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Amber Benson first came into prominence as an actress on the Buffy The Vampire Slayer TV series in the late 1990s. That wasn’t her first role, however, having begun acting in her teens. While she has continued acting post-Buffy (e.g. Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Supernatural), she has transitioned into a more creative direction, writing, directing and producing for books, television, and movies. Amber has penned multiple book series including Ghost Of Albion (with Christopher Golden), Calliope Reaper-Jones, and The Witches Of Echo Park.
While the majority of interview subjects are likely to play up how fun and easy their careers can be, Amber was refreshingly honest about how difficult it can be as a creator of content. At the same time, her “last words” reflect the mind-set of a motivated person that consistently pushes forward. A lot of readers may be able to further relate to her “10 jobs” comment, yet for the person who likes to work and enjoys the projects they spend their time on, maybe that isn’t such a bad thing after all. Altogether, Amber manages to get a lot of great work done, and it was a pleasure to speak with her.
You’ve worked as an actress, producer, director and author. When someone asks you what you do for a living, how do you usually respond?
Amber Benson: I say I’m an insurance adjuster. Just kidding. I like to say that I “make” things. That I write and make movies. I almost never say I’m an actor — not unless I’m dying for someone to ask me what I’ve done, which I never am. But if it come up then I just tell them one word: IMDb. Once again, just kidding. I’m nice. I swear to God.
Is there a part of entertainment which you haven’t yet worked in which you one day hope to?
A: I want to showrun and direct television. I feel like you can really dig into a story that way — you’re not limited to telling a story in two hours like you are in a movie.
Having started as a working actress as a teenager, how has the process of finding acting work changed over the past two decades?
A: It’s harder. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone getting into the business does it. It’s so rough and there’s so much rejection and there are fewer paying parts. It’s a lot of freebies now, so you’re basically an actor as an avocation. That’s why I’m semi-retired.
When was it that you realized that you were meant to be an author?
A: I’ve always written and I’m a huge reader. I’ll read anything. It’s terrible. But when I realized that storytelling was what I wanted to do — in some capacity — I knew that I had to be in charge of writing those stories, whatever they were. That I had a vision and a voice that was unique and I needed to use it.
What is your favorite part of being an author?
A: Not having to brush my teeth if I don’t want to. I get up and spend the day in my pajamas writing. It’s awesome. No one sees me so I can be a bum. It’s glorious.
Do you feel there are any misconceptions about life as a writer?
A: People are always asking me to do favors for them during the day ‘cause “I’m at home all day.” They don’t seem to understand that I can’t take them to the airport ‘CAUSE I’M WRITING!
What about in acting, are there any myths out there which you’re tired about hearing when it comes to being a working actress?
A: That you make a lot of money. EVERYONE I know is struggling. It’s the hardest part of the business –you have to do like 10 jobs in order to survive — and usually only one of them is being an actor.
Beyond The Witches Of Echo Park, what are you currently working on?
A: I’m writing a pilot based on a book idea that we are about to pitch. It’s dark and twisted and set in New York City and I love it.
Are there any tools or apps you rely on for productivity?
A: My phone with all my appointments — without it I would forget everything. I also take a lot of notes during the day. Snatches of conversation I hear, ideas, etc.
When you’re feeling light on creativity, do you have a routine for getting yourself inspired? Any particular albums?
A: I’m really into Father John Misty’s first album. I listen to it a lot. And as far as inspiration goes, I highly recommend The Artist’s Way. My writers group and I did it together and it was super-helpful. Especially the morning pages.
Is there something that you wish more people knew about you?
A: That I have a really, really naughty sense of humor and it takes an act of God to offend me.
When you don’t have to work, what do you like to do with yourself?
A: Read and go to movies, which I really can’t do when I’m writing. All of sudden my book starts sounding like Mad Max — and that’s not good.
Finally, Amber, any last words for the kids?
A: Just do it. If you are passionate about being an artist, if you feel like you have a voice and a story to tell then you’re a schmuck for not biting the bullet and doing it.
-by Darren Paltrowitz