The Write Side of Life
September 12, 2007 | Interviews
ST: Good morning, Judith. Before we start, let’s show the readers two more of your beautiful covers.
JR: Absolutely! Let’s present ONCE UPON A WEDDING and CUTTER’S LAW.
ST: Tell us what made you decide to be a writer?
JR: I’ve always had the itch but work and family just got in the way. But I kept a notebook with ideas “just in case.” When I finally retired, my husband said, Okay now you have no excuse. I always thought I’d write a straight mystery, with people from work thinly disguised, but while they were interesting character after three weeks I still hadn’t gotten past chapter one. And I had this itch growing stronger and stronger. Then I read CRY NO MORE by Linda Howard which not only changed my reading habits but pointed me in a writing direction that’s never wavered. I love romantic suspense, and every one of my books has a little of that in it.
ST: How long have you been writing?
JR: Since April 2004. I sat down at the computer and never got up!
ST: How many books have you written?
JR: 12 full length and 12 novellas. I am in the process of working on three more plus one novella. I can’t seem to shut off my mind. My husband is used to me pulling a notebook out of my purse no matter where we are and jotting something down.
ST: You’re amazing to have accomplished so much in such a short time. Which is your favorite story and why?
JR: REDEMPTION, because it’s based on a real person. The story just built itself around his personal history. He’s a fantastic character and very easy to turn into a tormented hero who finds redemption.
ST: Do you find writing to be fulfilling? And in what way?
JR: Very fulfilling. I love making up stories in my head. Also, I think every woman, no matter what her life is like, needs a taste of romance and the fantasy of the alpha hero. I want to be able to provide that.
ST: What’s a normal day like for you?
JR: Feed the cats at six (they are very demanding) and answer email and take care of promo stuff until 9 o’clock. Then two hours with my husband, juice, breakfast, and—my addiction—The Price is Right. Then an hour for household chores and writing until five. (Sometimes I bag the household chores.) I try to make it a rule not to write in the evening because that’s my time with the dh, but if I’m on a deadline he politely ignored the laptop joining us in bed.
ST: With your busy life how do you find time to write?
JR: I am so lucky, because I’m retired so I can carve out what time I need. And I get tremendous support from my husband. He knows that after him this is my Number One priority.
ST: You’re fortunate he stands with you.
JR: I know. I couldn’t ask for better.
ST: We’ll be back in the morning to learn more about this Texas gal. Until then…
Happy Writing!
Sloane
