Melanie: A Tale of Wonder By Ed Benjamin

12/28/2018

Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Ed Benjamin introduces us to his short fiction story, Melanie: A tale of Wonder:
“In this Flash Fiction story, a 60-year-old hitchhiker gets hit by a car in Wichita Falls, Texas in July 1995. After receiving treatment in the local hospital, he decides to enter a talent contest to help out a ten-year-old girl, Melanie, when he learns her father is dying. What happens next has the town and the media buzzing.”
“If you like alternative fiction, you will enjoy this short-short story.”

This is a wonderful and heartwarming piece of flash-fiction! It will take most people less than an hour to read. You will get a fun and interesting story about an aging singer that has a talent for impersonation that goes beyond the norm.
The writing is quite delightful, the author has a marvelous talent for describing his characters, they seem very real and alive. The scene-setting is very satisfactory and enhances the characters. Action and dialogue help provide this story with a pleasing texture. Vivid pictures fill my mind throughout the story.
I award 4.7 Stars to “Melanie: A Tale of Wonder”, the score would have been higher except that several spelling errors interrupted my reading pleasure.

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Tale-of-Wonder-Ed-Benjamin-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-melanie
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Melanie-Tale-Wonder-Ed-Benjamin
https://www.books2read.com/melanie

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/colbenjamin
http://edbenjaminbooks.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edbenajmin
https://www.facebook.com/EdBenjaminAuthor

tags: fiction, alternate history
Copyright © 2018 Mark L. Schultz except for the author's introduction

28 Comments

Ed Benjamin link

12/31/2018 01:10:10 pm

Thank you for your kind review.

Mark

12/31/2018 01:17:03 pm

You are very welcome, Ed. I really enjoyed the story. It's shorter than I normally read, you did a wonderful job of bringing Aaron and the others to life.
First question.
Tell us a little about yourself. You were in the military, judging by your twitter handle.

12/31/2018 03:18:44 pm

I live on a ranchette in the start of the Texas Hill country in a small town called Bulverde, Texas (35 miles north of the San Antonio International airport). People refer to Bulverde as “The Front Porch of the Texas Hill Country.” I am married and my wife and I have three rescued cats (down from seven) plus an accumulation of deer, racoons, birds, and a fox who visits from time to time.
After I retired from the United States Air Force in 1990, I started a career as a free-lance technical writer specializing in preparing proposals for companies desiring to get business with the government. I am still pursuing this career. It brings in some money and gives my wife and I time to travel.

12/31/2018 03:23:04 pm

Thank you for telling us a little bit about yourself. You are writing almost fulltime, it sounds like, as the contracts come in.
I visited San Antonio, Texas as a guest of the government many years ago. That is probably no where near where you live.
New questions.
What inspired you to write this book?
Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?
Who designed the cover of your book?
What do the elements on the cover represent?

1/1/2019 04:10:02 pm

What inspired you to write this book?

I have a very curious mind. I remember in 1997 seeing an article speculating a deceased famous rock and roll star was really alive. I was thinking about alternative history. The article made me curious. I asked myself the question, “what if a famous worldwide singer had not died but stricken with a mysterious malady, had faked his death, and roamed the countryside doing odd jobs. Then, my mind turned to the story line - a freak accident gave him his voice back for a few hours. He used the occasion to befriend a ten year old girl whose father was dying. In the process, he was able to regain himself by experience the energy which had flowed through him when he performed. This story is the result. I leave it up to the reader to determine the singer.

Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?

Genres choose me. People ask me what genre I write in and therein lies the rub. I start my stories with an idea and do not really place them in a genre. I admit that gives me a bit of a problem with classification when I do decide to publish something. After I decided to publish this story. People asked me about the genre. ‘alternative history’ came to mind.

Who designed the cover of your book?

A young lady I found on Fiverr.com designed this cover. Her user name on Fiverr was “vampitrela.” She also designed the cover for another one of my stories.

What do the elements on the cover represent?

The girl in the cover is the ten year old girl befriended by the musician. He asked her to brush his hair so he could get to know her better. The motel sign is where they both are staying. A cheap motel where the lower down and out stay.

1/1/2019 04:29:17 pm

I like the way you think, Ed. That is quite creative and allowed you to develop an entire story from one question.
I think I have seen the "alternative history" genre only once or twice.
Did you give Vampitrela any ideas about what you wanted to see on the cover? I certainly admire the inherent mystery.
New questions.
How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?
Do you have a favorite book by another author?

1/2/2019 11:51:45 am

How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?

Melanie is really a short vignette and not really comparable to anything published by a major publisher. I write my fiction when I have a moment or two free from my proposal writing business

There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?

I can’t comment since I am self-published. At present, I am working on a book length novel and plan to submit it to a traditional publisher, so we will see.

Do you have a favorite book by another author?

I have many favorites, but the one which popped in my head when I saw this question was The Old Man and The Sea by Hemingway.

1/2/2019 12:12:02 pm

Very good. Let's keep going.
New questions.
Did you have a favorite book as a child?
You have written quite a few books. Which of your books is your favorite, and why?
Do you ever read a book more than once?

1/3/2019 10:03:34 am

Mark,

The Hardy Boys books were my favorite as a child.

The most favorite thing I have written is my novelette, “Harry’s War.” I have never flown an aircraft but always been in envy of those who did. My son loined the Air Force and became a fighter pilot. Who flew combat missions over Iraq. I knew several fighter pilots whose whole lives revolved around being a fighter pilot and serving their country. Whenever their flying status became threatened, their whole lives shattered. I wrote this story in 4 days and immediately sent it for publication as an eBook. My tag line for this little story is “victory in battle, but can he survive the aftermath?”

I have read some books more than once. I have read “War and Peace,” “The Old Man and the Sea,” “Of Time and the River,” “Crime and Punishmentand,” the Africa based short stories of Hemingway several times. I would read Faulkner more often, but get tired of diagramming in my head (LOL).

Sincerely,

Ed

Rhani D'Chae

1/2/2019 08:53:01 pm

Hi, Mark. I just wanted to pop in and say that I am enjoying your interview with Ed. I have chatted with him a bit on Twitter and recently downloaded his novel, Harry's War.

1/2/2019 09:17:32 pm

It's very lovely of you to drop in. I am glad you are enjoying the conversation.
Be sure and let me know what you think of the book. I have "Mar" in my TBR pile. It's scheduled for early February.

1/3/2019 10:18:22 am

The Hardy Boys were so popular! A relative subscribed to another series for me as a boy, "The Happy Hollisters". A kid-friendly series about a family of 5 kids who solve mysteries in their neighborhood.
"Harry's War" sounds like a good story! I have known a number of pilots including my dad, uncle and others. I was too old to be a pilot when I joined the Air National Guard.
Diagramming sentences was a struggle for me for a long time.
New questions.
Is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?
Have you ever used yourself as a character for the starting point of a story?
Have you ever used other acquaintances as the basis for a character, to the point they have recognized themselves in your book?

Ed Benjamib link

1/3/2019 12:35:50 pm

Yes, I do believe it is important for writers to tap into the emotions of a character. to me, writing is all about expressing the human experience and the human experience is all about the emotions people feel when they go through life. I really can't say I am there yet but that is for which I strive.

I have never used myself as the starting point for a story.

I don't know if anyone could say they recognize themselves in one of my characters. I have written about fighter pilots and I suppose some of the fighter pilots I have known may say they recognize something about them selves, but being the supremely confident beings they project to the outside world, they may never admit it.

I did try something new in my short story, "Mar," written from the point of view of an Iranian fighter pilot. It was an interesting exercise.

Sincerely,

Ed

1/3/2019 12:49:03 pm

I will say that you tugged on my emotions a number of times in "Melanie". You are doing well in that area.
"Mar" is on my TBR pile, we will be talking about that next month. I am looking forward to it even more now.
I have heard it said that every villain is a hero in his own mind.
New questions.
Now that your book is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?
Did your writing process change much from your early books to your current book or did it stay the same?

1/3/2019 03:04:05 pm

Now that your book is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?
I try not to think about changing anything once I release it. I have several stories on my computer and I am constantly going over and adding a sentence here and there but once I release it, then you have to let it speak for itself. There area few things I would change in "Melaine." but I am resisting the temptation. I once heard Margaret Atwood talk and she says no matter what you intend for a story to say, once you put it out there, it belongs to the reader.

What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?
I hate to confess this, but I only spend ten to fifteen minutes a day working on a story. I have many things pulling me away from writing...my technical writing business, friends, family, etc. I know I should be more focused since I do want to say some things as a writer, but it is what it is.

Did your writing process change much from your early books to your current book or did it stay the same?
Absolutely, my writing process has changed dramatically. when I wrote "Harry's War," for example, I wrote and did what editing I could in 4 days, then sent it in to be published as an eBook. I wrote a 200 page book length black comedy in 7 days - even sold several in a local bookstore and online. Now, it's when I can catch ten or fifteen minutes or so. I regret not having the time to write. Were I financially independent, I would be writing full time. I'm still a neophyte at fiction writing and have a long way to go before I consider myself a competent writer, but I do the best I can.

Sincerely,

Ed

1/3/2019 04:13:40 pm

I have heard a similar comment before, most authors see little things they would like to fix. Taken to an extreme, it would mean that an author would never get anything published. You are wise to know when to release and let the public decide.
Life has a way of interrupting our plans. I think you are doing pretty well with even a short writing period like that. Day by day, it adds up.
I find that fascinating, writing a book in four days! Some amazing concentration. That book must have been burning to get out. I think competency is a somewhat relative term. We are naturally inclined to feel incompetent in many areas of our lives and we are our own worst critic. The market, the readers, are the best judge of our writing most of the time. There is always room for improvement.
New questions.
What software do you use to write and publish your books, and why do you use those?
Are you a plotter, a pantster, or a hybrid?
Do you have defined space for writing at home, or are you a coffee-shop writer?

1/4/2019 06:58:03 am

I use MS Word to write my stories and normally send the Word draft to so ever is publishing my story and they normally take care of the rest. I have recently tried publishing some low content books on Kindle via Kindle Direct Publishing and had to convert my MS Word draft to a pdf format. I am pleased to note I did not have to consult my youngest granddaughter for help.

I am not a plotter per se. I might have mentioned before I get an idea, or “brain fart,” as I like to say and just run with it to see how it goes. Since I am currently working in mr nalhazard fashion on the booklength sequel to “Harry’s War,” I have done more plotting than I normally do. But the “brain farts” keep interfering. I think that makes me a hybrid!

I do my writing in my home office (located separate from my house) where I do me proposal work. I am looking at getting an inexpensive laptop for when I am restricted to home due my upcoming knee surgery.

Sincerely,

Ed

1/4/2019 08:29:49 am

Doesn't MS Word have a "convert to PDF" feature? Is it as easy as pushing the button? Congratulations on not having to consult your head of IT! I was not so lucky a couple of months ago.
You did mention it, I recall. My brain fart got in the way. It sure sounds like you are a hybrid. Maybe, some of those tangents could develop into another story, either parallel or consecutive.
I do everything on my laptop, now. I left a desktop behind more than 10 years ago.
New questions.
Do you listen to music or have the TV on when writing, or do you need quiet?
Action, dialogue, or narration; which is easiest to write?
In your new book, how long did the research process take before you started or did you do the research as you are writing the book?

1/4/2019 12:50:55 pm

Do you listen to music or have the TV on when writing, or do you need quiet?

I find if I have the TV or any music playing, I tend to get distracted. so I prefer quiet.

Action, dialogue, or narration; which is easiest to write?

For me, narration is the easiest to write. If you read "Harry's War," you will find it almost completely narration (Telling). I am working on my dialogue and action now.

In your new book, how long did the research process take before you started or did you do the research as you are writing the book?

There was hardly any research involved. I woke up one morning and the story appeared outlined in my head. Several months in, I did do some research on Iranian fighter tactics, but it was minimal. What I am working on now is converting it from strictly narration (telling) to displaying the action and including more dialogue (showing).

Ed

1/4/2019 02:06:53 pm

More than one writer has said narration comes quite naturally. I think it has something to do with we are naturally storytellers. Telling seems to be the default setting. Action and dialogue bring the story to life.
That is really cool, your muse brought not just a story, but outlined it for you as well. I know some writers who will be so jealous.
I have noise in my background on all the time, unless I am proofreading, then I need quiet.
New questions.
How many drafts do you go through to have a ready-to-publish manuscript?
Going back in time, did you do any kind of creative writing, even back in grade school?
How early was it that you realized how powerful words can be?

1/4/2019 02:59:36 pm

How many drafts do you go through to have a ready-to-publish manuscript?

Well, that's my problem. Once i do a draft, I am reluctant to go back and change anything. For example, "Harry's War" is essentially my first draft. I did do some editing and changing with "Melanie." "Mar," my other published story, is essentially a third draft

Going back in time, did you do any kind of creative writing, even back in grade school?

No, I did not.

How early was it that you realized how powerful words can be?

I was a late-bloomer! It was not until I was a freshman in college and became exposed to great writing thet I discovered the power of words.

Sincerely,

Ed

1/4/2019 03:12:28 pm

That is interesting, many writers go through multiple drafts. A few, at the other end of the curve, may go through 12 or more.
What was your favorite book in college or the one that impressed you the most, and why?
More questions.
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out a lot of wrinkles before publishing? If you don’t, why?
If you do have alpha- and beta-readers, how did you find them?
Do you have other writers you connect with, as in a critique group or support group?

1/5/2019 08:29:29 am

Hello Mark,

You asked about my favorite book in college. There were so many. The one that popped up was “Brave New World,” by Aldous Huxley because of the theme. Another was “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand.

I have never used alpha or beta readers before but for my book length story featuring Harry Miles, I have used two beta readers. Since there is some aerial combat in this one also, I had a former fighter pilot read it and then a friend for general readability. I also sent it to a professional editor, and because of her suggestions, I am doing a complete re-write. I hope it will end up a better book as a result.

Sincerely,

Ed

1/5/2019 09:04:28 am

Both books are amazing in their own right! I think I read 1984 and Animal Farm at about the same time as Brave New World.
I bet your new book will be a lot better. I look forward to reading that.
New questions.
What is the most important thing you learned from publishing your latest book?
What are three things, that you wish you knew before you wrote your first book?
Do you write notes by hand or on the computer?

1/7/2019 07:40:04 am

What is the most important thing you learned from publishing your latest book?

The most important thing I think I have learned is to take the time to proof the story better. I tend to go with first drafts and not take the time with proofing.

What are three things, that you wish you knew before you wrote your first book?

(1) I self-publish but now I wish I had taken the time to work with an agent and do through the traditional publishing process.
(2) To acquire the discipline to proof my stories before I throw them out there.
(3) Get a substantive edit.

Do you write notes by hand or on the computer?

I do not keep notes by hand or on the computer. They are all in my head.

Sincerely,

Ed

1/7/2019 09:30:04 am

I sense a theme in your comments. ;-)
Based on what I have heard from many authors, it is very difficult to successfully go through that route.
Are you still able to keep all the notes in your head for the longer book?
Last questions.
Do you think a strong ego is an asset or liability for a writer and why?
Do you have anything you consider to be your writing lucky charm?
Do you see an advantage of writing under a pseudonym, why or why not?

1/7/2019 01:00:37 pm

Do you think a strong ego is an asset or liability for a writer and why?

I guess I am neutral on that question. It seems to me a writer with an extremely strong ego might miss out on some constructive criticism by rejecting it. On the other hand. being a milk-toast doesn't help either.

Do you have anything you consider to be your writing lucky charm?

Nope, no lucky charm.

Do you see an advantage of writing under a pseudonym, why or why not?

I personally have not published anything I have written under a pseudonym. I believe the writer as an artist must portray life as he/she sees it.

Sincerely,

Ed

1/7/2019 01:19:39 pm

I agree, an author needs a certain amount of strength to complete the task of writing and selling a book. The author also needs to be able to accept criticism and evaluate it for anything useful. It's a tricky balance.
Thank you, Ed, I have enjoyed our conversation and I have learned a lot about the writing process. I appreciate you opening up the inner works of Ed Benjamin, author.

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Melanie: A Tale of Wonder By Ed Benjamin

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