Author Profile: Natasha Bennet

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Natasha’s LPI Page

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Natasha’s Facebook ID: Natasha_Bennett

All Titles by Author:

War of the Soulites, Lyrical Press

Latest Writing News:

A couple of weeks ago I submitted War of the Soulites 2: Ouroboros for consideration for publication. I'm also doing chats every Saturday during the month of August.

Favorite part of being an author:

The favorite part of being a published author is having the opportunity to meet several different people while advertising my book. I've made a lot of new friends while doing do, and helped several aspiring writers along the way.

Typical day in the life of the author:

During the weekdays, I work full-time as an inventory control specialist. A typical writing day is jotting notes madly on the bus, going to work, coming home, and transcribing them to my laptop. Weekends are usually dedicated towards promoting War of the Soulites, but I try and get some writing in when I can.

How old were you when you wrote your first story, and what was it about:

I wrote my first story when I was in grade four, which was a fantasy story. It didn't sell too well.

What are you working on right now:

I'm working on a horror novel, currently untitled involving demons and humanity's poor choices which could lead to the destruction of Earth. I have a few projects lined up after that as well.

Most powerful/memorable thing that ever inspired you to write:

Nothing specific, but when I usually hear a new piece of music, I want to write for a couple of hours. This usually lasts for a few days until I get bored of the song.

Strangest thing that ever inspired you to write:

Usually drinking massive quantities of caffeine. After that, thousands of words fly by on the computer, and sometimes I have no idea how it happens.

Favorite place to write:

I have a little garden on the balcony outside my apartment, and I love to write there.

Any writing rituals/superstitions?:

Every second Saturday, after my paycheck, I buy myself an extra-tall red bull to start the morning.

Strangest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research:

Nothing yet, but I'm planning to talk to a few paranormal investigators for one of my upcoming books I'm planning to write, and maybe go on another ghost tour.

Worst story idea ever:

Any idea involving the author being the actual character. I've seen it done a few times and find it egotistical. By the way, Best Story Idea-Bunny rabbits with rockets in space. It could happen.

Favorite scene(s) in LPI titles:

Speaking from my own book, War of the Soulites, there's a scene where the Captain of the Vigilant meets his first officer for the first time-Marcus Collingway. Trouble is, Marcus is a terrorist and a mass-murderer. Renolds tries to guilt-trip Mark by talking about his sister who died in the war. Mark shrugs it off, and asks if he can talk about his sister next, who sells hot dogs in Iowa. Another choice would be from another book I read, Earth V2 by Malcolm Ducard. Without giving too much away, in one scene there's a colony ship headed to Earth V2, and the ship has a horrifying technicality.

When was the last time you laughed at yourself, and why?:

Recently, Rogers canceled my internet, which is probably due to the fact that I haven't paid the bill in three months. I paid off the bill and arranged a six-hour writer's chat, thinking that I could get my internet reconnected the day before. Naturally, that didn't happen, and I spent six hours straight at a Serious Coffee. It was free internet, but I felt bad for the staff. They couldn't get rid of me.

If you could ask anyone who ever lived any question, who would you ask, and what would you ask?:

I would probably ask Stephen King if the drug rumors are true...

Three favorite words:

I'm a writer. I like all my words

What are you reading right now?:

Sad but true, I haven't read a lot of things recently. A book I recently finished is Extreme Liquidation by Gary Starta.

Three summer reading essentials:

1) Like Coffee and Donuts by Elle Parker

2) Foodie's Guide to Kitchen Magic by Sandra Sookoo

3) Unseen World by Sean Cummings

Favorite summer pastimes:

Swimming at the beach. I live right next to the Pacific Ocean, so the last time I went there eighty people were sunbathing, afraid to touch the water. Naturally, I did a few laps just to show them.

Favorite hobby:

Taking long walks. The strange thing is, when it comes to exercise I'm kind of lazy, but when my hubby and I have a walk it's really nice.

Favorite online timesink(s):

In my spare time I like watching funny reviews of movies and video games. The angry video game nerd, zero punctuation, and the nostalgia critic are my top three.

Advice to authors seeking publication:

Be patient. Try and build up your reputation first by submitting stories to free magazines. Then, go for magazines that pay. Your chances will be significantly better than a first-time writer.

Most surprising thing you’ve learned about digital publishing:

Probably the idea that people could download books onto pocket readers, and that some people buy thousands of books this way. My family is still trying to understand the concept!

Win a free ebook! Leave a question or comment for the author by Saturday morning (state-side), and be entered to win a copy of War of the Soulites

Winners will be announced during Saturday’s 6PM Central Time live blogcast. Entrants need not be present to win.