Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Wendy Hinman is an adventurer, speaker and the award-winning author of two books, Tightwads on the Loose and Sea Trials. Tightwads on the Loose a popular travel adventure book about the 7-year, 34,000-mile voyage she took with her husband aboard a small violently rocking sailboat during which she alternated between feats worthy of Wonder Woman and Suzy Homemaker. It’s full of humor and armchair thrills. Tightwads on the Loose was selected for the literature program for Western Washington University, won the Journey Award for best true life adventure story and was selected as a top travel book for women. Sea Trials (April 2017) has earned a Kirkus starred review and recognition as a Kirkus Book of the Month. Called “A modern swashbuckling tale,” and “completely riveting,” it is racking up many other favorable reviews already.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sea Trials is my second book. How I came to write Sea Trials, my husband’s story of sailing around the world with his family as a boy:
Over the years I’d been hearing snippets of the epic voyage my husband had taken with his family around the world and their shipwreck when he was fourteen. Family dinners had been filled with “you remember the time when …
• gun boats forced us to sail across mines in the Red Sea?
• when our pilot Abdul got lost in the Suez Canal?
• the boat starting sinking in Israel?
• mom tried to poison us?
• we ran out of food and got scurvy
These tantalizing anecdotes intrigued me to learn more. I got possession of the famous letters the family had mailed home. Hundreds of them. Inside them was more detail than any writer could hope for. Too much, sometimes. But in combing through them I fleshed out the outline of the story that I’d developed in my mind of the voyage. I asked a lot of questions of the family members and took copious notes. I consulted guide books and sailing directions, maps, and the ship’s log to ferret out the details. I read the newspaper articles, listened to the interviews with the family. And started writing. And double checking details with the ones who had lived through it. With a rough draft completed, I had them read every word to check for inaccuracies or things that didn’t seem true to their experience. It was a family bonding experience.
What I uncovered was such a dramatic story, that I could hardly believe anyone had truly lived through it. Especially people I knew. It featured things like a pirates, gun boats, mines, thieves, starvation and scurvy. And that was AFTER the shipwreck. You could hardly make anything up that would be better.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I read voraciously and analyze books. I take copious notes about every book I read: what worked, what didn’t; lovely language; structure and techniques I notice that helped pacing, drama, character development, and humor. I am always reading and taking notes. I’m in 3 book clubs because I love hearing the reaction of others to books I’ve read. I consider reading the most essential part of being a good writer, immersing myself in story and language as a matter of skill development, and being a good literary citizen supporting authors and booksellers. I enjoy reading book reviews because I learn so much from them and notice how much they reveal about the reviewers themselves and why books strike a chord with them. I often start my day typing up my notes as a way to get started with my writing. It helps my clear the cobwebs and gets me thinking about language and rhythm before I turn to my own work. I often write before I let myself get online and that helps me get more done. Acting, toastmasters, movies, and Ted talks often inspire story ideas.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been inspired by Bill Bryson, J. Maarten Troost, Timothy Egan, Nathaniel Philbrick, Erik Larson, Garth Stein, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and so many others it’s hard to name just a few. I am always discovering new authors I love. I notice what they do well and make note of it so that when I am struggling with pacing, or dialogue or character development or whatever, I revisit that author to spark ideas about how to do it better. I like to attend book talks to meet local authors and consider them mentors from whom I can learn.
What are you working on now?
I am working on historical fiction.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do presentations about our voyage with pictures and anecdotes and humor. By the time I finish talking, people usually one to take one or both books home.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be a good literary citizen. Support other authors and local bookstores, write reviews and tell your friends about books you like. Word of mouth is very powerful for introducing books to new audiences. Through this you will develop a network that will serve you in countless ways: learning and developing your craft, understanding the industry, connecting with mentors and supporters, and keeping things in perspective. And mostly read, read, read, write, write, write. Don’t give up. Tenacity is the secret to success in this business.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read, read, read, write, write, write. Don’t give up. Tenacity is the secret to success in this business.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Love and Trouble by Claire Dederer.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on several historical fiction stories.
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 Complete Works of Shakespeare
The Complete Works of Mark Twain
Bill Bryson (Mother Tongue: English and How It Got that Way)
The Complete History of the World
Sex Lives of Cannibals by J Maarten Troost
… and maybe a survival manual.
Author Websites and Profiles
Wendy Hinman Website
Wendy Hinman Amazon Profile
Wendy Hinman Author Profile on Smashwords
Wendy Hinman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account