​Ben Spies: All the Interviews
 
Most nine year old boys cannot say that they have written a book that has been enjoyed by hundreds of children internationally. Ben Spies can say this though. Ben’s creative streak and flair for story-telling, has seen him create one book already, with another on the way, and many more in the works. All before becoming a teenager!
Because people love the heart-warming story and the authentic child’s voice in Weirdo, it is gaining a lot of attention. Ben can proudly say that because of Weirdo, he has been interviewed by newspapers and magazines, as well as appearing on the radio. Here are some of the recent interviews he has had…
 
Coast Access Radio
Ben appeared on Coast Access Radio on 31st March 2017 with his mother Renata. Straight away, the host Graham was fascinated by the fact that Ben wanted to write, and called it a ‘formidable task’ to be a published author by just 9-years-old!
They discussed how the words just flow out of the keys, and how the story creates itself as Ben sits down to write. Ben gets some inspiration for his book’s characters from the people he knows, but he tweaks their personalities first.
 
Ben summarised the plot of 3 of his books and the big ideas that he deals with in each:
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Weirdo: Ben’s first book, published in 2016 and available now [https://www.spiespublishing.co.nz/book/weirdo/]
Plot:  It’s about a boy who doesn’t have a family, and lives in a run-down house. He gets bullied a lot and everyone says he is weird. He turns the tables around and finishes with a happy ending.
Theme: Ben tackles the big issue of bullying in schools. He was very emphatic when he said, “I really don’t like bullying”.
The Magic Pencil: Ben’s second book, due to be published in mid-2017
Plot: A boy finds a pencil and when he uses it in art class he discovers that whatever you draw with the pencil comes to life. The pencil is then stolen from him and he goes on a big adventure to get it back.
Theme: Creativity and Imagination, “What kid wouldn’t want a pencil that brings things to life?”
The Book of Evil: Ben’s third book that he is currently writing
Plot: An adventure story where mythical creatures come to life, inspired by Percy Jackson.
 
Graham loved how “Ben’s talent in writing has been a real stimulus for the whole family.” As a family of four, they all contribute to the project. Ben’s younger brother helps to make the books great by being Ben’s toughest critic. And Dad, Robert, has been able to realise his dreams of becoming an artist by illustrating all of Ben’s books.
The interview finished with a look to the future:
“How many more books are hiding away in that head of yours?” - Graham
“One, two, three, four… five!” All different people, plots and settings - Ben
“Where do you see this taking you in the future?” - Graham
“I am enjoying it for what it is now, I really love doing it” – Ben
You can listen to the whole interview here [http://www.accessradio.org/ProgrammePage.aspx?PID=1c867513-5233-4c0a-9214-02c296f4e2df]
 
Kapiti Now 
Ben was interviewed by the Kapiti Now and they too were fascinated by Ben’s passion to write and create stories for his peers to enjoy.
They loved the fact that Ben’s books have an authentic child’s voice:
“Most books written for children are authored by adults, the true point of difference in Ben’s books is that they are written by a child, for children. Through a child’s eyes, and with a child’s voice.   The irreverent humour and story-telling from a young person’s perspective mean that these books really speak to their audience in an authentic tone that they understand and enjoy.”
Read the full write-up here [http://www.kapitinow.co.nz/news/post/introduction-ben-spies-junior-author]
 
Revista MBA
Not only has Ben’s work gained fans in New Zealand, but due to his Brazilian roots, he is gaining a following on the international stage also. He was interviewed by popular Brazilian magazine Revista MBA in early 2017.
Everyone that Ben speaks to about his journey is fascinated by the process he goes through to create a book. Where his ideas come from, what his inspiration is, his passion for reading and writing, and his hobbies outside of writing.
Ben is always humble about his amazing imagination, his passion for devouring books and creating stories, and proves he truly is a 10-year-old boy with his love of climbing trees!
Read the full article here http://www.revistamba.co.nz/revistas---magazines
 
Review: Balmoral School Librarian
Weirdo has recently been reviewed by the assistant librarian at Balmoral School. Anita was blown away by Ben’s language, imagination and sense of humour.
“For example, to shake off the boss poacher who’s hanging off their escape helicopter, Ben sings a horrible song on loop until the poacher drops off with the torture of it. Everyday speech packed with dialogue propels the action (Quick, swing! Take cover!) Ben uses present tense to heighten the reality, and there are jokes and laughs on every page. “Claire hits Max where it really hurts for a boy…”
Read the full review here [http://booknotes-unbound.org.nz/weirdo-by-ben-and-robert-spies/]
 
With all the attention surrounding Spies Publishing [http://www.spiespublishing.co.nz/], no one can wait to see what the future holds for Ben and his talent for writing. I think we can safely say that there will be a lot more books for children to enjoy if Ben has anything to do with it!

 
When 9 year old Ben Spies showed a passion and skill for writing at a very young age, his parents Renata and Robert did what great parents do… they encouraged him.

 Ben’s determination to write didn’t waiver and over time his stories became more interesting and really funny! His parents were so inspired by his passion for writing and wild imagination that they wanted to keep encouraging his writing and bring these stories into books they could share with other children. So at age 9 Ben’s parents rewarded his writing efforts by self-publishing his first book “Weirdo” and now at age 10 he has another in editing and many more ideas for the future!

 Most books written for children are authored by adults, the true point of difference in Ben’s books is that they are written by a child, for children. Through a child’s eyes, and with a child’s voice.   The irreverent humor and story telling from a young person’s perspective mean that these books really speak to their audience in an authentic tone that they understand and enjoy.

 In Ben’s first book “Weirdo” we meet Ugine, a ten year old boy who recently lost both of his parents. He lives by himself. He has no friends at school and everyone thinks he is weird. We follow Ugine though an amazing and funny adventure as he finds happiness again.

 “What is really special about Ben’s books is that we kept exactly how he wrote it, the stories are funny, as told by a child. With a child’s perspective of the world… with very little interference from an adult” said Ben’s mother, Renata Spies.
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 Ever supportive Ben’s family have created a publishing company to ensure young people everywhere can continue to enjoy these fabulous stories and be inspired by Ben.

 
Introducing the fantastic new book for children, actually written by a child! Weirdo tells the tale of Ugine, a boy who is navigating adolescent life, trying to feel accepted, and does some pretty weird things sometimes. 'Weirdo' is 53 pages of fun and adventure. You get to see Ugine’s world through a child’s eyes and have his story told with an authentic child’s voice.
Ben Spies is the genius author behind 'Weirdo'. He first wrote the book when he was only nine years old. Since then Ben has written a second book and has no plans of stopping there. He has a quirky sense of humour that shines through in his writing. Ben’s loves to make his readers laugh, and take them on an adventure with his writing.
 
Ben’s Story
In this digital age, Ben wants to inspire children to read with his books. He also wants other budding authors to realise their dreams and write their own stories. If he can do it, so can they.
Renata Spies is Ben’s incredibly proud mother and two years ago, she was confronted with a problem. How do you keep nurturing and recognising a child who loves reading and writing?
‘When Ben started showing a passion for writing and wanting to write at home everyday, I started looking for an after-school writing class to develop his talent. But I couldn't find any. Our society rewards many children’s activities. Sports have games throughout the year, certificates for the best players, and medals at the end of the season. If your child loves dancing or playing an instrument, you can enrol at a dance studio, or you can find music lessons with competitions and concerts in the end of the year. These children are being trained, are improving their talents, and somehow getting recognised and rewarded.
There is nothing like this for children who love to write. In 2015 I decided to self-publish Weirdo - as Ben’s reward and recognition. It was like giving him his certificate, his medal.’
 
Publishing 'Weirdo'
In September 2016, Renata and Robert Spies took the plunge and began a publishing company. They have compiled a dream team of editors, book designers, illustrators and printers. In December 2016, Weirdo was relaunched and is now available for purchase. Ben’s next book, The Magic Pencil, is currently being finalised and will be released soon.
Spies Publishing will continue to publish Ben’s books and aims to help other young, budding authors to become published also.
If you would like to know more about 'Weirdo', then contact Renata on 0210 756 239 or [email protected].

www.spiespublishing.co.nz
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Dear friends and family,

As some of you know, since Ben wrote his first book 'Weirdo', when he was 9 years old, we
decided to self-publish it as a reward and a gift for Ben to keep for himself. Ben’s determination to write didn’t waiver and over time his stories became more interesting and really funny! We were so inspired by his passion for writing and wild imagination that we
wanted to keep encouraging his writing and bring these stories into books he could share with other children. Since Weirdo, Ben has written another two books and is showing no signs of slowing down. In September 2016, we decided to start our own business publishing Ben's books. It is a real family business and Ben is the inspiration behind it. We all work together as a family to see his dreams come true - Robert is the illustrator, Renata the project manager and Daniel, an avid reader like his older brother, is the first one to read the manuscripts and give us his opinion.

In “Weirdo” we meet Ugine, a ten year old boy who recently lost both of his parents. He lives by himself. He has no friends at school and everyone thinks he is weird. We follow Ugine through an amazing and funny adventure as he finds happiness again. Ben is inspired by books by David Walliams, Roald Dahl, Andy Griffiths and Enid Blyton. He likes to write funny books full of action and adventure. We are very excited to be launching his
next book The Magic Pencil in February 2017

Recently, Ben was awarded a sponsorship for a new website. We would like to invite you to visit www.spiespublishing.co.nz. You can find more information there and purchase the book Weirdo - a great gift for children between 7-12 years old. We would love to share Spies Publishing stories and journey with friends and family on these emails but we totally understand if you choose to unsubscribe. For now, we wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, happiness and good health.

Take care,
Renata, Robert, Ben & Daniel
Spies Publishing

NEW ZEALAND, 30 NOVEMBER 2016
 
Explore the concepts of bullying, courage, friendship and self discovery through the eyes of a child in “Weirdo” by 10 year old Ben Spies of the Kapiti Coast.
 
In “Weirdo” we meet Ugine, a ten year old boy who recently lost both of his parents. He lives by himself. He has no friends at school and everyone thinks he is weird. We follow Ugine through an amazing and funny adventure as he finds happiness again.
 
Most books written for children are authored by adults, the true point of difference in Ben’s books is that they are written by a child, for children. Through a child’s eyes, and with a child’s voice.   The irreverent humor and story telling from a young person’s perspective mean that these books really speak to their audience in an authentic tone that they understand and enjoy.
 
 
About the Author
When Ben showed a passion and skill for writing at a very young age, his parents Renata and Robert did what great parents do… they encouraged him.
 
Ben’s determination to write didn’t waiver and over time his stories became more interesting and really funny! His parents were so inspired by his passion for writing and wild imagination that they wanted to keep encouraging his writing and bring these stories into books they could share with other children. So at age 9 Ben’s parents rewarded his writing efforts by self-publishing his first book “Weirdo” and now at age 10 he has another in editing and many more ideas for the future!
 
Ben’s work has drawn the attention of other children’s authors such as Australian, Andy Griffiths.  "Hi Ben, Thanks so much for the copy of Weirdo, it’s a really cool book with lots of action and surprise and I really like the fun way you’ve presented it with plenty of pictures and interesting fonts. I hope you continue to enjoy your writing…! Your pal, Andy Griffiths"
 
For more information about Weirdo, please visit www.spiespublishing.co.nz or contact Renata Spies at +64 210 756 239
 
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