An INTERVIEW with Amelia Bennett
Please Introduce Yourself
Hi, I’m Amelia Bennett—a Canadian writer with a lifelong love for stories and a deep appreciation for life’s quieter moments. I was born and raised in Western Canada, and I’m now enjoying this chapter of life surrounded by the people who matter most. I’m a mother of three and a very proud grandmother of ten, which keeps life full and beautifully unpredictable.
Writing has always been something I’ve loved, but it wasn’t until later in life, after retiring, that I finally allowed myself to sit down and truly pursue it. Now, I write atmospheric mysteries that dig into small-town secrets, quiet betrayals, and the kind of emotions that stay with you 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 do. 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.
It wasn’t a lightning bolt moment—it was more of a slow realization that I was meant to do. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been completely drawn to stories. 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—it 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. I wanted to create 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, there was no turning back.
How Long Does It Take You to Write a Book?
It depends. Every story has its rhythm, and some come together more quickly than others.
Sometimes the words flow easily and the pieces fall into place, and other times it takes a lot of reworking, stepping back, and letting things unfold naturally. 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. I tend to get lost entirely in a story 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 “schedule” 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 I like to work on 2-3 books at a time. If I get stuck on one plot line, I switched to the other for a while. It’s definitely challenging but I love it. That’s why it looks like I am writing books very quickly, it’s because they are written consecutively, so I try to finish them up around the same time.
How Do Your Books Get Published?
Currently, I’m using the Kindle Publishing option through Amazon. Amazon offers both ebook and paperback formats for all my novels. 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 unsolved 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. 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.
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. It isn’t my first published novel but the first one I completed. I’ve written a few children’s books under another name, which brought a different kind of joy, but this is my first true novel, and it’s the one that made me feel like I’d truly stepped into who I was meant to be as a writer. I finalized the manuscript in my mid-50s, which demonstrates 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! There’s nothing quite like getting swept up in a good book. 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, being outdoors thrills me. 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 is just how emotional the writing process can be—especially when the story is 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, 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 already on my third rewrite of a couple of them, so it’s a work in progress!
As for a favourite—that’s a tough one. Subtle Shadows and Buried in the Walls are classic mysteries with that satisfying ‘whodunnit’ twist at the end, which I love writing. But Silent Betrayal will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my first novel, and it’s the most 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 favourite, 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, so I haven’t heard from many readers yet—but the feedback I have received has been really encouraging. Those who have read my work 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, the stories are connecting with people, and that’s incredibly motivating.