Ruth Hogan on Writing, Creativity, and Her Latest Novel, The Phoenix Ballroom

The Creative Switch

Ruth Hogan on Writing, Creativity, and Her Latest Novel, The Phoenix Ballroom

In this final episode of the Summer Authors Special, host Nikki Vallance sits down with Sunday Times bestselling author Ruth Hogan. Known for her evocative and heartwarming novels with eccentric characters, Ruth shares her journey from a career in local government to becoming a Bestselling author. They discuss the importance of creativity in everyday life, the inspiration behind Ruth's latest book, "The Phoenix Ballroom," and the significance of embracing second chances at any age. Ruth also delves into her writing process, the impact of life experiences on her work, and the value of intergenerational friendships.

Ruth Hogan Bio:

Ruth Hogan was brought up in a house full of books, fostering an unsurprising passion for reading and writing. She also loved (and still does) dogs and ponies, seaside piers (particularly the Palace Pier in Brighton), snow globes, cemeteries, and potatoes. Initially aspiring to be a vet, show jumper, gravedigger, or potato farmer, Ruth eventually found her calling as a writer. She studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where she hennaed her hair, wore dungarees, and had aspirations to be the fourth member of Bananarama. After a decade-long career in local government, a car accident left her unable to work full-time, prompting her to start writing seriously.

In 2012, Ruth was diagnosed with cancer, which led to an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. During sleepless nights caused by chemo, she wrote her bestselling debut novel, "The Keeper of Lost Things," a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Ruth has since published three more novels: "The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes," "Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel," and "Madame Burova." She lives in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and her long-suffering husband. Ruth is a magpie, always collecting treasures (or 'junk' depending on your point of view), a huge John Betjeman fan, and dreams of having a full-size galloping horses carousel in her back garden.

Episode Highlights:

- [00:05] - The Edge

- [06:13] Ruth Hogan's Introduction and Career Background

- [07:21] What Creativity Means to Ruth

- [09:15] Navigating Life and Career Transitions

- [18:11] Ruth's Switching Moment: From Local Government to Writing

- [23:40] Overcoming Challenges: Ruth's Battle with Cancer and Finding an Agent

- [32:22] The Inspiration Behind "Keeper of Lost Things"

- [40:15] The Genesis of "The Phoenix Ballroom"

- [50:21] Themes of Second Chances and Intergenerational Friendships in Ruth's Work

- [57:03] The Importance of Representing Older Characters in Fiction

- [58:57] Creative Adventures

Four Creative Nuggets

"I've always had a really strong sense of who I am. I didn't always have the courage to show it." - Ruth Hogan

“You will make time because you have to write. It's not a question of I want to write, it's a question of I need to write." - Ruth Hogan

"It's never too late to start; age should not define your creative journey." - Ruth Hogan

Creativity " is the expression of the thing that is only me" - Ruth Hogan

Links

Ruth Hogan

https://facebook.com/https://www.facebook.com/RuthHoganAuthor/

https://instagram.com/https://www.instagram.com/ruthmariehogan/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phoenix-Ballroom-brand-new-emotional-bestselling/dp/1805460706/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keeper-Lost-Things-Richard-bestseller/dp/1473635489/

The Edge

Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Age and Ageing | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

Spaces for Creativity 2024 | Creative Lives (creative-lives.org)

Creative Adventures

Lorna Gibson Episode

Nikki

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.nikkivallance.com/join-creative-switch-community/

https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/

https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/

Afflliate Links

Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

And the podcast will be back later in the year with more great guests, updates on my progress with book two, and news of an exciting new cross discipline collaboration project.

Keep creating…

And remember, why survive when you can thrive?