Unveiling the Inspirations and Intricacies Behind his Diverse Literary Portfolio
Allan Hudson shares insights into character creation, thematic exploration, historical research, and the rewarding journey of writing across genres.
Growing up in the picturesque setting of South Branch, Allan Hudson was imbued with a love for literature from an early age, thanks to the guiding hand of his mother, a dedicated schoolteacher. Now residing in Dieppe, New Brunswick, alongside his wife Gloria, Hudson’s life has been a tapestry woven with threads of adventure and travel, each experience serving as fertile ground for his literary endeavours. An author of action-packed adventure novels, evocative historical fiction, and poignant short story collections, Hudson’s talent has not gone unnoticed. His captivating tales, such as “The Ship Breakers” and “In the Abyss,” earned him Honourable Mentions in the esteemed New Brunswick Writers Federation competition. His narratives have found homes in various publications including commuterlit.com, The Golden Ratio, and his own blog, the South Branch Scribbler.
In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Allan Hudson offers readers a glimpse into his creative process, shedding light on the inspirations that fuel his storytelling and the intricacies of his craft. From the genesis of his compelling protagonist Detective Josephine (Jo) Naylor, inspired by the resilience of female leads from the iconic ‘80s series “Cagney & Lacey,” to the poignant exploration of themes of loneliness and unexpected connections in his upcoming release “One Bedroom Ark,” Hudson unveils the layers of his narrative tapestry.
Diving deeper, Hudson shares insights into his foray into historical fiction with “Code Name: Iron Spear 1941,” a riveting murder mystery set against the backdrop of World War II. Drawing from personal experiences and historical research, Hudson intricately weaves together a tale that transports readers to a bygone era fraught with intrigue and suspense.
Furthermore, Hudson delves into the genesis of his acclaimed short story “The Ship Breakers,” shedding light on the poignant inspiration behind the narrative and the meticulous process of crafting a story that resonates with readers on a profound level.
As Hudson’s diverse portfolio attests, his passion for storytelling knows no bounds. From the adrenaline-fueled realms of detective fiction to the evocative landscapes of historical settings, Hudson’s narratives captivate and enthral, inviting readers on immersive journeys that linger long after the final page is turned.
Join us as we embark on a literary odyssey through the multifaceted world of Allan Hudson, where every story is a testament to the boundless power of imagination and the enduring allure of storytelling.
Can you share your inspiration behind the character Detective Josephine (Jo) Naylor? What made you choose her as the protagonist for your series?
The idea originally began as a short story with a female detective lead investigating a series of crimes leading to a serial killer. Further investigations lead Detective Naylor to discover she actually knows the killer personally. I enjoy a thriller with a strong female protagonist and I wanted my MC to be a lady, refined, yet tough with no-back-down attitude. Josephine Naylor was inspired by the characters from the series Cagney & Lacey in the 1980’s.
Your upcoming release, “One Bedroom Ark,” seems to delve into themes of loneliness and unexpected connections. What motivated you to explore these themes, and what message do you hope readers will take away from the story?
I was intrigued by an older man in my neighbourhood who owned a store and even though he was surrounded by people smiling and greeting him, he always seemed a lonely type of person. He was the catalyst for the original short story. I envisioned another store owner, older, widowed and feeling alone, who had someone walk into his life, totally unplanned and cure his loneliness. Who better than a young girl with child badly in need of a roof over her head and another chance?
I hope folks who read the story will be cheered by the outcome and perhaps, persuade them to be kind to strangers.
Code Name: Iron Spear 1941 sounds like a gripping murder mystery set in World War II. What drew you to this particular time period and genre, and how did you go about researching for historical accuracy?
As a boy, I visited an abandoned Air Force base from WW2 with my brother when the old runways were used for drag racing. Later in life I was employed by a company which was located in one of the older hangars. This led to my digging through historical accounts of the base. I have always enjoyed stories set in WW2 and I hoped to write a murder mystery set during that period, highlighting one of the abandoned spots. There were many bases throughout Atlantic Canada during the war but Air Force Base Scoudouc held the most fascination for me. I did research mainly online but did use the local library as well.
Your short story “The Ship Breakers” received recognition in the Writers Federation of NB competition. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this story and the process of crafting it?
In my first novel which takes place mainly in Bangladesh, I discovered the ship breaking yards which employed hundreds of workers but do not provide any safety equipment, not regulations. Accidents resulting in injuries and/or death are never compensated for and as deadly and dangerous as the work is, there is never a shortage of workers. Further exploration revealed three major shipbreaking ports in the world, all in impoverished countries where there is no legislation for safety of the workers and people lined up for jobs. This led to the story. I visualized a family whose main provider was crippled from the work and much to his dismay, has to send his sons to work in the same yards.
With such a diverse range of writing projects, from detective novels to historical fiction, what do you find most rewarding about exploring different genres, and do you have a favorite genre to write in?
I enjoy exploring different ideas, different themes and do not want to get stuck in one genre. When I read, I like a variety of genres and prefer not to read the same all the time. The ones you mention are my favourites and often different ideas simply spark different stories. It is difficult to pick a favourite but looking back, I enjoyed writing the thrillers most.
Follow the Author
- Website – www.southbranchscribbler.com
- Amazon – https://tinyurl.com/vzektjbd
- Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/allanhudson
- Facebook – facebook.com/southbrancscribbler
- Twitter – twitter.com/hudson_allan
