About Neil Hughes:
Neil Hughes finds it difficult to describe himself, especially in the third person. He has spent time as a computer programmer, a physicist, a semi-professional evangelist and even occasionally as a stand-up comedian.
He now writes part-time, programs part-time and tries not to worry too much about everything.
After many years living all over the place, he has returned to the north-west of England where he hopes to do various things that help people to be happy. He wishes there was a way to say this without sounding so painfully cheesy.
What inspires you to write?
I began by writing for myself, and soon realised that I had a story to tell that could help and entertain others. I’m motivated by the idea of somebody enjoying my work… whether finding some insight in it, or getting that wonderful ‘escapist’ feeling of being absorbed in someone else’s world.
Tell us about your writing process.
I like to outline, but I find that the outline evolves a lot during the process. At times I go back and scrap a whole section or arc and replace it with something that’s occurred to me as I’ve been working. So I guess I’m a bit seat-of-the-pants and a bit of a planner!
What advice would you give other writers?
My main advice is to stay determined and keep working. It’s hard to motivate yourself to write every day, but if you keep to the discipline you’ll eventually get to the end. Writing a book is a LOT of work (and it’s only part of the job!) but it can be very rewarding, so keep your eye on the goal and sit down and write!
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I didn’t talk to any agents or publishers, despite having a strong pitch for my first book – when I say it’s “a comedy book about anxiety” people are almost always interested.
I was too curious about how the world of publishing works, and I wanted to do it all for myself. I also thought I had what it took to make a professional product – the right contacts, the right mix of skills – so I wanted to challenge myself and see if that’s true. I’m delighted that the book has come out as well as it has, and that it can stand alongside other books on the shelves and not look at all out of place.
Much of the credit has to go to my awesome cover artist, of course, but I’m very happy that I was able to navigate all of the steps of publishing and create something that I can be proud of.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think there’ll always be a place for curated content in the world of traditional publishing, and a free-for-all in the world of indie publishing. I think this keeps things interesting for both authors and readers, and is ultimately a good thing for books.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: Nonfiction, fantasy, autobiography, self-help, sci-fi, humor
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Neil Hughes Home Page Link
Link To Neil Hughes Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
