Today we’d like to introduce you to Camelia Bennett.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When COVID shut the world down, my daughter asked me to watch a Japanese anime show with her. That started me on a journey that led me to discovering a Chinese danmei story. From there, I found the world of fan fiction. Because many of the authors in my fandom did not speak English as their first language, it was sometimes difficult to understand what they were writing about. One day, I told my best friend, who was a published author, that I could probably write something better than they had. Her response was three simple words that sparked a desire within my heart that still burns today.
“Why don’t you?”
I immediately sat down at my laptop and started typing, never expecting anyone to read what I had to share. But not only did they like what I wrote, but they also kept asking for more, sharing with their friends, and sending me the most wonderful comments. About two years later, I decided to take a risk and started writing my first original story. The person who was proofreading for me sent me a message one day (after only reading the first two chapters) asking if I had ever considered publishing the story. I replied, “Oh my god! No! Why would I ever do that?!”
However, I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. I looked to my friends for advice, and everyone said, “Go for it!”
So I did.
Today, I have four self-published books with more on the way. I have started participating in book signings, and this year, I will be attending various author signing events and craft shows. I’m so happy I decided to take a risk and do something outside my comfort zone. I have met so many people from all over the world through fan fiction and am now making new friends through my signings. I’m happy and always excited to see what the next day will bring.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Sometimes it’s little things like not being able to find the right words or simply not having enough time in the day. Other times, it’s learning a new skill or figuring out how to navigate a new website, which can be difficult for a woman my age. But I never give up. I celebrate every time I overcome an obstacle, usually with chocolate!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an author of gay romance. My stories don’t focus on the intimacy of my characters’ relationships, though I do enjoy writing about it; they’re more about the deep bonds between two souls meant for each other. I want my stories to feel as real as possible and my characters to be people my readers can connect with.
I’m not sure what I’m known for yet. If you ask my most loyal readers, they’d probably say my cliffhangers and plot twists. I hope that one day I’m known for writing stories that are honest, beautiful, and of course, sexy as hell!
I’m most proud of myself for not being afraid to try something new. I always loved reading and writing as a kid. I even wrote a story about a unicorn when I was 12 years old. My imagination never faded. I never really grew up. Sure, I pay bills, clean my house, and run a household. I raised two beautiful daughters whom I couldn’t be prouder of. But there was always that little girl inside me who still loved horses and magical lands. She never gave up on me. And today, I’m doing what makes me happy. I feel young and adventurous with my writing and hope I never lose that spark that got me to where I am today.
As for what sets me apart? I’d like to think it’s the type of stories I tell. I want my characters to feel so real that you forget you’re reading a book. I want my readers to see themselves in the people I create. If they can see my words come to life in their minds, experience the same emotions as my characters, then I’ll know my books have done something special.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have so many, but if I had to share just one, it would have to be all the times I spent with my best friend in an abandoned quarry behind my house. It was a place where we could be alone and talk about everything. Our imaginations often ran wild there, and we laughed at the littlest things. We even named certain areas after Stephen King books. We found a small “cave” amongst the rocks and stored candles and water there in case either one of us ran away from home. We walked the trails and waded in the creek. I felt happy and free, just like I do today when I sit down to write.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambennett2113/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578541118282
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cambennett2113
