Barbara M. Hodges Interview Published on: 24, Oct 2024
Can you tell us about your journey as an author and how you got started writing fiction?
It’s been exciting and frustrating too. I’ve been seriously writing now for thirty years. Like most authors I love the creating part of writing, the marketing and promoting side, not so much.
With 16 books to your name, what motivates and inspires you to keep writing?Sharing the stories I imagine.
How do you come up with the ideas for your stories and characters?With me it’s the “what if” factor. Something will happen or I will see something and think, what if.
What role do basset hounds play in your writing process, and why are they significant to you?All my stories have a basset hound in them. I love tales with dogs and with me it will always be a basset hound. I’m involved with basset hound rescue, and I take the opportunity to raise money for rescue with each book. I have a silent auction online. The winning bidder names the basset hound in the book. The money raised goes to the rescue of their choice.
Can you share some insights into your latest book and what readers can expect from it?My work in progress, Hounded by Hope, is the third in my Beyond Investigations series. In Hounded by Hope, a character you meet in my first book of the series, Hounded by Death, must deal with putting her past behind her while dealing with a man trafficking in stolen organs. Does she dare hope for a new life and acceptance.
How has your involvement with basset hound rescue influenced your writing?As I mentioned earlier, I use my love of basset hounds and story-telling to help rescue. They just seem to improve the plot and many times turn into important characters also.
What challenges have you faced in your writing career, and how have you overcome them?The same as most other authors, getting my stories into readers hands. I have loyal readers. The only way I know ho to overcome challenges is to meet them head on…and write the best book I can.
How do you balance your time between writing, your involvement in basset hound rescue, and personal life?It’s hard. I wish there were a few more hours in day. My husband has recently retired. It’s been an adjustment having him home when I was used to having the house to myself. Also my mom just turned 94. She’s doing great, but needs more of my time now.
Can you tell us about a memorable experience or interaction you’ve had with a reader of your books?Yes. My first book, The Blue Flame, was epic fantasy. After a book signing at the local Barnes and Noble, on Halloween, one of the tricker-treaters recognized me and said. “You’re that lady that wrote, The Blue Flame.” I was thrilled.
Do you have a favorite book or character among those you’ve written, and why?I’m always in love with the characters and the book I am working on at this moment. So for now it is, Hounded by Hope.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out?Don’t give up. Believe in yourself. No one will ever tell a story the way you do.
How has living on the central coast of California influenced your writing?I live as close to heaven as you can get and still be breathing. When I see the devastation that is happening worldwide, I thank God for blessing me with the central coast of California.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an author for you?Meeting readers. Typing, The End, on a story. Seeing how a, what if, has played out.
What are your future plans or projects? Are there any upcoming books we should look forwardThere will be more books I can’t not write. After Hounded by Hope, I will begin work on Deadly Rituals, Jane Doe. The sequel to Deadly Rituals, The Shark Teeth Murderer.
Who or what introduced you to AllAuthor? How would you describe your experience so far?I don’t recall how I was introduced to AllAuthor, but I am glad I was. Thank you for supporting all of us authors.
