IndieView with Bentley Turner, author of The Prize Winners and Other Stories

For me, writing a short story can be as difficult as writing a novel. In fact, when writing a short story, something has to happen that, hopefully, appeals to the reader in fewer words. 

Bentley Turner – 12 March 2022

The Back Flap

This unique collection contains stories about young people who have to deal with intolerant teachers, fickle girlfriends, unusual pets, and the deaths of loved ones. Other stories concern adults who have to confront loneliness, mental illness, rejection, and even murder. The Prize Winners and Other Stories has something for everyone.

About the book

What is the book about?

The Prize Winners and Other Stories features stories that concern young people who have to face fickle girlfriends, intolerant teachers, unusual pets, and the deaths of loved ones. Other stories in the collection concern adults who have to deal with loneliness, rejection, mental illness, and even murder.

When did you start writing the book?

The oldest story in this collection dates back to the late 1960s. Most of the stories, however, were written over a longer period of time―from the 1970s to the 1990s. At least two lengthy stories were written after the 1990s.

How long did it take you to write it?

All of the stories have been revised over the years―from the late 1960s to the 2000s.

Where did you get the idea from?

Each story is different. The oldest, for instance, is a slice of life that most people in college can relate to. The idea for this story was based on the question, “What if . . .?” In other words, I asked myself what would happen if a student in college attempted to call a young female student who had been crowned a “queen” of the campus or something similar. Ideas for other stories came to me over a longer period of time.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes. For me, writing a short story can be as difficult as writing a novel. In fact, when writing a short story, something has to happen that, hopefully, appeals to the reader in fewer words. At least, this is my belief.

What came easily?

The few stories that were inspired by my experiences or experiences of family members.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The characters are fictitious, but several have been inspired by family members, especially in how they express something.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I don’t believe any of the writers I read have influenced what or how I write. When I was an undergraduate in college, I enrolled in several writing courses. I would say these writing courses influenced my writing more than anything else.

Do you have a target reader?

I usually write mysteries, so, yes, I do have a target reader. For instance, my first mystery―The File on Thomas Marks―was aimed at adults who enjoy reading mysteries that feature one or more detectives investigating one or more cases of murder. This collection of stories contains several stories that are mysteries. In fact, one of the longer stories features two detectives investigating one or more murders. Another lengthy story features two college students driving across the country. One of the students, a former soldier, ends up robbing a bank. Consequently, they are pursued by the police.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Yes, I do. I begin in the morning and work several hours each day. I try to write or revise whatever I’m working on during these hours.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

If I’m writing a novel―and if the plot is more complicated than I thought it would be when I started, I will use a rough outline. However, none of the outlines I’ve used have ever been written in stone. In short, I may change something as I write or even after I’ve finished.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Actually, both. I edit as I go along. I also edit after I’ve written the first or second draft.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I have to a few.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Several publishers expressed interest in my work. One of these publishers offered a contract. I signed it for my first novel, but this publisher went out of business before the novel was published. Another publisher offered contracts for two projects. I signed the contracts and the projects were published. Later, this publisher was sold. For the mystery mentioned above, I found a new publisher. Although small, I do not have any issues. In fact, I have been happy with this publisher.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

The publisher got it done based on my input.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I used a marketing plan for the mystery. I intend to use one for the collection.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

There are many writers who write for themselves and are very happy. Others attempt to write for readers besides family members. For the latter, my advice is don’t stop trying to interest an editor of a publication or a book publisher for whatever you are writing. It may take months or even years to find an outlet, but it will be worth it.

About You

Where did you grow up?

In a small town on the Ohio River.

Where do you live now?

I have lived in Tennessee most of my adult life.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I hope to be writing for a long time.

What are you working on now?

I have submitted a mystery about a murder of a prominent businessman in Oklahoma. Although his young son is not a trained detective, he investigates the murder nonetheless and eventually finds evidence that leads to individuals in high places.

I have submitted a thriller about a small department inside the Central Intelligence Agency that investigates unidentified flying objects. The head of the department retires and selects his replacement, a former well-educated agent who not only investigates UFOs but another agent who had reportedly died after an illness.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Prize Winners and Other Stories from Amazon US or Amazon UK.