Amber Benson, Former 'Buffy' Actress, Talks ‘The Witches Of Echo Park' And Enduring Female Characters

Amber Benson has found success in multiple different areas of media, first gaining attention at the age of 14 when she was cast in Steven Soderbergh’s film, “King of the Hill.” The actress’ most notable role was the character of Tara Maclay on the long running “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” TV series. Since this Benson has continued to work as an actress, her most recent project is another supernatural drama, also featuring vampires, however this time instead of Tara, Benson is portraying, Amelie the founder of Morganville on the web TV series, “The Morganville Vampires. ” Benson didn’t just stop with actress, as a very creative person Benson has applied her talents to producing, directing and writing.

While still working on “Buffy” Benson co-wrote the movie “The Theory of the Leisure Class” with director Gabriel Bologna, the film was released in 2001. After this, you could simply say Benson has not stopped writing. Her most recent endeavor is her forthcoming novel, “The Witches of Echo Park.” The novel is a first in a planned three book series, and will available in January of 2015.

Benson sat down with Latin Times at New York Comic Con to discuss her latest book and the women that inspired her female characters, Elyse and Eleanora, who lead an incredibly powerful and impactful coven. “The Witches of Echo Park” synopsis reveals, “Unbeknownst to most of humankind, a powerful network of witches thrives within the shadows of society, using their magic to keep the world in balance. But they are being eliminated—and we will all pay if their power falls.” Amber, an author, actress, producer, director, and all around creative person discussed what it means to have a true circle of friends, (witches or not) and what her experience at conventions has been like, and if you couldn’t guess Benson has been to more cons to count but still loves every minute of it.