Today’s interview is with Hunter Chadwick. I didn’t realize that he lives in Cyprus, so this email format that I offer interviews in was perfect. It is amazing how we can truly have a community of authors from around the world. These few interviews so far have included authors living in Turkey, Australia, Cyprus, Great Britain, and the United States. I love it!
Now let’s focus right to Mr. Chadwick:
How did you know you had this series in you?
Like many people, the Covid-19 Pandemic impacted my life in many different ways. I had extra time to consider this and in 2020 and 2021, I wrote several articles about this, but in the end I was listening to a podcast that was talking about the relationship between culture and people’s ideas and opinions and realized it might be better to share my ideas through a work of fiction, so After It’s Over, was born. I have always intended to take some time to write long form fiction, and this was a good excuse to get started.
What a great thing to bring out of the Pandemic!
Why did you choose to use a series format?
Two reasons:
- It was a way to get my writing out there and get immediate feedback. This was appealing to me, given the subject matter. It allows me to tweak the story as things change.
- It was very motivational to receive feedback after each episode. I definitely believe I’ve written this book more quickly than I would have if I was waiting until I was done to publish the whole story.
I appreciate the opportunity that exists to be creative with series-writing and fiction in general after spending most of my writing career writing non-fiction. I have loved the Vella community. It is a learning community and I have learned a lot from other authors already.
What is your greatest challenge in writing?
Knowing where I want to go, but trying to decide the best way to get there. I have a very good definition of the ultimate end of each of my stories, but if the journey isn’t interesting, many readers won’t make it there. Because of this, I put a lot of emphasis on story and episode development. I’ve thrown away several ideas that just didn’t work.
I’m always a little jealous of authors who know their destination. I tend not to know where I’m headed until the middle in any form better than a vague idea of possibilities.
What surprised you in the writing process?
Since most of the writing I did previously was non-fiction, I wasn’t prepared for how much I enjoy fiction writing. I really love to spend time immersed in my stories, working out what each character will do and seeing where it goes.
It really is a different feel jumping into fiction from non-fiction. It’s like being on vacation and visiting new places and meeting new people. I enjoy both genres, but fiction is my favorite.
Is there something in particular that you found particularly helpful?
I’ve used OneNote for organization of various things over the years and it has been a good tool for organizing my stories. When I have a big deadline, I put my headphones on and listen to classical guitar music.
It’s always interesting whether authors prefer music that is lively, calming, or moody.
I know we tend to write what we know, but did you need to do research for this book?
I researched a great deal about the supply chain issues, the great reset and other initiatives that impacted the different government responses. Now, the research relates to details in each episode.
If so, what was the coolest or most surprising thing you learned?
There are leaders in the world today that don’t hide their belief in eliminating property ownership and supporting initiatives that would help reduce world population. They write and speak openly about it.
What else can you describe in your writing process?
I do my rough drafts in the morning when everyone is still asleep and before I start work and then do editing in the evening. Since I live in Cyprus that works well with a Vella publishing schedule.
How do you know your piece is ready to be shared/complete?
I usually have 3 drafts before publishing, but a couple of times it has only taken 2 before it felt right.
I love that “feels right” feeling.
Who is your expected audience?
People who enjoy good writing and an interesting story. After It’s Over was difficult to place in a specific genre, but I’ve received good feedback even from people who wouldn’t normally read this type of story.
Who has been your strongest supporter?
My wife is a wonderful encourager and editor, and allows me the flexibility to put the time in.
If you could have any author (alive, dead, or fictional) read your book, who would you like to read it?
C.S. Lewis – I know I’ll never write and produce at his level, but I would be very interested to hear his response.
Ohhh, he would be interesting. He and Tolkien used to share ideas about how to write as well as share what they were writing. It would be fun to chat with either of them. Except, I would probably be too tongue-tied to converse at all.
What author, or book, or series most influenced you?
My love of fiction came from classic fantasy and mystery authors, so as a cop out, I’ll list 4 influences. Tolkein’s LOTR, Gregory McDonald’s Fletch books, Terry Brooks’ Shannara series and Joel Rosenberg’s Guardians of the Flame series
Hmm, I don’t know the Guardians of the Flame, I’ll have to look up that series.
Anything else you would like to share with us?
My wife indulges my love of lemon desserts, but my youngest son hates all things lemon. I grew up in the Midwest, but have lived outside of the United States since 2000.
What else is important to share about your book?
Since the pandemic lockdowns began, we all lost at least a little bit of what it meant to live in community together. In the tragic story that is the framework of After It’s Over, I hope people will be able to see the light in the darkness that is born out of people coming together to help one another in the difficult world they are dealing with.
When can we expect more from you?
I’m currently writing 2 stories on Kindle Vella. After It’s Over is the first book in a 2 book series that comes with an incredible twist in the middle. The Force of Magic is the first book in a trilogy that is all planned out. Later this year, I will be releasing a historical fiction novel that is based on my ancestors settling of Oklahoma after the land run. (My Hunter Chadwick profile pic is one of these ancestors, my great grandfather, who emigrated from Germany)
Where can we find your book?
My linktree is the best place to find this book and to join my newsletter, which gives access to free additional stories set in the same worlds. https://linktr.ee/hunterchadwick
Where can we find you?
I write a blog which is where you’ll find most of my other writing and more personal information: https://seeinggodclearly.com/
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share with your readers. I didn’t write much about my background or history, but could add those things if anyone would be interested.
Ok Readers, ask away in the comments if you have more questions!
Thank you for your time, Mr. Hensley!
