PHOTO: Ed Benjamin, author of the Harry Miles series and Bulverde Beat, shares how life inspires his gripping action adventures.
Mastering the Art of Action and Inspiration
Ed Benjamin discusses crafting compelling action-packed stories, the inspiration behind Harry Miles, his writing process, and how his Texas roots and Air Force experiences shape his gripping narratives.
Ed Benjamin is a literary craftsman whose works vividly capture both the resilience of the human spirit and the pulse-pounding thrill of high-stakes adventure. A retired United States Air Force veteran with an illustrious 27-year career, Ed’s deep understanding of discipline, courage, and camaraderie imbues his stories with authenticity and emotional depth. His expansive career encompasses not only his acclaimed fiction but also his pursuits as a writer of gratitude journals, planners, reissued classics, and more through his publishing ventures, Bulverde Books and Front Porch Press.
Among his many contributions to literature, Ed’s creation of the unforgettable Harry Miles stands as a testament to his storytelling acumen. From Harry’s origins as a fighter pilot in Harry’s War to his poignant battles for redemption and his later escapades as a private detective in the Bulverde Beat series, Ed has crafted a character as complex and dynamic as the action-filled narratives in which he resides. Titles such as Redemption and Bulverde Beat: Death on a Texas Highway not only entertain but also explore themes of perseverance, duty, and human connection.
Ed Benjamin combines authenticity, creativity, and heart, crafting stories that inspire with courage, thrilling action, and emotional depth.
A storyteller with both feet firmly planted in the world of self-publishing, Ed’s commitment to his craft continues to evolve, as evidenced by his ongoing revisions and dedication to creating stories that resonate with his audience. He is not just an author but an advocate for creativity and perseverance, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace the iterative journey of storytelling.
From his evocative use of the Texas Hill Country as a backdrop to his ability to craft edge-of-your-seat action sequences, Ed’s writing is a masterclass for anyone seeking to balance intensity with heartfelt humanity. Readers can feel the influence of legends such as Lee Child and John Sandford in his meticulously detailed scenes, while his own unique voice shines through in his exploration of personal courage and resilience.
It is with great admiration that we present our interview with Ed Benjamin, a storyteller whose works remind us of the enduring power of humanity and the thrill of adventure.
What inspired you to create the character of Harry Miles, and how has he evolved throughout the Bulverde Beat series?
I have always been interested in exploring the ability of people to rise above adversity. I first created Harry Miles as a fighter pilot in a novella. In that story, “Harry’s War,” I called upon my experiences while an aircraft maintenance officer listening to fighter pilots talk in the casual bar. While I addressed an air battle and Harry’s role in the air battle against multiple enemies. I spent some time expressing the after-action stories of the crew members of the Airborne Warning and Control airplane who supported Harry after the air battle.
After publishing “Harry’s War.” I realized Harry’s story was incomplete, so I worked on my novel, “Redemption,” which dealt exclusively with Harry’s losing battle to stay in the Air Force as a fighter pilot and how he overcame his sense of loss.
Later I toyed with the idea of Harry’s adventures as a Private Detective assisting local law enforcement. I live in Bulverde, Texas so the “Bulverde Beat” series was born.
Despite the setting, I write action adventure stories.
How do your experiences as an Air Force veteran influence the action and suspense in your novels?
Although I was not qualified to fly, I spent 27 years in the Air Force in close association with fighter pilots. They are supremely self-confident, but all share the ethos of surrendering to the greater good when called upon. The US military asks it members to follow orders to the best of their ability even though the demands of the mission may call for loss of life. In my experience, with very few exceptions, all US military members subscribe to that philosophy.
Can you share your process for crafting the intense and vivid action scenes in your books?
Several authors (namely Lee Child, John Sanford, Karin Slaughter to name three) have influenced me and my analysis of what I liked about their writing seemed to indicate three lessons. First, you need to place yourself in the position of the character you are writing and try to feel what the character is thinking and doing. Then, report their actions. Don’t tell the reader what the character is doing – show them. Second, Action occurs sequentially. Show the sequence. Third, I found particularly in my short piece, “Bulverde Beat: Death on a Texas Highway,” you need to vary the action from character to character, and (once again) show the reader, not tell the reader.
What challenges did you face while writing “Bulverde Beat: Death on a Texas Highway,” and how did you overcome them?
Write the action as it occurs. Continue to write it, write it again and again. Then again.
How do you balance the elements of personal courage and human resilience with the fast-paced thriller aspects of your stories?
When I was 20, I read William Faulkner’s Nobel acceptance speech. He stated: Humankind will not merely survive, it will prevail. That’s what I believe about the human spirit. My goal to is to inspire and to show, when possible, how the human spirit will prevail. Also, art mirrors life. Sometimes, people act irrationally like Miguel in “Death.”
What role does the Texas setting play in shaping the atmosphere and narrative of your books?
I live here. Human stories exist everywhere. Why not write about South Texas.
What advice or inspiration would you offer to aspiring authors who want to write compelling action-packed stories?
Write, edit, rewrite, edit, rewrite, edit, rewrite. Then, write some more.
Here’s a secret, I self-publish. I have the power to change “Bulverde Beat: Death on a Texas Highway” when I want. It has happened. I am still rewriting it. It may change again.
In fact, I am in the process of revising two of the other Bulverde Beat stories to incorporate some the changes in my style that evolved while writing “Bulverde Beat: Death on a Texas Highway.”
