Interview With Author Hilary Walker
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Originally from England, I am now a U.S. citizen living in South Carolina with my American husband and my British Bulldog, Bertie Wooster’s Jeeves.
I have three big passions – my Catholic faith, writing and horses – and the brilliant thing is that I can combine all of them with my books! While entertaining my readers, I always hope to strengthen their faith in God.
Over the years I have owned many horses. But now I have one gelding, Cruz Bay, my millennium baby, who will turn 23 this year. He and I have been through many adventures; we started out at one day events and are now competing in dressage shows.
So far, I have written 21 books, including a four part autobiography about my checkered riding career and frequently abysmal choice of horses!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “A Divine Truth,” is the second novel of a trilogy and follows on from “A Truthful Man.” The third book will be published by the middle of 2023.
The books are inspired by the current crisis of good and holy Catholic priests being ‘canceled’ because of their forthright preaching of God’s Truth. I understand from non-Catholic readers that this problem is not confined to the Catholic Church.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure whether this counts as unusual, but I like to write my first broad plot outline by hand. Somehow this makes me feel closer to the characters and action.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love books by C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, St. John Henry Newman, Agatha Christie and Jane Austen.
Also, I enjoy reading books on stoicism, which are great for encouraging self-discipline – something we writers are always in need of! Ryan Holiday’s books, including “Ego Is the Enemy” and “Discipline Is Destiny” are valuable reads.
What are you working on now?
The third book of the Truth Trilogy is currently in progress.
However, the trilogy doesn’t include horses, which my readers prefer my plots to include. So I am also busy drafting the outline of my next equestrian novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
1. Promoting to my email list.
2. Being promoted by other authors in my genre to their email lists.
3. Faithreads
4. EReader News Today
5. And here’s hoping that I can add Awesome Gang to this list! 😉
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have faith in yourself.
Whenever you are tempted not to take yourself seriously as an author, put your posterior in that seat and get writing. Every day, without fail. Doesn’t have to be a lot of words, but just do it.
When you take your craft seriously, you become a real writer. That’s how you complete books. That’s what a serious writer does.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing. You will get better.
What are you reading now?
It’s now Lent, so I’m reading two non-fiction books about Jesus: “No Greater Love” by Edward Sri, and “Jesus: the Way, the Truth and the Life” by Marcellino d’Ambrosio. Both of which I highly recommend.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A good question! When I write a standalone book, I tend to get asked “What happens next?” and before I know it, I’m committed to writing a trilogy.
“Riding Out the Devil” was supposed to be just one book, but it turned into the Riding Out series, now three trilogies. “A Truthful Man” was also supposed to be a one-off, but the same question was asked of me, “What happens next?” So here I am, finding out by writing books 2 and 3.
I’m not complaining: I’m grateful that readers are that invested in my characters!
Let’s see if the same thing happens after I’ve written that new equestrian novel. 😉
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 Holy Bible
“The Forsyte Saga” by John Galsworthy
The Collected Writings of C. S. Lewis
Author Websites and Profiles
Hilary Walker’s Social Media Links