A Former Journalist’s Journey into Fantasy Fiction
“Hudsonville: What Lies Beneath” marks the beginning of a fantasy trilogy from Stewart Chisham, a former journalist who discovered his true calling as a fiction writer.
From Childhood Imagination to Professional Writing
Chisham offers, “Honestly, I wasn’t a journalist who decided to write fiction; I was a fiction writer who became a journalist. I have always loved building these fantastical worlds and being able to create stories.” A major inspiration, he says, is his grandfather, Bill, who has written both fiction and nonfiction.
The Birth of “Hudsonville”
The novel began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 while Chisham was studying at the University of Minnesota, Mankato. He was inspired to create a story for his young nephew, hoping to be the “cool uncle.” Initially conceived as a cartoon and later a comic, the story eventually evolved into a novel as Chisham’s team reduced in size.
Meet the Protagonist
Plot: The novel takes place in the Appalachian Mountains and is narrated by a 15-year-old werewolf, Andy Kessler. When anonymous nightmarish creatures began abducting locals off the face of the Earth, Andy finds himself traveling to an underground world to bring his buddies and blood relatives back up from a dark place with nothing more than his claws and a mullet.
Childhood Adventures Inspire the Story
Chisham drew on her own childhood for the book. “We spent hours at an old fort next to the train tracks in Tracy looking for ghosts, sharing urban legends and telling campfire stories,” he says. These experiences contributed to fostering the sense of exploration, bravery, and imagination that is at the core of Andy’s story.
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Target Audience and Storytelling Approach
While primarily aimed at readers aged 12 to 17, Chisham notes that the book is enjoyable for all ages. At 223 pages, it offers a concise, fast-paced adventure. His writing process focuses on themes, character failures, and structured outlines that evolve fluidly into full chapters.
Journey to Publication
After extensive research and personalized submissions, Chisham’s novel was picked up by Culicidae Press in Madison, Wisconsin, a publisher taking a chance on a fantastical story outside their usual catalog.
Building a Fanbase
Chisham actively engages with readers via TikTok and Instagram under the handle @captain.pompadour, sharing insights about writing, updates about the book, and connecting with a growing audience.
A Trilogy in the Making
“Hudsonville: What Lies Beneath” is the first book in a planned trilogy. Boondocks V2 is done, and 7 of its 20 chapters have been written. Chisham has put in thousands of hours to create this universe; he immersed himself deeply into his own creation.
Looking Ahead
There are ideas for future books which he can tell you about: “there’s a drama and some kind of road-trip comedy,” But Chisham is staying focused on finishing the trilogy. “Everything I write, I want my worlds to be absurd, but real and relatable,” he says.
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