H. C. Hewitt Interview Published on: 25, Jul 2023
Where have you spent most of your childhood?
South east corner of Saskatchewan, Canada on a cattle/grain farm.
Do you remember the first book you ever read?I don’t recall the very first book I read but I know I loved hearing my mother read Arthur’s Bible Stories and I looked at the pictures for hours.
What developed your interest in history?The Historical village my grandma worked at. She would take me with her and teach me the history, and she would let me dress up like her (1880’s garb) and talk to the tourist who came to learn about the history of the village.
What is the most ideal ambiance for you to write in?Sitting in my room, In my grandad’s chair, surrounded with antiques and quilts, listening to Scott Joplin playing the piano.
What was the most difficult thing while writing the book, "Jacob's Secret"?We had just moved to a new province the year before, so I found it most difficult to make the time to write as well as now I had to change my routine, and that was most difficult, as I worked full time and I found it easier to write when I worked (as crazy as it sounds!)
Who inspired the character of Josie in "Papa's Chair"?The children in my historical novel series. The children’s names are Josie and Danny, and they belong to my main characters. So they are the inspiration.
How do you feel about the shift of readers from physical books to digital ones?I think it’s great as I am an ebook reader myself. Yes I love the real book too, and I collect signed copies but I find time to read at night before bed and it works better for me with ebooks. So I am happy there is an option of either. As well as audio. I love audio books for when I am travelling or working on a long project, it’s perfect.
When writing novels, is it better to have daily time-spent-writing goals or words-written goals?My goals are word count, I like that best, it works for me.
What is something that you read recently and is worth sharing?Any novel by Kathleen McGurl. I have read all her books. They are time-slip novels and I just love the history in them.
Criticism, whether constructive or otherwise is part and parcel of any art form. How do you deal with reviews of your books- both positive and negative?It is good to get constructive criticism. No one ever likes negative reviews but it comes with the territory. When I did receive my first negative review, of course I was devastated but I learned after years of writing, we can’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
How can one improve his/her writing skills?Just keep writing for one and be consistent. Take courses, read other’s books, share with other authors, never be afraid to learn more.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written?Yep there sure is! I can’t say for sure how many are in my head but I have started at least 5 on my computer. Can you tell us about one? I wanted to write the sequel to “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” that is one of them. Another is the tragic story of my great grandmother. She was married at 18, had four children from 1921-1926 and right after her last one was born, was taken to a mental hospital where she spent the rest of her life. She died at age 54 there. Very tragic for the children who grew up without a mother.
What are your thoughts on AllAuthor? Is this a website you see yourself using for some time even in the future?I love AllAuthor and what they do for us as authors. The mock up banners are so awesome and useful. I love their cover contests too. I was third in the last one I competed in.
