Melanie Benjamin

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Melanie Benjamin

Goodreads Author


Born
Indianapolis
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Member Since
July 2009

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Melanie Benjamin is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE and THE AVIATOR'S WIFE, as well as the national bestseller ALICE I HAVE BEEN, and THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. TOM THUMB, THE GIRLS IN THE PICTURE, MISTRESS OF THE RITZ and THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD. Her next novel is CALIFORNIA GOLDEN, a dazzling saga of mothers, daughters and sisters set in the vibrant surf culture of 1960s California. It will be out in August 2023. ...more

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Melanie Benjamin Once I've researched a book fully, and mapped it out in my head - all things that are important to do before you sit down to write; you have to know t…moreOnce I've researched a book fully, and mapped it out in my head - all things that are important to do before you sit down to write; you have to know the story you want to tell, where it begins, the highs and lows, how it ends - I typically write 2000 words a day. It doesn't take me very long; a couple of hours at the most. But I'm always thinking about the work and may come back during the day to jot ideas down for things to look for in revisions. Once the manuscript is done - it's a very rough draft; I write quickly but save the polishing for later - I go back and revise, which typically takes a month. Then it's off to my editor so she can chime in and I'll have to go back and revise with her input. I don't have a degree; I never finished college, and when I was there I was interested in theater, not writing. My advice is to read all the time! I came to writing as a reader; I was a fan of authors because I love books. That's the most important trait to have as a novelist - a love of books. Good luck!(less)
Average rating: 3.8 · 181,318 ratings · 23,139 reviews · 16 distinct worksSimilar authors
The Aviator's Wife

3.91 avg rating — 73,759 ratings — published 2013 — 37 editions
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The Swans of Fifth Avenue

3.63 avg rating — 34,084 ratings — published 2016 — 32 editions
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The Children's Blizzard

3.95 avg rating — 20,747 ratings — published 2021 — 18 editions
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Alice I Have Been

3.65 avg rating — 15,132 ratings — published 2009 — 30 editions
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Mistress of the Ritz

3.79 avg rating — 13,086 ratings — published 2019 — 26 editions
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The Autobiography of Mrs. T...

3.71 avg rating — 10,496 ratings — published 2011 — 20 editions
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The Girls in the Picture

3.63 avg rating — 7,716 ratings — published 2018 — 23 editions
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California Golden

3.56 avg rating — 3,179 ratings — published 2023 — 8 editions
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Tune in Tomorrow

3.67 avg rating — 583 ratings2 editions
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Reckless Hearts: A Story of...

3.73 avg rating — 316 ratings — published 2015 — 5 editions
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Goodreads Choice Awards

I'm thrilled and honored that THE AVIATOR'S WIFE is nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award - and in such good company! What I love about these awards is that they're all about you, the reader; your input is used in the nomination process, and then your votes are the only ones that count. So please, if you haven't already, vote for your favorite books in all categories, and be thankful that we have Read more of this blog post »
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Published on November 06, 2013 19:56 Tags: books, goodreads-choice-awards, the-aviator-s-wife

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Quotes by Melanie Benjamin  (?)
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“Why, then, did I always feel as if his happiness was my responsibility? It wasn't fair for him to burden me with that. It had never been fair.”
Melanie Benjamin, Alice I Have Been

“I suppose at some point, we all have to decide which memories - real or otherwise - to hold on to, and which ones to let go.”
Melanie Benjamin, Alice I Have Been

“But oh my dear, I am tired of being Alice in Wonderland. Does it sound ungrateful? It is. Only I do get tired.”
Melanie Benjamin, Alice I Have Been

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Topics Mentioning This Author

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Book Buying Addic...: January 2010 Purchases 126 155 Feb 05, 2010 06:55AM  
Historical Fictio...: February Group Read: Katherine by Anya Seton 73 154 Mar 05, 2010 11:37AM  
Romance Readers R...: Read the Month Challenge: April 223 258 May 04, 2010 12:59PM  
The Seasonal Read...: This topic has been closed to new comments. Spring Challenge 2010 Completed Tasks 2725 2497 May 31, 2010 09:00PM  
Cover to Cover Ch...: Lyns 144 in 2010 6 42 Jun 02, 2010 08:09PM  
100+ Books in 2024: Shannon's 100+ Books for 2010 58 112 Jun 27, 2010 08:54PM  
Challenge: 50 Books: Shannon's 50 Books for 2010 - COMPLETED 6/12! 67 159 Jun 27, 2010 08:56PM  
Romance Readers R...: Shannon's 2010 Reading Challenges 33 210 Jun 27, 2010 09:35PM  
190262 Chicago Book Club — 97 members — last activity Jun 20, 2017 08:23AM
This group is created for readers and writers in Chicago and for out-of-towners who want to celebrate our local literary community as well as books se ...more



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Shawntel Jefferson Good morning Melanie. Thank you for accepting my friend request. Have a wonderful day.


Melanie Benjamin Melanie wrote: "Lauren wrote: "I loved Alice I have been, haven't read your newest novel yet but looking forward to it and the one you are currently working on. You are a fabulous writer, Happy Reading!!!"

Th..."


Thank you, Alyss!


Melanie Benjamin Lauren wrote: "I loved Alice I have been, haven't read your newest novel yet but looking forward to it and the one you are currently working on. You are a fabulous writer, Happy Reading!!!"

Thanks, Lauren!


Lauren I loved Alice I have been, haven't read your newest novel yet but looking forward to it and the one you are currently working on. You are a fabulous writer, Happy Reading!!!


message 6: by Gina

Gina Thank you for friending me Melanie! I'm looking forward to your new novel. Can't wait!


message 5: by April

April Thanks for accepting my friend request! I can't wait until your book comes out, it looks fantastic. :-)


message 4: by Joy

Joy Thank you for the friend invite. I can't wait to read your novel!


Melanie Benjamin Lauren wrote: "Girl, I am SO THRILLED about ALICE I HAVE BEEN. Also your new photo is lovely! Congratulations! XO"

Thanks, Lauren! (I just took the photo yesterday; new haircut! And nice natural light to diffuse all the "fine lines!")

I sent you an email AGES ago telling you I ordered MATING RITUALS...I suppose you were too busy having parties thrown by GalleyCat to respond!



message 2: by Ellen

Ellen My pal! So good to see you here!! Congrats again on the exciting new book ... I know it's going to soar. Can't wait to read it.
xo


Lauren Girl, I am SO THRILLED about ALICE I HAVE BEEN. Also your new photo is lovely! Congratulations! XO


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