
I would have to
be Nova. He is so confident, strong and aware of his abilities. Nova is a
natural leader.
How long have
you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
I’ve been
writing since grade school, and truly began to love it in high School during AP
English ad Theater Arts Classes. Reading through plays really got me into
Shakespeare and then I ended up majoring in English at the University of
Central Florida.
Where do you get
your book plot ideas from? What/Who is your inspiration?
I get
inspiration for my books from places I travel to or hope to travel to. I also
draw inspiration from growing up outdoors. The characters and their adventures
all come from that creative place in my head that is constantly chattering to
me!
Do you have a
certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain
chair?
No, not really.
It’s just me and my laptop, and usually some coffee! It does have to be quiet
because I get distracted easily. My ideal place to write would be on a lounge
chair overlooking a deserted beach, with an iced caramel macchiato with soy in
my hand.
(I’m a Starbucks
addict, so you’ll find me there a lot!)
Do you have
anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release
them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewer’s you know?
My husband (who
is also my publisher!) and my sister in law (who is also my editor!)
Do you gift
books to readers to do reviews?
Yes!
Do you read all
the reviews of your book/books?
Yes, I do.
What was the
toughest/best review you have ever had?
I don’t take it
personally if someone doesn’t like my book, but my favourite reviews always
come from kids. I love to hear that they are excited about reading or want to
read more. I actually received a letter from a reader and it totally melted my
heart to see that she had enjoyed my book enough to write to me.
Would you ever
ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about your
book/books?
No, Everyone is
entitled to their opinions.
How do you come
up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books? Who designed the Cover
of your books?
The titles
usually just write themselves based on the tone of the books. My husband is a
graphic designer, so he does all the covers for me.
Do you choose a
title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I wrote the book
first and it didn’t have a title. I just kept calling it The Geneva Project and
it kind of stuck. Then I added Truth since that was the underlying tone of the
book. Secrets play a large part in book two, so that seemed like the perfect
title for the second installment of The Geneva Project.
How do you come
up with characters names and place names in your books?
I love names! I
have been keeping a list of names that I love for when I had children, but I
ended up using them for my stories. This is quite fitting because I feel like
each character is one of my kids.
Do you basic
plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or do you
let the writing flow and see where it takes the story?
The first book
had no outline. I just let it flow and had so much fun seeing where my mind
would take me. Sometimes I’d end up somewhere I didn’t like and then I’d think
Hey, I’m in charge if I don’t like it I can change it! The second book has a
rough outline just to keep me on track but I allow plenty of room to branch off
and follow the story where ever my mind takes it. I like to allow room for
spontaneous creativity.
How do you
market/promote your books?
So far, just
social media and word of mouth.
What do you do
to unwind and relax? Do you have a hobby?
I hang out with
my husband, have a glass of wine and day dream about all the places we want to
go.
Have you ever
based characters on people you know or based events on things that have
happened to you?
I try not to,
but I think you can’t help but let life experiences influence how you think and
that comes through in your writing.
Are there any
hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops
Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
No, not hidden
messages, but I do think that there are morals to the stories. I try to make
them good influences since my target audience is young readers. Things like,
tell the truth, be loyal to your friends, put others first, fight for what you
believe in and be courageous.
Is there a
certain Author that influenced you in writing?
I think that
J.K. Rowling is amazing and she has definitely inspired me to do what I love,
in writing.
Which format of
book do you prefer, e-book, hardback, or paperback?
Oh, that’s hard!
I love the convenience of E-Books, but, there’s something so special and
nostalgic about print on paper, plus I also love the smell of a paperback.
Do you think
books transfer to movies well? Which is your favourite/worst book to movie
transfer?
If done right,
Yes. Like Harry Potter, the movies are as good as the books and seeing the
characters on film was like having my thought brought to life. The casting was
excellent in those movies. It was evident that the author had a close hand in
the making of the movies.
What are you currently
reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)
Currently I am
reading The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and it’s an E-Book.
Do you
have a favourite genre of books?
Yes, it has to
be YA Fiction.
Your Website?
www.thegenevaprojectbook.com
Your Facebook Page?
www.facebook.com/TheGenevaProjectBook
Your Goodreads Author Page?
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6588515.Christina_Benjamin
Your Twitter Details?
ChrissyB1279
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