PL Bennett
Published Books
The Best Journey Ever: A Simple Guide Through Christianity (March 21) BUY ON AMAZON = https://amzn.to/32nAgaT
Who are you? Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Obviously we at Rowanvale know you but this is good for anyone who reads it)
A lover of God and people. A free spirit, who loves being a mother, loves travelling and discovering life and all that it has to offer. A woman determined to fulfil her destiny in this world.
What first inspired you to start writing?
I’ve been writing all my life, just never published. Writing has always been a part of who I am, through school, in my personal time, lunch breaks at work, anywhere. Usually poetry or short stories; often starting a project but never quite completing it. Before re-dedicating my life to Christ in 2010, I was unsure of which genre my writing fitted in. But once I made the commitment to follow Christ the direction for my writing became clear. Now it wasn’t just ad-hoc and random writings, there was a purpose to my writing which aligned itself with the calling placed on my life. The first inspiration to write a book with the intention of having it published, came from the enquiring minds of my mentees. They, as do we all, entered the kingdom asking a lot of questions, trying to make sense of their new life and the journey they found themselves on. One question lead to another, and another; until it became apparent that it would be wise to put all the information into one place where new Christians could access it… a book! And within five months it was written. And the journey to publish and re-publish has been long but very rewarding.
What made you want to work with Rowanvale and be published?
I did a lot of research into self-publishing companies, and through painstaking online searches, lots of reading and comparisons between companies, Rowanvale came out at the top of my list for several reasons. I had used assisted self-publishing services previously and it was very costly, for a basic package which did not include editing or proof-reading. Rowanvale ticked the boxes at the top of my list. Editing, proof-reading and affordability, and the clincher; I was able to pay in instalments that suited by budget. I signed with Rowanvale for an all-encompassing publishing package for paperback and e-book, for a fraction of the price that some companies were offering for their very basic services.
When you’re not writing, what are you reading?
I read the Bible constantly, there are sixty-six books in the Bible which cannot be exhausted, and I enjoy the deeper revelations and the teachings from the Holy Spirit. I also enjoy Christian literature and poetry.
Which work are you most proud of?
I am most proud of this book, The Best Journey Ever: A Guide Through Christianity because it is my first published work and it helps to guide others on their journey.
What’s your best advice for handling writer's block?
Step away from the writing altogether. Give it a break and clear your thoughts. As a Christian, I will always pray and talk to the Holy Spirit by asking for inspiration and revelations of my subject. During this time, I meditate on my writing and try to understand in my mind what it is that I am trying to say. So before you start writing again, meditate on it for a few days and gather some thoughts and direction, and when you start writing it will begin to flow… until the next time.
What’s one thing you always have with you when you’re writing?
Phone/notebook and pen. I am always ready to write down new revelations, directions, chapter content etc. Any ideas that pop into my head has to be noted immediately before I forget. So I often record on my phone or use the notes app. I also use my ever-faithful notebook and pen and I love to write long hand as well as typing. These tools ensure I don’t forget something important.
What is the one book you would take with you if you were stuck on a desert island?
My Bible – I make no apologies if this is getting a little repetitive, but I go nowhere without it. It’s the only book that could get me through.
What is the best part about being an independently published author?
Without having a comparison between being independently published and traditionally published it is difficult to say. But I do enjoy the feeling of satisfaction in finishing a project and the excitement of the journey ahead through to publication. It is also good to know that you can take your work in any direction you choose.
What’s next for you?
Continue to write for as long as I can, and it would be an achievement to go down the traditional publishing route also. I am currently writing my next project on the spiritual evolution of mankind, challenging the predominant theories on the origin of man and charting our transition from the physical to the spiritual.