Margaret Bennett Inspires with Her Regency Romance Novels and Strong Female Protagonists
Photo: Margaret Bennett, celebrated author of Regency romance, during her interview with Reader’s House Magazine.
An Insight into the World of Historical Romance
Margaret Bennett shares her writing journey, passion for Regency romance, and the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing in this enlightening interview.
Margaret Bennett, a distinguished author of Regency romances, has built an impressive career from her passion for storytelling. Raised in Norfolk, VA, Margaret’s life has been a tapestry of experiences, including roles as a bank teller, ad agency executive, real estate agent, and long-distance telephone operator. With a Master of Education from the University of Virginia and National Board Certification, she dedicated over twenty years to teaching high school Language Arts, including nine years focused on at-risk students in alternative education. Now residing in the picturesque Port Royal, SC, Margaret continues to explore her love for writing.
Her journey into writing Regency romances was greatly influenced by her admiration for Georgette Heyer, a master of historical detail and humor. Margaret’s goal is to infuse her novels with the same vivid settings and character depth that Heyer achieved, blending humor with meticulous attention to the Regency period.
Crafting strong female characters is central to Margaret’s work. She emphasizes their resourcefulness in overcoming societal limitations of the Regency era, finding joy in developing characters who step beyond traditional norms while staying true to the era.
Margaret Bennett is a masterful storyteller whose captivating novels bring the Regency era to life with humor and historical authenticity.
The transition from hobby writer to published author wasn’t without its challenges. Margaret faced numerous rejections from agents before discovering Kindle Direct Publishing, where her second online publication, “A Hopeless Hoyden,” became an Amazon bestseller.
Striking a balance between historical accuracy and creative freedom is vital to Margaret’s storytelling process. She is committed to authenticity, despite occasional liberties taken in the name of poetic license, and values constructive feedback from readers to further hone her craft.
Her writing process involves a disciplined approach, dedicating at least two hours a day to writing, often punctuated by walks with her dog, Sally, to jog creative solutions to plotting challenges. Margaret’s commitment to capturing her ideas—often sparked in the middle of the night—ensures that they retain their original energy and excitement.
Reader feedback plays a crucial role in Margaret’s growth as a writer. She listens to her readers, appreciating positive reviews and constructive criticism alike, while also acknowledging that misunderstandings sometimes arise from genre unfamiliarity.
For aspiring authors, Margaret advises immersing oneself in the chosen genre, studying other authors’ styles, and embracing the practice of regular writing. Joining a local writers’ group and attending workshops also provide valuable learning opportunities and inspiration.
Margaret Bennett’s journey and literary contributions are a testament to her resilience and passion for Regency romance, offering readers an engaging plethora of stories that are both historically grounded and delightfully imaginative.
Source: Interview conducted with Margaret Bennett, Reader’s House magazine
