Originally from North Carolina, A. E. Bennett is an author currently based out of Washington, D.C. Her main series is a speculative, sci-fantasy series entitled The Serrulata Saga.
She has currently published two books in the main series and three spin-off romance novels. She will also have a companion novella to the second book debuting this September.
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QUESTIONS:
1. Tell our readers a little about yourself and your writing (including publications).
The Serrulata Saga takes place in the distant future in an alternate reality where Y2K happened. I took science-based magic, Regency clothing and morals, and a disgruntled working class – threw them all in a blender – and created The Realm. If you’ve been to my website, you might be familiar with my tag line: In the distant future, the United States is long gone… the Realm stands in its place… and one peasant woman will become the catalyst for a revolution.
And while The Serrulata Saga has been my main focus these past few years, I’ve also started dabbling in horror. I have one short story, “Here and There,” available now. And I’ve been working on gathering together more short stories for a collection that will be released at a later date.
2. What writing projects are you currently working on?
I’m actually on a bit of a writing hiatus at the moment. I started working on Book Three of my series earlier this year, but life has gotten in the way. So, I’ve put my craft on the shelf for the remainder of the summer. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be back at my desk this fall.
3. Are you a daytime writer, a mid-day writer, a nighttime writer, or just someone who writes when the mood hits you?
I am a night owl (hoot, hoot) and prefer sequestering myself during the darkest hours to focus on my stories. I have occasionally gotten some good work done when the sun is up, but I prefer nighttime.
4. Do you have a writing “Bucket List” (goals you want to accomplish as a writer)?
I used to have grandiose ideas about becoming a famous indie author, but I have mostly realized that’s never going to happen.
I am horrible at marketing and I just don’t have the capacity right now to improve much, so the circle of folks who have read my work and engaged with it is fairly small—but that’s ok!
I adore those who have reached out to me, and I’m very happy that I have a loyal group of newsletter subscribers (huzzah for the Serrulata Squad) who have left reviews.
5. How many books do you read in a month? What are your favorite genres?
Oh goodness. Some months I read ten books, and during others I barely finish one. I am very much a mood reader. I try to read as many indie books as I can and leave reviews because I know how important this is for fellow indies. (I also know what that adrenaline rush feels like when you see someone has left a new review!) I’ve been on a contemporary romance kick for the past month but have started reading more classic sci-fi lately. And, of course, every October I make sure to read a horror tale or two.
6. HORROR FANS (pick 1-3): What was the first horror movie you ever saw? What is your favorite horror movie? What is the worst horror movie you have ever seen?
Hmmmm the first horror movie I ever saw would probably be Arachnophobia (though as an adult I think of it as more of a comedy). I saw this movie close to when it came out, so I think I was around nine or ten years old, and—no lies—it scared the daylights out of me. There’s a scene where a spider flies through the air and attacks the main character that lived rent free in my head for about two decades, haha!
I don’t watch a lot of horror movies, to be honest. I prefer to read horror. But, if I had to pick, I’d say 28 Days Later is currently my favorite. I am terrified of fast-moving, jerky, rage-virus-filled folks.
As for the worst horror movie… I can’t think of a specific one, but I’m really not into torture. Films like Saw are just not my jam.
7. Do you have any “rules” when you write? (EX for me: the dog never dies!)
My only hard rule is I avoid graphic descriptions of sexual assault and child abuse. I don’t write scenes involving these things and I really don’t like reading books with scenes about these topics, either. It’s why I think trigger and content warnings are important. I want to have a choice in what material I engage with, and I do my best to help educate my readers about my own work. (And my email is always open if folks have questions! I’d rather readers stay safe than be hurt by my writing.)
8. Speaking of animals, do you have any pets?
We lovingly serve one dog and one cat in our house. Followers of my social accounts will occasionally see pictures of both adorable freeloaders.
Eric Woods, Author 