Interview with E.K. Hughes
Published 2014-03-22.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Teaching, teaching, teaching, cleaning, and trying to relax a little!
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Usually by having an interest and searching for books on that topic.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I used to write funny short stories when I was in 8th grade about my friends and me (and the various boys we liked/didn't like). I entitled it "Days of Our Lives at East McComb Baptist Church."
What is your writing process?
I only write if an idea pops into my head and keeps nagging me to write it down. I'm not really a writer. It was a freak of nature that caused me to write my one and only book.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
It wasn't the first story I ever read, but it had the biggest impact on my life. "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. I have been lost in Middle Earth ever since.
How do you approach cover design?
I'm not a good artist nor do I visualize things very well. I leave that up to the professionals and just pick the creation that looks best.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
"The Hobbit"
"The Fellowship of the Ring"
"The Two Towers"
"The Return of the King"
"The Silmarillion"
They each helped me escape from my painful world to a place of beauty and deep, wonderful history.
What do you read for pleasure?
Right now, I'm into books about real life strange happenings and conspiracies, like the "Missing 411" books and Kennedy assassination books.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I have an iPad mini. I like using the Nook app.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I'm a member of several book promoting groups on Facebook. I also use twitter, so I guess social media has been my main marketing technique.
Describe your desk
My lap is my desk.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in McComb, MS. I honestly don't think it influenced me at all. I don't care for the place.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing funny stories and poems in the 8th grade.
What's the story behind your latest book?
It's a romance loosely based on the real life mystery of the Dyatlov Pass incident. Most people like to write non fiction or sci fi fiction based on the mystery, but I went a little weird and wrote a romance.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I became immersed in the mystery of the Dyatlov Pass incident. Learning more about the hikers themselves motivated me to show others that there was more to these people than their mysterious deaths.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords published my book! :)
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I enjoyed letting the words flow from my head to the page.
What do your fans mean to you?
I'm very grateful to anyone who will spend their hard earned money on my book.
What are you working on next?
Nothing!
Who are your favorite authors?
God
J.R.R. Tolkien
Robert Jordan
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The fact that I can get back in the bed that night!
Is my book "Looking Beyond the Pass" any good?
Actually, it's not that bad for a person who is not really an author and who jotted down some ideas on a whim. If you like a sweet but doomed love story, mixed with a little humor and sadness, then have a gander at my book!
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