Don’t Listen to Yoda - a conversation with YA author Mark Benson

<p>What do you do when your superpower is writing sadness? Lean in! I had the delightful opportunity to talk with Chicagoan <a href="https://www.authormarkbenson.com/aboutme"><u>Mark Benson</u></a> after reading his debut YA novel<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/isaac-and-the-sky-mark-benson/1148545774"><u> </u><em>Isaac and the Sky</em></a>. This novel is an exploration of the stars and grief, bridging together two worlds with the  telescope of Isaac’s murdered mother. It’s a novel full of authentic and imperfect characters that will keep you wondering if Isaac and Halley can ever escape their loss or if, like a black hole, they will get sucked into it. </p><p>Mark likes Disney, NASA, talking about writing, Broadway musicals, animals, and Shakespeare - we are now best friends (he just doesn’t know it yet). We discuss NASA legends (two of whom he KNOWS) and how his life experiences have impacted his writing. In this episode, Mark gives us some important advice about writing (he’s written 12 - or maybe 13 - books–you know it’s impressive when you’ve lost count), tells us about his process (which is amazing and a method I have never heard of before), and talks about how to make important connections with other writers. Who else will understand when your characters mutiny? We discuss the publishing industry and the complexities within, which is important for every aspiring author to understand. He also explains why we should NEVER take advice from Yoda. </p><p>This is a conversation you are not going to want to miss. </p><p>The arts are under attack, and buying theater tickets and books is a great way to show your support and fight back. </p><p>Buy <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/isaac-and-the-sky-mark-benson/1148545774"><u>Isaac and the Sky</u></a> and follow Mark Benson on Instagram: waysidewriter </p><p>Buy Tickets for OSP’s: <a href="https://www.okshakes.org/play-reading-series#regencyromance"><u>How to Write a Regency Romance</u></a></p><p>PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! <a href="http://www.theshakespeareanshrew.com/"><u>⁠www.theshakespeareanshrew.com⁠</u></a> </p><p>https://www.youtube.com/@ShakespeareanShrew </p><p>Please follow us on Instagram: @theshakespeareanshrew</p><p>TikTok: @theshakespeareanshrew</p><p>The new season of shows for OSP is available <a href="https://www.okshakes.org/"><u>⁠here!⁠</u></a> </p><p>Please donate to OSP: <a href="https://www.okshakes.org/donate"><u>⁠https://www.okshakes.org/donate⁠</u></a><u> </u></p><p>Thank you f