James R Benn is known for his Billy Boyle WWII murder mystery series. He has been writing full time since 2011 and has written more than 20 novels!! Here’s his writing journey.
MKT: How do your more recent novels differ from earlier novels, particularly the first few novels you wrote?
James: My first novel, On Desperate Ground, was definitely my starter novel. It’s a fine read, but because my understanding of the options for plot structure was limited, it was written in frank imitation of a Jack Higgins-style thriller. But it was what I knew, and it taught me that I could conceive of, and finish, a novel. It was an important step.
How has your writing process evolved since your first years as an author?
It has strengthened my understanding of the value of research. I write within the historical context of the Second World War, and I find that over-whelming myself in the specific subject matter at hand helps me slip into the consciousness of the era, at least enough to create a valid visual image in my mind. Interestingly, I tend to keep fewer notes than I used to while in the research phase, perhaps because things become vividly real in my imagination.
Has your readership changed over time? Do you have any insights on why your readership has or has not changed?
My insights are limited to those readers who contact me or comment via social media, so any understanding I have may be skewed. I’d say it’s probably split evenly between men and women, and I am always encouraged when I see younger readers in the mix. And of course, booksellers and librarians are stewards of my readership, and I am thankful to them for keeping the Billy Boyle series front and center.
How have changes in the publishing landscape affected your writing or your success?
I decided long ago that the publishing industry is far too complex and mammoth for me to grapple with. My job is to create, and if my work finds a place within that structure, great. I’m happy leave the navigation of that landscape to the professionals.
Has there been a fork in the road that changed your writing? Some event, person, book or whatever that has changed what you write?
I rely on the wisdom of Yogi Berra: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” I try to take the best of authors whose work I value. Robert B. Parker for his crystal-clear brevity. Philip Kerr for his sardonic observations on the deathly absurdity of his protagonist’s place in the world.
Have you tried a different genre? If so, which genre and to what effect?
I wrote a Young Adult novel set in Denmark during WWII. I thought it was great. It’s the only manuscript my agent has been unable to sell. So, I’m staying in my lane.
Have you tried different eras? If so, to what effect?
I had a lot of fun writing FREEGIFT, a novel of the American Revolution. I’d always been interested in Benedict Arnold’s raid on New London in my native state of Connecticut. It’s a fascinating historical story, but what entranced me was the different cadence in dialog. The use of language was different then and pleasing to my ears. Being in the 1780s thoroughly took me out of my own experience.
What kind of historical fiction appeals to you as a reader?
Give me a nice village mystery set in the 1930s English countryside and I’m happy. Put the characters on a train and I’m delirious.
If there is something else you can share about your writing journey, please do so!
Writing is a job and a labor of love at the same time. It’s hard work which requires discipline in order to reap the rewards, even if that reward is a single well-crafted sentence. It’s a lovely dichotomy.
Many thanks, James (aka Jim). With over 20 novels to your credit, you’re definitely doing many things right!! James R Benn has also been on the blog writing about The Intersection of History, Research, and Fiction which features his novel Freegift.
Billy Boyle is an addictive series. James’ new Billy Boyle novel, A Bitter Wind, releases late September 2025
A Bitter Wind by James R Benn
To solve a murder at an English airbase, US Army Captain Billy Boyle must immerse himself in the fascinating and secretive world of WWII radio espionage.
Christmas Day 1944: After his last mission put him in the tailspin of the Battle of the Bulge, Captain Billy Boyle travels to southeast England to visit his girlfriend, Diana Seaton, for a brief holiday respite. Diana is engaged in classified work at RAF Hawkinge, including Operation Corona, which recruits German-speaking Women’s Auxiliary Air Force members—many of them Jewish refugees from the Kindertransport rescue—to countermand German orders and direct night fighters away from Allied bombers.
It’s fascinating and critical espionage work, but it’s laced with peril, as Billy finds out. On a scenic Christmas walk along the White Cliffs of Dover, Billy and Diana stumble upon the dead body of a US Air Force officer. In the dead man’s pocket are papers with highly confidential information about radio interception operations. Information worth killing over.
As Billy digs into the secret world of codebreakers and radio jammers stationed at Hawkinge, another body turns up. Now Billy must find out what connects these two men—and who was so hell-bent on silencing them. Enlisting the help of his long-time associates, Billy undertakes another thrilling investigation that brings him to war-torn Yugoslavia, where he must rescue an escaped POW who may be the only person who knows the truth.
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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook or on her website www.mktod.com.
