From Financial Analyst to Bestselling Author: The Diverse Journey of a Literary Chameleon
Brian Hathaway discusses his eclectic past, acting influences, and dog-inspired bestseller, “Hope For The Hounds,” amidst a career interwoven with personal growth and creative evolution.
Amid the cacophony of modern literature, where voices clamour for attention with the urgency of breaking news, Brian Hathaway’s story emerges with an unassuming gravity. A man whose life reads like a map crisscrossed with the lines of constant movement and change, Hathaway brings to the literary world a richness born from a tapestry of diverse experiences.
Brian Hathaway’s journey is as colourful and varied as the characters he creates. From the fluctuating landscapes of finance to the wild frontiers of the dot-com era, from the creative hustle of digital marketing and PR to the dynamic world of Creative & Marketing staffing, Hathaway has navigated through a sea of careers. Yet, amidst these professional transformations, his passion for the arts remained a constant beacon. His seven-year tenure in the realms of acting and improv in New York City bestowed upon him an invaluable acumen for narrative and character that now infuses his written work.
His literary debut, “Hope For The Hounds,” has already etched its mark on readers, captivating them with a best-selling middle-grade urban fantasy that paints a futuristic New York City in broad, imaginative strokes. Dogs are not mere pets in this tale but pivotal societal pillars, reflecting Hathaway’s own adoration for canine companions. The inspiration, he reveals, sprouted from a dream so vivid it propelled him from slumber to scribe.
The narrative tapestry grows more intricate with “COOPED UP,” Hathaway’s sophomore novel that knits together the threads of family sagas and romantic comedies, all while delving into the profound themes of politics, social justice, and relationships. It is a story shaped by the personal trials of a global pandemic and the intimate struggle against illness within his family, told with an authenticity that can only come from lived experience.
In conversation with Reader’s House Magazine, Hathaway opens up about his inspirations, his process, and his aspirations. He discusses how his acting background lends itself to crafting vivid characters and engaging dialogue, how personal tribulations have informed his narratives, and how he plans to leverage his entertainment industry savvy to connect with readers in an ever-evolving publishing landscape.
As Brian Hathaway stands on the cusp of new creative horizons, exploring potential projects that range from heroic wartime tales to gripping true crime, one thing remains certain: his voice—a harmonious blend of humour and heartache, realism and hope—resonates with a clarity that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Join us as we delve into the world of an author who embodies the very essence of transformation, whose stories remind us that stability isn’t about standing still—it’s about finding your anchor in the tumultuous sea of life.
Your debut novel, “Hope For The Hounds,” offers readers a fascinating glimpse into a futuristic New York City where dogs have become integral members of society. What inspired you to create this imaginative world, and how did your own experiences with dogs influence the story?
I knew I wanted to write a story – I just couldn’t commit to an idea or even genre. Was it going to be Sci-Fi? Fantasy? Rom-Com? Superheroes? My wife gave me a copy of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, and in diligently working on the program, I had an epiphany in the form of a powerful dream. I dreamt that our bulldog saved my wife from an apartment fire by flying her out a window and landing her to safety on the city street below. When I woke up, I started writing that day. It combines urban fantasy with science fiction and in this case, the superheroes are the dogs.
I’ve always loved dogs so in my story, they’re the ensemble cast of characters told through the perspective of Hope, a 12-year-old girl, and her best friend, Keely, an American bulldog.
In Cooped Up, you blend elements of romantic comedy with poignant themes of family, struggle, and resilience. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this novel and how your background in acting and comedy shaped the narrative?
My ideas seem to come when I’m searching for my next book. I’m two for two anyway. In this case, it was March of 2020, I had the idea of a stand-up comedian who was going on a national tour but he brings his Mom with him once she’s been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a year to live. Then real-life smacked me in the face in the form of a global pandemic and my Mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer that summer. I shifted my idea to writing in real time about the pandemic while figuring out what a comedy tour in the Fall of 2020 would look like. In my research, I chatted with one of my best friends, who’s been a stand-up comedian for twenty years. I took my Mom’s journey with cancer and incorporated it into the story. So although this is a fictional story, there’s truth on every page. I admire comedians so much and for me, it’s the truest form of art. It’s the only artform that is a real-time interaction with the performer and the audience. I’ve always loved making people laugh, so that was a main motivation in writing this book.
Your journey from acting and improv in New York City to becoming a writer is quite unique. How did your experiences in the entertainment industry inform your writing process, particularly when it comes to crafting engaging characters and dialogue?
I write visually. I see the movie in my mind as I write. My goal with both my books and the ones coming after is to see them as a TV series or movie.
My training in character development and Improv lends credence to my work because I can peel back the layers of characters like an onion. I try to write realistic dialogue so that each character comes with their own, unique perspectives. For me, the most interesting characters are the sympathetic bad guys and flawed heroes. After all, everyone is the hero of their own story.
Cooped Up tackles timely themes of family, illness, and the impact of the global pandemic, offering a heartfelt exploration of love and resilience. How did your personal experiences, such as caring for your mother during her chemotherapy, influence the themes and emotions portrayed in the book?
First of all, I couldn’t believe it when my mom told me she had cancer (again) after I started writing Cooped Up. So her bladder cancer and her journey with it is documented in the book. Ultimately, I wanted this book to be about hope because we had just lived through a global pandemic and I felt everyone needed something to cling to that gives them a sense of good in this world. Although these are heavy topics, I didn’t want the book to be misery porn either. I want realism mixed with laugh-out-loud moments and a happy ending. No spoilers though!
I’ve very recently updated the timeline of Cooped Up to take place this year, in the Fall of 2024. I feel it brings a bit more timeliness and relevance to the story. I’m amazed how similar things are in 2024 as they were in 2020.
With your background in entertainment and PR, you bring a unique perspective to the publishing world. How do you envision leveraging your industry connections and experiences to promote your books and connect with readers?
I decided to self-publish Hope For The Hounds and after that valuable learning experience, I’m waiting for an agent to represent me to pitch Cooped Up to traditional publishers.
I have friends in entertainment who I think will help me promote my book when it comes out. I’m thinking of morning talk shows and late-night talk shows. I also believe a tv/film deal may come along with the publishing deal. I’ll be cashing in ll of my favors for sure!
Looking ahead, what other creative projects or writing endeavors are you currently exploring? Are there any genres or themes you’re excited to explore in future works or any particular storytelling techniques you hope to further develop in your writing journey?
Great question! It’s one I’ve been wrestling with recently. I’ve been speaking with my old high school buddy whose grandfather was in all these famous battles of WWII. His grandfather is like the Forest Gump of WWII. I’m thinking of writing a fictionalized version of his grandpa’s story.
I’ve also spoken with another friend who’s a New York City police detective and he was telling me about this case of his. It’s mindblowing and he wants to turn it into a book after he retires in a couple of years. I can see myself getting involved in that one too.
So the two themes that I seem to be gravitating towards are true stories of heroism and true crime.
Of course, I’ve been thinking about the sequels to Hope For The Hounds and Cooped Up too!
