We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Benjamin J. Burton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Benjamin J. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

When I kicked off my adventure of penning my first novel, I was blissfully ignorant, wrapped up in a fairy tale where simply creating the book would be enough. I imagined it soaring off the shelves, effortlessly landing in the hands of eager readers, like some kind of literary magic trick. But oh, reality came crashing down faster than a bad plot twist. I quickly realized that the real mountain to climb in the publishing game wasn’t just about spinning a good yarn; it was all about marketing that baby and getting it into the hearts of those who would actually enjoy it. The noise out there was deafening, and cutting through it felt like an uphill battle.

So, I had a decision to make: wallow in self-pity or roll with the punches. I chose the latter, tapping into the resourcefulness that comes with being a book nerd. I plunged into the wild world of digital marketing and social media, a realm I had never dared to explore before. I figured out how to build my online presence and navigated the quirks of various platforms. I got cozy with Instagram, sharing tantalizing snippets and eye-catching images; I dipped my toes into the whirlwind of X (formerly Twitter), mastering the art of the snappy post; I embraced the community vibe on Goodreads, connecting with fellow book lovers; and I scoured Facebook for author and reader groups, discovering a supportive network that might just vibe with my work.

Through sheer determination and a whole lot of learning, I’ve built something truly rewarding – a fantastic following. It’s a vibrant community of passionate souls who share my obsession with the dark twists of horror and the heart-racing thrill of action-packed fantasy. This journey has been nothing short of amazing, not just in writing, but in forging connections with those who appreciate the worlds I create, making all the hard work feel like a walk in the park.

Benjamin J. , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a writer, I’m all about crafting spine-tingling horror stories that leave my loyal fans quaking in their boots. My literary escapade has resulted in three captivating novels, each one diving headfirst into the thrilling abyss of suspense. Right now, I’m hard at work on my fourth nail-biter, and trust me, I can’t wait to unleash it on the world.

But hey, I get it—everyone experiences stories differently. That’s why I’ve dipped my toes into the realm of visual storytelling. I’m thrilled to team up with some seriously talented comic book artists, bringing my novels and short stories to life with vibrant panels and eye-popping illustrations. This collaboration has been a total game-changer, turning my written words into stunning visual feasts.

I take immense pride in the tales I’ve spun and the fresh avenues I’m exploring, even if that prestigious Stoker Award feels like a distant dream. For the past three years, I’ve been laser-focused on the horror genre, and it continues to ignite my creativity and imagination.

The world of horror is a treasure trove of inspiration, constantly pushing my creative boundaries. I don’t just write; I’m also a voracious reader and viewer of horror. My passion goes beyond penning my own tales—I love diving into the works of others and soaking up their unique takes and artistic flair.

Through horror, I’m rewarded with chilling plots, intriguing characters, and jaw-dropping twists. My love for the genre is ever-expanding, fueled by an endless stream of inspiration and creativity. The horror genre never fails to astonish me, and I can’t wait for the next chance to plunge into its depths and share my findings with the world.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

1. Lately, I’ve had a major epiphany in my creative journey: personal passion is the real MVP. Seriously, chasing after universal approval? Total waste of time! It’s like trying to please a crowd that can’t even agree on pizza toppings. Spoiler alert: you can’t satisfy everyone, and aiming for that is a one-way ticket to creative burnout and losing your unique voice.

I’m lucky enough to team up with some seriously inspiring folks who get it: the best creative vibes come from genuine excitement. When a project lights a fire in me, that’s my cue that I’m onto something good. This isn’t about being a self-centered diva or ignoring my audience, but let’s be real—some of the most captivating work comes from a place of true passion. Mimicking what I think others want? That’s a one-way street to mediocrity. Instead, I’m all about diving into what genuinely excites me; that’s where the magic happens.

So, moving forward, I’m all in on this mantra. I’m ready to fan the flames of my creativity, trust my gut, and invest my energy into projects that truly resonate with me. Sure, there will be moments of doubt and anxiety, but I’m working on keeping that in check. I want to build a healthier relationship with my creative process, giving myself the freedom to experiment and innovate without the suffocating pressure of meeting everyone else’s expectations. In the end, I’m convinced that chasing what truly inspires me will lead to work that’s not just engaging, but also authentic for everyone involved.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2020, after wrapping up my military career, I found myself at a major crossroads, staring down the thrilling yet terrifying question of what to do next. Sure, I could have easily slipped back into my comfy medical career, the one I had poured my heart into during my service. It was a safe bet, a path I knew like the back of my hand. But just when I thought I had it all figured out, a wild urge hit me. I wanted to break free and dive into something completely different. That sudden spark ignited a liberating confidence, and I thought, ‘Why not? Let’s give writing a shot!’

So, I did just that. I took a bold leap and started writing, and voilà, this book was born. The early days were a bit of a mess, to be honest. I had no clear direction or plan, just a swirl of ideas floating around. I felt like a ship without a sail, unsure of where to steer. But with a hefty dose of patience and the unwavering support of a few family members and friends, my blurry vision began to sharpen. The book started to take form and eventually came to life. My lifelong obsession with history bubbled to the surface, and as I dove into this creative project, I found myself drawn to historical research. Miami, my lively hometown, played a pivotal role in shaping the story. This city has always been my muse, and its vibrant essence became a key part of the narrative. The main character, Chelsi, emerged as a fascinating figure, the grandchild of Cuban immigrants. Her heritage fills her with pride, but she’s also wrestling with the intricate layers of being Cuban American. To make Chelsi feel real and relatable, I infused her journey with my own struggles and confusions as I navigated the complexities of her background. I aimed to capture that journey authentically.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: Benjamin J. Burton
• Facebook: Benjamin J. Burton
• Twitter: @BJBurton77
• Youtube: Benjamin J. Burton