Ask the Author: Fennel Hudson
Answered Questions (9)
Fennel Hudson
I'll be reading Ray Mears' 'Out on the Land' and re-reading Roger Deakin's 'Waterlog' and 'Wildwood'. All great books that demonstrate great empathy with and understanding of nature.
Fennel Hudson
Realise that, when communicating your work, it's nothing to do with you, and all to do with them. I've written a blog on this subject for you, which lists my top 10 tips on audience engagement: http://www.fennelspriory.com/blog/wri...
Fennel Hudson
The book marketer will say: "Write for a specific genre, which makes it easy for booksellers to know where to put your book." This is true, but it challenges my fears of being 'pigeon-holed'.
I'm a lifestyle author who uses nature understanding (of the nature around us and within us) as a way of enhancing the quality of our lives. That seems to be something that booksellers like to put in either the 'travel' or 'self-help' sections. If I'm lucky, I might make it into the 'nature' or 'natural history' section – if they have one.
I get disheartened when readers think of me as a fishing writer, just because three of my fourteen books are about fishing. It's a hobby that's shaped me, but is a very small part of what I'm about.
I'm more passionate about the healing qualities of nature, and living a slow-paced life, as a way of balancing the pressures of a modern lifestyle.
My guidance to aspiring writers is to identify which authors you most aspire to be like, then see what sections/genres they're placed in. Then keep your book aligned to that section.
I'm a lifestyle author who uses nature understanding (of the nature around us and within us) as a way of enhancing the quality of our lives. That seems to be something that booksellers like to put in either the 'travel' or 'self-help' sections. If I'm lucky, I might make it into the 'nature' or 'natural history' section – if they have one.
I get disheartened when readers think of me as a fishing writer, just because three of my fourteen books are about fishing. It's a hobby that's shaped me, but is a very small part of what I'm about.
I'm more passionate about the healing qualities of nature, and living a slow-paced life, as a way of balancing the pressures of a modern lifestyle.
My guidance to aspiring writers is to identify which authors you most aspire to be like, then see what sections/genres they're placed in. Then keep your book aligned to that section.
Fennel Hudson
I've just launched the new fennelspriory website, and am preparing the hardback and paperback versions of Fennel's Journal (due April 2017). I'm also recording a monthly podcast and regular video blogs.
Fennel Hudson
Terry Pratchett wrote that "There's always an angle". This, for me, is the fun part of writing: seeking out the obscure and unique views on life.
I'm always looking for an angle that makes me sit up and take a deep breath, or laugh out loud. Something that will get the reader to think about something in a way that perhaps they wouldn't have done had they not read my books.
My 'A Writer's Year' book talks at length about sources of inspiration, especially techniques about allowing one's mind to drift.
I'm always looking for an angle that makes me sit up and take a deep breath, or laugh out loud. Something that will get the reader to think about something in a way that perhaps they wouldn't have done had they not read my books.
My 'A Writer's Year' book talks at length about sources of inspiration, especially techniques about allowing one's mind to drift.
Fennel Hudson
My latest book - Fennel's Journal, The Lighter Side - was originally intended to be a collection of funny stories. I'm known for writing in a way that balances serious subjects and messages (such as quality of life and the importance of self-belief and self-understanding) with humour and wit. But when I came to writing the book I found that writing pure humour was not as creatively fulfilling as providing a balanced view of darkness and light. I'm a lifestyle author, after all, and life is rarely 'all light'. So I opted for an honest and frank view of life, with of course some giggles thrown in.
Fennel Hudson
You are what you do, not what you think. There's no "I'm going to be a writer." If you've written something today, then you're a writer.
My top writing tips can be read here: http://www.fennelspriory.com/blog/wri...
Write every day. Someone told me at the start of my career that if you can write 1,000 words a day then that's 356,000 words a year: or three books. Way more than most authors achieve. So start by writing just 250 words EVERY day and get into the habit. After all, "Excellence is not a gift, it's a habit." (Aristotle.)
Getting published is a different story and requires smart marketing and self-promotion - whether you go to a publishing house, agent or self-publish. Keep the faith, believe in yourself, and KEEP GOING.
My top writing tips can be read here: http://www.fennelspriory.com/blog/wri...
Write every day. Someone told me at the start of my career that if you can write 1,000 words a day then that's 356,000 words a year: or three books. Way more than most authors achieve. So start by writing just 250 words EVERY day and get into the habit. After all, "Excellence is not a gift, it's a habit." (Aristotle.)
Getting published is a different story and requires smart marketing and self-promotion - whether you go to a publishing house, agent or self-publish. Keep the faith, believe in yourself, and KEEP GOING.
Fennel Hudson
Sharing my message, and the creative euphoria (mixed with pure challenge) of turning a blank piece of paper into something that inspires people.
Fennel Hudson
Reading other authors' works is the best way of getting into the 'writing zone'. It triggers thoughts and new ideas, and get words flowing through your mind. But it always pays to have a clear storyboard for your work. Mind map and then bullet-point the list of how I want my chapters and books to be structured, then it's easy to come back to it every time I sit at my desk.
My process for writing can be read here: http://www.fennelspriory.com/blog/wri...
My process for writing can be read here: http://www.fennelspriory.com/blog/wri...
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