Interview Conducted in March 2006
INside AUTHORS
W.R. Benton , western novelist
Background INfo : I retired from the United States military in 1997, after 26 years, so I've not only visited many countries, but also live in some of them for years at a time. I've always had an interest in the outdoors, people, and writing, so during each military assignment I attempted to spend time in the countryside, meet the people (learn the religion, customs, and as much of the language as I could), and discover the history of the individual countries. Each of those points gave me a better understanding of how not only the country developed, but also the people, their customs, and courtesies. I feel my military service opened my eyes to the many different kinds of folks who migrated North.
IN fluences : I would have to say my grandparents and my great-grandmother. My great-grandmother personally knew many famous people of the Old West, like Frank and Jesse James, the Youngers, and others lesser known. Many evenings when I was young I'd sit on the porch and listen to her, or one of my grandparents, tell tall tales of the West. I guess it got into my blood at that point, because I started reading all the western fiction I could find.
Advice : I think it is very important for any writer to continue to learn, evaluate, and reach conclusions on a variety of subjects, both related and unrelated to their particular genre, because one day it might come in handy. However, since I write mostly Western fiction, I am constantly reading about horses, guns, and the standard of living in the 1800's. As a result, I have a fair idea when certain weapons were introduced to the west, when matches came to be used commonly, and other small details. I've discovered with Western fiction the reader is usually pretty savvy on small details. Finally, for me, historical research is the key to writing a good, accurate novel. And I've discovered what we have been taught in school is not necessarily the truth.
Internet Presence : A web site such as mine http://www.wrbenton.net/ is simply a contact point where visitors can view my works, see what I'm currently working on, or contact me. I feel it's an important tool, but only after you have a few books in print. For the struggling or unknown writer it may not be very useful at all and a low number of hits might even be depressing.
The Future : I currently have a Western series to be released this year, The Drum Series, which contains four volumes (1865-1870), as well as a single, standalone book. In addition, next year I have a young adult novel and a Vietnam novel (both fiction) scheduled for publication.
Bibliography
Novels
Ty Fisher and the Blood of the Mountain Men (Fultus) 2005
In the Shadow of the Mountain (Publish America) 2005
Death on the Mountain (Saga Books) 2005
Red Runs the Plains (Tree-Side Press) currently being republished by Aydy
Press (it was expanded and endorsed by Matt Braun)
Simple Survival, A Family Outdoors Guide (Emerald Ink) 2005
Bubba's Dawg Might be a Redneck (Fultus) 2005
Magazine articles
In Buck Masters , Modern Survival Magazine , Wonderful West Virginia , FamilyCamping Magazine , Big Game Hunt , Canoeroots, and many others.
