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Above The Fold - May 10, 2010
JEFF BENNINGTON
Insightful Young Author
Who Never Shies Away From
A Good Conspiracy Theory
In Jeff's own words:
Want to know what makes me tick? Want to walk in and out of my thoughts and explore my fears and hopes and dreams and desires? Read my books, and you'll know me like no other. I'm a family type guy who gets into creative type things, like writing and raising children. I like to write stories that meld social issues into suspense thrillers so my readers can enjoy thinking about the deep stuff in life. Reading about life can be boring, so I've decided to make life fiction. So there you go...poof! All our issues are solved. Well, no, not really - but here's to wishing! Cheers!
www.chasingthegiants.com
BOOK VIDEO TRAILER:
Killing The Giants
(Jeff Bennington)
Killing The Giants
(Jeff Bennington)
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Jeff Bennington (Killing The Giants)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Jeff. We're looking forward to sharing more about your book with our readers.
What inspired you to craft this action-packed tale of shadowy global intrigue?
Jeff Bennington: I guess I’d have to say that I was inspired by the current state of our economy and the blatant attack on the middle class by big business and the power elite in Washington. Killing the Giants is more or less my interpretation of what I believe is going on behind closed doors, where unelected power brokers are systematically destroying the American dream. This book brings the reader behind the scenes where deals are cut and motivations are revealed.
AR: What's the significance of the book's title?
JB: The title was derived from the idea that “The Giants”, a small group of Ultra Elite Businessmen, manage the US and global economies with a power and influence beyond what we can imagine. The “Killing”, well, that’s what most people would want to do to them if they knew that the Giants ultimately control their fate. The sequel, which is not yet released, is called Chasing the Giants.
AR: Is there some truth to the quote from Woodrow Wilson that you included on the back cover of the book?
JB: The Quote: “Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture[ing], are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.”
President Woodrow Wilson wrote that in his book, The New Freedom, in 1913. So any credibility to that statement rests solely on him. As far as relevance in today’s society, I’d say that statement is truer today than ever, because we live in a country absolutely dominated by lobbyists and big business, where “We the People” are seldom heard.
AR: Please explain for our readers precisely what "Caesar" is.
JB: Caesar is a fictional secret society based on real organizations like “Skull and Bones”. In the book, I paint in vivid detail how this organization came about and the initiation process. Caesar also represents the idea, that global domination by a few aristocrats, like the Roman Empire, is still alive and well in the minds of modern elitist. And if you think that concept is too archaic for modern man, you need only go back 70 years to find a modern leader in Germany who had similar ideas.
AR: Do you really believe that a global conspiracy exists, designed to control all of humanity?
JB: I’d like to say “no”, but honestly, in the back of my mind there’s a little paranoid voice that says “yes”. When I look at our Constitution and read how our government was designed to function by and for “the people”, and see in contrast today that it actually functions by and for big business, I just can't help but wonder what really happens in Washington when the cameras turn off and those *(&%#!’s hide behind closed doors. As far as controlling all humanity, in business terms, we call that market share. So if a greedy gazillionare wants to sell widgets, it is certainly in his best interest to create a world (A New World Order) where everyone is living in a society that is free to buy his widgets or cars, or oil, don’t you think? Can you think of any recent wars that have been allegedly fought for such a purpose? I thought so!
AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten to the book thus far?
JB: The best way to answer that is to just let my readers tell you what they think. I have posted my reviews on my website. Here’s some of their reviews…
"This book was fantastic! Having never read anything like it, I had no idea what to expect. I was amazed at the author's ability to detail the characters and story line. His writing ability was remarkable. He drew me in immediately, making it difficult to put the book down. I would recommend it and can't wait until his next book." Sharon Lynette, Indiana??
"Killing the Giants draws you into a suspense filled drama, which pulls you to the edge of your seat and then starts twisting & turning, leaving you wanting more, and horrified about the real potential of power brokers, and the world we don't see! A great Read!"? Steve Smith - Lawyer/Editor, Texas?
"I usually do not read fiction, but when I started reading Killing the Giants I did not put it down until I finished. Jeff is spot on for the times, and I have seen most all of the players in your book at one time or the other in my life. I will buy more copies to give as presents to friends." James Percell, Ohio
AR: Why do you think conspiracy tales never seem to go out of style?
JB: Conspiracy theories never go out of style because there is a little bit of truth in every story. And that little bit of truth in the context of this book is enough to keep my readers looking over their shoulders for a long time.
AR: How has your publishing experience been thus far with Outskirts Press?
JB: Well, this book was self-published through Outskirts. I was too impatient to seek out representation and will not make the same mistake the next time. All in all, the experience was very educational and exciting. Every writer wants to see his book in print. We just want the credibility that comes with publishing through the traditional publishing road.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your other writings.
JB: I enjoy writing books that have some sort of social issue weaved through it. The book I’m working on now is called David Ray’s 20th.
In David Ray’s 20th, a troubled young man, David, choreographs a school shooting, dramatically redirecting the lives of the survivors and supposedly ending his own. Twenty years later, Tanner Khan and a handful of his surviving classmates plan a reunion – at the school, which strangely enough has had a rash of paranormal activity.
Although Tanner and his friends are plagued with emotional numbness, panic attacks, and flashbacks, they agree to reunite, overcoming their apprehension, hoping for closure. Little do they know that David’s darkest secret is yet to be discovered in the dusty halls of their alma mater.
In the end, Tanner and his classmates spend twenty years searching for answers, and find them in one frightening night. I don’t want to give away the farm, so I’ll stop there.
Also, Chasing the Giants is up for a final edit before it’s ready for publication. So that makes 3 books, with 6 more coming down the pipe. Needless to say, I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing aspirations?
JB: I just enjoy writing, no matter what is in store for me. And I intend to keep doing it as long as I have ideas. Right now I have about six more novel ideas logged in my black book, and they keep coming. Of course, I’d love to have an agent and a deal.
AR: Do you have a website where our readers can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
JB: Yes: www.chasingthegiants.com. They can also friend me on Facebook where I frequently update my writing status.
AR: How can they contact you directly?
JB: I can be contacted by email at j_bennington@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
JB: Yes. Please buy my book, Killing the Giants, and every book that has my name on it in the years to come. My children will be grateful, and you’ll have a great time reading! Also, I love getting Facebook fans. It’s the best way for readers and authors to stay in contact.
AR: Thanks again, Jeff, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
JB: Thank You.
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Jeff. We're looking forward to sharing more about your book with our readers.
What inspired you to craft this action-packed tale of shadowy global intrigue?
Jeff Bennington: I guess I’d have to say that I was inspired by the current state of our economy and the blatant attack on the middle class by big business and the power elite in Washington. Killing the Giants is more or less my interpretation of what I believe is going on behind closed doors, where unelected power brokers are systematically destroying the American dream. This book brings the reader behind the scenes where deals are cut and motivations are revealed.
AR: What's the significance of the book's title?
JB: The title was derived from the idea that “The Giants”, a small group of Ultra Elite Businessmen, manage the US and global economies with a power and influence beyond what we can imagine. The “Killing”, well, that’s what most people would want to do to them if they knew that the Giants ultimately control their fate. The sequel, which is not yet released, is called Chasing the Giants.
AR: Is there some truth to the quote from Woodrow Wilson that you included on the back cover of the book?
JB: The Quote: “Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture[ing], are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.”
President Woodrow Wilson wrote that in his book, The New Freedom, in 1913. So any credibility to that statement rests solely on him. As far as relevance in today’s society, I’d say that statement is truer today than ever, because we live in a country absolutely dominated by lobbyists and big business, where “We the People” are seldom heard.
AR: Please explain for our readers precisely what "Caesar" is.
JB: Caesar is a fictional secret society based on real organizations like “Skull and Bones”. In the book, I paint in vivid detail how this organization came about and the initiation process. Caesar also represents the idea, that global domination by a few aristocrats, like the Roman Empire, is still alive and well in the minds of modern elitist. And if you think that concept is too archaic for modern man, you need only go back 70 years to find a modern leader in Germany who had similar ideas.
AR: Do you really believe that a global conspiracy exists, designed to control all of humanity?
JB: I’d like to say “no”, but honestly, in the back of my mind there’s a little paranoid voice that says “yes”. When I look at our Constitution and read how our government was designed to function by and for “the people”, and see in contrast today that it actually functions by and for big business, I just can't help but wonder what really happens in Washington when the cameras turn off and those *(&%#!’s hide behind closed doors. As far as controlling all humanity, in business terms, we call that market share. So if a greedy gazillionare wants to sell widgets, it is certainly in his best interest to create a world (A New World Order) where everyone is living in a society that is free to buy his widgets or cars, or oil, don’t you think? Can you think of any recent wars that have been allegedly fought for such a purpose? I thought so!
AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten to the book thus far?
JB: The best way to answer that is to just let my readers tell you what they think. I have posted my reviews on my website. Here’s some of their reviews…
"This book was fantastic! Having never read anything like it, I had no idea what to expect. I was amazed at the author's ability to detail the characters and story line. His writing ability was remarkable. He drew me in immediately, making it difficult to put the book down. I would recommend it and can't wait until his next book." Sharon Lynette, Indiana??
"Killing the Giants draws you into a suspense filled drama, which pulls you to the edge of your seat and then starts twisting & turning, leaving you wanting more, and horrified about the real potential of power brokers, and the world we don't see! A great Read!"? Steve Smith - Lawyer/Editor, Texas?
"I usually do not read fiction, but when I started reading Killing the Giants I did not put it down until I finished. Jeff is spot on for the times, and I have seen most all of the players in your book at one time or the other in my life. I will buy more copies to give as presents to friends." James Percell, Ohio
AR: Why do you think conspiracy tales never seem to go out of style?
JB: Conspiracy theories never go out of style because there is a little bit of truth in every story. And that little bit of truth in the context of this book is enough to keep my readers looking over their shoulders for a long time.
AR: How has your publishing experience been thus far with Outskirts Press?
JB: Well, this book was self-published through Outskirts. I was too impatient to seek out representation and will not make the same mistake the next time. All in all, the experience was very educational and exciting. Every writer wants to see his book in print. We just want the credibility that comes with publishing through the traditional publishing road.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your other writings.
JB: I enjoy writing books that have some sort of social issue weaved through it. The book I’m working on now is called David Ray’s 20th.
In David Ray’s 20th, a troubled young man, David, choreographs a school shooting, dramatically redirecting the lives of the survivors and supposedly ending his own. Twenty years later, Tanner Khan and a handful of his surviving classmates plan a reunion – at the school, which strangely enough has had a rash of paranormal activity.
Although Tanner and his friends are plagued with emotional numbness, panic attacks, and flashbacks, they agree to reunite, overcoming their apprehension, hoping for closure. Little do they know that David’s darkest secret is yet to be discovered in the dusty halls of their alma mater.
In the end, Tanner and his classmates spend twenty years searching for answers, and find them in one frightening night. I don’t want to give away the farm, so I’ll stop there.
Also, Chasing the Giants is up for a final edit before it’s ready for publication. So that makes 3 books, with 6 more coming down the pipe. Needless to say, I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing aspirations?
JB: I just enjoy writing, no matter what is in store for me. And I intend to keep doing it as long as I have ideas. Right now I have about six more novel ideas logged in my black book, and they keep coming. Of course, I’d love to have an agent and a deal.
AR: Do you have a website where our readers can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
JB: Yes: www.chasingthegiants.com. They can also friend me on Facebook where I frequently update my writing status.
AR: How can they contact you directly?
JB: I can be contacted by email at j_bennington@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
JB: Yes. Please buy my book, Killing the Giants, and every book that has my name on it in the years to come. My children will be grateful, and you’ll have a great time reading! Also, I love getting Facebook fans. It’s the best way for readers and authors to stay in contact.
AR: Thanks again, Jeff, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
JB: Thank You.