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The Interview - Benjamin Lee

The Interview - Benjamin Lee

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08VNCZZXK/about?ingress=0&visitId=bb464c18-9906-498e-b48c-adf94e9e04f6

When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?

I like to get a jump on the new one as soon as it pops in to my head. I think it helps give you a fresh perspective when you go back to the book you were working on. In my series, the donuts are experiencing life so new stories help build the world around my characters.

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

I think the Donut Critic character is my favorite and most challenging at the same time. At the same time that he needs to have a strong perspective on which donuts are best, he needs to be fair and reasonable. He can help out at Darla's donut shop but can't get too comfortable because he needs to give other shops equal opportunities on his tastings.

What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?

I have kids but sometimes it's hard to find the right words that work with the prospective ages of my readers. It changes whole sentences and paragraphs when you have to find a more simple way of saying a complex word or phrase.

Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?

I work for a creative company that has given me skills and tools to help produce the pages and items for publishing. That has helped to avoid adding more people to the process.

Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?

I identify with my main donut character, Glaze. He's just a constant for those around him. He tries to keep things simple and moving along as some crazy things happen around him.

Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

I write a series of sweet stories about donuts learning life lessons.

Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?

Each of my books has a positive message the reader should be learning. Some messages we've wrote about include loving yourself, being kind to others, overcoming a bully, and making sure we're resting to be our best selves.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I usually write my children's books within a few hours as the idea pops in my head. It then takes months and months to refine and build in the story arcs that lead the reader on the journey.

As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?

The hardest critique for me to receive is a vague "I don't like it." I can take critiques when they're specific and I can figure out how to change but how can someone not like a simple and sweet donut story? The most rewarding compliments are when I get pictures of people reading my stories to their kids at night.

Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?

Just write. The largest hurdle to get over is just starting. Once you have the first words on the page then you can build or react to them. Too many people have stories and ideas in their heads that never make it on a page.

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

I think the most difficult isn't a specific book or chapter. I think the most difficult is cutting out parts of the story that you think are so important but maybe need removed for clarity and length of the book. Writing about delicious donuts is just so fun.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I am a creative producer by day and a food influencer by night. I'm always working with creative and talented people which I really enjoy.

Was there anything you had to research for the book?

My research for this book was eating donuts. The more donuts I ate, the more the life of Glaze and his friends came to life.

Did you have any say in the cover design?

The book is illustrated by my mother, Kathleen. We are a mother-son duo on these books to bring positive messages through delicious characters. We work very closely on the works and illustrations together.

What can we anticipate from you moving forward?

I already have 3 new books in the mix. I'm hoping to adapt the books into other fun mediums so kids can enjoy the characters besides the books..

Do you have any movie or tv adaptations in the works?

Not yet. I have dreams of making this into an animated series. At this point, it's just getting the read alongs on YouTube so people can enjoy the books with pics in my voice.

Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I never wanted to be an author. I wanted to be a TV chef or restaurant owner. I owned my own pizza place and that quickly showed me that I would prefer to tell the stories of donuts in restaurant that making the food to sell.

How long did it take you to write this book?

The process to write, rewrite, illustrate, review, and copyedit usually takes about 6 months.

Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?

I love to write in a familiar place in my home. If I'm writing in other places then I'm too distracted. I like to keep my mind focused on what is playing out on the pages as I write.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people in your real life? If so, can you tell us more about that process and how it influenced your writing?

I'm a food influencer that is always visiting donut shops and meeting the owners. The characters are based on real people I meet and the role I playing in critiquing the desserts.

Benjamin Lee

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