On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, John Hughes talks about his new children’s book, Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys, which tells the tale of Bert Bogglethrop’s renovation of Monkspew Manor, where strange occurrences and suspicious heirs lead young Millie and her nanny to uncover a hidden secret.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed John Hughes about his life and career, the story of his new children’s book, Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are
My name is John Hughes. I am predominantly a children’s fiction writer and a folklore and fairy tale book author.
I was born in London to Irish parents and spent many happy childhood years living in the misty rolling midlands of Ireland, but now I spend my time between London and Dublin.
When did you first want to write a book?
My first inclination to fiction writing came at around thirteen when I won a few short story competitions at school. But in later years, my writing was confined to technical and historical research magazines.
When did you take a step to start writing?
My fictional stories started around eight years ago when I was pestered by my daughter to share some of my folklore stories. I had written many weird and wacky short stories to entertain my children, but never contemplated releasing any publicly.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
My first book, The Bog Bogluns of Ballinalee, had been written many years previously as a fairy story for my kids and languished in a drawer until the shabby manuscript was dragged kicking and screaming into the present to be edited numerous times until fit for purpose. From conception to release, with publishing constraints, it took two years due to the pandemic.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys?
My greatest passion in life has been Medieval history, but especially buildings. I was on a historical visit a few years ago to a stately manor house, and was enamoured with the complexity and beauty of some of the Tudor chimneys that rose gracefully into the blue skyline.
I thought to myself, “Oh, I would love to write a story about their majestic and powerful stature that complements their status. Then I thought, that’s not very interesting to children, quite boring in fact. But what if they were not just chimneys? What if these seemingly ordinary structures became gateways to secrets and portals to chilling realities? So, Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys was born!
What were your biggest challenges writing Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys?
There were many challenges. I wanted to incorporate different age groups and quirky personalities into the mix. It needed to be an adventure, bridging generations to match the environment and a heartfelt generational collaboration between them all to create an engaging dynamic of young and old that forms friendships. A story that bonds, strengthening an eclectic group thrown together by circumstances. My aim in the story is to show children that age differences don’t hinder true relationships between people.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Millie, the protagonist in the story, is based on a real little girl who endured a similar situation as a child, but grew up to be a wonderful person and a medical professional. In the story Millie is the youngest at ten years of age, and despite the loss of her parents in a motoring accident plus being sent off to a boarding school by her loathsome aunt and uncle, shows her strength and resilience to her situation to become the natural leader of the gang, proving that bravery and her clever detective skills can overcome the most darkest of secrets and personal difficulties.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
The characters of Lord and Lady Syngen-Hyde, as the questionable new owners of Monkspew Manor, weren’t hard to create. Take a loathsome Lord and a lot of money at stake, then, hey presto, you have the antagonist to the storyline.
What is the inciting incident of Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys?
Millie’s curiosity is quickly piqued by strange occurrences around the manor- unexplained noises, shifting shadows, and eerie presences. Her adventurous nature drives her to explore hidden corridors, dusty attics, and, most intriguingly, the manor’s labyrinth of chimneys. As Millie digs deeper into the mansion’s mysteries, she discovers unsettling truths about her aunt and uncle’s intentions and a chilling secret that could threaten her safety.
What is the main conflict in Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys?
It is deviousness powered by greed. I have tried to show through comical mishaps to interweave chimneysweeps Bert Bogglethtop and Norman, his hapless son, two geriatric painters and a children’s nanny all together to create a well intentioned mixture of blunders, and mishaps, not only to entertain and make the reader laugh, but also demonstrate no matter who you are or your social status, that warmth, camaraderie, and love can bridge any uncertainty that life throws at you.
Do you plot Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I could easily state that I plot and plan the storylines, but my strategy for the Chimney book was to just scribble down thoughts until I formed a heartwarming and humorous tale, then start typing and hope for the best!
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys need?
Yes, two editorial rounds were performed. Firstly, my usual editor “Candida”, who makes sense of my ramblings and bashes the words and story into shape. Then the manuscript was bashed again by the publisher’s editors. No matter how good your manuscript appears, it requires professional editing. My advice would be to always use a professional editor to polish and remove inconsistencies.
What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
The best advice I can give potential writers is never to give up. It may seem a lonely quest at times and not financially rewarding, but it’s the love of prose and creation that spurs you on.
So, kick start that PC or typewriter and start creating!
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I currently have two more books completed. The sequel to the Bog Bogluns of Ballinalee called “ The Crone of Balwicca Woods”
Finally, a YA novel set in 1740 about a highwayman that is nearing completion called “ Isaacs Corn”
And finally are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Most definitely, I am very proud. It has not been easy at times and long hours, but it has been a rollercoaster of a ride. Most of all, the fantastic people in the writing and publishing industry have provided invaluable support and friendships made along the way. Plus, the magical support of my wonderful children, whose input has been invaluable.
Pop all your book, website, and social media links here so the readers can find you.
The book is available in paperback and e-book formats.
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4k8boX0
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4jOW3L8
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4khYwxO
My website is www.johnhughesauthor.co.uk
The latest book “ Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys” is available through Troubador Publishing, WH Smiths, Waterstones, Hatchards, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Booktopia, and many other book outlets online and across the world.
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