RebeccaBenstonBio

When she had her daughter in 2003, she found it especially difficult to go back to work. She had been writing since she could put words together and becoming a published writer was always her dream. With this in mind, she finally took the chance and made her dreams a reality. After taking the plunge, her first book, In the Wash, was immediately accepted by a publisher. All of this, she was able to achieve while staying home with her daughter.

Her journey is now leading her down the path that she was afraid to follow for most of her life. Finally, she is living her dream. Her hope is to inspire others to take those difficult steps. Her motto has become, "When you find yourself at the end your rope, go ahead and jump. Sometimes you’ll land right where you’re meant to fall."

Tell us a bit about yourself. What would you like us to know about you?

I was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio. I have been writing for many years, but only recently had the courage to submit a book to a publisher. Much of my work is fiction, with the exception of a handful of opinion/editorial articles. I'm a big fan of mystery and suspense, so I figured that if reading it was this much fun then writing it would have to be a blast.

What are you doing now? (Career? Married? Single? Children? Pets?)

I'm a stay at home mom. I have one daughter who is turning three in November. She keeps me pretty busy. We have three yorkies and two hamsters.

What is your favourite food?

It's a tough call, but I think my favorite food would have to be pizza. I like Italian and Mexican food and could probably eat fajitas, lasagna, or pizza any day of the week.

What is your favourite colour?

I like purple.

What is your favourite sound?

The sound of my daughter's voice.

Who is your favourite person?

That would have to be my little girl, Mya.

What is your favourite word?

Indeed.

What is your favourite writers' quote and why?

The world is filled with willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them...Robert Frost

What inspires you to write and why?

I am inspired by outrage mostly. When I think about people I have met and the impact they have on others, I am compelled to capture that behavior in a character. When I come up with characters, I often think of what might happen if the character were put in a situation that is completely different from anything I have witnessed. It kind of snowballs from there.

What is your favourite book and why?

I have several. I enjoy everything Lisa Scottoline writes. So far, one of my favorite books is a motivational collection of stories called Unstoppable by Cynthia Kersey.

What is your favourite genre and why?

I like mystery and suspense. It's fun trying to figure out the answer.

List your three favourite authors (any genre) and why?

Lisa Scottoline-She's not only a very nice person, but one of the most intelligent and spunky writers I've read. Her characters come to life and you feel as though you are right in there with them as they go through whatever trials and tribulations they may face.

Janet Evanovich-She's quite possibly the funniest and most entertaining author I've read. I am always waiting anxiously for her next book.

James Patterson-He has a way of telling stories that makes you feel as though you are the detective. When I read the Alex Cross books, I somehow feel more intelligent. How does he do that?

What do you think makes a writer successful?

Persistence, patience and humility. The willingness to see where the story could always be better and the ability to be conscientious enough to make sure all of the details match up throughout. I hate to read things that just don't make sense. It is such a let down when the pieces of the puzzle don't fit.

What is it that makes you successful as a writer?

I'm not sure yet. I'm hoping it's something, though.