"Growing up, I never saw myself on the page, so I wanted to tell my own stories." Nicole Dennis-Benn's Literary Life
Nicole Dennis-Benn, author of PATSY and HERE COMES THE SUN, talks about identity.
I’ve always been very curious about the life that brings a writer to the pen or keyboard. My hope is that in getting to know authors in a new light, we might find ourselves in the process. Today, we are featuring our sixth author, Nicole-Dennis Benn.
Read more A Literary Life discussions.
What inspired you to start writing?
Growing up, I never saw myself on the page, so I wanted to tell my own stories. I enjoyed escaping into a fantasy world. It was in high school that I began to put my love for fantasizing to good use.
Can you describe your first piece of published work? How did it feel to get published for the first time?
It felt magnificent! It was the first few pages of the story that the world would come to know as HERE COMES THE SUN.
Were there any early challenges or obstacles you faced when you started writing? How did you overcome them?
I was a working professional. So my challenges back then was finding the time to write and the confidence to pursue it full-time.
Do you have a favorite writing outfit or any writing rituals that you follow?
Early morning writing is my thing. As long as I have a cup of coffee and a quiet house during those hours, I’m good for the day!
What’s your go-to snack or drink while writing?
Coffee.
What’s the strangest place you’ve found inspiration for a story?
The subway.
Can you show us or describe your writing space? What’s your ideal writing environment?
I have a home office full of books and art. I love working there. If not, I bounce around to my favorite cafes in Brooklyn, but usually during the editing process.
How has your writing process evolved over time?
I’m a lot more flexible and efficient now that I have children.
Can you discuss a pivotal moment in your writing career that significantly impacted your work?
When I first started, I was told by an agent to change the dialogue from Jamaican Patois. I did so and lost my voice. The agent and I parted ways, and I told myself that would never happen again.
Who are some authors or books that have significantly influenced your writing throughout your career?
Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde, Paule Marshall, bell hooks, Edwidge Danticat.
Do you feel a responsibility to address specific themes or issues in your writing?
Not really. I am mostly led by my characters.
Which of your works has impacted you the most after writing it, and in what way?
All my stories so far have impacted me. Here Comes the Sun asks the question: who owns paradise? It allowed me to work out a lot of grievances I had for Jamaica and gave me permission to reclaim it as my home. It was really a love letter I didn’t know I needed to write. PATSY asks the question: what do we lose when we choose ourselves? It allowed me to work through questions about gendered expectations and the expectations of an immigrant daughter.
Have you noticed any recurring themes or motifs in your writing? If so, what do they represent for you?
Identity is big for me. That’s because I am always fascinated by it.
How do you handle critical reviews and feedback on your work?
If it’s from a trusted reader (and I only have 2), then I listen to their critiques and challenge myself to expand or go deeper. I rarely read book reviews. That’s a conversation between my other readers.
What do you do when you’re not writing? Any hobbies or interests outside of writing?
Family time, museums, checking out films, exploring new restaurants with my wife and close friends.
What book(s) (besides your own) do you always recommend to others?
We Need New Names by NoViolet and Sula by Toni Morrison
What’s a fun fact about you that most of your readers might not know?*
I appreciate Tyler Perry. He helps me to relax and bond with my mother who loves him.
What is your favorite quote, and why does it resonate with you?
“Our Silence Will Not Protect Us” by Audre Lorde. It’s always important to use your voice, tell your truths.
Are there any books or authors that you turn to for comfort or inspiration during difficult times?
Toni Morrison
What do you hope people will take away from your work?
Hopefully, they can see themselves in my characters and their stories.
Looking back, how do you think your writing has impacted your readers and the literary world?
Fans tell me all the time how important my books are to them and their loved ones. I feel good to hear them say that. It lets me know that my words have touched people in significant ways. My books also changed the literary canon. I am so humbled to see my books getting critically acclaimed; these stories with black Jamaican working class queer women as protagonists.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up. Use rejections as stepping stools.
How do you see your writing evolving in the future? Are there new genres or styles you want to explore?
Literary fiction is my thing. However, now that I have children, I flirted with the idea of a children’s book. We shall see!
Do you have any upcoming projects or works in progress that you can share with us?
My third novel is in the works. That’s all I’ll say about that!
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