Only three more days until Halloween – are you ready? I read the second volume of short stories in this series and described the tales as chilling, humorous, and unpredictable. It’s an eclectic collection that offers something for everyone, and I have no doubt this first volume is the same. This author’s tarot card reading hit the bullseye, and a prediction came true that same night – but in the very best way. Trust me when I say it’s swoon-worthy. Welcome Hugh W. Roberts!
Have you ever had a tarot card reading?
Yes, I’ve had several and have always been amazed by what the cards have told me. The most memorable reading happened on September 18th, 1993, on the pier at Brighton in England. The reader told me several things; the most important was that a new love was about to enter my life. That evening, it did and twenty-eight years later, that love is still in my life.
Was there a horror movie you refused to watch because the previews were too scary?
Yes, the 1999 movie ‘The Blair Witch Project.’
What scared me more than anything else was that I was reading that some people who had seen the film at the cinema were dying a few days later, usually under mysterious circumstances. I remember many people talking about it, and some media channels also ran the stories. Even today, I still don’t know if the reports are accurate, but I still have never watched the movie and never will.
If you watch horror movies, are you the person who yells at the characters, covers your eyes, or falls asleep?
If you had asked me this question forty years ago, I’d have said ‘yells at the characters.’
Now, I find myself covering my eyes, even if I’ve watched the movie before. My days of loving lots of blood and gore in horror movies have long left me. Now, I find it difficult to watch any horror movie without covering my eyes at least 20 times or finding an excuse to go and make more popcorn.
However, I often find myself still shouting, ‘why are you going down in the cellar when all the lights have gone off, and there’s a strange noise coming from down there?! For goodness’ sake, go out the front door and call for help!’
If you decided to write a spinoff of a side character, who would you choose?
Jennie Savage from my short story ‘The Truth App.’ Jennie is a passionate blogger, and although she’s not the main character of the story, there was something about her that screamed out she wanted a spinoff about what she does to specific unexpected followers of her blog. It all sounds rather nasty, but Jenny could well have been the person who saved victims of ‘The Truth App’ (that is if she wanted to). You’ll have to read the story to find out more about her.
What do you do to get inside your characters’ heads?
I pretend that I am them and put myself in their shoes. I find that placing them on the television screen in the situation I’ve placed them in also helps. It may sound crazy, but I will sit in front of a blank television screen, close my eyes, and watch what they do and say. Does that make me sound weird?
If you could spend the day with another famous author, who would you choose?
Rod Serling. He’s my writing hero. Most famous for bringing ‘The Twilight Zone’ to our screens, he’s the master of twists in storytelling. Ever since I watched the first episode of ‘The Twilight Zone’, I wanted to write like Rod. I loved how he could turn any everyday object into something that either scared me witless or made me think even deeper about its purpose for being in our lives. His writing, although not always scary, sends shivers down my spine.
After publishing some of his short stories on his blog, Hugh W. Roberts, who suffers from dyslexia, received numerous requests to publish his short stories in a book.
Here, at last, are 28 short stories that will take your mind on a rollercoaster of a ride into worlds that conceal unexpected twists and turns.
‘GLIMPSES’ allows the reader a peek into the lives of everyday people who are about to have life lead them on an unpredicted path. From a mysterious deadly iPad app to a hole in the fence that is not all it seems, to a strange lipstick that appears to have a life of its own, you will encounter terror, laughter, sadness, shock and many other emotions on journeys which promise a thrilling and gripping climax.
If you are a lover of shows such as ‘the twilight zone’ and ‘tales of the unexpected’, then you’re in for a real treat with this first collection of short stories from Hugh.
Universal Link for buying Glimpses
Universal Link for buying More Glimpses
Author Bio and Social Media
Hugh W. Roberts lives in Swansea, South Wales, in the United Kingdom.
Hugh gets his inspiration for writing from various avenues including writing prompts, photos, eavesdropping and while out walking his dogs, Toby and Austin. Although he was born in Wales, he has lived around various parts of the United Kingdom, including London where he lived and worked for 27 years.
Hugh suffers from a mild form of dyslexia but, after discovering blogging, decided not to allow the condition to stop his passion for writing. Since creating his blog ‘Hugh’s Views & News’ in February 2014, he has built up a strong following and now writes every day. Always keen to promote other bloggers, authors and writers, Hugh enjoys the interaction blogging brings and has built up a group of online friends he considers as an ‘everyday essential.’
His short stories have become well known for the unexpected twists they contain in taking the reader up a completely different path to one they think they are on. One of the best compliments a reader can give Hugh is “I never saw that ending coming.”
Having published his first book of short stories, Glimpses, in December 2016, his second collection of short stories, More Glimpses, was released in March 2019.
A keen photographer, he also enjoys cycling, walking, reading, watching television, and enjoys relaxing with a glass of red wine and sweet popcorn.
Hugh shares his life with John, his civil-partner, and Toby and Austin, their Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
Blog: Hugh’s Views and News
Twitter: @HughRoberts05
The cover of Glimpses is striking. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. (That wasn’t supposed to be a pun.)
It was lovely getting to know Hugh better. Wishing him all the best. Thanks for hosting, Teri.
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And the first thing I thought of was a pun, lol. Thanks for dropping by to meet Hugh!
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Thanks for the great feedback about the cover for Glimpses, Staci. When my cover designer first showed me what he had done, I can’t tell you how delighted I was with it.
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Hugh, that is so cool about the Tarot reading, and I am right there with you regarding Rod Serling. That man was a geniu! I loved both The Twilight Zone and Night Gallery. I still remember the first time I saw The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street, I think my jaw hit the floor.
I’m a fan of stories with a twist, and Glimpses sounds wonderful.
Happy Halloween!
Thank you for another awesome BMR, Teri!
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Hi Mae, I love ‘The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street’ too. Like you, my jaw hit the floor when the twist was revealed. It was terrifying how it all happened, but I won’t put any spoilers here if anyone who hasn’t seen it watches it. It’s an excellent episode for Halloween.
The tarot card reader was terrific. I went in there thinking I was about to be ripped off with the fee I paid to have my cards read. But the following night, I knew I’d had my monies worth.
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Wonderful to see Hugh here today. I’m also a lover of Serling, and your TV thought process sounds like it would work quite well.
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Another Rod Serling fan – hooray, thanks, Craig. The man was a writing genius. I love everything he wrote. It is such a shame he left us at a young age. He had so much more to give us.
I hope the TV thought process works for you. Sometimes, I get some strange looks when staring at a blank TV screen, but it’s worth every moment.
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I watched Blair Witch … should I be looking over my shoulder?! I adore that book cover. Great interview, Teri and Hugh 🙂
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Keep looking over your shoulder, at least until Halloween is over, Harmony.
Thanks for the thumbs up on the book cover. I was so over the moon when I first saw it that we stuck to the same design for the follow-up, More Glimpses,
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Thanks for the terrific interview, Teri and Hugh. I enjoyed it. “My days of loving lots of blood and gore in horror movies have long left me.” I’m with you Hugh!
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Hi Jill, I’m glad it’s not only me that dislikes lots of blood and guts in horror movies anymore. I like to tell people that I’ve grown out of it rather than say it frightens me, but keep that to yourself.
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Enjoyed getting to know more about you, Hugh. I can relate about getting into the character’s heads. I haven’t pictured any on mine on a television screen, but I have “acted out” scenes.
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Act them out? That sounds like a great idea, Joan. Do you play all the parts, or do you get someone to help? It must be great fun. And if it works, even better.
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I usually do one character at a time. And only if I’m alone I’m the house. Wouldn’t want anyone to think I’m crazy. LOL.
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Can you picture how I look when members of the family find me watching a blank TV screen? Yes, best done when in the house alone, Joan.
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🙂
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So great to learn more about Hugh here today, Teri! I’ve followed your blog for a long time, Hugh, and you have taught me many a new trick, especially–but not ONLY–about blogging. I loved your interview answers, too, and especially that your tarot reading came true with such happy results.
I already have Glimpes on my overcrowded Kindle, and now I want to move it MUCH closer to the top. Much continued success with this one, and all your other writing, too! Super post! 🤗💖
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Thanks so much, Marcia.
I love writing and publishing blogging and social media tips. It’s my way of saying ‘thank you’ to all those that follow my blog and share my posts. I’m delighted that my posts help so many.
When I went in to see the Tarot card reader, I thought I’d wasted my money. But by that evening, I knew I’d had my monies worth from her. She also taped the reading (which I still have), but I don’t own a cassette player anymore, so I will need to transfer the reading to a CD or my computer. I’ll look into it.
I hope you enjoy Glimpses. One of the stories features bloggers, so I hope it doesn’t frighten you too much. Keep on blogging.
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👍💖👍 (And you, as well!! 😊)
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks so much, Michael!
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Thank you for this great postings, Teri! Great information. Enjoy a nice Friday! xx Michael
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Now, that’s a great tarot card reading it I ever saw one. Congrats, Hugh. And I think Jennie needs another story. That would be really fun. It was great to see you here at Teri’s. Happy Halloween!
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I have an idea for writing and releasing a secret chapter for The Truth App, Diana. So you may well hear from Jennie again.
Happy Halloween to you. 🎃
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Great to hear, Hugh!
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What a great post! Having read a few of Hugh’s stories, his love for Rod Serling comes through. I am a fan of “what if” stories, and Hugh takes it to another level, and he’s also a master of twists. What an accurate tarot reading, and a happy one as well! Thanks, Teri, and a happy (scary!) Hallowing all!
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Hi Olga, thanks so much.
I’m delighted to have added a happy ending to the Tarot card reader question Teri asked. That day will forever live with me.
And thank you for the lovely compliments about my writing and stories. I continue to entertain readers with unexpected twists, although some are now happy twists rather than the horror twists I always used to write.
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I love all of Hugh’s answers, but especially about his experience with Tarot readings. I love it when the truth is undeniably predicted! Thank you for sharing, Teri, and best wishes to Hugh!
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Thanks, Jan. My visit that day to the Tarot card reader is one of the memories that will always live with me. If I could relive any day, that would be the day I’d relive.
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When I saw Hugh’s name I knew I was in for a fun visit. I remember The Truth App — it’s one of the most original stories I had read. Terrific.
Teri, wishing you and Hugh a wonderful rest of the week. Hugs on the wing.
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Hugs, Teagan!
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Hi Teagan, thank you for the great feedback about ‘The Truth App.’ It’s one of my favourite stories I’ve written. I’ve been thinking about writing and releasing a secret chapter for it. Maybe one day, I will. I’ve lots of ideas whirling around in my head for it.
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That’s really great about the tarot reading, and even more so that the two of you are still together so many years later.
For the record: I watched the Blair Witch Project, and the only thing I ended up feeling like I was in danger of dying of was boredom. You made a good choice in not watching it if you ask me, even if for a different reason to the one that prevented you from doing so. I watched it with my Dad and brother (both of whom are also still alive, if it brings you any comfort to know this) and the only one of the three of us who actually enjoyed it was my brother… Dad and I found it rather dull, and we can’t figure out to this day why it was considered so scary by my brother and so many others.
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I also watched it, Tori, and from what I can remember, I was pretty bored, too. The first Paranormal Activity movie was much better.
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Glad it wasn’t only me and Dad who found it so dull.
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Thank you, Tori.
Some people who have watched the movie The Blair Witch Project have told me that it’s very much like one of my favourite movies, ‘Cloverfield’. Because of the story about some audience members who’d watched Blair Witch dying shortly after seeing the movie when it first came out, it still hasn’t tempted me to watch it. It’s good that we’re all different and that what one person sees as an excellent movie, somebody else won’t like. I’m like that with the Harry Potter movies. I’m not sure what all the fuss is about them as they always end up sending me to sleep.
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Yes, it takes all sorts, and that’s what makes life interesting. 🙂
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Great to see Hugh here. I will never watch The Blair Witch Project either!
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I’m glad to hear you’ll also never watch The Blair Witch Project, Darlene. It still gives me shudders every time I see it in the TV listings.
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“Why are you going down in the cellar when all the lights have gone off?” Other than, because the movie would end too soon, I’ve never understood.
Rod Serling is also my writing hero. I checked a book of his stories out of our school library so often, they had to create a new card for it.
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Wow! Just from that library card, I can see how much of a fan of Mr Serling you are, Dan. I only wish I’d met him. Maybe, one day (in my Twilight Zone), I will?
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Do you follow Paul at Shadow & Substance? He doesn’t post that often, but he does very interesting explanations of Twilight Zone and Night Gallery episodes. I think you would enjoy. Here’s his latest post – https://thenightgallery.wordpress.com/2021/10/22/serling-re-framing-efforts-night-gallerys-the-doll/
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Yes, I follow Paul’s blog, Dan. I enjoy his posts and his rundown of episodes from the Twilight Zone. I’ve never watched Night Gallery, but I have the DVD box set ready to go.
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I figured you had found him. I streamed Night Gallery before Peacock became a thing. I almost made it through the whole series before they decided we should pay.
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I love Hugh’s tarot card story. It’s the best one of the month ❤️ And, what a great book cover 😍 It’s destined for much success!
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Thank you. The cover for Glimpses has been a big hit with readers. And, so it seems, has my tarot card reading.
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Another great interview and showcase, Teri. Thank you. Congratulations, Hugh. I’ve always loved Rod Serling’s work and Glimpses has me captured. I’m looking forward to the read.
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Hi Gwen, it’s great to meet another Rod Serling fan.
I hope you enjoy Glimpses and it doesn’t give you too many frights.
Happy Halloween.
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That tarot reading was wonderful! I’ve been along to Amazon to have a look at (glimpse?) your book with the amazing cover. It’s now on my Kindle and I’m looking forward to reading it.
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Thank you so much for buying Glimpses, Alex. I hope you enjoy the stories and pieces of flash fiction it contains. Yes, the cover is fantastic, isn’t it? When I first saw it, I was over the moon with it. I kept the same theme for the cover of More Glimpses.
Best wishes,
Hugh
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Okay…wait a minute. I read the whole interview (which was great, by the way), and there’s no pictures of Corgis??? What is going on here??? LOL!
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The corgis get so much attention when I take them out, so this interview was corgi free. However, they do feature in one of my stories in More Glimpses. I had to include them in at least one of my stories.
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The cover of this book is amazing!! 😍
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Thank you so much. I’m delighted you like it so much.
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Great interview, Hugh! Rod Serling would be an awesome choice for someone to spend time with. Teri, can I change my answer? I look forward to checking out your work, Hugh.
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Hi Chuck, thank you. Whatever awaits me after this life, I hope I get to Rod Seling.
Have a great week.
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HI Teri, it is lovely to see Hugh here with his two books of short stories. I have read and enjoyed both of them. Hugh story about a soldier in WW1 waiting in a dark, rat infested trench to ‘go over the top’ is simply unforgettable.
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I’m honoured that my story ‘The Whistle’ is an unforgettable story for you, Robbie. I wrote it one Saturday afternoon during heavy rain. I’m glad I chose it as the first story to appear in More Glimpses.
Have a great week.
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It is a very compelling story, Hugh, and if often comes into my mind.
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Glimpses sounds right up my alley, I will definitely check it out! I loved The Blair Witch Project! It is still one of the scariest films I’ve ever seen!
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Thank you for checking out Glimpses.
As for The Blair Witch Project, I’m still not tempted to watch it. I’m still too scared about the myth I heard that was connected with the movie. That alone scares me the most.
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