Accomplished author Kim Hudson debuted her newest book with a launch event in November at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre
Kim Hudson’s highly-varied background looked like indecision in the beginning, but she says it has turned out to be a rich resource for her interest in finding patterns.
“I started out as an exploration geologist and spent some time out of Dawson prospecting and trying to figure out the source of the motherlode. Then I became a land negotiator for the Federal Government during the completion of the UFA [Umbrella Final Agreement] and the first four agreements,” she explained. “Having my first daughter led to soul searching to find a career that spoke to me. I decided on screenwriting, which turned into a love of archetypal story structure, and the publishing of my first book, The VIrgin’s Promise.”
Hudson’s first book describes the structure of stories about knowing and being oneself, separate from what everyone expects, as Hudson said, which she later learned is a foundation of circular thinking.
“It is the alternative to a hero’s story,” the author said. “It turned out people were hungry for this.”
When Hudson cold-called her ideal publisher in the U.S., they accepted. She started giving talks and workshops, and the idea for a second book started to form in her head.
“I was uncomfortable in my skin until I tried to capture it in writing,” Hudson said. “I kept writing and decided it would be wonderful to engage with people on what was emerging, so I asked SFU Centre for Dialogue [at Simon Fraser University] if they would host a workshop on the ideas. The director said it was a big idea and offered me a Fellowship to write the book. And here we are, seven years and many workshops later, with a completed book.”
With her new book, The Bridge: Connecting The Powers Of Linear And Circular Thinking, Hudson aimed to recognize that there is a pattern to the way people think. She notes that scientific research, psychological studies and common experiences come to the same conclusions.
“They have all found the pattern to be complicated and complex,” she explained. “What I have noticed is that rather than having a complete understanding of the pattern, we can have a simple framework that gives us access to our two ways of knowing. Pretty quickly, I noticed that my land-claims experience was full of examples of circular and linear thinking as we worked to figure each other out. These talks were unique, as we held an image in negotiations that we were three parties sitting together on one side of the table, facing tough problems on the other side (which is what I call circular thinking).
“I learned about circular thinking from the oral cultures I was working with, and about linear thinking from the Federal Government and mineral companies I worked for. Interestingly, over the years of writing the book I have noticed more stories of people reaching to incorporate both modes of thinking into their work and lives. I’ve captured some of these in the book. This feels like a pivotal and exciting time for us.”
With The Bridge, Hudson aims to offer two understandings of power, each showing a unique perspective on the same situation. Hudson believes the understanding of power that people choose, whether consciously or unconsciously, automatically carries with it a triad of operating principles.
“Linear power pushes back against dangers, makes either/or decisions and focuses on the objective/external factors,” she explained. “Circular thinking pulls in what is novel, inspires passion or feels nutritive. It is inclusive by applying a ‘yes and both’ attitude, and embraces subjective/internal aspects. With this framework, we have a bridge to move from one way of thinking to the other.”
Hudson uses both scientific studies and personal stories to give value to both linear and circular thinking. She writes with a personal voice, to make the concepts of her writing more relatable to readers.
“This is a more vulnerable place to be in and it makes it easier for people to feel they can apply The Bridge’s concepts to their lives,” she said.
Growing up in the Yukon is something that has shaped Hudson as an author, thinker and creative. With a vibrant and open arts community, it’s the perfect place for her to take in inspiration of all kinds.
“I love how welcoming the Yukon is to artists of all kinds,” Hudson said. “It is very inspiring to see locals in plays at the Guild, hear music at the Old Fire Hall and enjoy crafts at Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. We share in and support people’s artistic expressions as a normal part of life here. We are so lucky, both as artists and recipients!”
To learn more about Kim Hudson and The Bridge, visit kimhudsonauthor.com
