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MEET ALMA HUDSON (9/2011)
by Bonnie O'Brian

What did you most like to do when you were a child?

Alma Hudson

When I was a child, I loved to read and sketch.  My Father would go to the library twice a week and I couldn’t wait to check out a new book.  Being raised up in a small desert town, books took me to places I’ve never been before.  Through books, I learned about the lives and experiences of other people. 

What books influenced you most when you were growing up?

I loved to read fairy tales as a child.  I read every book I could get my hands on. I also read comic books such as Thor, Richi Rich, Archie, Betty and Veronica, Spiderman, Sad Sack, Hulk, Superman, X-Men, Popeye and Romance magazines.  They use to sell them for under a dollar and I would read everyone I could afford to buy.  As I grew older, I read more serious books such as I know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou and Black Boy by Richard Wright.  I also loved Old English such as King Lear by William Shakespeare. 

When you went to college, were you already pursuing a writing career?

When I went to college, I took journalism classes and wrote for the college newspaper. Although I loved to write, I never dreamed I could make a living doing so.  I grew up in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s during the Civil Rights Movement and knew very few black authors.  This lead to my decision to major in accounting, but my love for writing never left me. 

Do you focus on fiction or nonfiction?  Which do you prefer?  Do you find one easier than the other?

I focus on writing fictions.  I would love to do both.  However, I love to write stories and develop characters so I started writing fiction first.  I believe nonfiction would require more research, unless I wrote about a topic or person I was familiar with.  My mother lead a very interesting life and I plan to write a nonfiction book based upon her life.

What kinds of things inspire you to write?

I like to write stories, poems, and make art about subjects that affect urban communities.  I’m inspired by urban experiences. My stories are colorless and anyone could relate to them.

Have any of your fiction stories been about real people or events?

I write books based upon my own personal experiences.  I wanted to document my experiences as an African-American growing up during the civil rights movement for future generations to read.  Also, for years I couldn’t speak about the trauma I suffered.  I hope by telling about my experiences it will help others to speak out and not be ashamed.

What are the topics of some of your books?

 I have published two books of fiction. My first book CHECKEREDF FENCESis a heartwarming and loving romance about a young interracial couple’s struggle against traditions and racism.  It deals with topics such as family, domestic violence, racism, women’s rights, struggle, and change.   My second book is called THE TROUBLE WITH CHANGE.  It’s a suspenseful crime story about a young, naïve, honor student struggles in the city to survive when she unknowingly meets a streetwise pimp.  It has strong life lessons and deals with topics such as crime in the intercity, spousal abuse, struggle, and is inspirational.  

Have any of your books earned special recognitions?

Yes.  My second book THE TROUBLE WITH CHANGE, was Best Book in the “Women’s Literature” category of the 2011 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards and an Award-Winning Finalist in the "Fiction: Chick Lit/Women's Lit" category of the 2011 International Book Awards. 

What are you working on now?  When do you expect to start submitting it to publishers?

I have just finished writing a screenplay version of my first book CHECKERED FENCES.  I have submitted it to several contests to see what feedback I receive.  I’m currently working on my third book, a comedy, and a nonfiction about my Mother’s life.  Right now I’m uncertain as to when I’ll be submitting them to publishers, I’m just taking my time and enjoying the writing experience.