Interview with Sharon L. Benedict, Author of Lady of the Street: Beginnings

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Lady of the Street: Beginnings?

This historical novel series floated in my mind for more than 25 years, alongside many surprising professional and personal life events. Through the years, I was a commission fiber artist and a professional lifeskills consultant and coach. Can you believe the combination! And loving it all! In the midst I also wrote many nonfiction publications. Yet, always in the back of my mind was that turn of the century novel about an Irish girl and her adventures to the land of promise, America and New York’s Wall Street. My inspiration is also rooted in a desire to bring to life human stories impacted by the monumental changes during that era.

Rising from Wall Street’s powerful, shadowed corridors, Lady of the Street novel series will weave a rich tapestry of lives, loves, ambitions, dangers, and destinies converging in New York City’s bustling heart. My aim is to celebrate the courage, faith, resilience, and contributions of those who sought a better life and became integral threads in the fabric of New York and American society. These individuals brought with them diverse cultures and skills that not only fueled America’s economic and cultural vitality but also confronted the rich and powerful. Wall Street is a symbol and catalyst of American entrepreneurship and plays a pivotal role in the story. It’s not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, embodying the aspirations, struggles, and transformations of the era.

Lady of the Street explores how Wall Street and its patrons shaped policies, fueled innovation, and also caused crises that impacted the lives of everyday people. Through this historical lens, Lady of the Street strives to convey both the symbiotic and combative relationship between Wall Street’s economic powerhouse and the immigrant population that energized it. Through Laura’s trials and triumphs, Lady of the Street is also a tribute to the notion that the American Dream, while often challenged and corrupted, remains a beacon of hope and possibility shaped by those who dared to pursue it.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Lady of the Street: Beginnings, what would they be?

That’s an easy question to answer since “My Wild Irish Rose” by Chauncey Olcott resounds throughout Laura’s life as Lady of The Street’s main character and matched by the love of her life, Michael. The song’s melody and lyrics evoke a gentle, wistful mood, capturing the often poignant emotions of love and cherished memories through the passage of time, traumas, and triumphs. If I were to pick a more contemporary song for the main characters and antagonists, I would choose Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror.” The core message is a challenge to look inward and acknowledge our own role in the world. It is not just about self-improvement or the gain of wealth. It’s a call to action for everyone to take responsibility for the change we want to see in the world. As Laura sees the suffocating tenement poverty and corruption around her, Man in the Mirror reminds us “You gotta get it right, while you got the time,” especially for those who cry “A willow deeply scarred, Somebody’s broken heart, And a washed out dream.” The message in the Man in the Mirror and Lady of the Street is a timeless anthem across generations, encouraging faith, personal growth, and proactive compassion for others.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Mystery Thrillers, Historical Fiction, Biographies, Life Skill Nonfiction. Together, these genres inspire my writings.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Phantom Patrol by James R. Benn, The Masters of Capital by John Moody, The Plungers and the Peacocks, 170 Years of Wall Street by Dana L. Thomas.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are two scenes as my favorites to write. The first was when Laura’s risky friend, Angela, needed to be rescued by Silver and Roscoe, undercover police detectives. The other scene brought together what they thought were all the needed evidence to finally put Hamlin and Rowland behind bars but left key pieces yet to be solved.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

When I am in the writing zone, I sometimes type totally unrelated sentences to the scene right then in red highlights. After I reach a pause in writing, I move it to my research/idea document that shares the screen. The red highlighted words are somewhat scrambled but help me remember key ideas that flashed in my mind but were yet to find a fit. When I get stuck and frustrated, there are a few options. . . whether to exercise, or bake my favorite chocolate chip cookies or blueberry turnovers. Guess which one wins most of the time?! I then try to hide the goodies and forget where I put them. Otherwise, I just may eat too many while I sit and wait for the inspiration to return! At least the weight gain is an exercise motivator!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Motto: Writer, Weaver, & Wellness Advocate & Loving it All! Philosophy: To celebrate life and have those experiences in my life become “a door of hope” for others, professionally and personally. To be my husband’s life partner…enjoying together the opportunities and challenges life brings our way. To delight in seeing my lovely daughters experience life at its fullest…to offer friendship each day, counsel when asked, and my unconditional love throughout their lives. To leave a legacy of hope, faith, and love.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Besides being excited about the next book coming out in the series, I hope readers remember and embrace the power of resilience and courageous faith. May the story exemplify how determination and love can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Her story inspires us to believe in our ability to change our circumstances and make a positive impact on the world, no matter the obstacles we face.

Sharon L Benedict is the author of the new book Lady of the Street: Beginnings

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