An Interview With Ian Benke
Locations should be descriptive and include atmosphere and weather for example. Providing visual descriptions and reactions to events is vital. Characters need to have a relationship with their surroundings and situations.
Science Fiction and Fantasy are hugely popular genres. What does it take for a writer today, to write compelling and successful Science Fiction and Fantasy stories? Authority Magazine started a new series called “How To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories”. In this series we are talking to anyone who is a Science Fiction or Fantasy author, or an authority or expert on how to write compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy .
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Professor Margaret Rogers Van Coops. Her writings have never been limited to fact-books. Her novels and screenplays have always gripped me to keep reading. She has won acclaim from famous producers and directors. The problem has not been the script, story, etc. but rather raising funds to make a movie. Despite the hang-ups that a writer endures, she has always succeeded somehow in sharing her work which has delighted and fascinated me.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share a story about what first drew you to writing over other forms of storytelling?
Both my Grandfather and father were great storytellers. I was always fascinated by the way they held my attention with descriptive outlines that transfixed me. When my dad described Ka in The Jungle Book, I was hooked to read as many books at the library as I could find in those days, since the bombing of many places included our library. But I was not deterred. I found second-hand bookstores and something inviting to read. When my own children came along, story night was not just for them, but for grandma and anyone else who wanted to listen. Stories just flowed from me as I sat and made them up. Every story had a moral lesson of course! My Spirit Guides gave me amazing examples of how to teach a child and hold their interest to learn something about themselves or others.
You are a successful author. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
When I wrote Henry’s Secrets, I chose a Heroin that was befitting the times. Her story of a fight for success and subsequent discoveries all left the reader wondering what was going to happen next and, how things would turn out? The truth is that I did not know myself! So, in writing this book, which I intended to be a romance novel, ended up being a whodunnit novel much to my surprise. I must note here that the free-wheeling of imagination is the heart of a story. Logic destroys and often causes writer’s block. I must admit that I identified with my heroin and entwined a great deal of my personality in her character and in those of my other characters from real-life people I have met.
Can you tell us a bit about the interesting or exciting projects you are working on or wish to create? What are your goals for these projects?
The Screenplay: The Survivor is the coming of a mysterious baby that is brought up by a sphere on an island. Who he is and what he comes to do is fraught with the unexpected, strange, violence and romance, and more… One has to have a lot of visual effects in a screenplay, rather than loads of dialogue. It also has to leave a lot of room for the director to use his imagination to get the feelings and messages across to the public. I have come close to winning competitions with my screenplays. Two very famous directors wanted to make these two movies. But, the $’s were not there! I was not disappointed, but put them on the back-burner until the world is ready! My Other Screenplay is Seeing Blind: A story of a blind person, who learns to see through her third eye and subsequent controversy that unfolds as she delves more and more into the pressures of her life, her skills, and the subsequent family and romance that arises in a paranormal theme. Obviously, I cannot say too much here. In both cases, the twists and turns add to the story that keeps the reader hooked to find out what happens in the end.
Wonderful. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. How do you define sci-fi or fantasy? How is it different from speculative fiction?
In my mind, science fiction provides one with hope for transformation and change in a modern idiom that leaves the reader with an awakened awareness that transforms their perception. When I read Black Beauty, I was astounded to learn that horses were so ill-treated and even eaten! My thoughts about cruelty to animals were much embellished at that time which stimulated me to want to heal all the animals I could find! My sci-fi stories always leave my reader guessing, hoping, awaiting an arising against great odds to survive and, overcome obstacles, throughout the books and scripts. Fantasy allows the writer to go beyond reality. A lot of my short stories come from my psyche and my experiences as a Medium where the abnormal is normal.
It seems that despite countless changes in media and communication technologies, novels and written fiction always survive, and as the rate of change increases with technology, written sci-fi becomes more popular. Why do you think that is?
There are only several stereotype genres and often it is hard to find ways to share a story in a structure that appears non-threatening to the reader. Or, is not too dark, but has a happy or sad ending. Personally, I like to go ‘outside the box.’ In a world of fantasy, anything can happen. The trick is to write it in a way that is apropos to the current way people think. If a person hates candy, how can we make it the enemy and eventually the loser of competition between I can and I cannot? Every situation has a psychological, or perhaps psychiatric twist that needs to fly into an adventure that teaches a lesson in the end. Meanwhile, emotions must run wild as though on a rollercoaster until the final scene where all is revealed. Yes, the mystery has us all wondering?
In your opinion, what are the benefits of reading sci-fi, and how do they compare to watching sci-fi on film and television?
If a writer like Isaac Asimov grips you to imagine a far-off planet, then anything can happen in the writer’s imagination. However, he/she must remember that descriptive and expressive writing is best. Intelligence is called for but softened with unclear speculation in dealing with the plot of adversity etc. It is in our nature to speculate what the future will hold. Sci-Fi gives us that push to imagine a better world where all adversity is overcome. Writing this kind of story can leave a lasting effect on the reader. For example, Star Trek changed the world and science in just one week!
What authors and artists, dead or alive, inspired you to write?
I must admit that I read a great deal in my teenage years — mostly science fiction or whodunnit novels. Being British, I liked Agatha Christy, Shakespeare, The Classics, etc. So, my foundation stone for writing stems from those kinds of works, but then again, all the movies I have seen have more than provided me with visualizations that have taught me a great deal more than just reading the words. We have five senses to satisfy, and a good book should stimulate them all. I remember when I was reading Edgar Alan Poe, someone touched me on my shoulder and I jumped out of my skin in shock, being so hooked into the idea of being shut in a coffin while alive.
If you could ask your favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy author a question, what would it be?
When I was young I read a lot of Dennis Wheatley books about the paranormal things that could happen to one in stories. Finding a title that grabs you like: The Devil Rides Out, made me question even the title. I often wondered why he stuck to that one genre. Likewise with Neville Shute’s, ‘A town Like Alice’ is a character study that interested me. In both situations, I always wondered what else they would have written about had they changed tactics.
We’d like to learn more about your writing. How would you describe yourself as an author? Can you please share a specific passage that you think exemplifies your style?
I write metaphysical books to educate people about the paranormal and normal. So, when teaching verbally or writing, I always include stories that expound my lesson. People identify with stories and will remember more information if I teach or read with an expressive voice. I learned that from dad and even today can re-hear him telling me stories in my head.
Here is a paragraph picked randomly from my novel, Henry’s Secrets:
Meryl turned to the pile of files that Angela had given her which silently informed Angela that she was dismissed. She touched the back of the chair and then taking command, sat in it. She selected a few files at random and glanced through them. Then she threw them aside. She was frustrated with Nat! How could he up and leave just like that! He knew he would lose his share in the firm. Why had he been so eager to let it go? Maybe he really had no interest in the Agency, especially now that he had four hospitals and all those dollars! It suddenly hit her. Nat really was a billionaire if he ran the agency too! Why had he given it all up? Surely Pip was not that important! These thoughts were too much for her to handle!
This is an example of writing the thoughts of a person to keep the reader interested in my heroine.
Based on your own experience and success, what are the “Five Things You Need To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories?” If you can, please share a story or example for each.
1. My Characters must have controversy in the way they see, hear, feel, and act. The more unpredictable the better. Conversations should be easy to expound on and to relate to.
2. Emotional trauma and joy are necessary for the main characters to survive the ups and downs of the story. Conflict is essential as is harmony.
3. Locations should be descriptive and include atmosphere and weather for example. Providing visual descriptions and reactions to events is vital. Characters need to have a relationship with their surroundings and situations.
4. Light and dark parts of the story keep the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions to read more.
5. A closing solution or cliffhanger is essential if there is more to come. Ending Chapters should have a cliffhanger good or bad to continue reading.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Entertainment, Business, VC funding, and Sports read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them 🙂
A long time ago I was in the hub of stage personalities. Orion Pictures wanted my scripts but the idea of making spaceships was too expensive. Later James Cameron wanted to make the movie trilogy Regenesis I to start, and still later other famous stars who wanted to act in this particular show when this type of story was popular. Well, the world turns, and people come and go, but I know that one day these screenplays will become movies when the time is right. For now, I concentrating on getting the novels out there for people to read. Book I: Regenesis: The Invasion is out now and two is being finished. I still have to write Book III
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Just search my full name on www. Youtube.com and google, iTunes, etc. I come up a lot. People listen to my shows on soundcloud.com/Dr Margaret Speaks. The original shows were called Journey Into An Unknown World which is also available there. Now I leave talks and lectures there too. Time passes and we all have to adapt to the new technology. I am also available with Dr. Katie Kamara- every Saturday we talk about various topics for 2 hours on Dr. Margaret & Dr. Katie Speaks. Somafusionmedia.com We are trying to build a University of Metaphysical studies online and it takes a lot of work. So, is anyone interested in helping? Please contact me.
Thank you for these excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent. We wish you continued success.
About The Interviewer: Ian Benke is a multi-talented artist with a passion for written storytelling and static visual art — anything that can be printed on a page. Inspired by Mega Man, John Steinbeck, and commercials, I.B.’s science fiction writing and art explore the growing bond between technology and culture, imagining where it will lead and the people it will shape. He is the author of Future Fables and Strange Stories, the upcoming It’s Dangerous to Go Alone trilogy, and contributes to Pulp Kings. The CEO and Co-Founder of Stray Books, and an origami enthusiast, Ian is an advocate of independent, collaborative, and Canadian art. https://ibwordsandart.ca
Author Margaret Rogers Van Coops On How To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.