When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I remember working on my high school newspaper, realizing that it was like assembling a puzzle comprised of pieces that my classmates and I created ourselves. It was invigorating. Since then I’ve been fascinated with inventing stories and the process of creativity. I didn’t become a creative writer immediately after college, but I was always writing in some capacity. For example, as an entrepreneur I wrote courseware about how to use PCs and I taught that curriculum to business clients. This led to a stint as co-author on a series of ten nonfiction books. A few years ago I set out on a “second act” that included creative writing. As a musician I have a strong appreciation for the rhythms, phrasing and fluidity shared by poetry and music, so I feel a powerful connection with the genre of poetry.

Who were the authors that influenced you as a youth, and in what ways?

Some of my earliest memories are being a toddler carrying around a lunch-box-sized portable turntable and my collection of 45 rpm records. I also loved reading books and having them read to me. Books, music, TV shows and films all influenced me as a youngster. The unifying connection is, in one word, storytelling.
At around age twelve I developed a fascination with books in the science fiction and fantasy genres. The authors that most influenced me were Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, H. G. Wells, J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, among others. Several themes attracted me to their fantastic, captivating stories. The hubris of humans versus our capacity for greatness. The oppressive nature of the dogma of authority. The power of insatiable curiosity. The outsider’s perspective.
When I’m reading a good book of fiction, any genre, I meld into the author’s characters and their world, like an out-of-body-experience. I truly feel that I am right there with them. This ineffable sense of merging into the realm of a good book is extremely gratifying and inspiring.

How did it feel when you got to hold your very first advanced copy of your book?

I was euphoric and proud!
I did a visioning exercise a few years back. I wrote myself a letter describing my loftiest aspirations, one of which was to do more creative writing. Poems began to accumulate and soon I had a rough draft. When I considered what a printed copy of my poetry book might look like, I pictured a hardcover, coffee-table style book with a compelling, original painting on the cover; an elegant interior design that wouldn’t compete with the poems themselves; and a tasteful amount of artwork interspersed among the pages. I saw my friend Preston M. Smith’s painting Elements and Dreamscapes and instantly knew I had found what I was looking for; it beautifully symbolizes my book’s themes—cosmology, reflection, perspective, curiosity, wonder, triumph over adversity, life’s journey… I’m honored that Preston’s painting graces the front cover. When I received the printed proofs, I had goosebumps and my jaw dropped. The physical book was exactly what I had pictured in my mind’s eye. Spooky entanglement.

What was the inspiration behind your book(s)?

Several years ago I was pondering the question, “How can I be more creative?” I had put in three decades of full-time work and I wanted to let my freak flag fly, reignite my fascination with art and creativity, and dive into my “second act.” As I mentioned earlier, I found some quiet time, let my imagination run unconstrained, then wrote myself a letter describing those imaginings. Some of my aspirations were to do more creative writing, play more music and professionally record original music. My next step was to write haiku for relatives on their birthday cards. Then I wrote several longer poems and began diligently keeping a poetry and music journal. One day I assembled all my poems and realized that I had the essence of a poetry book in my hands, which eventually evolved into this book. I arranged the poems to tell a story across five chapters: “Dear Reader, Hello,” “Reflections,” “It’s Getting Dark in Here,” “Motion” and “A Celebration of All Things.” I added Chapter Prologues and Author’s Comments to unify my book’s main themes.

Incandescent Visions

By Lee Hudspeth

What was your publishing journey like?

The nonfiction books I co-wrote earlier in my career were all published by traditional publishers. At the time, self-publishing was rare. Our job was to write proposals and then write the books. The publishers handled distribution and marketing, although we did market directly to our consulting clients (this was pre-social media, so I guess I’m dating myself).
As you know, times have changed. When I decided to write a poetry book in 2018, I knew that with no prior poetry work to my name, I would need to self-publish. After studying articles by self-publishing industry experts, it was clear that self-publishing would be my best choice. I would control content, schedule, design, distribution and marketing, and retain more net profit on each book sold when compared to working with a traditional publisher. I interviewed several book designers and selected 1106 Design. The firm’s workflow methodology and author-centric approach suited me well. I followed 1106’s recommendation to “go wide,” meaning, to use both KDP and IngramSpark for print-on-demand and eBook formats also. I used my own editor who had been working with me from early in the draft stage. (Finding the right editor is one of several important aspects of successfully publishing a book.)

What advice do you have for aspiring young writers?

Be fearless. Express your voice—your inner creative self—without limits. Say “yes” to any opportunity, small or large, to share your writing with others. Be humble and simultaneously proud. Seek out fellow artists who share your fascination with creative potential and who strive to lift you up not knock you down or entrap you with jealousy and criticism. Support your creative colleagues and please remember to take care of yourself. Meaning, cut yourself some slack if you make a mistake. Transform what some might call a “failure” into a learning opportunity. Get up, dust yourself off and take another step forward on your unique, magnificent and irrepressible journey as a creative human being.

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

As a kid, Superman was my favorite superhero, followed closely by Batman. Today my roundabout answer is the wizard Gandalf. His superpowers being, well, he’s a wizard so he has cool magical skills and is extremely knowledgeable, yet he’s a fair-minded soul who doesn’t misuse his power for personal gain. For added flair he’s a free-spirited nomad, loyal to his friends, courageous, patient, kind… and he’s immortal.

Where is your favorite travel destination?

I like the comfort and familiarity of favorite destinations and I also enjoy finding new treasured places. Ercolano is a small beach town outside Naples, Italy. A few summers ago my family and I stayed there for a week. The weather was perfect, the hotel staff were welcoming and we made some amazing new friends. During that stay I was inspired to write several of the poems that ended up in my book; one example is “Exquisite Ercolano.” That trip coincided with my decision to take on a “second act” and strive to be more creative. Ercolano is a nexus for me and will always have a special place in my heart. I look forward to visiting there again.

When you’re not writing, what are your favorite hobbies?

I love to play the guitar. I’ve been playing since I was a teenager. I’m an avid science-fiction reader: short stories, novellas, novels… if it’s sci-fi, I’m interested. I’ve recently dipped my toe in the somewhat intimidating water of photography, particularly landscapes. I’ve been known to hike, run, surf and snowboard, not necessarily in that order. Hmm, that would be a fun day.

Where can people find you online?

I enjoy communicating with my audience through my blog, newsletter and social media, and I always answer emails. My blog’s main themes are artistic creativity, writing and self-publishing.
Alexis Marie, I appreciate you hosting my book and inviting me for an interview. Thank you.
Website:                      https://leehudspeth.com/
Blog:                            https://leehudspeth.com/blog/
Email:                          lee@leehudspeth.com
Twitter:                       https://twitter.com/leehuds
Instagram:                   https://www.instagram.com/hudspethlee/
LinkedIn:                      http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-hudspeth-44538512
Goodreads Author:     https://www.goodreads.com/leehudspeth
Amazon Author:          https://www.amazon.com/author/leehudspeth

Thank you for joining me for Writer Wednesdays!

If you are a writer/author of any genre and would like to pitch yourself for an interview, please email me at info@alexismariechute.com

Catch you next week!

Happy writing,

   –   Alexis Marie Chute