This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn continue our conversation with Ben Hawken, author of the new novel “Chandelier.” In part two of our conversation, we discuss looking for the next story, processing ideas, writing dialogue and getting characters into conversation as fully formed people, and more! 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.
AUDIO
VIDEO
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
Things we talked about:
Was writing a lifelong ambition? (3:12)
Is there another book? (4:56)
Is Ben waiting for the next lightning strike? (7:15)
Listening to characters when they speak to you – the art of dialogue. (18:15)
LINKS
Things We Mentioned:
On Writing by Stephen King
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About Your Hosts
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 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