Valerie Anne Hudson – Author Interview – A Quintillion Words

“I will do everything I can to get you out of there. I promise. This is my war now, and I know what side I’m on.”
Not My War – Valerie Anne Hudson

I think I’ll always remember Valerie as the author who got me into historical fiction again! I absolutely love finding brand new authors and I’m always open to reading genres I don’t usually grab from my shelf, and after reading Not My War, I was completely surprised by how much I loved it. She’s certainly opened my eyes and gave me the confidence to read more books like this. You can read my review of Not My War here!

I’m so happy to have Valerie here talking about Not My War as well as books, life and what’s coming next!

1. How/when did you know historical fiction was the genre for you?

I’ve always enjoyed reading that genre, and love diving into the research I need to do before starting to write. Sometimes, though, I think about doing a complete about-turn and writing a thriller or a horror for a change. That would be a lot of fun, except that I’d lose my followers!

2. There are a number of saddening scenes in Not My War as a result of the Nazi’s taking over France. Did you find it hard to write these particular scenes? Do you personally find it emotional thinking about these years?

It was so hard! I based the events on things that actually happened as described in first-hand accounts, and couldn’t stop thinking about what people went through. I lost a lot of sleep, let me tell you.

3. How did you carry out your research for the book and about the war? Did you find out anything that shocked or surprised you?

I read history books, biographies and memoirs, also newspaper reports from that time period. What disturbed me the most was the shockingly cruel treatment of Jews. We all know that the Holocaust took place, but until you read people’s accounts of what actually happened, it tends to be abstract and far-removed.

4. Are any particular scenes in the book based on true stories from real people, or have these come straight from your mind?

All of the scenes involving Jews were based on actual events. (I could never have made this stuff up!) The repercussions that Josephine endured after her involvement in the student protest at the Arc de Triomphe, the conditions at the Drancy prison camp–including the overflowing toilets and lack of running water, Taddy’s sudden disappearance … all of these events were commonplace.

5. When did the idea for writing this book come to you?

A very long time ago. My mother was a teenager in England during the Second World War. She had a pen-pal of about her own age who lived in Paris. When the Nazis goose-stepped their way into Paris along the Champs-Elysees, this girl was there as a spectator. She wrote a letter to my mother describing what she had seen with such emotion–it was the most heartbreaking letter I’ve ever read. The contents of that letter have remained in my mind, and I knew that one day I would have to include that scene in one of my stories. My mother died of Alzheimers many years ago, and sadly, I was unable to find the letter afterwards.

6. Tell us your favourite thing about being an author.

I like to think that my books will entertain as well as enlighten my readers!

7. Tell us more about the other books you have published! Do you have a favourite or one that you’re most proud of?

I’ve written a series set in Victorian times called ‘Maids of Maddington,’ which people seem to like. Prior to that I wrote a novel set during the French Revolution called ‘The Marquis’ Daughters’ which is probably my favourite because I like the characters in it, but readers tend to be disappointed in the ending – for good reason. I started writing it with no idea of how it would end. Yikes, big mistake! I’ve definitely learned from that.

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Hopefully still pounding away on the keyboard. Maybe on a historical thriller/horror!

9. What are you currently working on?

I’m back into the Victorian era, focusing on the Industrial Revolution, in the first of a new series about the goings-on in a corset factory. Such a fascinating time period. The working conditions in those times were brutal.

10. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new authors?

Don’t hesitate, don’t hold back because you’re afraid, and don’t put it off. Just start writing and see where it takes you.

About the author

Born and raised in Birmingham, England, Val was pushed into the teaching profession as were thousands of her peers during the same era (a long time ago, but it would be embarrassing to say exactly how long) due to a teacher shortage. Her dreams of living the glamorous life of an air stewardess dashed, Val was packed off to teachers’ college, followed by a couple of years teaching in inner city Birmingham–quite the learning curve for any young teacher.

But Canada was calling. Some family members had already immigrated to this wonderful country, and Val was determined to join them. Once in Ontario, it was a shock to be informed that her British teaching qualifications weren’t sufficient to get her back in the classroom. Not to be deterred, Val worked for the Bank of Montreal by day, while earning her Bachelor’s and teaching degree by night.

Having taught for over 25 years as a regular classroom teacher, a French teacher, and in her later years, Special Education teacher, Val has since retired and set up her own copywriting business in a fervent desire to write. An award-winning writer, she now spends most of her time writing historical fiction rather than copywriting, which, after all, is far more entertaining!