Below is my interview with Brittany Benko, an aspiring musician turned poet who began writing with a “why not me?” attitude. She has now published a collection of poems titled Poetic Poetry. Check it out along with a history of her writing journey and links to follow and buy below!
About Brittany Benko
Author links:
Poetic Poetry book summary
A mixture of traditional, contemporary, rhyming, and free verse poetry covering various topics. Experience the joys of motherhood, life at the beach, daily life with an autistic child, seasons, personal feelings about lockdown during the pandemic, faith, love, and much more.
Talking Shop
Name a fact or detail about your story that readers will never know is there.
When I wrote the poem, “Restlessness,” I was in my early twenties and was in an abusive relationship (physically and mentally). I desired to leave my situation but, like all victims, I was afraid. I ended up writing about wanting more out of life and the desire to walk a new path.
How long have you considered yourself a writer? Did you have any formal training, or is it something you learned as you went?
As a kid, I actually wanted to do something in music. I grew up involved in advanced choir in school and took part in plays/musicals. I learned I had severe stage fright, and by age fourteen I wrote my first poem. It came so natural, and I enjoyed the ease of creating a story. I started journaling and wrote as a hobby. It wasn’t until after I had my second child (early thirties) that I realized I could attempt to write professionally.
If you don’t make a living exclusively writing, what is your day job? How, in any way, does it relate to your life as a writer?
When I’m not writing, I’m focused on raising my children and being a good wife. A lot of personal experiences help inspire me to write, and I think that helps any writer to connect with their readers. When you write from the heart, your work will stand out.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of great writers?
For poetry, I would say Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allen Poe are my top picks. I love classic poets.
For children’s, my favorite is Nancy Tillman. She has beautifully illustrated photos and I love how her stories ryhme like a poem.
My all time favorite author for me to snuggle up with at home would have to be Nora Roberts. My favorite genre is romance/thriller, and she is known for both.
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
The material in this book was initially only on my blogging website. I had no intentions of writing a book. Then, I saw poetry books popping up everywhere. I figured if others could write a poetry book, so could I.
“What If” Scenarios
If you could be in a writer’s group with up to four famous writers, who would they be?
1) Nora Roberts–> I’d love to get professional writing tips for novel writing from my favorite author.
2) S.C. Lourie–> She’s a modern day poet who inspires positivity.
3) Stephen King–> Advice on thriller/horror genres is always a good idea.
4) Edgar Allen Poe–> I would love to get inside of the mind of a classic poet.
A wealthy reader buys 100 copies of your book and tells you to hand them out to anyone you wish. Who do you give them to?
I would want to give free copies to schools who are interested in teaching poetry for education, orphanages for older kids to have something to enjoy at the end of the night, and nursing homes for the elderly.
You’re given $10,000 to spend on marketing for your book. How do you spend it?
I hire a professional to market. I’ll stick to the writing!
Would you rather own your own bookstore or your own publishing house, and what would you sell or publish?
I would want my own bookstore. I would offer all the basic genres and include my own books with any merchandise I design.
What famous artist or photographer would you want to create or capture your book cover image?
I would love to use Witzel Art as an illustrator if given the opportunity. He’s a local artist who paints photos of life in South Carolina.
Just for Fun
A book that you recommend everyone reads.
I encourage everyone to read, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s a self-help book that encourages people to become their true self instead of becoming what society molds people into becoming.
Your favorite podcast.
Joanna Penn offers great podcasts for indie authors. I highly recomend her. For personal comfort, I’ll listen to The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast.
A talent you have and a talent you wish you had.
I’ve been gifted with the talent of singing. However, my voice is soft and does better in the background. I’d love to learn how to paint/draw. I could illustrate my own books.
Food you’d like to win a lifetime supply of.
Legit Italian food or tacos.
Favorite Halloween costume ever.
Fairies. I’m obsessed with all types.
Also check out Brittany Benko’s guest post, “Passion for Poetry: One Poet’s Process.”
Buy it!
Buy a copy of Poetic Poetry here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
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Hello my name is Thomas McRae I’m a self published author, poet and Short fiction novelists. I’ve written several poetry books and two short fiction novels. I stepped away from writing for a while and now I’m ready to get back into doing what I love. I have a new poem called The Prayer and would love to send it to you and if you like maybe we can do a interview. And possibly arrange for you to post on your website or other social media platforms. Thank you so much for your time and best wishes sincerely Thomas McRae
Hello my name is Thomas McRae I’m a poet, author and writer I have a up and coming poetry book titled Lyrical Revelations and love to send you a copy for review and potential interview. I’m also currently working on my custom made poetry merchandise such as T shirts, plaques and coffee mugs but mostly coffee mugs. I would love to send you some samples and if you like it maybe we can discuss some kind of business arrangement and potential partnership. Thank you so much for your time and best wishes sincerely Thomas McRae
Hi Thomas. Unfortunately, I don’t review poetry, but if you still want to promote your book on my site, you can find my guest post and author interview guidelines on my “contact” page. Thanks!
Thank you I appreciate it