Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Vali Benson
Book Title: Blood and Silver
Released: 04/02/20
Genre: Historical Fiction YA Novella
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Blood and Silver”?
Benson: The inspiration for Blood and Silver was numerous trips to Tombstone, Arizona between 1980 and present day. Known as “The Town Too Tough to Die”, Tombstone is now mainly a tourist attraction and has a population of about twelve hundred residents. But in its heyday, it had a population of almost twenty thousand. Tombstone was larger than San Francisco and was the fastest growing city between St. Louis and San Francisco. I couldn’t imagine nearly twenty thousand people in this tiny place and the more I researched, the more unbelievable stories I uncovered. I knew that this place in that time was a story waiting to be written.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Benson: I took a two-pronged approach. First, I tested names that I felt were appropriate to the character until I found a good fit. I needed memorable monikers that convoluted the story as little as possible. Secondly, I made sure that the names made sense for the time period in which the story took place.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Benson: I write historical fiction, so research is a critical component of my process. It also forms the foundation of my narrative. If research is done correctly, it should be a rewarding but grueling progression. I pride myself in being as historically accurate as possible. To accomplish this, one needs to scavenge unusual places, not just the top three Google hits. Try not to settle for strictly names and dates. I love sourcing museums, libraries, newspaper archives, and even historical homes. Don’t rely on your computer only. Everyone can get that information.
If "Blood and Silver" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Benson: To be honest, I would like all first-time actors to portray my characters. This way, the audience would simply see the characters and not the actors playing them. But I do think Sandra Oh could be terrific as China Mary. Of course, Sandra Oh is terrific in every role she plays!
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Benson: The first thing is to not take it personally. Then, if possible, I try to focus on an activity or task that has nothing to do with the thought process of writing. If that doesn’t work, I watch a Mel Brooks movie. Laughter seems to help everything; it must have medicinal properties.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Benson: My advice to anyone who wants to write a book is to ask yourself if you have a passion for writing. If you do, sit down and write, write, write! Express your thoughts, flush out your ideas, tell your tales. There is no magic formula. You just have to do it. Determine where you want to take your reader and put words on the page until you arrive at your destination.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Benson: Historical fiction is my genre of choice because it combines the majesty of an author’s imagination with the beauty of the past. As far as favorite authors, I have so many, I couldn’t choose just one. However, when I was a little girl, I read “Gone with the Wind” and it influences my writing to this day. I find Margaret Mitchell’s use of imagery breathtaking.
What are you working on next?
Benson: I am currently researching several different ideas. Foremost on my docket would be another adventure for Carissa and Mai and perhaps some background on China Mary. My readers were so receptive to my characters in Blood and Silver that I feel that maybe I owe them a little more.
Learn More About the Author and Blood and Silver here:
Website: http://valibenson.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53167218-blood-and-silver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BensonVali
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealValiBenson/?modal=admin_todo_tour
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