Amelia Bennett Interview: Insights from a Canadian Mystery Author
Please Introduce Yourself
Hi, I’m Amelia Bennett—a Canadian writer and a passionate Canadian mystery author with a lifelong love for stories and a deep appreciation for life’s quieter moments. Born and raised in Western Canada, I’m currently enjoying this chapter of life surrounded by the people who matter most. As a mother of three and a proud grandmother of ten, my life is full and beautifully unpredictable.
Writing has always been a passion of mine, but it wasn’t until later in life, after retiring, that I allowed myself to fully embrace my writing process. Now, I create atmospheric mysteries that delve into small-town secrets, quiet betrayals, and the kind of emotions that linger long after the last page.
When Did You First Realize You Wanted to be a Writer?
It wasn’t a lightning bolt moment—it was more of a slow realization that I was meant to be a Canadian mystery author. I’ve been completely drawn to stories since I was a kid. When a book is well written, I don’t just read it—I become the protagonist. I feel everything they feel. Their fear, their heartbreak, their hope all sinks into me. I’ve laughed out loud, cried, even paused to catch my breath while reading, because the emotions were so real.
Somewhere along the way, I realized I didn’t just want to experience those kinds of stories—I wanted to write them, especially atmospheric mysteries that create lasting impressions. I wanted to craft characters that felt real, moments that linger, and stories that stay with people long after they’ve turned the last page.
Writing, for me, is a way of connecting on that emotional level—with honesty, vulnerability, and a touch of mystery. And once I leaned into that during my writing process, there was no turning back.
How Long Does It Take You to Write a Book?
It depends. Every atmospheric mystery has its rhythm, and some stories come together more quickly than others. Sometimes the words flow easily and the pieces fall into place, while other times, the writing process requires a lot of reworking, stepping back, and letting things unfold naturally. As a Canadian mystery author, I don’t follow a strict timeline—I try to give each book the space it needs to develop fully. For me, it’s less about how fast I can write it and more about telling the story the right way.
What is Your Work Schedule Like When You are Writing?
It’s definitely not a typical 9 to 5 for a Canadian mystery author. I tend to get lost entirely in an atmospheric mystery when I'm deep into it. I usually start early, thinking I’ll get a bit done, and then suddenly it’s hours later and I’m still going. It’s not unusual for me to look up and realize it’s two in the morning and I’ve barely moved. When the characters are talking and the scenes are unfolding, I follow where it leads. So, my writing process is more about momentum and inspiration than structure—I write until the story quiets down for the night.
What Would you Say is Your Interesting Writing Quirk?
I’m not sure it is a writing ‘quirk’, but as a Canadian mystery author, I enjoy working on 2-3 atmospheric mysteries at a time. If I get stuck on one plot line, I switch to another for a while. It’s definitely challenging, but I love it. That’s why it seems like I am writing books very quickly; it’s because they are written consecutively, and I aim to finish them up around the same time during my writing process.
How Do Your Books Get Published?
Currently, I’m using the Kindle Publishing option through Amazon to share my atmospheric mysteries. Amazon offers both ebook and paperback formats for all my novels, which are crafted through my writing process as a Canadian mystery author. I also have a website (www.amelia-Bennett.ca) to market my books, as well as a self-publishing website (www.books.by/amelia-bennett) for those who prefer not to purchase paperbacks through Amazon. Additionally, I’ve arranged for a local store to carry my books; they should be on the shelves by the middle of June, once the shipment arrives.
Where Do You Get Your Information or Ideas for Books?
Every book is a bit different; sometimes it's just about researching atmospheric mysteries for inspiration, but Silent Betrayal originated from something very real. This story is based on true events, so the idea wasn’t something I had to seek out—it was presented to me in a way that felt impossible to ignore. That said, out of deep respect for the family involved, I’ve taken care to set the story in a different community, change all the names, and add fictional layers of drama to create some distance from the real-life details. While the heart of the story remains grounded in truth, Silent Betrayal has been transformed into fiction—enough to protect those affected while still honoring the emotional impact of what actually occurred.
Writing it wasn’t about creating a sensational narrative; it was about shedding light on a quiet tragedy that deserved to be understood. For Subtle Shadows, the idea of the hidden messages in the painting came to me as part of my writing process. I later learned that this was called steganography, meaning “covered writings,” and was used during wartime for various reasons. In Buried in the Walls, it started with me researching unsolved mysteries, which is a pursuit deeply rooted in the experiences of a Canadian mystery author.
When Did you Write Your First Book and How Old Were You?
Silent Betrayal is actually my first full-length novel under this pseudonym, and it marks a significant milestone for me as a Canadian mystery author. While it isn’t my first published work, it is the first novel I completed, making it a pivotal moment in my writing process. I’ve also written a few children’s books under another name, which brought a different kind of joy, but this novel truly embodies my journey into atmospheric mysteries. I finalized the manuscript in my mid-50s, proving that it’s never too late to start something new or finally tell the story that’s been pressing on your heart.
What Do You Like to Do When You're Not Writing?
This might sound cliché, but I truly love to read atmospheric mysteries! There’s nothing quite like getting swept up in a good book, especially those written by a talented Canadian mystery author. My husband and I also enjoy camping and traveling. There’s something about being in nature, away from all the noise, that just resets everything. Whether I’m reading, writing, or simply sitting by the fire with a cup of coffee, the outdoors thrills me and often inspires my writing process. We also spend a lot of time traveling to visit our children and grandchildren, which is among the greatest joys of our lives. Watching the little ones grow and being part of their world is something I treasure deeply. Life is sweet, and I make sure to soak up every moment of it.
What Was One of the Most Surprising Things You Learned in Creating Your Books?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned as a Canadian mystery author is just how emotional the writing process can be—especially when crafting atmospheric mysteries rooted in truth. I expected the challenge of plotting and rewriting, but I didn’t anticipate how deeply I’d feel everything alongside the characters. There were moments during Silent Betrayal that truly took my breath away—not because of the words themselves, but because of what they represented.
Another big surprise has been how challenging it is to get a book known. Writing the manuscript is just the beginning. There’s a whole new world of marketing, promoting, and building an audience—it’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. You pour your heart into a story only to realize the next step is figuring out how to help readers find it. That’s a learning curve I’m still navigating, but I’ve come to appreciate the process. Each reader who connects with the book makes it all worthwhile.
How Many Books Have you Written? Which is Your Favourite?
As Amelia Bennett, a Canadian mystery author, I’ve written three novels so far: Silent Betrayal: A Con of Broken Promises, Subtle Shadows: Where the Truth Hides, and most recently, Buried in the Walls: Some Houses Never Forget.
I’m already working on my next three books—though I’ll admit, I’m currently on my third rewrite of a couple of them, so it’s definitely a work in progress!
Choosing a favorite is tough. Subtle Shadows and Buried in the Walls are atmospheric mysteries with that satisfying ‘whodunnit’ twist at the end, which I love writing. However, Silent Betrayal will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my first novel, deeply personal, rooted in real events, and written with a lot of care and emotion. If I had to choose, I’d say Silent Betrayal is my favorite, simply because it’s where this whole journey began.
Do You Hear from Your Readers Much? What Kinds of Things do they Say?
I’m just beginning to build a following as a Canadian mystery author, so I haven’t heard from many readers yet—but the feedback I have received has been really encouraging. Those who have read my atmospheric mysteries have left kind words and strong ratings—all between 4.5 and 5 stars—which has meant so much to me. It serves as a reminder that even in these early stages of my writing process, the stories are connecting with people, and that’s incredibly motivating.