Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliot Hutchins.
Hi Eliot, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I spent most of my life with my father. He was psychopathic and every time I’d escape from him, he’d find me and insinuate himself back into my life. Finally, at 55, I got sick of him, less afraid and so I grabbed my son and moved to California. We were homeless and lived in a van for a few months. I got sick of that really quickly, so I, with the help of friends and the LGBT center, and my Manager, Matt Chassin, got a job, a place to stay for my son and I and started building a life. I’ve always been a writer, it was my escape from the insanity, but wanted to go further. After two years of hiding, we found out my dad was dead. Since then I have been writing screenplays and novels., networking and chasing my dream.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My dad was really crazy. My mother was a narcissist. There’s been a lot of therapy. When I tell my story to people they are often horrified and impressed at my survival. Thing is, when you live in that sort of situation, it just seems normal. I have so many stories of trials and tribulations. Stolen money, outright lies. Betrayal. I don’t necessarily thing that hard times makes you stronger. Rather they show you how strong you are or aren’t. Lots of people have similar stories to mine and they have lots of problems, mental health, drugs, etc. That doesn’t make the less than or bad. It means stronger people need to help them. All hardship shows you is where you need help and where you can give it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I write. I think what sets me apart is probably a disassociative disorder. Lol. Harlen Ellison said “we don’t write because we want to, we write because we have to.” I have people who live in my head and demand I wrote their stories, movies that play out that must go on paper. History to record. I’m told that people see my stories, its like some kind of paper telepathy. I do want to tell you a story, I want you to Smell smoke and taste Spring rain and hear churchbells playing Amazing Grace in the distance after the long night. I give people my visions.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Write. Don’t edit or get constructive criticism. Defiantly avoid internet critics. You are not writing to get rich and if you are, put down the pen and become a stock broker. You are writing to expurhate those loud and rowdy demons that plague your mind. Tell your stories and they will come. You aren’t looking for an audience, you’re looking for your audience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @eliothutchins
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EliotAshtonCam?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://a.co/d/6w0kNqN
