We recently had the chance to connect with Ben Schenkman and have shared our conversation below.
Ben, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is one of the most important things to me. This is also part of living as authentically as possible, which is impossible to do without holding on to your integrity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ben Schenkman, an Urban Fantasy author, audiobook narrator, and owner of Caffeinated Terrier Press. Turning my self publishing journey into an imprint to help my local author’s co-op publish, and helping other independent authors in general, has become a big part of my publishing journey.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Sometimes our experiences feel sent from the universe to teach us who we are. Unfortunately, not all of those experiences are enjoyable. I spent a lot of time trying to make sure other people were happy, that I was the most dependable, always ready to lend a hand even if that was at my own expense.
I still do a lot of those things, and it’s shaped who I am, but the world has told me that I can be confident in the core of my beliefs without sacrificing who I am for other people.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up on publishing my first book, a long time ago. I had been querying agents and publishers, even trying some crowdfunding concepts, but none of it worked. In the end I had to let that book sit on a shelf for a long time before I remembered that I didn’t have to give up on telling my story.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Authenticity is one of the things I strive for in my life. Gabor Maté, a world renowned physician, says that if you have to sacrifice authenticity for being attached to other people, those aren’t relationships worth having. The public version of me is the real me, if turned up a little bit. I have to be a bit of a showman when it comes to getting my work out there, but the person I put on exhibit is the real me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Probably writing, if I’m honest. I don’t make money at this, I do it because I have stories to tell and people seem to enjoy reading them. As far as any kind of “pay off” I won’t see that for years until I have a sufficient backlist and reader base. Part of why I’m trying to get myself out there for exposure and visibility is to build the kind of platform I need to have enough eyes on my stories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://benschenkman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benschenkman.author/
- Other: https://caffeinatedterrierpress.com
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