Today I am introducing you to fellow blogger and the creator of some wonderful short stories: Hugh Roberts. Welcome Hugh, thanks for participating here. First up, please tell us about your connection to Wales.
I was born in Wales and spent the first 17 years of my life living there. Most of my family still live there. I’m currently living in Hove, East Sussex, with my partner John and Toby, our Welsh Cardigan Corgi. We have a holiday home in Abergavenny in Monmouthshire and are in the process of planning to return to live in Wales once we sell our house here in Hove. We’re planning on purchasing another home near the Welsh coastline around The Mumbles area.
Tell us a little about yourself as writer and person
I’ve always loved to write but allowed having dyslexia to get in my way. When I was at school the condition was never recognised and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to stop allowing dyslexia to get in the way of me publishing a book. Along with having a number one hit single, having a book published has always been on my list of life achievements before my ‘use by’ date comes up. I’d heard that blogging was a great platform for writers so started ‘Hugh’s Views and News’ to try and gain my confidence. I was so overwhelmed by the huge amount of support I got from other writers, authors and bloggers that I started writing short stories. It’s something I have grown to love and many of my short stories have received positive and confidence boosting comments. I’m hoping to self-publish my first collection of short stories next year.
As a person I am very much an Introvert. I do find it difficult being in a room of lots of people and starting off a conversation. However, once I get started there’s no stopping me. I do call myself a ‘people person’ because I love listening to what people have to say. I suppose that’s quite strange being as I am an introvert.
What is your life like outside of writing?
We travel between Hove and Abergavenny a lot. I spend as much time as I can writing, but I also follow many other blogs and love to catch up with reading them every day. We tend to relax in front of the TV watching movies or catching up on some of our favourite programmes’. I enjoy visiting antique shops looking for a bargain. I’ve taken along some of my finds to The Antiques Roadshow but have yet to find that one item where people are shocked by the valuation. I find antiques shops magical because every single item in them tells a story. I also enjoy long walks with John and Toby and enjoy good food and wine. I can’t cook, so thankfully John enjoys cooking otherwise I’d be living off microwavable meals.
Ever since I was first introduced to the BBC comedy series Gavin & Stacey, I’ve always admired Ruth Jones. Not only did she play the wonderful Nessa in the series but she co-wrote it with James Cordon. I’ve watched her interviewing other celebrities on TV and she comes over as such a natural, professional, kind person. She’s a brilliant writer and actress and never fails in making me laugh. If she was coming to dinner then I’d have to get John to do all the cooking, and a nice piece of Welsh lamb served with mint sauce and all the trimmings would be on the menu.
What are you working on at the moment?
Having just finished writing “The Truth App’ which turned from a one part to a ten part story because people liked it so much, I’m now starting work on some ‘one-off’ short stories for my book. I enjoyed writing ‘The Truth App’ but I never expected the demand from my readers to keep the story going. I was overwhelmed with people telling me that they wanted more and it took over my life. Ideas for other short stories were parked to one side for eight weeks while I wrote it. I need another ten or so short stories for my collection and I can then start the process of putting the book together. I’m very nervous about self publishing my first book but very excited about it at the same time.
There are lots of things I love about Wales including its scenery, people and history, but I do love the fact that it is not fast paced. I’ve lived in London and the South East of England for thirty years and it’s just fast, fast, fast! When we go back to Wales we seem to be able to relax far better and people seem to have the time to stop and talk to you. I’ve loved living in London and the South East of England but it’s now time to move back to that slower-pace of life. Oh, did I forget to mention Welsh cakes? That’s another reason I love Wales so much.
What is your advice to anyone wanting to start writing a blog?
Don’t expect hundreds of instant followers. There is a lot of hard work involved in building up a good number of followers for your blog. You will need to build up your blogging community and become a member of many other blogging communities. Think about quality rather than than quantity when it comes to the blog posts you write and never ever beg people to follow you. Participate in blog challenges and any online blogging courses that the blogging platform provider offers. If you don’t visit other blogs and read and comment on posts then it’s very unlikely that you will gain many followers yourself. After all, we want lots of people to read what we publish on our blogs don’t we, otherwise why bother to run a blog at all? However, my best advice is to enjoy blogging. If it starts to stress you out or becomes too much to handle then move on to something else.
Where do you get the ideas from for your short stories?
Strange as it may seem but it is often the case that the story will find me and get me to write it. That sounds quite creepy doesn’t it, so maybe that is why many of my short stories have an unexpected and sometimes shocking ending to them? It’s wonderful when readers say to me “I didn’t see that ending coming” or “wow, what a twist.” Sometimes a character from a short story will tell me their story while I’m ironing or doing some housework and I have to then stop what I am doing and write the story down. I’m a huge fan of TV Series like ‘The Twilight Zone’, ‘Dr.Who’ and ‘Tales of the Unexpected’, so many of my stories take on a Science Fiction, Time Travel or Ghost theme. I’ve also written a short series of stories centred around a Wedding that never took place. The story became a bit of a ‘whodunit’ and I had readers shocked by the outcome when I revealed who the murderer was.
How do you handle criticism of your work?
Having not published a book yet I’ve come across little criticism so far. However, I’ve read some great advice from fellow bloggers who have published books on how to handle poor reviews and criticism. I know there are many pitfalls to publishing a book and I am so very thankful to the very supportive blogging community who have warned me what those pitfalls are as well as how to handle the situations.
Hugh Roberts currently lives in Hove, East Sussex, in the United Kingdom. He is an avid Blogger and writes about all kinds of everyday life and what it brings. He has always enjoyed writing and does not allow the fact that he suffers from a mild form of dyslexia to stop him writing.
An author of short stories, Hugh is hoping to publish his first book of short stories in 2016. He has also started writing his first novel which is based around his life when he first moved to London.
He leads a very happy and positive life which he shares with his Civil Partner, John, and their Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Toby.
On his blog he writes about life, because he finds it so fascinating and has also recently got interested in photography. You will also find some of his short stories, poetry and photography on his blog. He is a huge supporter of other writers, authors and bloggers and very much enjoys becoming a member of their blogging communities.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertHughes05
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hugh.roberts05/
Belinda Crane said:
Thank God there was no camera on me while I read this. I just know I had a goofy grin on my face the whole time I was reading! So lovely to find out more about this amazing entity in our blogging world! Great post (wonderful questions … wonderful answers! 🙂
writerchristophfischer said:
Thank you Belinda. I full-heartedly agree. Hugh is a treasure 🙂
Have a grat day and thanks for stopping by 🙂
Belinda Crane said:
You have a lovely day too my friend!
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thanks so much for your lovely comments, Bee. Now I have a huge smile on my face after reading them.
Belinda Crane said:
🙂
teagan geneviene said:
Hi Christoph! What a wonderful way to begin my Wednesday — an interview with Hugh. Two of my favorite guys in one blog! Mega hugs to you both. 😀
writerchristophfischer said:
Thank you Teagan ❤
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thanks Teagan. Maybe one day, Christoph and I can treat you to dinner and , of course, a tour of our beautiful country.
teagan geneviene said:
🙂 ❤ Even more hugs
Hugh's Views and News said:
Reblogged this on Hugh's Views & News and commented:
I am delighted to be the guest of Christoph Fischer, over on his blog ‘Writer Christoph Fischer’, today. Here he interviews me as part of his Welsh Wednesdays feature.
Please do come on over and find out what he asked me and how I answered his questions.
Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed by you, Christoph.
writerchristophfischer said:
It’s been a pleasure having you on the blog.
Thanks for being such an entertaining and lovely guest!
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Great to see a Smorgasbord favourite on the same page as another writer in our community.. Hugh Roberts with Christoph Fischer on Welsh Wednesday.. Terrific
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks Sally 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Many thanks from me as well, Sally. xx
Wendy Janes said:
I have enjoyed reading this interview. Lovely to learn a little more about Hugh and his writing.
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks Wendy 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thank you so much, Wendy. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🎅
Wendy Janes said:
Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
jan said:
I keep hearing so many wonderful things about Wales – I’m going to have to add it on my list of places to go. Enjoyed getting to know Hugh who is indeed a fine writer and great supporter of other bloggers.
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks Jan. Wales is wonderful and so are Hugh and his blog 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Please let us when you visit our beautiful country, Jan. It would be a pleasure to treat you to lunch or dinner. Thank you so much for your lovely comments.
xx
olganm said:
Great to see Hugh here and read a bit more about him. I know we’ll see one of his books published some day. And yes, he’s a master of stories with a twist. Thanks, Christoph.
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thanks very much, Olga. I’ve a few more short stories in the pipeline now that I have finished with ‘The Truth App.’
writerchristophfischer said:
My words exactly, Olga ❤
edwinasepisodes said:
Thanks so much Christoph for such an interesting and entertaining interview. It is always nice getting to know a little more about fellow bloggers, and Hugh gave some wonderful answers to your questions 🙂
writerchristophfischer said:
The pleasure was mine, Edwina 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thank you so much, Judy.
xx
Leigh W. Smith said:
Love the interview; thank you for talking with Hugh. Of all the celebrities that I know or am acquainted with (not that there are many, and I hope you don’t mind me calling you famous, Hugh!), very few seem likeable or even like people you’d want to spend time with–Hugh, however, breaks that mold completely. I could see sitting down with him or taking a walk with him and John and Toby. Hugh, in addition to having interests I share (writing, dogs, photography, Doctor Who), seems like a genuinely honest, warm, funny, and wonderful person. Plus, his blogging advice is evergreen and priceless; he certainly doesn’t neglect his blog and any ambitious blogger would do well to follow his example(s)!
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks Leigh 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thank you so much, Leigh. Such lovely words. You’ve made me blush! Now I’m lost for words 🎅
dgkaye said:
Fab, fab, interview by both you and Hugh! And yes Hugh, we are waiting for your newest ‘App’ related story~ xo
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks Debby 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Hi Debby, thank you so much.
“The app is dead, the app is dead.” 🙂
dgkaye said:
Lol Hugh, you’re hilarious!! ❤
Enlightenment Angels said:
Reblogged this on ENLIGHTENMENT ANGELS.
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks for the re-blog 🙂
davidprosser said:
A brilliant interview with two of my favourite gentlemen.Thanks Christoph.
Hugs
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks David. Big hugs!
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thank you very much, David.
Hugs to you.
Marje @ Kyrosmagica said:
Lovely post about Hugh, I found out some new things about him that I didn’t know, (his plan to move to Wales.) Hope he has much luck in self publishing his short stories in 2016. I intend to self publish my novel too, so we will support each other through out:)
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks Marje and best of luck with your novel:-)
Marje @ Kyrosmagica said:
Thank you. 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Hi Marje, thank you so much.
The very best of luck on that self-publishing journey and with the new novel. I’m here to help, so hopefully we’ll learn together.
Marje @ Kyrosmagica said:
Yes definitely we shall spur each other on!! Best of luck Hugh. 🙂
Andrew Petcher said:
Nice interview. Gentle. I like the Antiques Road Show when someone is shocked by a low valuation or when something is revealed as a fake. Always makes me chuckle!
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thanks Andrew.
Yes, they don’t show many of those on the show, do they? Such a shame. I’ve been a few times. My best buy was two Christmas mugs off eBay. They cost me 99p each and were valued at £30 each! 🙂
dorne whale said:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Thank you.
writerchristophfischer said:
Thank you 🙂
Ali Isaac said:
Lovely interview, Hugh! So you’re moving back to Wales? Good for you, don’t blame you. I loved city life while I was younger, but wouldn’t give up the rural life I have now for anything! There is a lot to be said for that slower pace of life. The Truth App was a fabulous series, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can’t wait to read your first book…. woooohooooooo, bring it on, Hugh! 😀
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks Ali 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thanks so much Ali. Yes, the big move is on and we’ll be moving from Brighton & Hove to Wales by the end of January. Exciting times. We’ve been in Wales since Nov 29th and are here till Jan 6th. Loving every moment of it.
If you liked “The Truth App” then I am currently in the process of publishing some Christmas themed short stories on my blog. The first one “I wish it could be Christmas every day” was published on Tuesday. It’s got a lot of people talking about its subject matter and took my writing in a completely different direction.
http://hughsviewsandnews.com/2015/12/08/i-wish-it-could-be-christmas-every-day/
I’ve got another two Christmas themed short stories lined up. Just hope they don’t frighten my readers too much. 🎅
Ali Isaac said:
I liked that story a lot! Dont know how I missed it. I’m set up to receive email notifications from your blog, but I noticed some others I don’t seem to be getting as well *sigh*.
I thought that story was one of hope and positivity, till I read the last line, you sneaky devil you! An excellent twist. Btw way, for some reason I couldn’t leave a comment on it so I did that here. 😊
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thanks Ali. Strange you could not leave a comment on the post. I’m guessing ‘The Truth App’ is at work. As for the email notifications, did you check your spam folder? Sometimes I get emails in there that are notifications of new posts from blogs I follow.
Ali Isaac said:
I think its something to do with Samsung or Android. Seems to be all third party clicks that just dont work.
D. Wallace Peach said:
Delightful interview, Christoph and Hugh. I love your answer about ideas for stories: “the story will find me and get me to write it.” Isn’t that the truth! One of the joys of writing 😀
writerchristophfischer said:
Thank you 🙂
Hugh's Views and News said:
Absolutely, Diana. Thank you so much for reading the interview. It was a real pleasure being asked to do the interview by Christoph.
quirkygirlinspain said:
Excellent interview, both. Great to meet another author of short stories.
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thank you very much. I’m a huge fan of the short story. Always read a couple everyday.
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks you 🙂
Sherri said:
Hello Christoph, good to meet you, so kind of you to feature Hugh on your blog, someone I consider a wonderful writer and lovely, kind friend. Hugh, I so enjoyed learning more about your writing background and aspirations, also more about your Welsh roots. Wales is a place I would love to explore more (visited Angelsey when my brother was stationed there in the RAF a long time ago and I am desperate to see the puffins in Pembrokeshire…). I hope your moving plans go as smoothly as possible. I admire you greatly for not allowing your stuggles wtih dyslexia to stand in the way of your writing, not only that but thrilled to read of your plans to self publish your stories. Your advice on building up a blogging community is right on: it takes a lot of work but it is well worth it. To this day, I still can’t quite believe that anyone takes the time to read anything on my blog. But interaction is key and you make everyone feel so welcome. It’s great too that you’re getting into your photography. I look forward to sharing your blogging/writing journey with you for a long time to come 🙂 xx
writerchristophfischer said:
Thank you Sherri
I’m delighted and honoured to host marvellous Hugh on my blog 🙂
Best wishes
C.x
Hugh's Views and News said:
Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Sherri. If you could just see how much I blushed while reading them 🙂
Yes, we are finally leaving Brighton and Hove behind and moving back to Wales. Current plans are that we will be moving on or just before January 29th. I’m going to miss Brighton and Hove very much but we are so looking forward to living in Wales. Of course we will revisit Brighton but, equally, we are looking forward to discovering the parts of Wales we haven’t visited yet. We are planning some trips during the Spring and Summer of 2016.
You are very welcome to come and visit us as well. The kettle will always be on and a plate of Welsh cakes ready.
Thank you so much for all your loyal support. Without people like you, Christoph and many others on here, I would never have gotten over my fear of letting dyslexia stop me from writing.
xx
Sherri said:
Ahh..you are so very welcome Hugh, I mean every word, and it would be a delight to visit you in Wales once you’re settled in, very much look forward to it. And yes, the blogging community is truly amazing. As with you and dyslexia, and what a wonderful testiment you give to the encouragement of others, I would never have gained the confidence to write my memoir without it. I am in awe. I hope your move goes as smoothly as possible…but Christmas and the new year to enjoy first…and lots of great stories to write and read 🙂 xx