SWRT 307 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken
October 10, 2024
Author Ben Hawken

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn sit down with Ben Hawken, author of the new novel “Chandelier.” Ben shares his remarkable journey from a career in marketing and speech writing to writing his debut book. Learn how he balanced life, work, and writing to achieve his creative dreams. Ben offers insights into story structure, the art of dialogue, and practical tips for aspiring writers. Whether you’re looking to start your own writing journey or curious about the creative process, this episode is packed with inspiration and advice. Tune in now to hear Ben’s story and get motivated to pursue your own creative passions!

 

 

 

AUDIO

 

 

 

VIDEO

 

Ben Hawken
blue click pen on top of gray book near clear drinking glass

Ben Hawken is the award-winning creator of several beloved video series and a small handful of children.

Previously, he was the author of zero other books and graduated with honors from a community college, as well as a real college.  

He lives outside Seattle with his family.

 

 

SHOW NOTES

 

What we talked about:

The journey to becoming an author. (3:34)

How did Ben’s day job affect his turn into an author? (6:01)

The universal story structure. (8:40)

The story of Chandelier. (14:10)

Premise of Chandelier. (21:15)

How did Ben manage to do all this in one year? (26:50)

What sort of tools and strategies can we take from Ben’s journey? (32:20)

 

 

LINKS

 

Things We Mentioned:

Homer 
Home Alone 
Fievel Goes West 
Keyboard Link

 

Have thoughts, questions, other examples? Join the conversation at the Story Works Writers Facebook group

Do you enjoy the show?

Do you learn something every week?

Do you feel like you have company on your writing journey?

About Your Hosts

Alida

Alida Winternheimer is an award-winning author with an MFA in writing from Hamline University. She pursues her fervor for all things story as a writing coach, developmental editor, and teacher. Two of her short stories were nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She is the author of The Story Works Guide to Writing Fiction Series. Alida lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her Golden Retriever, Seva the Wonder Dog. She camps, bikes, and kayaks in her free time. Unless it’s winter, in which case she drinks chai by the fire. You can find more at www.alidawinternheimer.com.

Kathryn

Kathryn Arnold writes fantasy and anything else that sparks her creativity from her home in Kingston, Washington. She currently earns her living as an insurance underwriting assistant, where she also creates marketing and web copy. When not writing, she plays (and teaches) piano and keyboard in a band (or two), and is working on starting a ministry team with her husband. You can find Kathryn at www.skyfirewords.com.

Robert

Robert Scanlon was born in Australia, but whisked off to England when only a baby. After many years complaining about the weather, he did the sensible thing and moved back to Australia. Despite a career in the music industry, followed by decades teaching public speaking, Robert is an introvert who adores reading. Robert grew up on a diet of sci-fi masters, eventually discovering he had read the library’s entire science fiction section. Now he has to write his own. Robert is the author of Constellation, book one of the Blood Empire space opera series. Find out more at www.RobertScanlon.com