What was the inspiration for In Defense of Guilt? When did he first have a desire to write? Which of the characters from his book would he like to have dinner with? What would they talk about? What advice does he have for writers?
Have you ever known a lawyer to experience similar things to what Lauren Hill experienced during the murder trial? Was there something else you heard or saw that was the specific inspiration for In Defense of Guilt?
Real world court is very different from what is portrayed on television. That is, there is a lot of downtime where you are sitting around waiting for your case to be called. And I so remember this very nasty judge, berating attorney after attorney. She was terrible and I said to myself, “Who does she think she is? God?” That was the moment when I thought about writing a character that is a judge who transforms into God.
What would you like people to see when they read your book?
That they enjoy the story. But more important, that they gain something.
How completely do you develop your characters before beginning to write?
I develop my characters in outline form and try to include the most details. Of course, that evolves as I write the story.
Which scene is your favorite? Which scene was the hardest for you to write?
I love the courtroom scenes where the attorneys are battling it out against each other. Those are my favorites. The hardest scene is always the end as I never want to finish. As a writer, I want to tell more.
How long did it take you to decide on a title for your book? Were there any other possible titles you had picked out? Why did you settle on In Defense of Guilt as the title?
This title just popped into my head and after I repeated it a few more times, I knew that it was a great fit.
When did you first have a desire to write? How did this desire manifest itself?
From the time I was a little boy, I always enjoyed writing. And I so remember writing a book about Mickey Mantle when I was ten. It was not a school assignment; I just wanted to write. But it was not until I was in my fifties that I started writing in earnest. That is partially because I was managing a busy law practice and did not have the time to set aside. I also lost my uncle and I was his executor. And with so many decisions that have to be made when one is reaching the end of your life, I thought it was important to write a book about putting your affairs together. My first self-help book is titled My Wishes: a Planning Guide for the Inevitable.
Do you plan the entire book before writing it? Or do you just sit down and write?
As I was taught in law school when taking an exam, I make a very extensive outline which could take weeks. From that outline, I write the book.
Do you have a special room to write in? If not, where do you write? Where do you do your best writing?
I write in my office which is also my law office. I do not write on weekends but if something comes to mind, I write it down.
How long did it take you to complete this book?
About fifteen months.
Do you have a set time to write each day? Or do you wait to be inspired?
I try to write each day but some days are more productive than others. As for inspiration, I jog each morning and am completely disengaged when I jog. This allows my mind to fill with ideas. And I then race home, write down my thoughts, shower, have breakfast, and then drive to my office to write. It doesn’t always work in that order, however.
How much research, if any, did you have to do for this book?
This book required no research as it is mostly based on my experiences. However, my first novel, Against My Will, was partially set during the Holocaust. And I traveled to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp outside of Linz, Austria, to do research.
Do you ever become bored with what you are writing? If you do, how do you get past that point?
I never get bored with writing but I do get frustrated when I have to respond to editor’s notes. Editing is a very tedious process.
Do you still practice law or are you now a full-time writer? Which career do you find more challenging?
After forty years of practicing law, I am only working part-time now. This allows me more time for writing. Hands down, law is much more challenging because of having to manage stress.
What is your favorite genre in which to write?
I like to write about family relationships. I am a big Nora Ephron fan.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I enjoy fiction that is or could be based on real facts. James Patterson’s book, The President is Missing, is a good example.
Has your writing created any new opportunities for you?
I have been invited to speak before various organizations which I very much enjoy. In fact, I want to explore more speaking opportunities. I also love being interviewed about my books and the writing process.
How do you manage to balance your time between family, friends, and writing?
I do not write on weekends, which allows me to spend much time with my five beautiful grandchildren.
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If you could spend one hour with just one person, dead or alive, whom would you choose? Why?
Tina Fey. I think she is brilliant as a writer and a performer. I think I could learn so much.
If you had the chance to have dinner with one or more of the characters from your book, which of them would it be? What would you talk about?
I would have dinner with my lead character, Lauren Hill. And I would allow her to promote herself for the first part of the dinner. But knowing her insecurities, I would test her about her family values. And by dessert, she would be crying and thanking me for the counseling session.
Do you have any advice for writers that are published and those who are yet to be published?
If you have published, congratulations. But don’t stop. There is another book out there that you need to write. For those who have not broken through yet, learn from rejection and do not give up. Also, share your writings with friends and family as their feedback is invaluable.
Where can your fans find you on the Internet?
Facebook@authorBenjaminBerkley
Instagram@BenBerkley
Goodreads.com/Benjamin_Berkley
www.benberkley.com
Recommended Article: In Defense of Guilt – a Review
Thanks for hosting Ben! Great Questions!