Would you please tell us a little about your writing process?
Everyone has to find their own writing process. Writing was always in the background for me, and I never took it seriously until I hit forty. Then I finally sat down with a blank page and began to write. My first attempt took many months to complete. I was very proud of my work and showed it to my wife who read it with reserved enthusiasm. It encouraged me to continue until I had a full novel. Once again, she read the entire manuscript, but I could tell she was not convinced. I continued to edit the words; the paragraphs; the chapters. I read more books. Slowly, I improved. Then I rewrote the whole thing many times. The book I originally started looked nothing like the final product.
Like anything, practice and dedication have improved my work. I always compare it to learning to draw a person’s face. The first draft always looks like a prison mugshot. The second adds some depth. The third may show an expression. By the end, the drawing will look nothing like the original.
Everyday I write something. I work best first thing in the morning when it is quiet. There are less distractions (except for my cat Graham) and my brain can focus. At some point in the morning, I have to stop because I have exhausted my creativity. Then I get on with my day. Some days are better than others where everything flows. Other times I hit a block and have to go a walk to think it through. By doing other hobbies and getting out of the house can solve a problem that I can’t navigate sat in a chair. It may take me days to solve a story issue or even a month. The whole process is complex and different for everyone. Writing is a part of my daily routine, like coffee, and it would not be complete without it.
How do you believe a writer improves? Practice? Mentors? Reading everything? Attending festivals?
I actually don’t read the type of books that I have written. My library is full of historical nonfiction and reference books. I purposefully read different types of books, so I don’t get too heavily influenced by the novel genre. I like to keep my ideas clean of contemporary alternatives.
What motivated / motivates you to write?
I love writing and feel motivated when I am working on a piece. There is nothing better than writing to improve mental wellbeing. It gives purpose to the day.
What are the most important steps an amateur writer can take?
The most important step for me was putting my work out there. It is a terrifying experience to think that someone else will read what you have spent considerable time cultivating. The fear of rejection and humiliation is a constant thought. Not everyone is thick skinned, so any feedback can be a real knock to your confidence. I think it is best to take advice where necessary but also be committed to yourself.
What is the best piece of advice you have received? Or, what is the best piece of advice you would offer an aspiring writer?
I never received any advice about writing. It is difficult to receive any kind of feedback when you submit your work. There are so many people competing for publication that publishers don’t have time. I spent a lot of time researching how I could improve my writing and managed to find my way through it. Don’t be afraid to take criticism of your work even though it might be very personal to you. Listening to different opinions can strengthen your writing and improve your work.
Which successes are you most proud of?
I am proud of all my work especially the five book series that I finished. This took my entire forties to complete and helped me grow as a writer. So many hours sat editing and rewriting. Learning grammar, prose, story layout. Figuring out how to insert red herrings, formulate characters, and tell a story that made sense. This experience helped me to write short stories from ideas that had been set aside.
Ben Jones is a writer based in the UK, whose passion is short stories and crime fiction. He studied History and English at college before joining the Fire Service. To date, he has written numerous short stories and five novels under his pen name J Benjamin. He enjoys cycling, travelling, being with family, and writing new stories.