About annie Hudson

Interview With Author Annie Hudson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a child, I despised writing of any type. I really wish AI had been around when I was in college. In later life, I discovered that I actually had a knack for it. When the company I worked for needed a ‘strong’ but gentle letter, they’d come to me. If we needed to prepare a brochure or marketing materials, that was also given to me. My main job was as a full-time sales associate and later, vice president.

I used to write crafting books and magazine articles. I wrote a book on how to make paper beads, articles on scrap booking and a children’s book on animal origami. When the internet opened up, these writing opportunities became scarce.

In January of 2024, I decided to create a cozy mystery series. I love the genre – typically sweet and sometimes corny. I pulled from real life people to create the characters and so far, because they are visual – meaning I can see them in my mind – it’s working well.

I have a long list of books I’d like to tackle, some in this series called Emma Anders Cozy Mysteries and the others are additional series. I had to ‘wear a character out’, so I’m always creating new ones.

My husband and I live in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina while our 3 adult children live their lives – one in Greensboro, one in Milan, Italy and the third in Buffalo.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book in the Emma Anders series will be released in the summer of 2024 and it is called The Greedy Ghost Hunting Guest. Since Emma, the main female character, owns a bed and breakfast in Boone, NC, where App State is located, and it is haunted by a friendly ghost, her uncle Preston. It seemed fitting to have a wacky ‘professor’ show up and make a mess of things.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just write all the time. If I don’t, I can’t sleep. I’m what they call a ‘pantser’ – I just sit down, and the story comes out. This will probably sound unusual, but I see it play out in front of me – it just happens.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love any mystery writer. I also adore the way that Jodi Picoult writes, with each chapter from one character’s perspective – how romance it written – but she covers so much ground this way. It’s refreshing.

What are you working on now?
There are two ‘prequels’ for two new series in the hopper right now.

One will need a ‘new’ genre created- it has some ‘magic’ (not witches or warlocks). The MFC is a very modern, young women who creates something very special – it has ‘Traveling Pants’ vibes.

The other is set of cozy murder mysteries, set in a community that really exists – I know because we have a cabin there – and those characters will also be ‘real’ people – fictionalized.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social Media can be a big help. I’m in my infancy with that and have been just trying to learn everything I can about my target readers. So far, it has been a great journey to identify their personas and delve into the secrets of internet marketing.

Eventually, appearing in bookstores with ‘real’ books would be a goal, as they take off.

I am particularly fond of the ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy – so I swap with other authors, participate in promos, attend online classes – anything that will support the work

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write it. It doesn’t matter if it’s perfect. Getting it on paper is 95% of the battle. Try to find a mentor or join a program that encourages self-publishing. It can be eye opening if you choose the right one.

Tell everyone you see that you are an author. It doesn’t matter if you are published yet or not. Are you writing something for others to read? Then you are an author.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Listen to Learn”. I did a lot of talking when I was in my 30’s, in my 40’s I learned far more from just observing and listening.

What are you reading now?
A David Baldacci novel called Escape. Lots of military lingo and some well researched locations. He’s a great writer. Weird coincidence, I was reading the book in the car, when the MMC told the FMC that he had to ‘go to Quantico’ to change his clothes, meanwhile my husband and I were driving right by the Quantico exit.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books of course. Refining the craft.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Outlander books, One Harry Potter (I’ve never read them, just watched the movies with the kids), Robinson Crusoe (for some survival hints) and “How to get off a Desert Island” because while I love the ocean, I’m not a big fan of coconuts.

Grouping her first three full length books with two bonus features, Annie has created the Emma Anders Anthology #1.

Bonus story, Lizzie Finds Emma, is only available in this e-book.