If the colonial men and women that stood up and fought in the American Revolution were the seeds of freedom, it is my hope the readers see the people like the characters in my novel as the fertile soil, without which the seeds would have never sprouted.
Ben Leman – 28 April 2026
The Back Flap
Set on Cowal Peninsula in southwest Scotland in the 17th century, Between the Tines follows the family of Clan Lamont as they are drawn into a brutal confrontation with Clan Campbell, whose relentless ambition leaves a trail of fear and devastation in its wake. As Arran Lamont fights alongside his brothers and lifelong friends, Lain and Sean, in the war-torn regions around them, he is tested by betrayal, loss, and the steady destruction of everything his clan has built.
Even in the darkest moments, the heart of the Lamont family beats strongly through the women who hold the community together—Allie, Ariel, Lady Mary, and Isabel—offering charity, stability, and spiritual strength when hope is hardest to find. Their resilience becomes a cornerstone of the clan’s will to survive.
From Highland games to clandestine raids, from feasts to fog-shrouded battlefields, Arran’s transformational journey is one of loyalty, courage, and a love that quietly grows stronger through the turmoil. But as the Campbells tighten their grip and the land burns around them, Arran and Lain are forced to rethink their fight. What begins as open warfare shifts into rescue missions, covert strategies, and the fragile beginnings of a daring plan for their people’s future.
About the book
What is the book about?
Scotland, 1642. Raised for battle, Arran Lamont believes himself ready to defend his clan – until war taches him how fragile honor, loyalty, and life itself can be.
As Clan Campbell’s power rises, Clan Lamont faces brutal conflict, broken alliances, and the slow unraveling of everything Arran holds dear. From the misty covered Highlands to the blood-stained hills of Ireland, Arran must protect his family, his people, and the woman who captures his heart.
When devastation sweeps across Lamont lands, Arran must choose between dying for his clan’s legacy—or leading his people toward an uncertain future beyond the sea.
Between the Tines is a sweeping Scottish historical novel of war, love, and survival at the dawn of a new world.
When did you start writing the book?
December 2024
How long did it take you to write it?
12 months
Where did you get the idea from?
My initial interest in this story began with researching some family history. As I uncovered various events in history, I discovered a much deeper and broader story that not only captured my heart, but ignited a strong desire to share this remarkable story with the world.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The most difficult part of the writing process for me was getting the personalities of the characters and the dialogue between them to match the serious underlying tone of the novel in a way that entertains the reader while keeping them fully engaged. I rewrote Between the Tines multiple times after my first draft (twice to be exact), drastically changing the personalities and dialogue of the characters until I was completely satisfied that I got it right. The result is a product that pulls the reader deep into the historical novel as they explore the evolution of thought each character goes through on their journey filled with triumphs and tragedies, love and war, along with hope and hopelessness. Striking the right balance allows the reader to travel back in time in a visceral sort of way while keeping them completely entertained at the same time.
What came easily?
The easiest part of the writing process for me was coming up with the content. In some ways as I wrote the novel, I felt it was easier to connect with the ways of the old world in the 1640’s than it is to connect with our new modern world of today. I attribute that to my adventurous lifestyle that takes me from the mountain wilderness of Wyoming and Idaho to the remote waters and wild lands of Southeast Alaska, where you are your own best chance for survival.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Some of the characters in my novel are people that actually existed in history, however their personalities are of my creation, which are intended to have the best effect on both the entertainment value of the novel as well as convincing the reader of the underlying themes and goals of the book.
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?
Yes. Henryk Sienkiewicz, who wrote With Fire and Sword, which is my favorite book and the first novel of an amazing trilogy.
Do you have a target reader?
Yes. My target reader is anyone who desires to find out the answer to the following questions: What struggle was going on in the early colonists lives (regardless of what country they were from), that they were willing to pick up and leave everything and everybody they knew and start all over again in an unsettled land? What were they hoping to gain by moving to the colonies or later the United States? If the colonial men and women that stood up and fought in the American Revolution were the seeds of freedom, it is my hope the readers see the people like the characters in my novel as the fertile soil, without which the seeds would have never sprouted. It is my hope to answer those questions for all Americans, regardless of what country their ancestors were from, by taking them on this journey back in time to understand the evolution of thought the early colonists went through regarding their way of life in their homeland as their hopes and dreams for a better future caught wind and sailed them across the Atlantic Ocean.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Yes. For this type of historical fiction novel, I focus on the plot first. After I conduct my research and identify the sequence and type events, plot twists and underlying themes I want my reader to take away from the book, I piece together a skeleton draft of the novel. All the while, I figure out the personalities and characters that most effectively draw in and connect the reader to my story, but at the same time most effectively deliver my message, entertain them, and keep them engaged.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Yes, I outline extensively.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Wait until I am finished.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes. I hired a developmental editor as well as a copy editor.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No. I lose myself completely in my story and am captured by it entirely. I look down and begin typing, then in what seems like a blink of an eye, I look up four hours later.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I was not convinced the value of what you give up (all your rights) was justified by the small percentage of royalties one can expect to receive as a debut author, especially considering the author must still foot the bill for all the marketing expenses and gets little help from the traditional publisher to push the book out into the market.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professionally done.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan. I hired a marketing firm and publicist to help me promote my novel.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
The world is changing. Most other industries (television, movies, music, businesses etc.) have gotten rid of the middle-men that were once needed to connect supply to demand. Given today’s technology, in my opinion, the elimination of traditional publishers is almost inevitable. This same stage that gives all authors more direct access to the readers, is a blessing as much as it is a challenge. Whereas the traditional publishers historically had sole control over what books were made available to the market, indie authors must now figure out how to rise above all the additional noise from the endless supply of books being delivered to market on their own.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Texas
Where do you live now?
Texas
What are you working on now?
Between the Tines is book one of my trilogy, Forged in Blood. I am currently working on book two, Behind the Mask.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Between the Tines from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
