Ask the Author: Melanie Benjamin
Answered Questions (17)
Melanie Benjamin
The Children's Blizzard is my 7th novel, so if you haven't read the others, there are 6 more to go! (ALICE I HAVE BEEN, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. TOM THUMB, THE AVIATOR'S WIFE, THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE, THE GIRLS IN THE PICTURE, MISTRESS OF THE RITZ.) I hope to have a new novel out sometime in 2023.
Melanie Benjamin
Thank you! And yes, that's such a gorgeous shot of Babe!
Melanie Benjamin
Thank you so much for your kind words, Aliza! I very honored that you were inspired to write because of my books. Unfortunately, I'm not able to read your book at this time due to other commitments. But the very best of luck with it!
Melanie Benjamin
A book called IN ALL ITS FURY: A History of the Great Blizzard of 1888. This was published back in the 1930s, I believe, and it's a collection of memories and reminisces of those who lived through it.
Melanie Benjamin
I did basic research into what kinds of animals lived on the plains and how each survived the winter. An easy afternoon of Google searching!
Melanie Benjamin
I first read about Claude and Blanche and the Ritz in a nonfiction book called "Hotel on Place Vendome" by Tilar Mazeo. That's really the best research book for this particular setting.
Melanie Benjamin
Thank you so much for ths, Ivona! It's so special when readers share their thoughts.
Melanie Benjamin
I saw this book when I was in England in August. Since this is only available in the UK (it is on Amazon, but it's not available for Prime and won't be available in bookstores here), and not in the United States, I guess I don't really think about it. My book was not published in a UK version, so there really is no competition. I haven't read it, no, nor do I plan to. Subjects - particularly when they're real people or real experiences - aren't copyrighted, so there's nothing I can do about it. So glad you enjoyed SWANS!
Melanie Benjamin
Thanks for asking! The biography of Frances, called "Without Lying Down," by Carrie Beauchamp, was a book I'd loved for years, and which would probably be a primary inspiration for this story. I then also read bios of Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Frances's memoirs called "Off With Their Heads!" and Hedda Hopper's memoirs, as well as Adela Rogers St. John's. And then books about the silent era - "The Parade's Gone By" is one of my favorites.
Melanie Benjamin
Thank you so much, Chris!
Melanie Benjamin
While I think this is a very good question, I have to decline to answer. There's a reason why I write about other people's lives, and not my own!
Melanie Benjamin
I'm not sure what you mean by "references?" I did read biographies of Anne and Charles, both, and Anne's diaries and writings. However, I do not believe diaries are an accurate reflection of who we are. They only reflect how we see ourselves. The stark details of Anne's life and what she accomplished reveals a stronger character than she realized. And as far as how accurate the content is to Anne's personal beliefs, well - that's not for me to answer. I'm a novelist, and so I'm interested in telling a good story. Based on research, but it's how I personally react to the research that shapes the story and the characters.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Melanie Benjamin
Once I've researched a book fully, and mapped it out in my head - all things that are important to do before you sit down to write; you have to know the story you want to tell, where it begins, the highs and lows, how it ends - I typically write 2000 words a day. It doesn't take me very long; a couple of hours at the most. But I'm always thinking about the work and may come back during the day to jot ideas down for things to look for in revisions. Once the manuscript is done - it's a very rough draft; I write quickly but save the polishing for later - I go back and revise, which typically takes a month. Then it's off to my editor so she can chime in and I'll have to go back and revise with her input. I don't have a degree; I never finished college, and when I was there I was interested in theater, not writing. My advice is to read all the time! I came to writing as a reader; I was a fan of authors because I love books. That's the most important trait to have as a novelist - a love of books. Good luck!
Melanie Benjamin
Sorry. These things happen, unfortunately. I try not to, but I get caught up in the story I'm telling, and so some small details do slip by me. Since I'm not writing nonfiction, I don't have a fact checker at my disposal.
Melanie Benjamin
Generally, you wait until they've passed away. A public figure has some loss of expectation of privacy, but you wouldn't want to put too many words in their mouth if they're still alive.
Melanie Benjamin
I didn't think IN COLD BLOOD was scary at all; it's a fascinating character study, instead, of all the family members and the murderers. There was some very clinical discussion of the nature of the fatal wounds, but if that bothers you, you can easily skip over that paragraph or two. I highly recommend it!
Melanie Benjamin
Those "free books for honest reviews" are tied to the giveaways here on Goodreads before a book is published. That's all been done by my publisher and as far as I'm aware, there aren't any more planned for now. But of course the book will be in stores next week! Thanks!
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