Can you tell us a little about how you started writing; was it something you have always wanted to do?
The short answer is yes, I’ve always wanted to write. But it took me a while to get around to fiction. In my “other life” I wrote textbooks and some computer manuals until I finally made the decision to try romance (it was one of those “if not now, when?” moments). Then it took me several more years to write something that somebody else might actually want to read!
Who or what has been your biggest influence as a writer?
Probably the writers’ groups I’ve been a part of. I’m a huge fan of critique groups, although I know all about their shortcomings, too. Nothing kick-starts my writing like having a bunch of other people look at my stuff and say “I like this, but this part sucks.”
Your work is very popular with readers and reviewers; how does it feel to have such positive recognition for your work?
Having people like my stuff is really exhilarating. I have to admit, the less-than-enthusiastic reviews are sort of a bummer, but that’s something else you learn in critique groups (and contests)—you’ll never please everybody. And sometimes the people you don’t please can tell you more than the people you please.
What do you consider to be the key elements of a great story?
I’m a big character person. If I don’t care about the people, the plot can be really exciting and I’ll still put the book down. Beyond the characters, the author’s voice has a huge effect. The storyteller makes the story, in a way. If I like listening to the author talk and I like the characters, I’ll keep reading even if I can sort of anticipate what’s going to happen.
Could you tell us a little about how you develop your characters? Who has been your favorite character to write? The most challenging?
My characters are (mostly) people I’d like to spend time with in reality. The Toleffson brothers sort of came to life bit by bit—originally, there was just Cal, who began as a reaction to the whole alpha male thing. Then when he mentioned his family to Docia, I threw in three brothers. And then, well, I just started wondering what these guys were like. The oldest brother, Erik, was just a sort of shadowy presence in the first book, but when I was working on Wedding Bell Blues I suddenly realized he had to be there too, even though he was a kind of nightmare big brother. I’m working on Erik’s story now, and it’s a little tougher than the others. Cal, Pete, and Lars are all good guys—decent, upright, and loving. They’re fairly easy to deal with. Erik’s hard to write about because he wants to be a good guy and he’s got a good guy’s occupation (he’s a cop), but he has all this baggage. As to who’s my favorite character to write, I’ve got to say I get a kick out of Wonder Dentist. I don’t really have to develop him since he’s secondary, but I do get to give him the best lines.
Please tell us about the projects you are currently working on; what can readers expect to see in the coming months?
I’m working on books for the two remaining Toleffsons—Lars and Erik. I’ve also been dabbling with a paranormal series about a family of mediums (with a control who looks and sounds like George Sanders in All About Eve). And I’ve got a mystery in the works. Also, I just moved to Colorado, and I want to do something here, as well as my Texas books.
Hollywood came calling and asked for one of your books to be made into a movie. Which one would you choose and who do you see playing your characters?
Well, on the old “Love the One You’re With” principle, probably Wedding Bell Blues. I’d love Amy Adams for Janie (even though she’s a redhead and Janie’s a brunette—hey, I can be flexible). For Pete, I like Christian Camargo, although he’s not what you’d call well-known. He was a very sexy (and very scary) villain on Dexter, though.
Summertime…sun, heat and tans. What is your favorite Summer time treat to snack on?
Oh, man, I’m now living in an area that produces fantastic peaches, not to mention strawberries and raspberries. I love them all!
Where can readers find more about you and your books?
My Website is http://www.MegBenjamin.com. I’m also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/meg.benjamin1. And you can find links to my books at Samhain Publishing
For fun: You are able to meet one character from any book, who would it be and what would you do?
Well, right now I’d like to meet Erik Toleffson, who’s a minor character in Wedding Bell Blues and will be a major character in his own book. I’m trying to figure out his motivation, but it would be so much easier if he’d just tell me!
Sneak peek into Wedding Bell Blues:
Wedding Bell Blues
Pete Toleffson and Janie Dupree have to dance at the wedding reception since they’re best man and maid of honor, respectively. Pete’s a non-dancer, but Janie’s going to help him practice.
The music on the radio changed to Lyle Lovett and “If I Needed You”. Janie extended her hands. “Come on, it’s not that bad.”
“Yeah, it is.” Pete sighed, but he moved toward her, taking her hands. “This isn’t a waltz.”
“No, it’s not.” Janie smiled. “It’s just beautiful.” She swayed back and forth lightly, letting the music move into her bones.
After a moment, Pete began to move with her in a sort of tentative way.
Janie shuffled lightly to the left and back again, taking the rhythm from the music and pulling Pete gently in her wake.
He stumbled, half-catching himself, but Janie kept hold of his hands, sliding back and forth easily, humming along with Lyle. The tension began to fade in his arms.
On the radio, Emmylou Harris started singing “Cattle Call”. Pete stopped in his tracks. “What the hell?”
Janie laughed. “C’mon, it’s a waltz. Dance with me.” She extended her arms.
Pete pulled her closer, one hand at her waist, the other holding her hand out rigidly. After a moment, he began leading. Emmylou’s sweet soprano yodeling followed them around the yard. Janie found herself emphasizing each downbeat, enjoying herself immensely as Pete’s arms began to loosen slightly.
The music slowed and shifted to another slow one. Without thinking, Janie moved closer, letting Pete slide his feet alongside hers. She could feel the hard muscles of his shoulders beneath her fingers, flexing slightly as he moved her in careful circles. She let him push her along, keeping her spine straight but moving steadily closer until their bodies finally touched.
She hadn’t meant it to happen, really. Pete came to an abrupt halt, his shoulders stiff again. Janie started to move, but his hand at the small of her back held her in place. Then he began to dance again, more slowly this time. Another waltz began to play. Apparently, the DJ was psychic.
Janie could feel the smooth plane of his body pressing against her breasts. An ache had started low in her body that had nothing to do with exhaustion and everything to do with Pete Toleffson. She closed her eyes and let her cheek rest against his chest for a moment, feeling warm skin and smelling faint hints of sweat and aftershave, letting herself relax against the hard muscles of his chest and thighs.
One muscle was very hard indeed.
What the hell was she doing? Janie’s head popped up abruptly. Pete Toleffson was staring down at her, his eyes obscured in the dim light. “Something wrong, Ms. Dupree?” he murmured.
Janie shook her head, feeling a weird bubble of panic rise in her chest. This was just a dance, after all. She danced all the time.
Pete’s fingers spread against the small of her back, nudging her closer as their bodies moved slowly back and forth. Her hips brushed against him, and she was aware again of the hard shape of his erection.
Okay, she wasn’t imagining it—something was definitely going on beyond a quick turn around the backyard.
The music faded and changed to a muted commercial. Pete stopped moving.
Janie felt as if she were standing on the edge of a precipice, looking down. She could step back. Or she could leap over the edge and fly.
Pete’s hand moved from the small of her back to cup her cheek, and Janie stood very still, looking up at him. His eyes were dark in the dim light of the backyard, but she could see the fire behind them as he moved closer. Then his lips touched hers.
Wedding Bell Blues can be found at http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/wedding-bell-blues
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Hi Meg and thanks for being my guest today. So what do you enjoy doing when not writing fabulous stories to relax?
Raine D.
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Hi Raine and Meg!
Great blog and the brothers sound very intriguing!
I hope he comes around for you!
Isn’t it funny how the whole thing of Texas verses Colorado goes. I love Colorado, wouldn’t mind moving there myself, but hubby says they pick on Texans big time! lol
Hope ya’ll have a Great Day!