Greetings Alma and welcome to APOOO!

In 140 words or less, tell readers a little about Alma Hudson.

I work in legal management and I’m actively involved in community and environmental issues.  I live with my husband, Eugene, and two children in Lancaster, California and “Checkered Fences” is my first novel.  I have an Associate’s and Bachelor of Arts Degree.  I was encouraged to write by my high school teacher, Mr. Walker.  He saw much potential in me and encouraged me to continue writing.  At each high school reunion, he would ask, “Are you writing?”  I enjoy writing urban stories that affect the lives of everyday people.  My dream is to make Mr. Walker proud, to retire from my job, and write full time.

In 140 words or less, tell readers why Checkered Fences would make a great addition to our personal library.

Imagine a young black woman, Diane Jones, falling in love with a white man in the early 70’s during a time of turbulent change.  The war in Vietman is ragging; the civil rights and the women’s rights movements are in full bloom.  Diane fights against racism, poverty, domestic violence, and dreams of going to college.  To complicate matters further, militant Diane falls in love with a white man but believes that she should be with her own kind.  Then imagine that this was the author’s true situation.  Which choice would you make?  This story explores the ugly racism that propelled our nation’s conscious to change toward a more diversified culture.

With the election of our first African American president, society has evolved to become more acceptant of interracial relationships and marriages then 50 to 100 years ago.  The 1960s and 1970s were a period of political and social change with the civil rights, women’s rights, Vietnam War, and labor union movements in full bloom.  These movements had a direct effect on changes we see today.  Many young people today read about these changes, but can’t relate to what it was like to have lived in that time or understand the hardships and sacrifices people made to bring about these changes.  My book details two families’ lives and struggles during this time of change and is based upon my personal experiences.  I feel it’s important to document this time from a personal perspective for future generations to read.

How did you come up with the plot for Checkered Fences?

The plot is based upon my life growing up in the 1960’s and 1970’s and a real interracial relationship.  My book also addresses other real issues such as domestic violence, women issues, race relations, and diversity.  Many of these issues still affect the lives of people both young and old, but aren’t discussed in the classroom or in a public setting.  By telling my story, I want to put my life experiences in the public eyes for all to read in hopes of helping other people affected by these issues.
Are you working on another book and, if so, can you share a brief summary with us?

Yes, I have written a second book called the “The Trouble With Change”.  It’s a crime story that makes a strong stand against domestic and sexual violence.  It is also bases upon my personal experiences.  Here’s the synopsis of the book.  Sondra’s only dream in life is to complete college and make her family proud. But when she moves into an apartment she can barely afford near the University of Southern California, her dreams start changing.

After paying for school with an academic scholarship and barely surviving with very little money, her suspicious and somewhat creepy neighbor Vick shows an interest in her. But Sondra still has her mind set on the goal of completing college. After Vick’s many attempts to force his attentions on her, she gives in and starts a relationship with him, a relationship filled with domestic and sexual violence. Sondra thinks that if only she could change Vick, their relationship would work and she could finish her education.

Will Sondra be able to change Vick’s violent behaviors and settle back down into the life she’s always wanted for herself, or will Vick end up changing her forever?

Thus far, what has been your favorite 2010 moment?

My favorite moment was a reflection of the first year of accomplishments by our first African American president, Barack Obama in his “State of the Union” speech.  Up until then, I didn’t feel as a part of the American dream.  It makes me feel proud to known that the president was elected by all races of people and thus the acceptance of me as a black African American citizen.

Which living person do you most admire?

I would say I admire my mother more than any living person I know.  My mother married at thirteen years old with only an eight-grade education.  She worked hard all her life to raise me and my brother’s and sister’s.  She survived domestic violence, poverty, and went back to school obtaining both a high school diploma and an AA degree.  She is now retired from her job and is still actively involved in her community.  What greater example could I have in my life than my mother?

What are your most overused words or phrases?

My favorite phrases are, “Let’s get busy” and “Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today”.

If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to him or her?

The historical character I would love to meet is Harriett Tubman.  I would like to ask her what gave her the drive to help so many people?  I would also like to know if at any time, in her life, she was afraid to put herself in danger time and time again?  And if so, what did she do to overcome this fear?  I would also like to thank her for the dedication she gave to so many issues and people in her lifetime.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is a person who has a gift and doesn’t use it.  I see people suffering great adversities such as illness, being homeless, blindness, and cripple working hard to achieve their goals.  Then there are those people born with a gift and don’t use it.  They make every excuse they can think of as to why they can’t use this gift and don’t even try to accomplish any of their goals.

What is your most surprising talent or interest – the one that makes people say, “I didn’t know you (did/liked/knew)…”?

I think that my most surprising talent or interest is I like to stretch and paint.  This is an interest that most people don’t know about except my immediate family.

What’s one song that people would be surprised to know is on your IPod (or in your music collection)?

The one song that people would be surprised to know that’s in my music collection is the Carpenters, “Close To You”.  I love all of Karen’s music and I think that her music is timeless.

Name five things that make your world go round.

I would say that on the top of the list would be people.  I have a great love of people and the more diverse the better.  The second would be recycling.  I want to save the earth for my grandchildren and future generations.  The third would be education.  I strongly believe that the way out of poverty is through education.  The fourth would be getting involved in your community.  The fifth would be hard work and not giving up on your dreams in life.  Whatever your dreams are in life, you should work hard to obtain them and surround yourself with positive people.

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