We were lucky to catch up with Allan Hudson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you manage your own social media?

We all know the importance of delivering our message to as large an audience as possible and social media does the trick. I have a daily schedule of marketing my novels through SM. I’ve chosen four sites which experience heavy traffic. For example, Facebook, twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. There are other sites I use occasionally, such as AllAuthor and Pinterest. I try to post regularly and informative.

I have not hired teams or company as I find the market confusing with so many, promising big numbers. At present I enjoy the marketing for my novels, sharing reviews, excerpts and promotional ads I create using Format.

There are many sites, but I think it is important to manage our time and not get overwhelmed with sites and commitments. Pick the ones you are comfortable with and have fun.

Allan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My mother was a school teacher and taught me to read at an early age. Dick and Jane and Baby Sally, for those old enough to remember, are my earliest memory of characters in a book, then comics, then The Hardy Boys mysteries which I was quite fond of. Throughout adolescence, adulthood and now retirement, books have always been important and enjoyable. Like all book lovers, there is usually a small pile waiting to be read.

I often thought of writing a story. There never seemed enough time or commitment with family, work and daily living. My thinking changed when I discovered Bryce Courtenay’s novels, stories I’ve read over and over. He started writing in his early fifties and went on to pen many best sellers. It inspired me to sit and write, realizing it is never too late.

After completing my story to the best I thought I could get it and before I went hunting for an editor, I looked to the internet for information and how-tos for publishing a novel. What a world of confusion awaited me. So much advice, so many offering riches for large amounts of money. Unsure of what to do, I bumped into a lady quite by chance who was an editor. Her assistance was enormous, not only with the story but what else I needed to do to. She explained traditional and self-publishing. I knew then that self-publishing was the route I wanted to take. She explained the importance of hiring professionals, cover designers, formatters.

I love having total control over my books, good or bad. I love working with editors and proofreaders. I love working with the cover creators. The formatting is the finishing touch before uploading. You proof it and order author copies. The joy of holding your own book, your creation never diminishes with each novel or novella. I love it and wouldn’t change anything.

Most of all I love sharing my stories. I’ve been rewarded with people buying my books and returning to buy others. I’m so grateful to those who’ve taken a chance on my writing.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think for many of us, the reaction between new readers and people who purchase your book is extremely gratifying. That in itself is rewarding but what stands out as the best feeling is when a previous buyer has become a follower and returns to purchase more of your books. As a writer, this is the highest compliment.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Early in my writing journey I met an interesting (to say the least) gentleman author through a mutual acquaintance online. We agreed to exchange books. He read mine soon after and lambasted me harshly, publicly. When all the terrible words were done, I was crushed, devastated. My first harsh review. I wanted to quit. I did nothing for several weeks when I received another review. Only this time, it was glowing. On and on of how much she enjoyed the story. The praise perked me up and made me realize my earlier feeling were natural but should not be life changing. It was his opinion. Fine. I’m tougher now, know my stories will never please everyone but I relish the thought they please many.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.southbranchscribbler.com
• Instagram: allanhudson8621
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southbranchscribbler/
• Twitter: @hudson_allan

Image Credits

Author & Gloria Hudson