Name Victor Robert Charles Bennett

Age 74

Where are you from?

North London

I was born as Hitler’s planes dropped bombs on our town. A large family of 13 ensured peace and quiet was only for those who could afford it. Educated at a Secondary Modern [all boys] school where corporal punishment was accepted by those receiving it, and enjoyed by those delivering a cane, slipper or metal ruler.

I qualified for a Grammar school but the financial barrier was far too high for my parents to achieve. I left to work in a wages office at 15. Running with the London street gangs I saw my first brush with law and order at 17. Marching in protest marches to ban the bomb at 19. After several labouring jobs joined the local mill. A large metal refinery where I became their youngest union representative. Then into retail management and my own company, was enlisted as a free mason, rising to become Master Mason 3rd degree. Finishing my working life looking after the rich and famous in 5- star hotel management. I left to retire on the East coast with a head full of memories and the urge to write.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Just published ‘The Flight of the Unicorn’ which is in the book shops and online. Just eaten the last of the Turkey after a Christmas wrapped in family love. Wish I had not scoffed half a box of liqueurs.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

By accident a woman at work had started a writing course. I agreed to write the first page of a book and she would write the second page. It looked good so we finished the book, both writing one half of a couple that eventually fall in love.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I have always considered myself to be a writer

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

When I found, others enjoyed my writing it gave me a buzz that is still nagging me to today.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I enjoy Science Fiction, Murder Mystery laced with romance and compulsory humor But I have written for newspapers, magazines and individuals, so a fair answer would be;

I write whatever I am asked to write and whatever I feel like writing

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Not an easy thing to do, the title and the cover are the ‘hook’ that temps the reader into the ‘blurb’ and needs to convince them that this book will make them happy to spend their money on a copy.The title must say as much as possible about the content using no more than four words

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, many of my books are based on a single true- fact which is then expanded inflated and twisted into a ‘what if’ possibility.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Probably 50% of what I have experienced and 50% of what I would love to have experienced

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

That’s easy Issac Asimov Charles Dickens and the chap that wrote the ‘Biggles’ stories

 

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Wilbur Smith as a new author and Charles Dickens who manages to weave indelible charismatic characters into every story.

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My readers

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

No, I feel it makes an excellent walking stick but to advance that support to a crutch that would provide adequate income is, for me, in my opinion, unrealistic.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No before you let you ‘baby’ loose on the public it would have been ‘tweaked’ changed and ‘played with many times, so you should have no regrets

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I have always been a storyteller, as a child I told stories to my young nephews at family gatherings. You would get a sound thrashing for ‘telling fibs’ as a child but as a grown up you can make up what you want and call yourself a writer.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

The lone around the world female pilot found herself being ‘sucked’ down to the jungle floor and death. The camera in the bi-plane’s nose cone revealed a shock that had her racing back up the Amazon to face the truth and change its outcome

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

The beginning, like a sled on top of a hill once you begin the journey follows

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

No, but many of my character’s journeys have been made by myself.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Some are from online sellers, some a created by talented family and friends and some I construct myself, if I am not entirely content with all the above.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The plot and the ending

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned to make notes of the character’s names and refer to it whilst writing. If the story runs over several decades to make sure that the timeline of those character’s ‘dovetails’ into the plot

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead.

Impossible for me to say. A book leaves the reader to decide how the fine detail of the character’s look like. A film takes that choice away and chooses the face for us. Harry Potter will always be set in our minds but he would not look the same to all if a film was not made. The selection of the face to match the character is

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Do not write to make money, write and hope you make money. When you no longer enjoy every moment when you are writing, stop!

 

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you

 

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am writing, finding quiet moments to read and write is asking too much from my large loving family

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Biggles, when I was 11

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Every new grand child’s birth

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person past or present you would meet and why?

Nelson Mandela. He showed dignity in his incarceration and humility when released.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why?

T.O.M.A.S is what I wish those that knew me do when they remember me;

Think Of Me And Smile

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

D.I.Y. and talking

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

Doctor Who, Science Fiction, anything by the BBC drama dep.

Films that include the best actors

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Chinese Sunday Roast Purple all Music if it’s the best of its Genre

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

Get on-board a UFO

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

http://www.victorbennetttales.co.uk/