Dragonflies at Night: More Than a Love Story
received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Anne Marie Bennett.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Dragonflies at Night: More Than a Love Story; 9/22/20
What’s the book’s first line?
I never thought my life would end at the age of forty-four.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Dragonflies at Night is about two thirty-somethings: Savannah plans life celebrations; Ben is an international celebrity. On one level, it’s a tender, bright romance; but—like the subtitle says, this is not your average love story. Woven through the story of Savannah and Ben’s relationship is the powerful message of love on many different levels, particularly the love that Savannah’s mother still holds for her even though she died when Savannah was fifteen.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
To be honest, this novel began as a simple romance. I wasn’t even intending to write “a novel.” I was just playing around with words and characters as they came to me. I’ve always felt my work as an author is to follow my imagination and the characters where they take me, so that’s what I did.
Also, I will admit that I’ve always been fascinated with how celebrities handle their public lives. Years ago, I was waiting for someone at the airport, and Michael J. Fox just happened to be coming down the corridor in the opposite direction, surrounded by a few bodyguards and his entourage. This was my first “celebrity sighting,” so to speak, and while I was thrilled to see him only a few feet away from me, I couldn’t quite grasp why there were so many people crowding him, calling out his name, and trying to touch him. I do explore this a bit in Dragonflies at Night, and I even did some research on the psychology behind celebrity obsession.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
On one level, someone would want to read this book because it is full of refreshing, lovely, creative escapism and because happy endings are always really satisfying! On a deeper level, it warrants reading because there is a message here about how love is stronger, much stronger, than death. This quote by St. John of Chrysostom was propped on my desk as I wrote each chapter: Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are.
Anyone who has ever “lost” someone to death will hopefully receive comfort and peace as they read the story of how Savannah’s mother (and eventually her Auntie Zan) still play an important part in her life.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Ben Shepherd, the romantic lead, is an internationally-known actor, musician, and songwriter. The most distinctive thing about him when the story begins is that he is lonely, in spite of people always crowding around him when he is out in public or doing a concert. As his character and music became clearer to me, I found him to be a remarkable mix of the looks, creativity, and personalities of Josh Groban and Jason Mraz!
When did you first decide to become an author?
Well, I wouldn’t say it was exactly a decision! I began writing stories and novels at a very young age; it was just something that I’ve always loved to do! In the sixth grade, our class was assigned to write a short story, and I turned in a 40-page novel about a little girl who stumbles on an underground cat colony! My English teacher (thank you, Mr. Ballantyne!) was so impressed that he sent it to a publisher. That made such an impression on me! The publisher did not respond, but I decided right then and there that I wanted to be a Writer (note the capital W).
Is this the first book you’ve written?
I have written two books about my cancer journeys, three books about the intuitive process of SoulCollage®, one Young Adult novel, and one 50-page novella (women’s fiction).
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I own my own business, KaleidoSoul, that offers online and in-person learning about the process of SoulCollage® (an intuitive process for personal growth and creativity) created by Seena Frost). I love my work at KaleidoSoul because it is making a difference in so many peoples’ lives all around the world.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
At this time, I’m not a fulltime writer. I do set aside an hour (sometimes more) 3-5 times a week to work/play on whatever current story I’m working on. I have discovered that a lot can be accomplished this way!
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is that I can make my own timeline and set my own parameters around when and where and how my book is published and promoted. The most challenging thing has been feeling alone in the process. But that has changed since I have connected with a lot of support online via the Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association, and the team over at Author Marketing Experts, particularly Penny Sansevieri.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Don’t try to do it alone! Find support either in the community where you live, or online like the WFWA (Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association) or the IBPA (Independent Book Publisher’s Association). Both of these organizations have excellent online support systems already in place, including webinars and more.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
There’s no way I can only choose one, but I’ll narrow it down a little. In the fiction field, I’m a great admirer of Elizabeth Berg, Elizabeth Cunningham, Katherine Center, and Ann Crawford. As for nonfiction, I am forever in love with Tara Brach and Jeff Foster.