Meet Alex Benkast!

Tell us about your books! What do you love to write about?
As the eternal rebel child, I have a natural tendency to challenge social norms, which applies to both the stories I write and the way I live my life. I grew up in a very diverse environment and am now raising my own "Third Culture Kid," which is what inspired my family saga Rebels Like Us. I love romance novels as much as I love self-development books because I need to feel like I’m learning and growing, and that I have the power to change and reinvent my life. That’s what I hope my readers will feel as they read my books.

What inspired you to get started as an author?
I suffered from epilepsy as a child and it made me scared of falling asleep because I would wake up from having a seizure. To cope with the resulting insomnia, I started telling myself intricate, romantic bedtime stories, which I began to turn into novels in 2013.

What are your favorite books to read?
Romance novels make up most of my TBR list. Lucy Score is probably my overall favorite romance author, but the book I re-read every year is Melt for You by J.T. Geissinger. Personal development books make up the rest of my TBR pile. I'm big into intentional and healthy living and mindful parenting. The book I keep returning to is You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay.

For shoppers holiday shopping for their loved ones, tell us who are your book(s) for?
The open-minded do-gooders in this world. You know who you are. ;) People who love learning and exploring and who are self-critical and self-aware. My wish is to inspire my readers to build more inclusive communities. Due to the heat level of my novels, I would recommend them for 18 years or older. My main characters are mostly in their 20s and 30s. 

What’s the message you want to get out to people this Holiday Season?
Make a real effort to be kind to everyone around you, don't get sucked into other people's "complaining mode," and slow down whenever you can. That's pretty much my recipe for enjoying life 80% of the time. :)

Where can we find you online?
My website https://www.alexbenkast.com/ has all the links. Pinterest is my online happy place, but I'm also trying to get back to spreading joy on Instagram. I'm @alexbenkast on both platforms. Email is the easiest way to connect with me.