Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m 21 years old and an avid student/reader/writer. If I could, I would probably study for the rest of my life. My thirst for knowledge is never quenched. As of now, I’ve completed a bachelor in Business Administration, and have started my Master’s degree in Law.
My favourite part of existence would probably be admiring nature by hiking in it. A sense of liberation like no other finds me then. I’m a very active person, and also an intense introvert.
I have too many quirks to list, but a two are coffee-addiction and a nocturnal lifestyle.
During the short span of my life, I’ve probably written at least 40 works, ranging in word count between 50 000 k to 500 000 k. Writing isn’t a hobby of mine. It’s an addiction. I get withdrawal symptoms if I’m unable to write for an extended period of time.
I’m a structured individual, but with a very flexible attitude toward it. I’m open-minded and unconventional. Definitely not a perfectionist. Just driven. A millennial woman.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Well, ‘The Faceless Man’ would be the name of my latest book. I’m not sure what inspired it, unfortunately. I wanted to write a romantic book, but I also didn’t want it to be a standard version of the genre. So I thought, ‘hey, why don’t I toss a spy into a gooey love-story? That should prove challenging.’
I also don’t appreciate a lot of the male characters in adult romance, because they tend to be portrayed as primitive cavemen, which I find disagreeable. I prefer a driven, intelligent and self-assured man who is reflected and knows what he wants, without overruling the female party without compassion or concern. So I decided to create him. Besides, is there anything more badass than being a spy?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A great many! For the best result, I like to lie in my bed with the lights switched off. I’ve made sure that my apartment and bedroom window has blackout drapery, so to block out all light. That way, I can easily submerge into the story.
When I write, I rarely actually reread the sentences I’ve written. Everything feels to be happening around me, with thanks to the lack of light, and I’m just writing down what I see, hear and smell as I go.
Another extremely important detail is the music I have playing in the background. It’s usually a single song that sets the mood for the chapter, and I play it on very low volume, on repeat. Sometimes I change the song – depending on the mood of the chapter, really. In the end, I rarely notice that the song is playing. I suppose it serves as support to my subconscious. And, it invokes my flow-state-of-mind. After that initial trigger, I don’t notice the music anymore.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have no idea. I like to think I’m not *too* influenced. I want my work to be original first and foremost. I suppose my values/morals and tastes influence me more than anything else.
What are you working on now?
My series ‘The Faceless Man’.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still figuring that one out. Right now, I’m quite satisfied with Goodreads and Amazon’s KDP Select program.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop writing. You’ll get better. And always write for yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never stop.
What are you reading now?
To Kill A Mockingbird
What’s next for you as a writer?
To write my biggest idea yet – a fantasy series involving a very twisted protagonist.
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?
1. Three Comrades – Erich Maria Remarque
2. Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe (because, how to survive?)
3. The Book Thief – Markus Zusak.
4. Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens
Author Websites and Profiles
Claire D. Bennett Website
Claire D. Bennett Amazon Profile
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