Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Benjamin M. Weilert . . . What does the ‘M’ stand for?
Mountain Climber, Movie Connoisseur, Master of Science, and (of course) Multi-novel Writer.
Benjamin M. Weilert was born in Colorado in 1985.
While he went to school for Mechanical Engineering (eventually earning a Master’s Degree), he has found science to be interesting enough to write fiction about it. He likes to classify his novels as “science fantasy,” wherein the science is real and (semi) accurate, but portrayed in a fantasy setting to make it accessible to non-scientific readers. If you want stories that are surreptitiously educational, he’s your man.
He has written in a number of genres and styles, including a science fantasy trilogy, a memoir about climbing all of Colorado’s 14,000-ft. mountains with his father, and a guidebook to cinema. He has had short stories published in at least seven anthologies.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Buried Colony,” and it was inspired by a short story I wrote for a “Science in Literature” course in college.
With my background in science as a Mechanical Engineer, I started to think about what technologies are currently present or are cutting edge right now that could be developed in 20 years to send humans out of our solar system. I believe this unique combination of technologies is plausible and overcomes a lot of the challenges involved with long interstellar journeys.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write my first drafts unusually fast. I’ve participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for 10 years and I usually finish my first draft within two weeks. Granted, I do spend more time later on editing and polishing but I have so many stories inside me I feel like they need to get out as fast as possible.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Classic sci-fi authors like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne definitely inspired my early writing. I’ve also been influenced by the humor of Dave Barry, who I’ve read since I was a child.
In terms of books, my current favorite is Robin Sloan’s “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore,” which expertly fuses analog and digital in a story that I still think about to this day. I appreciate the old way of doing things, but I also like to see how technology can make certain aspects of our lives more efficient and easier.
What are you working on now?
Aside from promoting the release of “Buried Colony,” I’m currently editing a science fantasy trilogy titled “The Constellation Tournament” that takes physical manifestations of the 88 constellations and pits them against each other to determine who is the Sol Champion and who gets to be the North Star, Zodiacs, etc.
I’m also preparing a collection of my short stories, poems, essays, and articles to be published next year. “The Ascent of the Writer” will show readers how ideas I had years ago eventually evolved into the novels I’m writing now. Anyone signed up for my newsletter will receive the eBook version of this collection for free!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know about “best” but I definitely use Goodreads to reach anyone who hasn’t already liked my Facebook page (BMW the Author) or joined my Facebook group (BMW the Author Fan Club).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t necessarily write to fit a trend that’s selling. I’ve found that the books I enjoy working on are the ones that I enjoy reading. After all, with how many edits are needed, you’ll likely be reading your book -a lot-. Plus, if you’re serious about your writing, find a good editor who can help you improve. It might cost some money, but it’s definitely worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are authors ahead of you and authors behind you. Cheer those who you will become and encourage those who you’ve already been.
What are you reading now?
My reading schedule/routine is a little broken right now, but I did just finish listening to Neil Gaiman’s “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” and I highly recommend it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Because I enjoy the control and freedom I have as a self-published independent author, I’m continuing to expand into different genres. While the core of my writing will still remain in the sci-fi/fantasy genres, I’m currently querying a children’s picture book titled “This is Not a Drill” and outlining a cookbook for homemade ice cream.
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?
Ironically enough, “The Martian” would be one of those books.
I’d also probably bring The Bible and “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Benjamin Weilert Website
Benjamin Weilert Amazon Profile
Benjamin Weilert Author Profile on Smashwords
Benjamin Weilert’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account