Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Schenkman.
Hi Ben, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Sometimes it feels like complete random chance, but I know that’s not true. I hadn’t actually set out at any specific point and said “I’d like to be an author.”
I wrote short stories as a kid, and always had creative pursuits like role-playing and acting. I think that eventually just turned into a desire to write a novel. In my last interview I talked about how I took a risk in self-publishing my book, but it’s really the culmination of a long road of small choices.
I will say that some large changes in my life over the past few years made it possible for me to focus on writing as a hobby (that feels like a second job sometimes).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is never smooth! When I drafted my first novel in 2014, it felt like an inevitability that I’d find a way to get it published. Fast forward to 2023 when I finally decided to dust off that draft, nearly ten years later.
I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, my own inability to finish projects that I start, and the complicated nature of the publishing industry. Traditional publishing seems almost designed to demoralize the people who aren’t 100% sure that getting published through a publisher is what they want.
So yeah, a lot of self-doubt warring with the underlying desire to get my book (now books) into the hands of people who want to read it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an Urban Fantasy author, and it’s my favorite genre to read as well.
What am I known for? At this point, witty dialogue and sarcastic characters seem to be what my readers like about my style. Also, taking some really heavy topics and approaching them in a way that explores them without weighing the reader down.
My currently published series, The Devil You Know, talks a lot about good, evil, and the gray spaces in between. It handles a lot of questions on morality and choices. It also dives into the relationships between people.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve published a whole series within a year of each other! If you had asked me at the end of 2023, when My Boss is the Devil first came out, whether I’d have three books published by the end of 2024 I’d have thought you were insane.
Another feather in my cap is that I’ve produced my own audio book! I’m the voice actor and producer, and My Boss is the Devil is now available as an audio book on your favorite platforms (including Audible.com, Apple Books, Spotify, Chirp, and more).
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Regarding collaboration, I work with an author’s co-op, we publish under the Caffeinated Terrier Press. So if you’re in Connecticut or Massachusetts and wanted to drop us a line that would be great.
As far as support? Buy my books! No, seriously, it feels like every indie author has a sore throat from having to constantly market ourselves at the top of our lungs to try and get our books out there. The best thing you can do to support me, or any indie author, is to buy our books, read, and review them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://benschenkman.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100070644815479/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/benschenkman
Image Credits
Allison Reilly