Becky Benishek won
the Runner Up Award in the Myth chapter for
THE BROTHER OF THE
MOIRAI SITS IN THE CORNER
Biography
Becky Benishek has authored several children’s books, including
“The Squeezor is Coming!” and "Dr. Guinea Pig George," and
contributes to science fiction anthologies. She’s also published articles in
academic publications. Becky has a BA in English and manages online community
spaces.
BAM: Where are you, Becky?
Becky: I hail from the United States.
BAM: Oh? I’ve been in Japan for ten years. It’s funny
how you answered that way. I had to fight to get teachers to let me say I was
from Texas, and not just the United States when I moved here. Okay, let's get more specific. Where’s your writing space?
Becky: Home! This can mean typing at my desk, curled
up awkwardly in a chair with pen and paper, or sitting outside in the garden,
which feels like a sanctuary.
BAM: Sounds relaxing. I wonder how you stay awake to
write when you’re curled up. Let’s get to an icebreaker question. Who are some
of your favorite authors?
Becky: I love Terry Pratchett, C.S. Forester, Becky Chambers, Mary Stewart, Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle (as a writing duo), Tamora Pierce; it's terribly hard to share only a few!
BAM: Some talented names there. I’ve read tons of
Pratchett, too. Are you an art connoisseur? Or at least like any particular
artists and paintings?
Becky: I am deeply enchanted by Maxfield Parrish – vibrant scenes with depth and beauty you can feel. Michael Whelan – fantastical, evocative, richly hued. And Ruth Sanderson – lavish, tactile, mythical, surreal.
BAM: All of the artists you mentioned use elements of
real blended with fantasy in their works. I wonder if they inspired you at all.
On that note, when did you realize you liked
writing?
Becky: It seems to have always been a part of me; I
have no memory of learning to write stories – though I do of learning to make
letters! (My handwriting was abysmal.) I still have the stories I wrote when I
was in elementary school, along with my first poem.
It really goes beyond mere liking. It’s more like the breath
of life.
BAM: Maybe it’s genetic. Is anyone in your family a writer?
Becky: Yes, my dad (RIP), who for many years was an award-winning
music historian. Because of him, I experienced a richly interwoven tapestry of
music. Classical, rhythm’n’blues, opera, country, heavy metal, punk, musicals –
and beyond. But rhythm’n’blues was his especial favorite. Read about him here: https://beckybenishek.com/2021/10/17/remembering-my-dad-peter-grendysa/
BAM: I read the link. Thank you for sharing. Definitely recommend others do so as well. Your dad had quite a life from the sounds of it. What stuck out to me was the picture at the end. Very touching. Similarly, my dad was a writer, too, and he knew more about jazz than anyone else on earth. The final poem he wrote before his passing can be found in the Poetic Prose chapter of the anthology. I hope you’ll give it a read when the book is released in November. Search for Jim Michael Mullin’s story if you’re interested.
Becky: I'm so glad you have that poem; what a lovely, living memory. I look forward to reading it.
BAM: That's kind of you. Okay, let's focus on an important writer topic now. Becky, how do you handle story rejection,
and celebrate acceptance?
Becky: You definitely need a thick skin.
Believe in yourself, your dream, and your words. This is not to say you should
not accept constructive criticism – or that you shouldn’t get your work edited!
But try not to let a rejection of your story idea or manuscript take you down a
dark path. I know, it feels like a part of you yourself was rejected, not just
words on a screen. Try instead to understand how exceedingly subjective this
business is, keep dreaming, and above all, keep writing.
BAM: Yeah?
Becky: Yep! That’s what I do, anyway.
BAM: Tell me more about that.
Becky: So along with continuing to write, you can choose to self-publish or submit to agents and publishers. When your work is accepted - whether by that agent you've been hoping for, or directly by readers with sales and reviews, go ahead and feel that joy, celebrate it! You’ve earned it.
BAM: True.
Becky: But also keep a clear head. For example, if you've got a contract in front of you, read the entire thing! Make sure you retain copyright. You can even get a lawyer to look over it. Even if you don't, think ahead to the next steps. Ask questions about everything, even if you think you should already know it. You have to protect your best asset: Yourself.
BAM: Very encouraging. So, how about this, if you
could inspire thousands of writers in 42 words, what would you write?
Becky: Don’t stress over writing to a daily word
count. Just write something whenever you can. You won’t like everything you
write, and that’s okay. Writers have editors for a reason. And it gets easier.
It gets better. May good fortune find you!
Social media: https://beckybenishek.com
