Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an avid fan of political thrillers and military fiction. I also spend much of my time keeping up to date with international politics, particularly in regards to counter-terrorism and developing conflicts. When I’m not up to my eyeballs in distressing information about the EMP threat or learning about militia fighting in Libya, I like to unwind by playing board and role-playing games with my friends. I have one book out now, entitled SON OF SYRIA, with sequels in various stages of development.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is called SON OF SYRIA. It follows former Marine turned Vatican agent Kyle Hoyek as he ventures into the chaos of the Syrian Civil War to rescue civilians with only one thing in common: someone powerful wants them dead at any cost. The inspiration for this series as a whole comes from my research into the military orders of the Middle Ages like the Knights Templar. Despite their current mythic status, the Templars were originally founded to protect travelers trying to get to Jerusalem or other holy sites in dangerous areas of the world. It got me thinking about how such an organization would function if it was created in the modern world of black ops and international terrorism. Thus the Order of St. Adrian was born. The setting and story are taken straight from today’s headlines as innocent civilians flee the death and destruction in cities like Aleppo or Damascus. It was a natural fit.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to fully immerse myself in the scene. I have playlists of music that I use to get myself in the right mindset for action sequences, quiet conversations, or moments of tension. I’ll throw on some headphones, pull up my word processor on one side of the screen and a web folder with all my research on the other, and lose myself in the flow of my story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brad Thor’s novels have a great ability to take readers around the world and keep them on the edge of their seat with thrilling action. Clive Cussler and Brad Meltzer both brilliantly combine history, adventure, and suspense. Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series heavily influenced my writing style with a smart-mouthed protagonist facing impossible odds with humor. The old Expanded Universe of Star Wars novels (currently Legends) taught me a lot about the possibilities and hazards of building an extended, connected universe.
What are you working on now?
The sequel for SON OF SYRIA, which has the working title of LIVE BY THE SWORD, has been consuming all of my spare time lately. It’s even larger in scope and deals with issues of international crime, human trafficking, revenge, and fanaticism. I’m currently on track to have it released by the end of the year. After that, the third novel in the series will be released next year, along with several short stories following supporting characters in their own adventures.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found Facebook to be a good way to reach out to my audience most directly. My website, TheBenSchafer.com, is a great tool and resource for keeping all of my core information in one place, but I enjoy the ability to have conversations with my fans in real time (or close to it) through my author page on Facebook. Goodreads is also a great place to connect with fellow fans, and that’s really what authors are, at heart.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. I know it sounds obvious, but I’ve found that every problem I’ve had in my writing can be solved by working through it. I don’t mean you have to slug through work you hate or don’t enjoy. If you get stuck, take a step back to the last place you know that you felt “right” about the story. Write in general terms about the direction you want the story to go. I’ve found that writing e-mails or messages to people I trust can really help work through mental blocks and open up new directions that you may not have seen while you were so focused on getting the next word right.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That the best promotion for indie authors is to produce more content. It’s so tempting, after crafting a work to release into the world, to want to push that work as hard as you can. But, in this market, it’s less about getting millions of casual readers as much as it is to get a group of loyal fans. And the way to do that is to give people more of what they want. People who like your work want to read more of it. They don’t want to find out that it’s been five years since your debut novel and you still haven’t come out with a sequel. That’s a great way to be forgotten, which can be a death sentence to a series.
What are you reading now?
HOUSE OF SECRETS by Brad Meltzer, DUET IN BEIRUT by Mishka Ben-David, and THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE by George V. Higgins
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve never been a short story guy, so that’s an aspect of my writing that I really want to focus on developing. I’ve also been learning the basics of screenwriting to produce short films with some friends who have a production company. There’s always something new to learn.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I mean, the Bible’s the default Christian answer, but it’s packed with both life lessons and dramatic stories that make it a good read even without the religious aspect. Since my library is too small to take the whole Tolkien set, I’d have to take THE HOBBIT. To satisfy my Star Wars craving, Michael Stackpole’s I, JEDI since it has everything I love about Star Wars in one story. And, finally, something practical like the SAS Survival Guide, both to help me survive and to let me practice new skills to stay busy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ben Schafer Website
Ben Schafer Amazon Profile
Ben Schafer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account