Interview With Author Scott Allen Benkie
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Scott Allen Benkie is a graduate of the Indiana University McKinney School of Law and a practicing trial lawyer (Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, martindale.com) for 35 years in Indianapolis, where he lives with his daughter and fiance. He has coached high school basketball (Bishop Chatard State Champions 2003) and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a frequent speaker for lawyers in litigation seminars and has written several articles and manuals to assist lawyers in their cases. This is my first book, and I am halfway through the second book in the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my book is The Lawyer’s Angel. Many of the characters share personality traits of people I know or knew. The Lawyer’s Angel took me over 10 years to write because of my law practice. I tried to write a book that would resonate with readers and give them a reason not to give up if they were facing their own trial of some sort.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I read my book aloud to one critique partner reader. One local book club read it and provided feedback. Award-winning Crime writer Charles Salzberg(Canary in the Coal Mine) read and gave his feedback and positive recommendations. I think reading the book aloud to someone helps with edits. I also had my book professionally edited by Robbie Tucker, in NYC with experience in the movie industry.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, Earnest Hemingway, J.R. Tolkein, William Faulkner, James Joyce.
What are you working on now?
I have started a sequel with Crosson as the protagonist and with a continuation of some aspects of the first book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My Author Website really is a great tool https://scottallenbenkiebooks.com/.
Social media is a great tool you can follow me on my different platforms
Social media
Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/scottallenbenkie/
Twitter = https://twitter.com/ScottABenkie
Pinterest = https://www.pinterest.com/scottallenbenkie/
Linkedin = https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottallenbenkie/
Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/scottallenbenkie/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do your research and due diligence, use a professional editor and read your manuscript aloud. Write what you know and think about your writing like a movie, show the action, don’t just tell it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hemingway said what was necessary to be a good writer was to sit before a typewriter and bleed. I paraphrased this but I think it’s true. You have to put into words visceral emotion and action.
What are you reading now?
Michael Connelly, The Dark Hours.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on a second book with the same protagonist attorney, James Crossen, and I am about one-third of the way through that book.
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?
Bible, The Old Man and the Sea, A Tale of Two Cities, The Good Earth.
Author Websites and Profiles
Scott Allen Benkie Amazon Profile
Scott Allen Benkie’s Social Media Links