Introducing Ben Burgess Jr.

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing best-selling author Ben Burgess Jr, once again! Thank you so much, Ben, for allowing me the opportunity to delve into the great mind of such a wonderful author. - Jessi

JESSI: Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.

BEN: I'm a father, an author, an NYPD Detective and a personal trainer. I have a BA Degree in Business Management and a MA Degree in Education. I love basketball (I'm a die-hard Knicks fan.) I'm a big movie buff and I love singing karaoke.

JESSI: Ben! I didn't know that you had a degree in education too! Man, you really are a jack-of-all-trades. You're very talented and I, personally, love your books.

JESSI: What were you like in school?

BEN: LOL, I had no choice but to be a good student. My mother has been a teacher for over thirty years and would not tolerate me coming home with anything less than a B+. It was a lot of pressure, but it pushed me to strive for greatness and want the most out of myself.

JESSI: I'm sure that your mother is very proud of you and your success!

JESSI: Did you always know that you wanted to write?

BEN: After reading “Native Son” by Richard Wright in the 8^th grade, I knew I wanted to create something that could have the impact on people the way that novel had on me. After reading books by Eric Jerome Dickey, I knew I wanted to be an author.

JESSI: What are your ambitions in regards to your writing career?

BEN: My goal is to build up my fan base and my book label, Legacy Books, then I’d like to create my own charity to help improve the world for the better. I’m hoping that my lasting legacy will show everyone that if you put your heart and soul into everything you do, you can accomplish anything you think of.

JESSI: With the way you write, and I have told you this before, I see you going far. I see movies coming from your books, especially Love & Happiness and what I have been able to read so far of Daddy's Girl, it's so good! You really know how to keep your reader on the edge of their seat. A lot of writer's don't have as much pull as you seem to have to your readers. I like that in your work. 

JESSI: What writers (if any) have inspired you?

BEN: The most influential writers for me have been Richard Wright and Eric Jerome Dickey. The both inspired me to become an author. Eric Jerome Dickey has talked to me, guided me and even bought my novels in support. The most amazing feeling in the world is seeing your author hero support your books.

JESSI: That's so awesome to see that one of your own favorite authors is supporting you! :)

JESSI: What have you written?

BEN: I have written the poetry book Times Have Changed and Life is Strange, and four novels - Monster, Wounded, Love and Happiness, and Daddy’s Girl. I was also involved in an anthology called The Turnout Queens which I used to create a spinoff for Wounded.

JESSI: Give us an insight into your current writings. Who is your main character and what does he or she do that makes him or her so special?

BEN: My current work is Daddy’s Girl. Nick Johnson is an underachiever who lives for the moment and drowns his regrets and failures with alcohol. What makes him special is due to him being irresponsible - he has a daughter that forces him to grow up and mature.

JESSI: What genre are your books?

BEN: My books' genres are Contemporary Romance, Urban Fiction/African-American Fiction.

JESSI: What draws you to a particular genre?

BEN: I would say the dialogue draws me to a certain genre. If reading a book makes me feel more like I’m watching a movie than actually reading, I fall in love with it.

JESSI: What actors/actresses would you like to see playing the leading roles to your latest book?

BEN: For Daddy’s Girl, I could see Morris Chestnut playing the role as Nick Johnson, and I could see Grace Gealey playing the role of the older Lynn.

JESSI: Do you write every day? If so, do you aim for a certain amount of words/pages per day?

BEN: I try to write something every day, but I don’t put a limit to what I write. It could be a paragraph, a page, or a chapter. As long as I do something constructive, I’m happy.

JESSI: What do you feel is the hardest thing about writing? The easiest?

BEN: The hardest thing about writing is fighting against the fear that readers will understand your story and enjoy it. The easiest part for me is doing the actual writing. Once I’m in the "zone" it’s easy.

JESSI: Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block for other writers?

BEN: I go through writer’s block sometimes. When I do, I usually read an unrelated book from the topic I’m working on and I continue to write despite not having ideas. I feel forcing myself to work pushes me to do better.

JESSI: Do you proofread and edit your own work? If not, how do you select the person/company that proofreads and edits your work?

BEN: I proofread my work thoroughly before I hand my manuscript over to an editor. I mostly choose an editor by their experience, education, style and recommendation. It’s always hard finding an editor that compliments your style, so it’s definitely a challenge.

JESSI: Who designs your book covers and how do you chose different aspects for your covers?

BEN: I, along with my friend, Leah Frieday, design the covers for my books. I look at different portfolios for the pictures and Leah helps to make my visions come alive. I try to make my covers symbolic and emotional.

JESSI: What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

BEN: No matter how great your book is, there will always be someone who doesn’t like it. Bad reviews happen to every author. For me, I look at all my reviews. If they are constructive, and I feel they can help me to become a better author, I’ll consider the advice given in the review. If I feel they are blatant attacks on me as a person or negative for no real reason, I ignore them and don’t let them bother me. You have to have thick skin as an author.

JESSI: What are your views on social networking? Which social networking sites work best for you?

BEN: I think social networking is really important. I’ve met a lot of fellow authors, reviewers and readers on social networks. I found the best ones that have worked for me so far are Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Pinterest. I wouldn’t have the fanbase I have today if it weren’t for social networking.

JESSI: What do you think of trailers for books? Do you have any trailers for your books?

BEN: I think they are a new idea that can be effective. I have a trailer for Daddy’s Girl.

JESSI: What is your favorite motivational phrase/positive saying?

BEN: Ten Two Letter Words: “If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me.”

JESSI: I had never heard this particular phrase before, and it's a good phrase! I will have to remember that one.

JESSI: Describe yourself in three words.

BEN: I would describe myself as Driven, Assiduous, Benevolent. 

JESSI: Once again, Ben, thank you so much for taking the time to allow me to interview you. It has been a pleasure and I enjoyed learning more about you. Now, it's time for me to go back to reading my copy of Daddy's Girl!