Interview with Bentley Wells

Interview with Bentley Wells, author of The Question and Other Stories.


What genre do you write and why?

My first book of fiction―The Paradise Coven―was a mystery, which I enjoyed writing. Although my second book is a collection of short stories, only two or three of the thirteen stories are mysteries. Others are different genres, including coming of age and romance.

Now, I’m working on another mystery, but it doesn’t feature the same characters as the first.

Tell us about your latest book.

My latest book is The Question and Other Stories, which is published by Black Opal Books and is available from the publisher, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other booksellers. The stories concern young people who have to deal with hard-nosed teachers, fickle girlfriends, and death of family members, among other topics. Other stories concern adults who have to confront loneliness, rejection, and mental health. The stories are suitable for young adults and adults.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad or good ones?

Interview with Bentley WellsYes, I read my book reviews. I deal with the good ones very well. The bad ones bother me primarily because the reviewers found something they didn’t like or because they found a problem or problems in the writing, story, etc. As a writer, I should have noticed the problem or problems before the writing was sent to the publisher.

What formats is the book available in?

The book is available in e-book and print.

Who are your favourite authors?

I have several favourite authors, including Ernest Hemingway and John O’Hara (for subject and style), and Raymond Chandler and James M. Cain (for atmosphere or period and story). Although these writers are no longer living and producing, I still enjoy reading what they wrote. Of course, I read a few current writers, such as Linwood Barclay and John Grisham, among others.

Where can people find out more about you and your writing?

Black Opal Books, Amazon.com (I have an author’s page), and Goodreads (I have an author’s page)

Why do you think readers are going to enjoy your book?

As I mentioned, The Question and Other Stories offers readers thirteen short stories that concern various topics. I believe readers will find these stories appealing because of the situations in which the characters find themselves.

How long did it take you to write your book?

The stories making up the collection were written years ago. Three were published in literary magazines in the 1960s. However, all of the stories have been revised. In fact, all of the stories have been revised several times over several years. So, in answer to this question, I would say several years.

Where can a reader purchase your book?

The Question and Other Stories is available from the following:

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, KOBO, Black Opal Books, iTunes, and Scribd, among other booksellers. At each, all a reader has to do is type in “Bentley Wells” or the title of the book.                                                  

When and where do you write?

I write primarily in my office, in my home.

Do you believe in writers block?

Yes, I do. 

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