Olga Campos-Benz joined the Writers’ League in August of 2012, when she started working on her first novel. She recently began volunteering as a member of the Marketing Committee. She lives in Northwest Austin with her husband Kevin Benz, and their three dogs.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
It’s News to Me, features a bold and beautiful Latina whose life is endangered by criminals, enhanced by sensuous encounters, complicated by loved ones and spiked throughout with shots of tequila and irreverent humor! This is contemporary women’s fiction with a Latin twist! Readers will be laughing and in suspense with this behind-the-scenes look of the real calamities I witnessed during my 30-plus years as a television anchor and reporter. After stepping down from the anchor desk, I couldn’t wait to share a fictitious version of life in the fast-paced world of t-v news.
Scribe: What authors would you like to have coffee or a beer with and which beverage?
The beverage of choice would be a margarita or wine and the authors of choice would be those from the genre I enjoy the most, Contemporary Women’s Fiction – Anne Tyler, Harper Lee, Julia Alvarez and Anita Shreve among others. I’d like to hear how they dealt with setbacks and disappointments; how they maintained their writing enthusiasm and their advice for navigating the publishing maze.
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
I would not want a book to read, but rather a blank, endless journal in which to write.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers’ League?
I’ve had the pleasure of learning that fellow writers provide support, friendship and encouragement and that the resources for writers are endless.
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
There are too many adventures – not necessarily all mine – in the world of t-v news to cram into one book, so I’m hopeful readers will want to follow my Main Character through future sequels.
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world? An opportunity for blatant self-promotion!
I’m a huge fan of live music and films and serve on several boards including the Austin Film Festival, the Austin Film Society, and the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. I’m a proud University of Texas graduate and am honored to be on the Advisory Council of UT’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. I welcome friends on Facebook, Twitter @CamposBenzNews, or email ocamposbenz@gmail.com.
