Janet Benrey
Although I began writing later in life, I’ve worn a bunch of different writing hats. Besides co-authoring nine romantic mystery novels with Ron (the first was published when I was past 50) and independently writing a novella, I’ve been:
- The editorial director of a small press
- A book publicist
- An agent with Hartline Literary Agency
- The founder of my own agency, Benrey Literary Agency, where I represented authors writing non-fiction books and several fiction genres.
I earned my degree in Communication (Magna cum Laude) from the University of Pittsburgh. I’ve been a writing coach, a writing mentor, and have frequently tought classes and workshops at major writers’ conferences.
Ron and I live in North Carolina.
Other Relevant Facts:
- I’m an industrial-strength movie fan
- When I’m not writing, agenting, or teaching, I love to sail SeaSaw, our 32 foot cutter
- I also like to read and ride my bicycle (not at the same time, of course)
- I’m just beginning to enjoy rummaging around in the garden.
Ron Benrey
I’ve been a writer all my life (my first job was Electronics Editor at Popular Science Monthly). Most of my day jobs were writing positions at large corporations. I’ve written lots of speeches for senior executives and a ton of marketing communications materials. More recently, I coauthored nine romantic suspense novels with Janet. The first was published when I was past 50. I’ve also written two novellas under my own byline, more than a thousand magazine articles, and ten non-fiction books. The latest, Know Your Rights — A Survival Guide for Non-Lawyers — was published by Sterling Publishing in January, 2011.
I enjoy teaching people how to write both non-fiction and fiction. I taught writing at the University of Pittsburgh, as a member of the adjunct faculty. I currently teach at major writers’ conferences on topics ranging from plotting and publishability, to copyright law and computer technology for writers.
I hold degrees in electrical engineering, management, and law. For many years, I was a member of the Bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
As Janet noted, we live in North Carolina.
Other Relevant Facts:
- I use all three major computer operating systems: Mac OS Snow Leopard, Windows 7, and Linux (Ubuntu 10.4). Why? Because I like specific applications available for each system.
- I recently bought an iPad, chiefly to use as an ebook reader (Janet expropriated the family Kindle).
- When Janet and I write romance, I write the “romantic” bits.
- Janet calls my office the “bat cave” — which bewilders me, because it’s airy and well lit (by a ceiling fan and several lamps).
- I enjoy riding our Piaggio MP3. an odd motor scooter/motorcycle that has two front wheels that tilt together to zip around curves.