Description

Benjamin Percy has built a career bridging literary fiction, comics, and Hollywood storytelling. As the author of acclaimed novels, comic book arcs for Marvel and DC, and scripts for film and audio drama, Ben joins Tim to discuss the craft and discipline behind a self-employed creative life. He talks about writing routines, handling rejection, learning to navigate the business side of art, and balancing creative ambition with family life. The conversation explores how consistency, humility, and persistence turn creative work into a sustainable career. 

Ben's question for me: AI worries me for all the standard reasons, but it also worries me because I anticipate the over promise and overspending will reach a point of bubble bursting correction. Is there any sense, even a vague one as to when that might happen, and how to shield yourself from the fallout?

Key takeaways:

1. Benjamin's storytelling spans novels, comics (Wolverine, Batman, Green Arrow), screenplays, and podcasts, and writing across mediums has helped him become a better writer (and pay his bills).
2. He describes early failures and rejections as essential to building resilience and understanding his craft.
3. Ben blurs boundaries between literary and genre fiction, arguing that good storytelling transcends category.
4. A former university professor, Ben believes in being a "good literary citizen": sharing knowledge with newer writers and opening doors when possible.
5. Longevity in creative work comes from patience, adaptability, and the ability to keep going through uncertainty.

Links:
Send me a question to be answered on a future episode.
Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.
Benjamin's website
The End Times (physical subscription)
The End Times (digital subscription)
Red Moon, Ben's breakout novel
Ben's page at Marvel Comics
Ben's page at DC Comics