Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Bentley Turner, a pseudonym, has written several short stories and numerous poems that have been published in literary journals and anthologies. Under his legal name he has written articles for academic journals and conference proceedings, chapters for academic books, entries for encyclopedias and other reference books, and books of nonfiction for the academic and reference markets.
“The File on Thomas Marks” is his first full-length mystery.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The File on Thomas Marks,” a full-length mystery, is actually inspired by a short story I wrote years ago. However, the only similarity between the two (novel and short story) is that both have two detectives investigating the murders of two women. Of course, the full-length mystery features Thomas Marks, the young, intelligent leading suspect.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so, unless spending a lot of time researching something is considered unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by numerous writers over the years. Some of these writers have been Ed McBain (Evan Hunter), John D. MacDonald, Erle Stanley Gardner, Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain, Dashiell Hammett, Ross Macdonald, Ira Levin, Irving Wallace, and Sidney Sheldon.
What are you working on now?
An espionage novel tentatively titled “The Agency” that is set during the height of the Cold War.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am using various websites to promote my mystery “The File on Thomas Marks.” If this strategy is successful, I will use it for my next book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you think whatever you’ve written is the best you’ve done, then send a sample of it to literary agents and/or publishers. Expect to receive rejections. More than likely you will. But don’t give up. You never know which agent or publisher will show interest in it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up!
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway,” “The Stories of Erskine Caldwell,” and “The Collected Short Stories of Louis L’Amour: The Crime Stories, Volume Six.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m trying to interest a publisher in a collection of short stories, several of which were published in literary journals years ago, and editing “The Agency,” which I mentioned above.
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?
“The Holy Bible,” and several lengthy books of short stories by various writers.
Author Websites and Profiles
Bentley Turner Amazon Profile
Bentley Turner Author Profile on Smashwords
Bentley Turner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile