Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. My early years were influenced by the Texas culture and lore. I spent twelve years, following high school and two years of college, in the television field as a repairman. At the age of 29 I surrendered to the ministry and entered Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Following the time there I pastored five churches in Texas and one in Hawaii. I then moved to Virginia as a Director of Missions for a local association. After three years, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board called me to serve them as a field consultant. In 2005 I moved to Danville, Virginia to become their Director of Missions working with 46 churches.
I have completed 6 westerns. Prior to that, I had 12 articles published in a pastor/staff training magazine entitled Church Administration. While at the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, I wrote a training manual entitled “7 Strands of Church Health.” I used the material in seminars across the western part of Virginia. It was published by the VBMB.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Viejo and the Lost Ranger” is my latest completed book. It follows the ending of the previous book entitled “Viejo and the Lost Child.” The deep dark emotional circumstances of the Texas Ranger simply needed to follow its course.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
One habit I have is that I can start writing anywhere, stop, then pick up where I left off, even days later.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The most obvious is the Bible. The most influential western fiction writers are Louis L’Amore and Elmer Kelton. Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” was a special read.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the next Viejo book entitled “Viejo and the Hunted Ranger.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own site is cliffhudgins.net. I promote on Facebook and keep an e-mail list of friends.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, then write some more, followed by writing even more.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It is better to write from the soul and have no market, than to write for the market and have no soul.” I don’t remember who wrote this, so I can’t give credit.
What are you reading now?
Due to my day job schedule and my need for editing my current work, I am reading my own material now.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to retire from the ministry in a few years and devote more time to writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible and three books from L’Amore’s Sacket series.
Author Websites and Profiles
Cliff Hudgins Website
Cliff Hudgins Amazon Profile