BIW Member Interview
Cynthia Hudson is a freelance writer and novelist originally from New England. She has completed two fiction novels, dozens of short stories, and several non-fiction articles that can be found on the web. She is also working on an online novella that will be completed this fall.
Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Cynthia Hudson: I actually started writing when I was about ten years old. When other young girls were playing with their fashion dolls, I was writing ghost stories and mystery plays that I would con my nieces and nephews to take part in. I’ve never really wanted to be anything else.
Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing?
Cynthia Hudson: First, that no one can make you sit down and write every day, you have to be self-motivating. Unless you are a famous, published writer no one is waiting with baited breath for your next work.
Second, I treat my writing as a job. When I am working on a book I get up every morning and get ready for the day as if I was expected at work. I try to be at my desk at 9:00 a.m., coffee in hand, ready to go.
Third, that writing is a gift you give yourself. It really doesn’t matter if anyone buys what you have written; although all of us would love a best seller that is not what makes you a “writer”. When you put the words on a page and love what you have written, you are a writer.
Moe: What are you working on now?
Cynthia Hudson: I just finished my second novel and while I am working through my second draft I am writing some short stories for publication on the web.
Moe: Do you have a favourite writing related book?
Cynthia Hudson: I have two but if I can only pick one it would be Stephen King’s On Writing. Practical advice and it makes me smile.
Moe: What is your favourite writing website?
Cynthia Hudson: I love Writer’s Digest. They offer many of their how-to articles from the magazine for free online. There is a free newsletter that you can subscribe to, links, prompts, online conferences, and a bookstore that offers many writing related books at discounted rates. It’s also how I found BIW and NaNoWriMo!
Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you’d like to pass along?
Cynthia Hudson: I always try to figure out what I need to get done for the week, whatever project I am working on, and then set my goal. I also find it easier for me to set my goal a little low so I am not constantly beating myself up for not getting enough done which is simply wasted energy.
Thanks so much Cynthia. It was great to learn about you and you had solid advice to share. Have a great September writing!
Interesting interview, and good advice about writing. Nice to 'meet' you, Cynthia!
Good Job Jerry. Thank you for being here and sharing.
I enjoyed your answers, Cynthia. Great tips!