Is Hudson Williams trading his hockey skates for a writing desk? According to a recent interview with Wonderland, the rising star has revealed that he’s been quietly working on a book alongside his fast-growing acting career.
Speaking to the outlet on Jan. 28, the 24-year-old actor shared that writing has become a major creative outlet for him. Williams explained that he keeps two different journals, each serving a distinct purpose. One functions as a semi-autobiographical manuscript that explores his current stage of life, blending elements of real experience with fictional storytelling. The other is more straightforward, capturing daily events and encounters as they happen.
In addition to those journals, Williams said he maintains an ongoing Google Doc where he records his inner thoughts and emotional responses, often writing while traveling between events or sitting alone in hotel rooms. He described the process as deeply enjoyable, noting that writing allows him to reflect and stay connected to himself during an otherwise hectic schedule.
Williams rose to prominence last November with his breakout role in HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry. The LGBTQ+ hockey romance drama, based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novel, stars Williams as Shane Hollander alongside Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov. The series follows two elite NHL players whose fierce competition on the ice contrasts with a passionate and complicated relationship off it.
The show quickly became a viral phenomenon, earning widespread attention for its representation and emotional depth. Its impact extended beyond entertainment, even inspiring former professional hockey player Jesse Kortuem to publicly come out as gay. Due to its success, Heated Rivalry has already been renewed for a second season, with production scheduled to begin this summer.
As Williams adjusts to sudden fame, he credits journaling as a grounding force. He shared that he was inspired by acclaimed writer Joan Didion, who once said she kept journals so she could reconnect with her younger self later in life. That idea resonated deeply with him and motivated him to document his own experiences in a similar way.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/hudson-williams-Dsquared2-milan-2-012926-8fe832c76bb24cc08b6cb3abf030d721.jpg)
Beyond self-reflection, Williams says writing also helps him cultivate gratitude. Looking back through his entries allows him to fully appreciate moments that once felt overwhelming or surreal, giving him perspective on how far he’s come in a short period of time.
Staying grounded, however, isn’t something he does alone. Williams emphasized the importance of his close circle of friends, who help keep him accountable. Rather than being impressed by fame, they focus on how he treats others and whether he remains kind and respectful. According to Williams, their honesty plays a crucial role in keeping him balanced.
He added that he uses his relationships with friends and family as a personal barometer, asking himself whether he’s showing up as a decent human being. For him, success isn’t defined by accolades or attention, but by character. Remaining thoughtful, humble, and compassionate, he said, matters more than anything else.
As Hudson Williams continues to navigate a rapidly evolving career, it seems his pen may prove just as important as his performances—offering a way to process fame, preserve memory, and stay true to himself.
