Interview Karen Hudgins

by

Sara Olds

1.                  When did you start writing?

I began to pay serious attention to writing fiction about 11 years ago. I yearned to know how, so I enrolled in a continuing education novel writing program. Going to conferences and joining RWA, and a few other writing groups, soon followed, as well as participation or hosting critique groups.

2.                  Is Next Year's Promise your first book and/or your first published piece? If not, what else is out there for us to inhale?

Yes, this was my first completed romance novel. Although, I have had a mystery short story, "Blue Prince for Murder", published in a local writers' group anthology about 5 years ago. My second romance novel, ONE NIGHT WITH ZORRO, comes from Wings in August, 2002. I wish I could write them as quickly as I inhale!

3.                  How long did it take you to write it?

I'd begun the formal research and first draft in summer of 1995 and finished it in late 1997. Many months of revisions followed. I had circulated the manuscript to readers' and other writers' for their comments, always polishing. In contrast, my second book took a year to write, but I circulated it as well.

4.                  Who is your favorite character in this story?

Slade McGregor, the hero. But Rudy, an Aboriginal stockman, adds magic and cultural wisdom to the story. He is very cool.

5.                  Who do you think grows the most?

I'd have to say the hero, Slade. He's in deeper emotional turmoil than the heroine, whose presence changes him. However, Anne (heroine) jumps into a whole new way of life, far away from home. That'd be enough make anybody widen their horizons.

6.                  If your book was ever made into a film, who would you like to play your hero and heroine?

Brad Pitt comes to mind--only rugged-looking. Maybe a new rising star for the heroine?

7.                  Who has had the most impact on your writing?

Mainly, other authors, whose work and careers I admire.

8.                  Do you have a set pattern for writing? Such as: Do you write daily? Do you make zillions of notes? Do you have to have one hand on the keyboard and the other around a coffee mug? Let us see into your writing life.

Pattern? Yes and no. When I'm immersed in a project, I'm just that: immersed. I think about it, I research, I write, I rewrite a whole lot. During the actual writing of a book, I'm at the computer keyboard at any time on weekends or holidays, up late at night writing in the wee hours, or beating the break of dawn to my writing room. I push for the best possible first draft. I love writing most when inspiration strikes--they are the best of times. When I go to sleep, I'm completely spent. I write better after sleep. Chocolates are a reward and my husband will often bring me dinner, or tea while I work. I can't listen to music with lyrics--the words compete. Also, I wear the most comfortable thing I can while I write. I pile up enough story elements in my head to get going--knowing the ending--then I write a check list so as not to forget anything. I visualize intensely. When I wrote the first draft of NEXT YEAR'S PROMISE, I kept a page log with little numbered boxes. An "X" went in that box when that page was done. My books are movies on the big screen in my head.

9.                  Who are two of your favorite authors?

I used to read multiple works by individual authors, now I like a mix. I really enjoy books written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jennifer Crusie, as well as Janet Evanovich, and Debbie Macomber. Also, both Nicholases--Evans and Sparks--balance the mix.

10.              What sort of books are you reading right now?

I'm reading The Rescue, by Nicholas Sparks. Here's the deal. I like to also read work by male authors. Their books are a direct feed into male point of view, their fantasies, and what male authors choose as important to a situation or character. This relates to hero building in my books.

11.              What advice would you give people interested in writing?

Dear Interested in Writing: First, believe you can do this. When you're confident with calling yourself a writer, practice professionalism. Don't let the 'business' back you off. Always read. Reading words and stories, yields words and stories. Write something every day, if only an e-mail. For sampling, use all fiction sources available: books, music, movies, plays, poems, etc. Subscribe to writing magazines. Commit and persevere! Enjoy research. Strive to write better and hone your observation skills. Spend time with other writers. Be ready for set-backs--and success. Finally, love writing for what it is--the most fluid, challenging, seductive, and powerful art form endeavor there is.

12.              What's next on your plate?

Home plate! J My next project is a paranormal romance. An average everyday angel--a baseball minor leaguer--gets a second chance at life, and with a mom whose heart is ready for a home run.

Thanks, Sara.

Karen

And don’t forget to visit Karen’s web page…