Category: Writer

Amber Benson to participate in a panel at Hellmouth Con 2025 - This Weekend

6/12/2025

Earlier this week Amber revealed on her official Instagram account that she will be participating in a panel at Hellmouth Con 2025 on Saturday, the 14th of June.

Hellmouth Con is an LA base convention dedicated to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Amber played the much-loved character of Tara Maclay. In recent years Amber has transitioned from acting to writing and has written novels, as well as writing for film and television. She has also written and co-written a number of Buffy related projects including, comic books, short stories and the Audible exclusive audio drama Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.

In this exciting panel Amber will be discussing genre literature, female protagonists and the process of turning a book into an audiobook. She will be joined by friend and fellow author Raven Belasco.

Raven’s name may well be familiar to fans and regular visitors to this site as Amber has narrated the audiobook versions of Blood Ex Libris and Blood Demands the first two books in Raven’s Blood and Ancient Scrolls series. Amber and Raven's panel will take place on Saturday, the 14th of June 3pm-3:55 pm PDT in the auditorium. If you would like more information about Raven's books, click here.

Hellmouth Con is being held at Torrance High School located at 2200 W. Carson St. Torrance, CA 90501. The event is being organised by Fandom Charities Inc a nonprofit organisation that brings fans together and raises money for good causes. For more information and how to buy tickets click the link below.

https://www.fandomcharities.org/hellmouthcon

I wish I could be there in person to watch what I'm sure will be a fascinating panel. I hope everyone who is able to attend has a fantastic time.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in anyway with Hellmouth Con or it's organiser’s Fandom Charities Inc. We own nothing all works referred to in this post are the property of the individual copyright holders. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting event featuring Amber Benson.

Fans in the UK can now see Amber in Buffy the Vampire Slayer on free streaming service ITVX

4/19/2025

Fans in the UK can now watch Amber Benson as Tara Maclay in Buffy the Vampire Slayer via the free streaming service ITVX.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is now available in the UK, free, on ITV’s streaming service ITVX. Earlier this month all seven seasons were added to ITVX, which is free and supported by adverts. It’s the first time it's been on free-to-air television or free streaming service since 2022 when it was previously available from another UK broadcaster Channel 4.

ITVX can be watched on a range of devices including laptops, tablets, smart phones, smart TVs, games consoles, and more. There is also a premium option available if you wish to watch without adverts. For more information on how to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer see the hyperlink below.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer on ITVX

This will give Amber fans the chance to see her play the iconic and much-loved role of Tara Maclay who made her debut in "Hush" in season 4. Buffy remains much loved by fans even after more than two decades.

Buffy is still attracting new generations of fans even today so with this in mind, if you are a first-time viewer, there will be some spoilers below.

Amber played Tara Maclay for three seasons. Her shy smile, honesty, and loyalty made her a big hit with fans. Amber's dramatic exit from the show in 2002 was extremely controversial, especially among the LGBTQ community, and still provides a big talking point for fans to this day.

Tara & Willow (Alyson Hannigan) were the first long term openly gay couple on a US network television show. Amber played the role of Tara with both honesty and sensitivity, which earned her much deserved praise.

The role had a big impact on her life, and Amber continues to support the LGBTQ community. Amber’s impact on the Buffyverse goes far beyond her role on screen. Amber has co-written Willow and Tara comic books with her friend and fellow author Christopher Golden. Amber has also written her own short story about Claudine who was the Slayer at the time of the French Revolution.

In 2023, Slayers: A Buffyverse Story was released – an Audible Exclusive podcast series. It’s set within the Buffy verse thirteen years after “Chosen”, the final episode of the TV series. Amber co-wrote, co-directed, and reprised her role as Tara Maclay along with several of her co-stars and friends returning to the original roles they played in the TV series.

To find out more information about this brilliant and groundbreaking podcast series please visit our dedicated Slayers: A Buffyverse Story page click the hyperlink. And for more information on Amber's other Buffy related projects visit our Buffy the Vampire Slayer page.

Whether you’re a long-time fan like myself or new to the show and want to watch simply sign up or your existing user login at ITV.com (click the hyperlink)

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV owns nothing Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the property of 20th Century Fox its owners The Walt Disney Company. We have no connection to Broadcaster ITV or its streaming service ITVX. We are not involved in any way with the production of ‘Slayers: A Buffyverse Story’. All rights belong to Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation/The Walt Disney Company, Audible, and Amber Benson & Christopher Golden. This post is for informational purposes only we are simply trying to spread the word about Amber's work within the Buffyverse and another chance to see her as Tara Maclay in the UK.

Amber is to be a guest at the PRISM Convention held at Niagara Falls New York in June 2025

11/28/2024

The holiday season is fast approaching whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving or, like myself here in the UK, preparing for Christmas. Amber, however is already looking ahead to next year and has confirmed that she will be a guest at PRISM Convention in 2025.

Amber broke the news on her official Instagram and Facebook accounts a few weeks ago and we shared the information on our own dedicated social media feeds too. I also wanted to post an article here with some more information about the convention plus how you can book tickets and more.

The organisers ConFuzed Events LLC describe the PRISM Convention as follows:

“PRISM convention is a brand-new multi-fandom event, celebrating LGBTQ+ characters from the worlds of television and film. Along with influencers, singers, and comedians. Join us for a weekend of meet and greets, photo opportunities, autographs, and interview panels with your favorite celebrities!”

PRISM Convention will take place from the 27th to the 29th of June 2025 in Niagara Falls New York. The convention is being held at Niagara Falls Convention Center (NFCC), 101 Old Falls Street Niagara Falls, NY 14303. The organisers have confirmed it is being held on the US side of Niagara Falls.

To find out more information about this exciting event and how to buy convention tickets, photo ops, and meet and greet tickets too, click the link below.

https://confuzedevents.com/prism-convention/

This sounds like a fantastic event, and I hope everyone who is able to attend has a brilliant time.

Joe

Disclaimer:AmberBenson.TV is not involved in anyway with PRISM Convention or it's organisers ConFuzed Events LLC. We own nothing, this post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting event featuring Amber Benson.

Amber Benson is to attend a signing in Los Angeles on Sunday, the 17th of November

11/16/2024

Last month saw the release of ‘Shadows & Verse Classic Dark Poems with Celebrity Commentary’ edited by Jonathan Maberry. This is a collection of classic poems focusing on darkness in many different forms including grief and loss, PTSD, the unknown, and much more.

Each of these poems has been chosen by a writer and celebrity who has written an accompanying essay talking about why they have chosen this classic poem and what it means to them.

To celebrate the recent release of this unique collection Dark Delicacies bookstore in Burbank California is holding a signing event. Amber is set to attend along with a number of her fellow contributors to this exciting collection.

The signing will take place on Sunday, the 17th of November at 3 pm. If you can't make it to the signing in person but you live within the USA you can order your very own signed copy via the website.

Click the link below to order and find out more details about this exciting signing event.

https://www.darkdel.com/store/p3206/Sun%2C_Nov_17th_3_pm%3A_Shadows_%26_Verse%3A_Classic_Dark_Poems_with_Celebrity_Commentary.html#/

I have ordered from the delicacies in the past however it seems that at the moment shipping to the UK is not available.

Dark Delicacies is located at 822 N. Hollywood Way Burbank, CA 91505 818-556-6660

Dark Delicacies has said that 100% of proceeds will go to the Superstars Writing Endowment and Scholarships Funds to aid new writers and creatives in their publishing
endeavours.

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV we own nothing and have no connection to any of the poems featured in this collection or any of the commentaries or observations made by any of the contributors to this book.

We own nothing all rights belong to the individual copyright holders of the poems and the publishers of Shadows & Verse World Fire Press. We have no connection to Dark Delicacies bookstore. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about an exciting event by Amber Benson.

Amber Benson has written a commentary on a famous poem that features in the recently released book Shadows & Verse

11/16/2024

As many fans will know Amber has an extensive body of work as a writer including multiple novels, short stories, both fiction and non-fiction along with a number of television projects.

Amber is one of a number of celebrities who have selected a poem to be included in ‘Shadows & Verse Classic Dark Poems with Celebrity Commentary’ edited by Jonathan Maberry.

Each poem focuses on a different form of darkness from grief and loss, to PTSD and the unknown to name just a few. Amber shares her thoughts on Suicide’s Note by Langston Hughes, her commentary gave me a greater insight into this short but impactful poem.

A number of other writers and celebrities have joined Amber in selecting a poem and writing their own commentary these include RL Stine, Alma Katsu, Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Shane Black, and more

For more information and to order your own copy whether that be in e-book, paperback or hardcover click the link below.

https://wordfirepress.com/products/shadows-verse-classic-dark-poems-with-celebrity-commentary#:~:text=This%20volume%20collects%20poems%20about,who%20also%20provided%20insightful%20commentary.

It is also available to purchase in the UK from Amazon and in paperback from Waterstones.com.

I had never read this particular poem before; Amber's commentary gave me more to consider when I read it for a second time.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV we own nothing and have no connection to any of the poems featured in this collection or any of the commentaries or observations made by any of the contributors to this book. We own nothing all rights belong to the individual copyright holders of the poems and the publishers of Shadows & Verse World Fire Press. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about a commentary written by Amber Benson.

Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery Written By Amber Benson Available To Stream In The UK for a Limited Time.

4/1/2024

Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery written by Amber Benson was recently shown again on Channel 5. The good news for fans who missed it on Friday, the 29th of March or who want to watch it again, it has been added to the My 5 streaming service for a limited time only.

In 2023, Amber added to her growing body of work as a writer for television when she wrote the script for Family History Mysteries: Buried Past which is based on a series of novels by Brynn Bonner. The movie had its US premiere on the 8th of January that year which as many fans will know is Amber's birthday. It was shown in the US on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Here it’s been shown under the alternative title Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery.

When it was shown this time, it was still advertised under the name Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery. However, when aired on Channel 5 and My 5 this time the US title of Family History Mysteries: Buried Past appears. I mention this slightly strange fact in case it causes confusion for anyone who wants to watch it. Remember to search for it under the name Finding Dad.

The story centres on Sophie McClaren, played by Janel Parrish, who is a genealogist. She brings families together using her expertise and ability to dig into the past to find answers. Sophie's skills and knowledge shall be tested like never before when she discovers her close friend Jonathan is in need of a bone marrow transplant. Help is on hand from Jonathan's twin brother Jackson who was close to Sophie at one time. Together Sophie and Jackson search for the twins’ birth father in a bid to save Jonathan. As Sophie and Jackson work together it gives her the push to finally look into her own past.

I have posted the US trailer below. Please note it does contain spoilers.

Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery will be available from May 5 until the 28th of May 2024. This is a free streaming service and can be accessed via Channel 5.com or the My 5 App and is currently only available to viewers inside the United Kingdom.

To watch Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery simply click the link below:

https://www.channel5.com/show/finding-you

Amber has written for Hallmark on three previous occasions including Murder in Mind & Death By Design, two movies in the popular Morning Show Mysteries series. They were based on a series of novels by Al Roker and Dick Lochte. Amber also wrote the festive romantic movie A Family Christmas Gift, this was an original story written by Amber and she also co-wrote the teleplay.

It's exciting that Amber’s latest TV mystery is available on demand once again in the UK. Watch it while you can!

Joe

Disclaimer: Amber Benson.TV is not involved in any way with the making of Family History Mysteries: Buried Past/Finding Dad: Family History Mystery Hallmark or Channel 5. We own nothing. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about an exciting TV movie written by Amber Benson.

Fans in the UK will have another chance to watch ‘Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery’ Written by Amber Benson next week.

3/24/2024

Here is some exciting news for fans living in the UK. ‘Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery’, written by Amber Benson, is being shown on UK TV again on Friday the 29th of March.

In January 2023, Amber added to her growing body of work as a writer for television when she wrote the script for ‘Family History Mysteries: Buried Past’ which is based on a series of novels by Brynn Bonner. ‘Family History Mysteries: Buried Past’ had its US premiere on the 8th of January which as many fans will know is Amber's birthday. It was shown in the US on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

It's now set to be shown again in the UK on Friday but is being advertised in listings under its UK title of ‘Finding Dad: A Family History Mystery’.

The story centres on Sophie McClaren (played by Janel Parrish) who is a genealogist. She brings families together using her expertise and ability to dig into the past to find answers. Sophie's skills and knowledge shall be tested like never before when she discovers her close friend Jonathan needs a bone marrow transplant. Help is on hand from Jonathan's twin brother Jackson who also happens to be Sophie's ex. Together Sophie and Jackson search for the twins' birth father in a bid to save Jonathan. As Sophie and Jackson work together it gives her the push to finally look into her own past.

It will be shown on Channel 5 in the UK on Friday (29th of March) in the afternoon at 2:15 PM it will also be shown an hour later on Channel 5+1 at 3:15 PM. I don't yet know if it will be available via Channel 5’s streaming platform My 5. The last time Channel 5 showed Finding Dad, they did but I can't guarantee it will be the same this time. I will check and if it is available I will post a further update to let you all know.

I have posted the US trailer below please note it does contain spoilers

Amber has written for Hallmark on three previous occasions including ‘Murder in Mind’ & ‘Death By Design’, two movies in the popular ‘Morning Show Mysteries’ series. They were based on a series of novels by Al Roker and Dick Lochte. Amber also wrote the festive romantic movie ‘A Family Christmas Gift’ – this was an original story written by Amber and she also co-wrote the teleplay.

It's so exciting to see Amber’s latest TV mystery being shown again in the UK and I will definitely be watching!

Joe

Disclaimer: Amber Benson.TV is not involved in any way with the making of Family History Mysteries: Buried Past/Finding Dad: Family History Mystery Hallmark or Channel 5 we own nothing. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about an exciting TV movie written by Amber Benson.

Amber Benson Discusses Slayers: A Buffyverse Story in the January Edition of SFX Magazine

1/4/2024

Happy New Year to everyone I have some very exciting news to kick off 2024. Amber discusses Slayers: A Buffyverse Story in the January edition of SFX Magazine which is out in the UK now.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about Slayers: A Buffyverse Story then here is what you need to know, it's an Audible Original Podcast. It has been co-written by Amber Benson and her long-time friend and writing partner Christopher Golden. Amber and Christopher also co-direct along with Kc Wayland. This is an immersive audio drama that is told over nine episodes. The story is set thirteen years after ‘Chosen’ the final ever episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Spike has infiltrated the demon underworld in Los Angeles convincing them that he has returned to his old ways. That is until he runs into Indira Nunnally (Laya DeLeon Hays) a young Slayer who has very recently received her powers. Now Spike has got to act fast, both to save what's left of his cover story and find a Watcher to guide Indira.

What's fast becoming a difficult and dangerous night takes a shocking turn when Cordelia Chase track Spike down. Except she's not the Cordelia that long time Buffy and Angel fans are familiar with, she is from a parallel universe. A world where Buffy Summers never existed and Cordelia is the one and only Slayer. Cordelia needs Spike’s help as her world is in danger from none other than Spike’s former paramore Drusilla and that's only the start of this gripping adventure.

What makes this project even more exciting is that a number of Buffy’s original cast have returned to reprise there much love roles. Including Amber who as well as co-writing and co-directing, plays Tara Maclay for the first time in more than twenty years.

In this article written by Will Salmon Amber discusses how Slayers came about and her own feelings on returning to the Buffyverse. She highlights the role of new Slayer Indira and the importance of creating a positive experience for fans these are just some of the topics she covers.

James Marsters and Juliet Landau also talk about reprising their roles of Spike and Drusilla respectively. There is also a selection of photos featuring the cast and crew including Amber taken while they were recording Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.

At the moment I've been unable to find a list of stockist for SFX Magazine but I do know it is currently available from WHSmith and Asda here in the UK (it may not be available in smaller stores). SFX magazine is also available to buy online. I have ordered a single issue from magazinesdirect.com click the link below for more details.

https://www.magazinesdirect.com/az-single-issues/6937139/sfx-magazine-single-issue.thtml

I checked and there are other websites where the magazine can be purchased as well. I don't know if they ship internationally. If anyone has any information, then please email or message me via our social media feeds. The links are at the top of the page and of course you can leave a comment on this post too.

A big thank you to friends and fellow Amber fans Samantha and Laragh both for the information about the article itself and the link for online purchases. This is an interesting article with some fantastic photos to accompany it definitely check it out if you can.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with SFX magazine. We have no connection to magazinesdirect.com, any of the other retailers mentioned or Slayers: A Buffyverse Story. We own nothing, all rights belong to the respective copyright holders of the properties that are mentioned within. This post is for informational purposes only we are simply trying to spread the word about an exciting magazine article featuring Amber Benson.

Amber Benson was the Special Guest on a Recent Episode of The Jordan, Jesse, Go Podcast.

12/31/2023

Amber was the special guest on the most recent episode of The Jordan, Jesse, Go Podcast which was released in the run-up to Christmas.

Amber joins hosts Jordan Norris and Jesse Thorn to talk about Slayers: A Buffyverse Story which was co-written, co-directed and stars Amber Benson. Amber herself is very modest and she plays down her starring role, instead highlighting the contribution of others.

Trust me when I say that Amber is definitely a star, she gives an incredible performance as Tara Maclay. If there are some fans out there who haven't listen to Slayers: A Buffyverse and are worried that Tara won't have a big role to play. Then let me put your mind at ease, she is a big part of the story and as you would expect Amber does it with great care and sounds terrific.

Amber is amazing, I urge you to listen. I went slightly off the topic of the podcast but I felt it was important to highlight Amber’s incredible contribution both in creating and as a cast member.

Jesse, Jordan and Amber also talk about Christmas and their plans. They discuss Christmas movies, Amber has starred in one and has experience of writing a festive film for Hallmark. Amber enjoys true crime stories and she has written several movies based on real life events for The Lifetime Network. Amber has written a number of novels and short stories along with co-writing and creating the Ghosts of Albion online series and novels. Jordan, Jesse and Amber discuss her novel: The Witches of Echo Park. Penguins, otters and ice cream cake are just some of the other topics up for discussion in this unique podcast.

My friend and fellow Amber fan Laragh gave me a heads up about this podcast. She also sent me a post from Reddit in which co-host Jordan Morris describes Amber as “a hilarious delight” and describes it as “not so much an interview, just kind of a goofy chat around.” The conversation does take plenty of twists and turns in this funny and unusual chat. This is definitely not your typical interview but that’s what makes it so enjoyable.

I have posted the link below so you can so you can listen and there is also more information on the podcast and other options for downloading and playing it on your devices.

Please Note: The podcast does contain some strong language and discussion of mature themes.

https://maximumfun.org/episodes/jordan-jesse-go/praise-janey-with-amber-benson/

This is a really enjoyable listen that made me laugh and for Amber fans it's a great way to spend a relaxing hour. There will be some more updates coming to the site in 2024 but for now I'd like to wish everyone A Happy New Year.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV he is not involved in any way with the production, of the Jordan, Jesse, Go podcast, we own nothing. All rights belong to the Jordan, Jesse Go Podcast/Maximum Fun Cooperative Corp. The books, films and other media projects discussed within are the property of their respective copyright holders. This post is for information purposes only we are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting podcast featuring Amber Benson.

Amber Benson and Christopher Golden Discuss Slayers: A Buffyverse Story on The Slayerfest 98 Podcast

12/31/2023

Last month Amber Benson and Christopher Golden appeared as guests on the Slayerfest 98 podcast to discuss Slayers: A Buffyverse Story An Audible Original podcast.

Slayerfest 98 is a queer pop culture podcast originally focused on Buffy The Vampire Slayer and its spin-off series Angel. This long-running podcast series has also moved on to discuss other popular media franchises including Marvel.

Recently Amber and Christopher joined three of the series regular hosts Ian Carlos Crawford, Ryan Houlihan, and Zachary Patton Garcia to discuss Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about Slayers: A Buffyverse Story then here is what you need to know. It's an Audible Original Podcast, this is an immersive audio drama that is told over nine episodes. The story is set thirteen years after ‘Chosen’ the final ever episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Spike has infiltrated the demon underworld in Los Angeles convincing them that he has returned to his old ways. That is until he runs into Indira Nunnally (Laya DeLeon Hays) a young Slayer who has very recently received her powers. Now Spike has got to act fast, both to save what's left of his cover story and find a Watcher to guide Indira.

What's fast becoming a difficult and dangerous night takes a shocking turn when Cordelia Chase track Spike down. Except she's not the Cordelia that long time Buffy and Angel fans are familiar with, she is from a parallel universe. A world where Buffy Summers never existed and Cordelia is the one and only Slayer. Cordelia needs Spike’s help as her world is in danger from none other than Spike’s former paramore Drusilla and that's only the start of this gripping adventure.

What makes this project even more exciting is that a number of Buffy’s original cast have returned to reprise there much love roles. Including Amber who as well as co-writing and co-directing, plays Tara Maclay for the first time in more than twenty years.

In this interview we hear how Slayers all started, how it developed and the process of writing the nine episodes in season one. Amber talks honestly about how she herself and indeed some of her fellow cast members were anxious about returning to the Buffyverse for a variety of different reasons. She and Christopher highlight how recording the series together in the studio helped them create a safe space for the cast and crew. Co-director Kc Wayland’s sound design also creates an immersive audio drama that draws its audience back into the world of the Buffyverse.

Amber and Christopher talk about what it was like to work with the cast again including a new role for the character of Cordelia. As well as the impact of Laya DeLeon Hays’ character Indira Nunnally. Not just the importance of her character but the role she plays in providing the audience with all important Buffy the Vampire Slayer backstory and mythology so if you're new to the Buffyverse you can jump right in and enjoy this new experience together with long-time fans.

Christopher also takes time to highlight Amber’s work in making this happen in that she helped change the conversation around Buffy from negative back to positive. Amber as always remained incredibly modest and is quick to praise Christopher too.

The interview is over one hour forty minutes long and is an incredibly detailed discussion around Slayers: A Buffyverse Story. There is a whole lot more that I could highlight but I don’t want to give it all away and I really do encourage you to listen to this entertaining and interesting discussion. I've embedded the video below because this interview isn't just a regular podcast, everyone appears via webcam which I feel really adds something to the conversation.

The video contains spoilers for the series however the point in the video where spoilers are talked about is clearly indicated by the hosts.

I apologise that it has taken me so long to post this update. I have been very busy with work and other commitments over the last few weeks. Thanks for your patience I hope everyone has a Happy New Year.

Joe

Disclaimer: Amber Benson.TV is not involved in any way with Slayers: A Buffyverse Story we own nothing. All rights belong to Amber Benson, Christopher Golden Audible, 20th Century Fox and all other rights holders. We are not connected in anywhere with the Slayerfest 98 podcast. This post is for informational purposes only we are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting podcast featuring Amber Benson.