When and why did you begin writing?
I have been writing all of my life, actually. Even when I was a little girl, I used to love to make up stories and write them down. I was obsessed with the Judy Blume books – what little girl of the 70’s was not? One day, I thought to myself, “I can do that….” So I started writing some short stories, ghost stories, stories about kids – it just snowballed after that. Writing is just a passion one is born with. I am constantly writing stories in my head. I guess that either makes me a fiction author or a loony!
What inspired you to write your first book?
“Weekends” was my first book, and that is a romance suspense set at a luxurious beach hotel in California. Jackie Collins is another author who I just adore. She is excellent at what she does! So, I became inspired to write something suspenseful and romantic that takes place at this gorgeous, sexy location. I wrote the first twenty-two pages on a lark just for fun on an old rickety typewriter many years ago. I stuffed them into a drawer and forgot all about them. Then, when I got married and moved in with my husband, he found them in an old box. He asked me what it was and I said “oh…nothing…just me fooling around…” or something like that. Then I got pregnant with my daughter and had plenty of time on my hands, so I decided to put those twenty-two pages on my computer for the heck of it, then I kept on writing it, and kept on writing it, until I had a completed novel. So, I sent out query letters, got a book deal, and the rest is history!
Do you have a specific writing style?
Not really, I just let my characters tell me what they want to do. Not sure what that style is called, but that is how I write. I just get very involved with my characters on a personal level, and they lead the way. I just type.
How did you come up with the title?
I came up with the title “Crashers” in a dream actually. I was going to write a story about desperate people who fall into the deep well of auto insurance fraud, and this title just popped into my head. I thought it was appropriate.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Way too many to choose from. I love fiction, non-fiction, everything. The fiction that inspires me is the kind that sucks you in, when you are so attached emotionally to the characters that you feel like you have literally lost a friend when the book is over. I have two closets full of books, and three book shelves. I never throw or give a book away- well sometimes I give one away, but they have all moved and inspired me in some way. One of the best books I have ever read is “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale. Now that is an inspirational book! I practice that and, let me tell you, it works!
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
My father-in-law, Norman Hudis, the great English writer. He has written for television, film and books. He has given me wonderful advice over the years, and has given me amazing encouragement, too. He is a fascinating man.
What book are you reading now?
A wonderful book called “On Toby’s Terms” by Charmaine Hammond. It is a true story about an adopted dog that is trained to be a service animal to help people in hospitals. It is a very moving and inspirational book, and I highly recommend it.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Finishing it! There comes a time, especially when you are a mom, when you start to feel overwhelmed and think “I can’t do this….” That is when you take a deep breath, count to ten, and take it all in stride. At that point, you take a little “brain break” and then, when you get back to your story, somehow it just all comes together. Like I stated earlier, I just let my characters take me on the journey – I’m just their secretary typing for them.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Never give up – don’t do it! If you have a story to tell, then tell it. Don’t get discouraged, and whatever you do, don’t let the negativity from other’s put a damper on your dreams. Get out there and finish your novel! Write just one page a day if that is all you have time for, but do it!
Author Bio
Lindy S. Hudis is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is the author of a suspense novel, Weekends. Her screenplay “The Lesson” was made into an independent film and was screened at the Seattle Independent Film Festival and Cine-Nights in 2000. She lives in California with her husband and two children.
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I received compensation through Karma Media for this post.
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This frame compliments the photograph so well and looks great on the wall in my front walkway. I have even gotten compliments on the frame, so that makes this Gremlin Mommy happy!!
I think that Rendi frames make great gifts and I am planning on sending a frame to my mom for Christmas with a newer photo of all my Gremlins!!
