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A+ Interview Always Write, Glimpses, Hugh’s Views & News, Interview Hugh Roberts

Glimpses Author Hugh Roberts: Interview

Glimpses Author Hugh Roberts Shares His Story

Glimpses Author Hugh Roberts and my blogging friend, came in today to tell us about his life particularly about being an author.

Hi Hugh, I am so excited to have you here on Always Write. You write from your heart, and when you answer a comment, I feel like we communicate. One of the first things I read about you on your blog Hughs Views & News is that you struggle with a mild form of dyslexia. I never was tested, but I love to blame my typos and oodles of mistakes on that problem. You haven’t let it get the best of you, have you?

“Not at all,” Hugh answered

What is the ONE thing that you do, that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your successes, so far?

Glimpse Author Hugh Roberts — Hugh Roberts

Without a shadow of a doubt, Marsha, it has to be blogging. Yes, like you, many of my readers know I’m dyslexic. For a very long time, I allowed the condition to get in my way of wanting to write and become a published author. I managed to hide my dyslexia very well because, from the age of 18, I was always in full-time employment (apart from a short spell, which is another story that I hope to tell one day). My dream of publishing a book was born at the same time as me. It stayed with me and then, on February 12th, 2014, I discovered the world of blogging and published my first post.

I was hooked immediately and went on and participated in an online blogging course that WordPress ran for those new to blogging. One day, we were asked to write and publish a post about something which the rest of the class did not know about us. I picked up the courage to declare to the class that I was dyslexic. I hesitated a lot before pushing the ‘publish’ button and, when I finally did do it, I went out for a long walk and wondered if I did the right thing. When I came back, there were lots of comments on the post waiting for me. All of them said ‘well done’ or something very similar and that’s when I finally stopped allowing dyslexia get in my way of writing and publishing a book.

It took a long time for you to come face to face with this issue. But you set your mind to doing something and you dive right in and make learning your goal. I admire that in you, Hugh. It is wonderful when bloggers validate your efforts. That is what makes many of us try so much harder at blogging.

Can you walk us through how to be wrong?

There are lots of reasons I could give here, but the biggest thing I get wrong is not to believe in myself. We all suffer self-doubt. We wouldn’t be human, would we, if we never allowed self-doubt into our lives? However, there have been many occasions when I have allowed self-doubt to stay in my life for far longer than it should.
I’ve shouted and screamed at people when I have had self-doubt and learned that it doesn’t get me anywhere. When we get angry, we produce negativity and that, for me, only feeds our self-doubt even more and makes it stronger. I asked myself if those I was shouting and screaming at really wanted to see me like this. Is this how I’d want to see them if they were coming to me with the self-doubt I was having? No! I soon realised that I’d want them to sit down with me and talk to me calmly about what was going on. Having somebody listen to your problems does help, but not when you are screaming and shouting at them.

It sounds like you learned that lesson the hard way, Hugh. It almost seems like blogging was something like the movie Anger Management for you. I probably should not even ask this next question because you say you have a lot of self-doubts. But it sounds like you have come such a long way. I can’t even imagine that other Hugh.

Tell us about something that you do not do well.

I’m not good at Beta reading. I get asked to beta read a lot but have come to realise that although I’ve managed to stop letting being dyslexic from stopping me write, I’m not at all good when it comes to spotting mistakes in books and stories. I’m not an avid reader, which I know many writers and authors will frown upon, but I do read every now and again and enjoy the relaxation it brings. For me, you must have something very special to be an excellent beta reader and to be able to spot the mistakes or the things that don’t add up in a story. Some say that reading more books makes you a better beta reader, but I can vouch that it doesn’t work for everyone. For me, watching T.V. movies and going to the theatre help me with my writing.

I’m a terrible Beta reader, too. I love to read, but I miss details. I gloss through books. Now I cheat when I write my reviews and read other reviews before I start writing. Many times I realize that I missed a cogent point. Here’s a story that should sound like a familiar scene to you. I was a proof-reader for a very short period for Walter Drake, Inc. They printed custom Christmas cards. One day the supervisor called me into her office.

“What does this say?” She did not look or sound happy.

I look at it carefully.

Brain

“Brian,” I answered.
“Look again.”
“Brian.” I answered again.

Nobody would sign his name Brain on purpose. So my “brian” reversed the letters and made it right. She changed my job that night.

Hahaha. OK, so you DO understand my problem.

Yes, I think I understand, Hugh. But let’s skip forward a few steps. You’ve been blogging almost three years. You’ve written a book. You have hundreds of new friends. You get at least 65 comments on every post you write.

If your blog or career ended today, what would be the legacy that you left behind?

My short stories and the twists and turns contained in them. I’ve always been a big fan of T.V. shows like ‘The Twilight Zone’, ‘The Outer Limits’, and ‘Tales Of The Unexpected.’ Rod Serling, who created and wrote many of the episodes in ‘The Twilight Zone’ is somebody I look up to and admire. I want to follow in his footsteps and produce stories that have the reader and viewer guessing all the way to the end; being led up the wrong path, and taking that sharp intake of breath when that twist at the end of the story is revealed.
I also like to think that my stories have readers in suspense. For this, I look at somebody like Alfred Hitchcock who, for me, is the master of suspense. I’d love to be able to jump into a time machine and go and visit Mr Hitchcock and try to persuade him to do a class on creating suspense in writing and movies. How cool would that be? My dream now is to have one (or more) of my short stories made into an episode of a T.V. show or even a movie. Yes, I’m already thinking Hollywood!

Wow, you dream bigger than I do. I’d love that for you, Hugh! Let’s go back in time to see where Glimpses author Hugh Roberts started to make this dream of writing a T.V. episode or movie.

What was your first job?

I was an Office Junior for a steel stockholding company. I helped out with any clerical jobs that needed doing, but the job also involved going on the mid-morning cake and Cornish pasty run and running errands for the Office Manager. In those days, there were no desktop computers and no mobile phones. Each desk had a typewriter, and changing the ink ribbon was one of the messiest jobs I had to do.
One of the secretaries in the office taught me how to type, but it was on a big machine known as a teletext that took up a whole small office of its own. I had to copy type what needed sending and then watched the machine come alive as it typed and sent what I had just written. I was amazed by what this machine could do and how, at the other end of the country, somebody was watching what I had just typed come through on their teletext. Those were the days where we worked to the strict hours of 9 to 5 and had a whole hour for lunch. All the work got done, and I’d never heard of ‘stress in the workplace’ or people working overtime/turning up early for work and not getting paid for it. We had time to relax and enjoy ourselves at the weekends, and everybody had time for you.

That sounds like a rather difficult task for someone with dyslexia, but you triumphed once more. I remember those hours for lunch. I never gave them up if I had a choice. I never minded working long hours, but I loved my dinner and socializing. Now I take most of my lunches with my computer and all of my friends on Always Write.

Hugh, thank you so much for stopping by today. Our visit was lovely. Sixteen hundred words flew by in no time at all. I hope you will come again. If not before, I want you to come when you publish your screenplay!

Thank you, Marsha. I’d love to come.

Hugh W. Roberts Bio

Hugh W. Roberts is a first time published author, who lives in Swansea, South Wales, in the United Kingdom.

He gets his inspiration for writing from various avenues including writing prompts, photos, eavesdropping and while out walking his dog, Toby. Although he was born in Wales, he has lived around different parts of the UK, including London where he lived for 27 years.

Hugh suffers from a mild form of dyslexia but, after he had discovered blogging, he decided not to allow the condition to stop his passion for writing. Since creating his blog ‘Hugh’s Views & News’ back in February 2014, he has built up a strong following and now writes every day. Always keen to promote other bloggers, authors, and writers, Hugh enjoys the interaction blogging brings and has built up a group of on-line friends he considers as an everyday essential.

Glimpses author Hugh Roberts has now built up his first volume of short stories and is working on the next volume. A keen photographer, he also enjoys cycling, walking, reading, watching television, and enjoys relaxing most evenings with a glass of red wine.

Hugh shares his life with John, his civil partner, and Toby, their Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Reach Hugh

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Marsha

Hi, I’m Marsha Ingrao, a retired educator and wife of a retired realtor. My all-consuming hobby is blogging and it has changed my life. My friends live all over the world. In November 2020, we sold everything and retired to the mile-high desert of Prescott, AZ. We live less than five miles from the Granite Dells, four lakes, and hundreds of trails with our dog, Kalev, and two cats, Moji and Nutter Butter. Vince’s sister came with us and lives close by. Every day is a new adventure.

38 responses to “Glimpses Author Hugh Roberts: Interview”

Olga Núñez Miret

May 15, 2018

Great to read Hugh’s interview. I love his stories and I agree that his twists will stay with me forever. Thanks, Marsha!

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1. Hugh
  
  May 15, 2018
  
  Thanks for the lovely comments, Olga. More twists coming soon in a brand new short story collection. 😀
  
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  1. Marsha Ingrao
    
    May 20, 2018
    
    How fun, Hugh! I don’t know how you have the time to write and blog at the same time! I’m struggling with it! 🙂
    
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    1. Hugh Roberts
      
      May 21, 2018
      
      I did for a long time, Marsha. Now I time-manage both my writing and blogging. I seem to have found the perfect balance…for me, anyway. 😀
      
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      1. Marsha Ingrao
        
        May 22, 2018
        
        I’m not there yet. But you inspired me to post two blog posts. 🙂
        
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      2. Hugh Roberts
        
        May 23, 2018
        
        Excellent! I always love it when I inspire people to write.
        
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2. Marsha Ingrao
  
  May 20, 2018
  
  Thank you so much, Olga. I feel honored to have the opportunity to interview Hugh. He is such a prolific blogger and writer. He takes the time to respond to everyone. Thank you for taking the time to comment. It is rare these days! 🙂
  
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dgkaye

February 22, 2017

Lol, you’re so funny Marsha. 🙂

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1. Marsha Ingrao
  
  February 22, 2017
  
  ???
  
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dgkaye

February 21, 2017

Fantastic interview my friends! Well done! It’s always a treat learning something new about Hugh! P,S. Marsha, sorry, WP still wouldn’t allow me to ‘like’ 🙂

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1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  February 21, 2017
  
  Thanks so much, Debby. I’m enjoying these interviews very much. Plus, I’m learning lots along the way (even about myself). ?
  
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  1. dgkaye
    
    February 21, 2017
    
    Isn’t it amazing? Good for you Hugh! 🙂 ❤
    
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  2. Marsha Ingrao
    
    February 22, 2017
    
    It’s a fun way to cement friendships. It was fun for me! ???
    
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2. Marsha Ingrao
  
  February 22, 2017
  
  I’ll keep working on it. Some of the issues are WP, but that one should work. I’ll deal with it later. My hair comes first. My hair dresser, Tara, is working her wonders.
  
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Terri Webster Schrandt

February 20, 2017

Marsha, your interview of Hugh is outstanding! Very well done, and in-depth! Not surprising, Marsha, from what I know about you! Nice to get to know Hugh a little more, too! You two are the top 10 of my favorite bloggers–Marsha because you’re my Cali-girl and Hugh, just because 🙂

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1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  February 21, 2017
  
  That’s so kind, thank you, Terri. It was so kind of Marsha to ask me over. I’m enjoying doing these interviews. Now, I just need to get myself over to Hollywood. ?
  
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  1. Marsha Ingrao
    
    February 22, 2017
    
    Come on over, Hugh. I can get you as far as Universal Studios. ??
    
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2. Marsha Ingrao
  
  February 22, 2017
  
  Both great reasons. The good thing is that we have all become part of what Jeff Goins calls a tribe. Maybe we need a name! ??
  
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Marsha Ingrao

February 20, 2017

5

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Marje @ Kyrosmagica

February 20, 2017

Great interview with Hugh, thanks for sharing Marsha. That’s a fantastic photo of you in Venice, Hugh very dashing!

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1. Marsha Ingrao
  
  February 20, 2017
  
  Thanks Marje. I agree he does look dashing in Venice. 🙂
  
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2. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  February 21, 2017
  
  Thanks, Marje. Taken a few years ago now, but people say I haven’t changed a bit. ? Who am I kidding? ?
  
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  1. Marsha Ingrao
    
    February 22, 2017
    
    Close enough, right?
    
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Hugh’s Views and News

February 20, 2017

Thanks so much, Sally.
xx

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Smorgasbord – Variety is the Spice of Life.

February 20, 2017

Terrific interview Hugh.. thanks for sharing Marsha…

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1. Marsha Ingrao
  
  February 20, 2017
  
  Thanks for stopping by, Sally. It was fun to do, and I love Hugh’s pictures. That adds a lot! 🙂
  
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Hugh’s Views and News

February 20, 2017

Thanks so much, Tina. I had no idea that you are also dyslexic. I agree, we have a lot more help these days. I do use some software programs but even they don’t seem to catch all the mistakes. Still, it’s better than having no help at all. ?
I’m going to look at some diction software so as to try and get away from all the typing. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Hugs to you, Tina.
xx

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Hugh’s Views and News

February 20, 2017

Thanks so much for the interview, Marsha. It was great fun to do and I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity.
Can’t work out how to share the post on my blog, other than via social media. No reblog or ‘press this’ button. Perhaps you can advise?

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1. Marsha Ingrao
  
  February 20, 2017
  
  No press this? Hmmmm Then the only other thing would be to cut and paste part of it, write and intro and then put a link at the bottom to send them to my post. Bummer! I thought I had press. I thought everyone did. 😦
  
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  1. Hugh’s Views and News
    
    February 20, 2017
    
    You may be able to add it to your blog with a plugin, but I’m not sure. No worries, I’m going to mention this post (with a link to it) in the next edition of ‘From The World Of Blogging.’
    
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    1. Marsha Ingrao
      
      February 20, 2017
      
      Awesome. That’s probably even better, Hugh. Admittedly, I don’t understand all things WordPress, but there’s always another way of doing things. That’s a good thing, and it keeps our minds going strong. 🙂
      
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Tina Frisco

February 19, 2017

Fabulous interview, Marsha and Hugh! It’s nice to know I’m not alone in the blogosphere with dyslexia. As a kid, I quickly learned to compensate and was fortunate enough to catch a lot of my mistakes in school before the nuns did. I’m constantly inverting letters and numbers, but now we have software programs to catch mistakes for us. And when you do make it to Hollywood, Hugh, others will be there to do the typing! Hugs to both of you ♥♥

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1. Marsha Ingrao
  
  February 20, 2017
  
  You are so right, Tina. That’s my problem. I haven’t made it to Hollywood. I live in the Central Valley instead. 🙂
  
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Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

Glimpses Author Hugh Roberts: Interview

Glimpses Author Hugh Roberts Shares His Story