Robert P. Bennett's Enabling Novels

Former social worker turned writer, Robert Bennett, focuses on the needs of society’s disenfranchised. His articles span a wide range of topics. His fiction is grounded in real world events and technologies and his own philosophical concerns. He’s spoken to physical therapy students, church members and senior citizens, and appeared on several radio programs. Contact him through www.enablingwords.com  

Welcome to the blog, Robert.

How many books have you written?

I’ve written two books in my Blind Traveler mystery series, plus a short story. Currently I am beginning to put together an outline for book 3 in the series. I’ve also written a fictionalized account (unpublished thus far) of my experiences in a physical rehabilitation hospital. It’s called Footfalls. Finally, I’ve got an (unpublished) nonfiction book about martial arts for people with disabilities.

Give a short synop of your most recently published book.

The year is 2021. Natural forces have changed our world. As the Earth's magnetic poles have shifted, pressure on the planet’s mantle layer is building. The bottom line . . . earthquakes now wreak havoc in areas they have never occurred before.

In Mexico, members of an archaeological team investigate the remains of an ancient village uncovered by a quake; racing to prove their theories about the civilization that once lived there. But, disaster strikes when the accidental destruction of an artifact unleashes a worldwide agricultural plague.

Halfway across the continent, Douglas Abledan, a blind computer technologist, embarks on a long anticipated vacation. On the plane to Chicago, he meets world-renowned agricultural pathologist Cara Cordelia. Little do either of them know she has been targeted for murder.

In this stand-alone sequel to his critically acclaimed "Blind Traveler Down a Dark River," author Robert P. Bennett continues to bring us suspense and intrigue while exploring a world of the not too distant future. While society struggles with the impact of natural changes, the advancement of new technology enables a blind man to investigate a murder.

What sets your book apart from others?

First and foremost, my protagonist is a blind man who is unpitiable. My stories show the struggles, and achievements, of a person with a disability who is just trying to have as normal a life as he can while at the same time becoming a magnet for tragic events and criminal activities that he feels driven to resolve. Throughout the stories I try to show that, though a person may have a condition which society deems a disability, his life is pretty much the same as able-bodied people.

Secondly, I use my stories as a way to discuss real environmentally/ecologically sensitive issues. Also, they are set in the not too distant future so that I can discuss some of today’s more interesting up and coming technologies.

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?  The best buy link for my current book is http://tinyurl.com/rpb-btb-Omni

Both my books, and my short story, are in ebook only, available in all current electronic formats

What advice can you give other writers?

 I’ve learned there is no such thing as fiction. Everything we are, everything we do, is a part of the stories that we create. They are the lifeblood of our creativity and our ideas. I’ve also learned that the old adage “write what you know” really should be “write what you can learn about” since, in my opinion, the creative process is about exploration and education, as is all of life.

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?

Social media seems to be all the rage these days. I’ve gotten myself a place on as many of these networks as I can think of (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc). Also, word of mouth is very important. As my friends and family can attest, I never let an opportunity to discuss my work go by unnoticed. I leave business cards and flyers wherever I go.

Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for 2012 or beyond?

I’m currently working on book 3 of my Blind Traveler mystery series, and planning several related short stories.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

My website (www.enablingwords.com) and my blog (http://abledan.wordpress.com/).

Thanks for the interview, Robert.