Ask the Author: Beth Hudson
Answered Questions (7)
Beth Hudson
Interestingly enough, my favorite fictional couple is not a fantasy couple. It is Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane from Dorothy Sayers' brilliant mystery novels. Both characters are complex and interesting by themselves, and their relationship is based on intelligence, similar world views, and respect. Neither of them is dominant; they are equals (in a time when women were not highly respected). Both of them are extremely self-honest people, which adds depth to their relationship. And their interplay is fascinating, the tensions between them based on quick minds and at times almost brutal honesty. "Gaudy Night" is the book where the author decided to resolve their issues, and is one of my favorite books.
Beth Hudson
I originally had an idea of a character who was an adult, one who had been through so much that she was essentially without natural and healthy fear. As I started exploring why she had come to be that way, I realized that her backstory was fascinating, and I wanted to write it.
Beth Hudson
Music is the main source, but also artwork, other books, TV and movies, beautiful scenery, dreams... the list is long. Anything can be an inspiration if one is open to it. That flower by the roadside can help me through a tough plot transition, or listening to "Fantasia on Greensleeves" can make me think of a bucolic countryside with dangerous shadows around the edges. Long walks can both stimulate my brain and give me an opportunity to work out issues with plot, character, etc. Everyone has ideas. The trick is listening for them.
Beth Hudson
Primarily, the sequel to "Etched in Fire". I also have a few short stories that I'm floating around, and have another novel in the same world I need to seriously revise so that it is publishable.
Beth Hudson
1. Write. Keep doing it no matter how much you hate what you turn out. Eventually you'll get better. 2. Don't be afraid to turn out bad work. We all do at some point. 3. If everyone you show your work to says it's wonderful, find better critics. That's not to say that someone loving your work is wrong, but if you're not getting any feedback that says you can improve something, you're not going to grow as a writer. You also don't require opinions that put things in a hurtful way, but without critique you won't develop. It's a balance. 4. Get a workshop that is willing to work with your writing style. Start one if you have to.
Beth Hudson
For me, being a writer is about communication. Over the years I have read books that have helped shape my view of the world, and I want to be able to give that gift to others. I write about what's important to me, and when someone else reads what I have written and understands it, it makes me feel validated. I also love those times when my creativity and inspiration is high, and I feel as if the words almost fall from my fingers and into the keyboard. Working with one's creative self is a tremendous experience.
Beth Hudson
I shook writer's block when I decided to break it down and deal with each element separately. To fight the dislike of writing when I wasn't inspired, I made myself write 2-4 pages a day, no matter how bad I thought it was. To keep myself from despair over my first drafts, I cultivated a mindset that I could always revise. To prevent "rejectomancy" (the idea that if I was rejected that meant I was no good) I asked a friend to screen my responses from publishers. I also workshop, which is a wonderful way to keep creativity flowing if I am in the right group. Of course, this is just me -- everyone has different strategies.
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