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Above The Fold - January 4, 2010
Upstart Fashion Designer
Turned Prolific Author
Born and bred within five miles of Nottingham, Gladys Hobson started work training as a dress designer. After the birth of her three children, she gained an interest in education and was accepted for training at Loughborough College of Education. Interested in spirituality and pastoral care, she took early retirement and trained for church ministry. Now living in Cumbria with her husband, she spends most of her time writing.
To learn more about Gladys, visit:
BOOK VIDEO TRAILER:
When Angels Lie
(Gladys Hobson)
When Angels Lie
(Gladys Hobson)
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Gladys Hobson (When Angels Lie)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Gladys. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
What inspired you to craft such an insightful, eye-opening tale?
Gladys Hobson: Before Rowan Williams was enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2003, he had already caused a stir in the Anglican Church over his liberal views, particularly concerning homosexuality. I decided to do my own inquiry, researching the views of those contributing to both sides of the debate. I was inspired to write a story, unsure where it would lead.
AR: What's the significance of the book's title?
GH: The original title is ‘When Angels Lie, All Hell Is let Loose and Demons Fly.’ (by Richard L Gray) Paul’s lover, Canon Nick Palmer, voices this statement when referring to Angela — Paul’s ‘angelic’ admin assistant. But Paul does not heed the warning. Unwittingly, Angela brings about a dramatic turn of events, which threatens his ministry and all that has been achieved (his charismatic organist, Rita, blames demonic activity).
AR: At any time while you were putting the story together, did it ever occur to you that it may stir considerable controversy?
GH: Yes, indeed. But more so when, after asking a churchwarden to read my manuscript, he told me that it could cause a storm in the Church. Hardly likely though. After all, what influential large publisher would be brave enough to publish it? Even so, a committed Evangelical church leader called it ‘Amazing’. Excellent reviews and people finding it compulsive reading is good enough for me.
AR: What is it about the object of his affection that draws Paul to him so?
GH: Nick, Paul’s partner, is the strong one in a perfectly balanced relationship. This is not merely about sex — love abides when all else fades. These are not promiscuous people seeking gratifying sex. As in all true Romance, when genuine love flows from one to another, suitability of the affair does not come into the equation. Each fulfils the other and desires oneness with the other. For Paul to love Nick, is against all that he previously preached. He himself has to come to terms with his ‘conversion.’ And that brings about a new openness and growth in Christian values.
AR: What are your personal beliefs regarding homosexuality? Do you believe it's innate or that it's a "learned" behavior?
GH: Both. According to my research, boys may be influenced in a number of ways. But, it seems no matter how hard a true homosexual tries to modify his natural inclination, it usually brings about unhappiness and in a few cases, suicide. When writing my story I explore Paul’s feelings by putting myself into the shoes of an Evangelical who discovers his true orientation, and the spiritual dilemma with which he is faced. I believe that God-ordained Ministry is self-authenticating. God calls whom He wills. Even so, it took me to the end of the story to be certain of my own stance regarding gay priests. The arguments for and against are brought out through the characters and the situations they find themselves in, not by ‘preaching’ at the reader. The book is a work of fiction but it does contain some of my own spiritual experiences.
AR: Do you think the church in general has substantially modified its official position on homosexuality over the years?
GH: Sadly, it would appear that as traditional Anglicans come to accept homosexuals, and especially homosexuals within the priesthood (although there are those members who demand celibacy) the greater the potential for division within the Anglican Communion, and Christianity at large. But division is not a new thing, nor is it an argument for denying a call to serve.
AR: Is there a central theme or message that you'd like readers to take away from the tale?
GH: The book is not written to persuade minds one way or another. It is a human story filled with characters with recognisable human failings. But yes, maybe I do hope that readers will slip into Paul’s shoes and travel with him on his difficult journey of self-acceptance. And, if inclined, view the ongoing debate in a different light?
AR: Does there happen to be a sequel in the works...?
GH: When I finished writing When Angels Lie, I had a sequel in mind. Other work has taken over.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your other writings.
GH: Blazing Embers (a gran in search of an orgasm!) published in the UK (Pen name Angela Ashley) by Magpies Nest Publishing. And a US edition in my own name by AG Press.
Awakening Love (post-war Britain story of love v ambition — intrigue and ruthless passion)
DESIRE the US edition of twice award-winner Awakening Love, published by AG Press.
Seduction By Design, sequel to the above (due out Autumn 2009) AG Press Checkmate (to be published later) sequel to the above.
Still Waters Run Deep, stories of hidden depths. An illustrated anthology. Intriguing tales set in Cumbria, England.
When Phones Were Immobile and Lived In Red Boxes, an illustrated book of childhood memories 1939-53 (Very popular. Print-run sold out. A new edition to be out shortly)
Northern Lights, stories and poems from the North of England — illustrated by Gladys Hobson and including stories and poems by eight other authors.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing aspirations?
GH: Uncertain. But a sudden surge of inspiration and I will be off!
AR: Do you have a website where our readers learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
GH: Gladys Hobson — Author, http://hobsonsbooks.blogspot.com
Wrinkly Writers, http://gladyshobson.wordpress.com
Gladys Writes, http://www.myspace.com/gladyswrites
Writing For Joy, http://writingforjoy.blogspot.com
Magpies Nest Publishing, http://www.magpiesnestpublishing.co.uk
Facebook, and I have pages on a number of the author/publishing/marketing ning web sites.
AR: How can they contact you directly?
GH: Through my web sites OR gladys@magpiesnestpublishing.co.uk
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
GH: Writing a book takes a chunk out of your life. But it is a gift to share. And when someone enters the world that you have created and desires to stay there until the final paragraph, sharing in your thoughts, then that tremendous effort has been worthwhile.
AR: Thanks again, Gladys, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Gladys. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
What inspired you to craft such an insightful, eye-opening tale?
Gladys Hobson: Before Rowan Williams was enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2003, he had already caused a stir in the Anglican Church over his liberal views, particularly concerning homosexuality. I decided to do my own inquiry, researching the views of those contributing to both sides of the debate. I was inspired to write a story, unsure where it would lead.
AR: What's the significance of the book's title?
GH: The original title is ‘When Angels Lie, All Hell Is let Loose and Demons Fly.’ (by Richard L Gray) Paul’s lover, Canon Nick Palmer, voices this statement when referring to Angela — Paul’s ‘angelic’ admin assistant. But Paul does not heed the warning. Unwittingly, Angela brings about a dramatic turn of events, which threatens his ministry and all that has been achieved (his charismatic organist, Rita, blames demonic activity).
AR: At any time while you were putting the story together, did it ever occur to you that it may stir considerable controversy?
GH: Yes, indeed. But more so when, after asking a churchwarden to read my manuscript, he told me that it could cause a storm in the Church. Hardly likely though. After all, what influential large publisher would be brave enough to publish it? Even so, a committed Evangelical church leader called it ‘Amazing’. Excellent reviews and people finding it compulsive reading is good enough for me.
AR: What is it about the object of his affection that draws Paul to him so?
GH: Nick, Paul’s partner, is the strong one in a perfectly balanced relationship. This is not merely about sex — love abides when all else fades. These are not promiscuous people seeking gratifying sex. As in all true Romance, when genuine love flows from one to another, suitability of the affair does not come into the equation. Each fulfils the other and desires oneness with the other. For Paul to love Nick, is against all that he previously preached. He himself has to come to terms with his ‘conversion.’ And that brings about a new openness and growth in Christian values.
AR: What are your personal beliefs regarding homosexuality? Do you believe it's innate or that it's a "learned" behavior?
GH: Both. According to my research, boys may be influenced in a number of ways. But, it seems no matter how hard a true homosexual tries to modify his natural inclination, it usually brings about unhappiness and in a few cases, suicide. When writing my story I explore Paul’s feelings by putting myself into the shoes of an Evangelical who discovers his true orientation, and the spiritual dilemma with which he is faced. I believe that God-ordained Ministry is self-authenticating. God calls whom He wills. Even so, it took me to the end of the story to be certain of my own stance regarding gay priests. The arguments for and against are brought out through the characters and the situations they find themselves in, not by ‘preaching’ at the reader. The book is a work of fiction but it does contain some of my own spiritual experiences.
AR: Do you think the church in general has substantially modified its official position on homosexuality over the years?
GH: Sadly, it would appear that as traditional Anglicans come to accept homosexuals, and especially homosexuals within the priesthood (although there are those members who demand celibacy) the greater the potential for division within the Anglican Communion, and Christianity at large. But division is not a new thing, nor is it an argument for denying a call to serve.
AR: Is there a central theme or message that you'd like readers to take away from the tale?
GH: The book is not written to persuade minds one way or another. It is a human story filled with characters with recognisable human failings. But yes, maybe I do hope that readers will slip into Paul’s shoes and travel with him on his difficult journey of self-acceptance. And, if inclined, view the ongoing debate in a different light?
AR: Does there happen to be a sequel in the works...?
GH: When I finished writing When Angels Lie, I had a sequel in mind. Other work has taken over.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your other writings.
GH: Blazing Embers (a gran in search of an orgasm!) published in the UK (Pen name Angela Ashley) by Magpies Nest Publishing. And a US edition in my own name by AG Press.
Awakening Love (post-war Britain story of love v ambition — intrigue and ruthless passion)
DESIRE the US edition of twice award-winner Awakening Love, published by AG Press.
Seduction By Design, sequel to the above (due out Autumn 2009) AG Press Checkmate (to be published later) sequel to the above.
Still Waters Run Deep, stories of hidden depths. An illustrated anthology. Intriguing tales set in Cumbria, England.
When Phones Were Immobile and Lived In Red Boxes, an illustrated book of childhood memories 1939-53 (Very popular. Print-run sold out. A new edition to be out shortly)
Northern Lights, stories and poems from the North of England — illustrated by Gladys Hobson and including stories and poems by eight other authors.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing aspirations?
GH: Uncertain. But a sudden surge of inspiration and I will be off!
AR: Do you have a website where our readers learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
GH: Gladys Hobson — Author, http://hobsonsbooks.blogspot.com
Wrinkly Writers, http://gladyshobson.wordpress.com
Gladys Writes, http://www.myspace.com/gladyswrites
Writing For Joy, http://writingforjoy.blogspot.com
Magpies Nest Publishing, http://www.magpiesnestpublishing.co.uk
Facebook, and I have pages on a number of the author/publishing/marketing ning web sites.
AR: How can they contact you directly?
GH: Through my web sites OR gladys@magpiesnestpublishing.co.uk
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
GH: Writing a book takes a chunk out of your life. But it is a gift to share. And when someone enters the world that you have created and desires to stay there until the final paragraph, sharing in your thoughts, then that tremendous effort has been worthwhile.
AR: Thanks again, Gladys, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!