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Blogs by Mark S Bennison
Hi, my name is ... 3/19/2008 2:18:46 AM
My name is Mark. S. Bennison. I’m 47 years old. I’m originally from the north of England. I moved to London at the age of 18 and have lived in Enfield for the last 23 years. I’m married and have two grown up children. I currently work as a bus driver. However, I write part time. In fact, any spare time I have, which means long hours and dedication towards my passion for writing. Also, a supportive wife. I am the author of two published books. Military Rule and Military Rule: The Return of The Mandeville, which are political thrillers. This is a short piece on why I began to write, and my path towards publication.
The invasion of Iraq was the main reason I began to write. Excuse after excuse. Lie after lie. How much crap - excuse me - could we take from Blair and Bush? The final of the excuses they came up with was the one that pushed my patience. “We’re going after Saddam,” they said. As if? This was scraping the bottom of the barrel. Now, I was angry and frustrated. What happened to Bin Laden? Anyway, I was sure Blair was heading for disaster in his quest of a place in history. Why? Because the west can’t fight the enemy, they can’t see, including him. Also, not forgetting the legality of his actions and the murderous repercussions. So, I began to write notes about what I was thinking and it went on from there. It was like switching on a switch. I had to write. Sometimes, something in life sparks a reaction.
My first attempt, which was called, ‘What If’, failed to go beyond the manuscript. It was a cynical view outlining a conspiracy towards the invasion of Iraq. Looking back at it with a critical eye and after two published books, it was rough around the edges as one would expect with a first attempt. Still, I thought it was good enough, as you do. Being confident, I approached numerous agents with my manuscript, which costs a lot in postage, paper, ink, envelopes and self esteem. Also, the time and effort of wading through the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, which is essential, along with The Writers’ Handbook. After the A4 ring binder was full of rejections - although, I was thankful of a reply and well-mannered advice - I decided, not feeling rejected as I believed in my work, to approach the publishers directly. Starting from the top publishers and working my way down, another A4 ring binder was filling up with rejections. Although, they were nice replies of encouragement and advice to pursue and obtain an agent. Little did they know. Damn! was I going the wrong way about this? It was time to think again. I took a short break from my rejections and just got on with my normal life. But, I couldn’t because writing takes over your thoughts and everyday life and it was, and still is, my dream to write full time. So, I started to investigate the way towards doing it myself. Yes, self publishing was the way forward but expensive. However, one day I received a phone call from Professor Julie Ford, an editor of Superscript Publishers. I have to point out that I was dumb struck with the surprise that after months of trying I was actually on the line with an editor. Needless to say, Julie did most of the talking. After the initial introduction on the phone she subsequently took a great interest in my writing. Her wisdom was valuable and with her encouragement and guidance of ditching my anger for
imagination, ‘Military Rule’ was born as a fictional rewrite of ‘What If’. Unfortunately, after sending the new manuscript to Julie, she informed me that their fictional department was closing down. Panic set in. What now? I thought. However, Julie was not giving up on me and suggested I approach Apex Publishing Ltd. My excitement and expectation returned. I approached Chris Cowlin of Apex Publishing, who read and accepted the manuscript. It was now up to me as Apex required the cost of publishing from me. The deal was, I pay £2000, 00 for production, which is an initial 500 books. However, they will print further copies without extra payment, if needed. This was a lot of money to me but I was close to seeing my book as a finished article. Plus, all the hard work I had done. I had to go ahead with it. However, Apex offers a higher royalty rate until the initial cost is recovered. Mind you, I have not yet recovered my investment, which takes time. Sales are slow, so be aware of that fact. Nevertheless, I believe in my work and as long as I had the backing of, what has turned out to be a great publisher, I was glad to borrow the money and publish. I’m glad to say that Apex Publishing had the courage to recognise me as an author. And, I hope they continue to do so.
Since writing ‘Military Rule’, becoming a published author and having a publisher, the incentive to continue is great. Also, my inspiration grows. I have become even more cynical towards government and its leaders. Especially, after Blair cut and run. That leaves Bush, the lonesome cowboy, to hide behind his self righteous belief of accepting God’s permission to do as he pleases, as did Presidents before him. “God blesses America,” they say, wether their action is good or evil. Could that be the cause for religion being the root of all evil? This is another basis towards my writing. There will be only one God, there will be only one leader.
The action, whoever did it, against the Twin Towers also became instrumental to my writing. Indeed, it was the catalyst and the excuse needed to promote and push through the Bush policy of private war to invoke, avenge and gain Iraq’s black gold. How else could he afford to follow his evil, egotistical and illegal policy? Bush and Blair kept Bin Laden alive for obvious reason of excuse. Where is he? Does he exist? Is he a covert Image? And, why hasn’t he been found? You can’t tell me that the mighty west cannot find one man and his sacred army.
Meanwhile, we all suffer the aftermath of deceitful leaders who want to rule the World. And, this is very apparent today. In today’s climate, the generals will cross the line into political thinking. I’m reminded about General MacArthur by today’s outspoken generals, who, in my mind, could have walked into the White House and taken power as a military leader given the support he had from the sights of his return to America.
Could it happen? Maybe, only in my book and books to come. Military Rule will, hopefully, become a series of books. The second book, Military Rule: The return of The Mandeville, has just been published. In a way, this was just as important as the first book because I wanted to prove I was not just a ‘one book wonder’ and that Apex would accept another manuscript from me. Again, I had to contribute towards the production. Ah! you may think I’m published just because I pay for it. This is not the case and you should not think that way if you believe in yourself. Besides, as I mentioned before, Apex gives a higher percentage of royalty until the cost is recovered. And, they have to think of their own reputation and do their fair share with help in marketing, which is my weak link in the huge marketplace of established and celebrity authors. I’m not good at marketing but one has to try. Unfortunately, this is what new writers are up against. But, they had to start from the bottom as I am. I’m sure if I was no good and had poor prospects as a writer, then Apex would say so. I think of it as a partnership and one I have secured for future publications. Apex Publishing is growing and I plan to grow with them. This route of self publishing is not to be scoffed at and for new writers like me, it’s a way in. In a manner of speaking, you are putting your money where your mouth is. One day, I shall be in the exclusive position of the big established writers of today. I’m on my way, which is what it’s all about. It’s a long haul and there is no better feeling than seeing your book on the shelves. And, in your hands. If you are in it just for the money, forget it. My main objective of having a published book has been realised and anything that follows is a bonus. You can view my books, Military Rule and Military Rule: The Return of The Mandeville, and publication details on the Apex Publishing website: www.apexpublishing.co.uk They could be the answer you are looking for.
