Joining us today is Ben Furman. Ben is the author of a young adult fantasy series featuring an unusual heroine. We’ll talk to Ben about this series today and the role model that he created for young girls.
Q: Welcome to Divine Caroline, Ben. It’s a pleasure to have you with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
A: Sure. I’m happily married (my wife is looking over my shoulder right now) with two daughters, four grandchildren, and we all live in Charlotte, NC. After college and a stint in the Army, I was a FBI agent for twenty-two years. I specialized in investigating major case bank robberies, kidnappings, extortions, and worked a long-term undercover assignment against organized crime in Detroit. After surfacing and completing the grinding trial, I was transferred to FBIHQ, where I entered the world of counterterrorism. I headed the FBI counterterrorism efforts against the illegal activities of right wing survivalist groups, and terrorist organizations like the Puerto Rican FALN and Macheteros (Machete Swingers). I was also in charge of an international multi-agency task force that investigated chemical/nuclear terrorism threats against us. A very dicey job!
After retiring, I started the Rexus Corporation, an international private investigation and security consulting firm headquartered in Charlotte.
Q: When did you decide to begin a writing career?
A: The decision to write was made years ago, but making a living and paying bills came first, plus I had a great job that from my perspective enabled me to help make the world a bit better. Three years ago, my oldest daughter became the CEO of Rexus. This has allowed me time to write and paint.
Q: In addition to young adult fantasy, you also write counter terrorism thrillers. Do you find it challenging to switch between genres?
A: It hasn’t been a problem. In fact, the switch from the grim world of counterterrorism that often has unhappy endings, to young adult fantasy adventures with positive, uplifting endings is a welcome break.
Q: What can you tell us about Sam’s Quest for the Crimson Crystal?
A: This is the first of the Sam’s trilogy. I’ve set out to write a young adult fantasy adventure series with an eleven-year-old girl as the heroine. Here’s a bit about the story and Sam.
