To Catch a Tiger – an Interview with James Bennett

Ciara Franck

Today we are talking with James Bennett, the author of To Catch a Tiger.

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So Jim, tell us something unexpected about yourself!

I worked as a middle school math teacher and as an artist for many years.

 

What kind of books do you write?

I've written a number of how-to books (Calligraphy For Dummies is an example) and also teachers' guides describing creative ways to teach math. However that's largely in my past. Presently, I am writing my second creative non-fiction book. My first book in this genre, To Catch a Tiger, is based on actual events when I was growing up in the South during the time that my hometown was torn apart over integration-segregation. I'm intrigued by exploring the complexities of the human side of the story.

 

What inspired you to write?

As far back as I can remember I've loved books. That love grew into an admiration for authors and an appreciation for their writing skills. I can remember in fifth grade creating my own handwritten and illustrated stories. Writing and illustrating have always been a part of who I am.

 

What makes your writing stand out from the crowd?

The one thing that I think makes my writing stand out is the unique stories I have to tell. I've lived through a lot of unique experiences. Frequently, when I'm telling someone about some experience I've had, a common response is, “That's a story that needs to be told.”

 

What is the hardest part of writing – for you?

The hardest part for me is focusing on one project – or at least managing several writing projects simultaneously. I'm also a nut for research which can become a huge distraction. Focus is a challenge. Right now, I'm working on three books.

 

Where do you like to write – what is your routine?

I have an office – studio where I can work without interruptions. I write in the mornings. My routine is to get started at 7 o'clock, write for a couple hours, grab a bite of breakfast, and then finish up by noon. That's my schedule every day. I set weekly goals of how many words I will write.

 

What do you do when you are not writing – do you have a day job?

I'm retired from full-time teaching. When I'm not writing (which is afternoons and evenings), I like to spend time with my wife who is also my editor. Used bookstores are our favorite places to explore. We also enjoy movies and travel.

 

Do you work with an outline or just write?

I work with an open-ended outline. Open-ended because it can change as the story takes shape and the characters develop. There's nothing quite like the feeling of excitement I experience when the characters take on a life of their own and introduce elements into the story which were not part of my initial outline.

 

What advice would you have for other writers?

Write! Write every day. Set goals. Write! Share.

 

How important is marketing and social media for you?

It's very important to me that I share what I've done with others. I want people to read what I've written. Facebook and Twitter are two of the primary ways that I spread the word.

 

What's your next step?

I am working on a creative non-fiction/fiction project. It involves two stories – one true and the other a complete creation of my imagination. At times the true story will seem to be so outrageous that it couldn't possibly be true. The true story is about an eccentric millionaire who buries a fortune. The fictional story is a hunt for his treasure. The two stories are intertwined in such a way that the line between what is real and what is imaginary is blurred.

 

 

To Catch a Tiger by James Bennett is available here.

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