Author interview with YA fantasy writer Benjamin Kamphuis

Being a survivor of severe anxiety, Benjamin believes in community and writes books supporting the need for others to navigate a world where things aren’t always right in our heads.

Q: When did you first catch the writing bug? What drove you to persist?
A: Growing up, I was always told I had a gift for writing but focused more on math and science. Part of the problem was I didn’t have many great English teachers. I had a great teacher in 7th grade that really encouraged my imagination when I created my first world of magical beasts. During my senior year of high school, I had a fantastic AP Language teacher who transitioned halfway through the year into an administrative role.

Then, in 2017 I tapped back into writing. I wrote my first book in about 2-3 months. From there, 5 more books just flew from my mind onto pages and pages. It’s funny how a Zoology major published in a scientific journal ended up being a fantasy writer.

Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today?
A: Tolkien, A Wrinkle in Time, Harry Potter, C.S. Lewis, and Paolini’s Inheritance series really drew me into reading. I adore the immersive worlds they created and loveable characters surrounded by magical beasts and intricate magic systems. As a fantasy writer, I can without a doubt say they shaped my love for storytelling and creating wonderous worlds.

Q: What is the first book that made you cry?
A: Harry Potter and The Halfblood Prince was the first book to get a real good cry from me. I adore old wizards, like Gandalf, and Dumbledore was my favorite. I do like to put in the opportunity for a reader to cry in my own stories.

Q: Does writing energize or exhaust you?
A: Writing gives me life! Editing, not so much. I love thinking about a story nonstop, making weird notes during the day when I can’t write, and developing a story into something I never imagined it could turn into.

Q: Do you try more for originality or to please your readers?
A: Originality is my main goal. I understand markets shift and selling a book is important, but if my passion and belief aren’t behind the book, what’s the purpose of writing it? I want to provide something that both the reader and I can love.

Q: Do you ever try to write to the latest trends? Why or why not?
A: I certainly pay attention to trends. I will say political trends of promoting humanity, decency, and love will always play a factor in my writing, which are trends.

Q: What is your approach to incorporating elements of diversity and inclusion in your writing?
A: THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT. Sorry if that came off as yelling, but I stand by it. I love the beauty of people’s differences. I celebrate them in my stories. Whether it be race, socioeconomic, sexuality, identity, neurodivergence, or any combination of the said and not said, I always want to create characters anyone can relate to. Mental health is a large theme in my stories, which I believe everyone deals with in their own ways. I hope my books help readers navigate their own mental health.

Q: Do you have your own circle of writer friends? If so, what other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
A: I’ve really developed a strong community of writers in the past few years. My first group came from my public library. The group consists of local authors who critique one another’s work in the writing’s infancy. The group has allowed my skills to develop and strengthen.

I’ve also grown a social media community on TikTok and Instagram. Though primarily a virtual community, I’ve appreciated the support system they’ve become.

And most importantly, I love my indie authors. People like Salient Books, Morgan Reilly, Joe Bouchelle, Brandon Hoy, Wendolyn Baird, Shai Lenore, Cecilia Garcia, Monica Shantel, JJ Park, and Georgia May, to name a few. Salient Books is an indie only bookstore that not only sells great books but does amazing packages that will leave you floored. And all the authors mentioned have such amazing books that anyone would love.

Q: Have you ever gone on a “literary pilgrimage?” If so, where did you go and why?
A: Not specifically for a book, but I love traveling. So much of my writing takes from places I’ve been and people I’ve met.

Q: Do you prefer to write stand-alone novels or series? Do you make connections between non-connected books?
A: Series. My grand plan involves many standalone stories within the same universe eventually coming into a great collision.

Q: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
A: You are loved. You are wanted. People like to listen to you, and you have stories worth telling. Believe in yourself and the skills you have. For all the times you feel inadequate, remember that you are special. You are one of a kind. Your anxiety will get worse, but you will survive. Don’t EVER stop loving the person you are.

Q: How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
A: Now that is a fun question. I’ve learned so much after self-publishing my book. My editing is much more critical. My attention to overlapping details (I’m writing a series) is borderline obsessive. But more than anything, I consistently think about how to market my future books. I never thought about marketing as much as I do now, and it definitely impacts my writing.

Q: What was the best money you ever spent on your writing career?
A: Self-publishing my book. Without a doubt. Every penny, some mistakes, was worth learning all I know now and will use for the future. I invested in myself and don’t regret it at all.

Q: What author’s work did you dislike at first but grew to appreciate later?
A: I have a love/hate relationship with Brandon Sanderson. Which is funny because I’ve had a lot of people tell me our stories have some similar tones. I didn’t really start reading him until after I published my first book, just to see what those similarities are. Though I find his stories a bit long, I’m growing to appreciate his attention to detail.

Q: What author’s work did you like at first but later realized wasn’t that good? What changed your opinion?
A: J.K. Rowling. I enjoy her stories, but I think you can understand the rest.

Q: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
A: The effects of gossip. I found myself surrounded by gossip quite a bit growing up. When the gossip hurt me, I really learned the importance of words and what you say to people.

Q: What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
A: Miracle Workers by Simon Rich. The story was so inventive and fun.

Q: Do you have an all-time favorite writer, or does your favorite change over time? Who is your favorite writer today?
A: Christopher Paolini growing up. T.J. Klune currently. I do think favorite writers change over time because new writers are always emerging. I encourage people to always try new stories and not get entirely lost in one author.

Q: What is your favorite genre to read? Do you write in that genre? Has that always been your favorite genre, or has your taste evolved as you have grown as a writer?
A: Fantasy without a doubt. I love created worlds. I love getting lost in them. I love learning about the surreal.

Q: How many unpublished and/or half-finished books have you written?
A: Seven. A few are close to being ready to publish.

Q: What kind of music or sounds do you like to listen to as you write, or do you prefer complete silence?
A: My writing is heavily influenced by lyrics. I’ve always loved music, mostly because of the lyrics. Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, Noah Kahan, Angels and Airwaves, Yellowcard, Kacey Musgraves, Gracie Abrams, Miranda Lambert, and so many other great artists have inspired me in different ways. They help capture an emotion I sometimes need a push to feel when writing a scene. Lyrics are life.

Connect with the author

• Author website: https://benkamphuis.com/
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/benkamphuis
• Buy Benjamin Kamphuis Books On Amazon!

Now available in print and on Kindle!