We have featured your novel on our home page recently, why don't you both tell us a little about yourselves?
Judy
I am retired, divorced and my two daughters are grown and on their own. When they were small, I made promises to them—I would teach them right from wrong, I would see to it that they received a good education and I would make sure they had straight teeth. The promises were kept and they do very well and we are very close. So now I am at the place in my life where I can say, “It’s all about me.” I am following my dream.
Cindy
For the last 35 years, I have been married to my forever man. I discovered retirement wasn’t for me so I went back to work. Two years ago, my son and his wife blessed my husband and I with our bright ray of sunshine, our gem, our grand-daughter. She makes us laugh and not feel quite so old. We are expecting another in the fall. Can’t wait.
Q. How long have you been a writer? What made you put that first story down on paper?
Judy
It all started in the mid-seventies. I won a ticket to attend a luncheon that was held in a very nice downtown Baltimore hotel. Harlequin Publishing House sponsored this event. I mixed and mingled with editors, authors, and agents and their goal was to encourage the audience, which consisted of women to write romance novels. By the time the speeches were over and I walked to the parking lot, I was convinced I could go home and write a romance. After all, I had read hundreds of them.
When I arrived home, I pulled out a writing pad and started to write my romance novel. I thought, this is a piece of cake!
Since I didn’t do any research or take writing classes, I didn’t have a clue. Eventually frustration set in and time was an issue. I had a husband, kids, sick mother and a full time job. It just wasn’t working. I decided to put my manuscript aside and bide my time.
Cindy
I have always written, as a child and young adult with letters to friends and family when traveling. We traveled a lot. I still will write to friends and family even if they live close by. Although the length of some of those earlier letters could probably qualify as a novel, I didn’t officially start writing until I met my partner, Judy.
Q. What types of stories do you write?
Judy/Cindy
We write about romance and happy endings.
Q. What do your family/friends think about your writing? Are they supportive?
Judy
Family and friends are very supportive. My two daughters have copies of my books, but have not read them. Mother’s aren’t supposed to know about sex.
Cindy
Mostly supportive. My mother would prefer I write mystery.
Q. For you, what is most frustrating about writing? Most rewarding?
Judy
The most frustrating part of writing is coordinating time with my co-author, Cindy. Since she is still working she doesn’t have as much time as I do, and she has a beautiful granddaughter she and her husband enjoy baby sitting.
Cindy
Probably the same as Judy’s. It’s difficult to find the time to write. If you don’t write all the time you lose consistency.
Q. Do you read much? What kinds of books inspire you to write- if any? Favorite authors?
Judy
All books inspire me to write. Right now, I am reading some of my favorite murder, mystery books by, Harlen Coben, John Sanford, Robert J. Parker and David Baldacci and several others.
I still love reading romance novels, the happy endings are the best.
Cindy
I don’t read as much as I have in the past. I cut my teeth on Georgette Heyer, Barbara Cartland and moved on to Victoria Holt and Kathleen Woodiwiss. There was I time I only read romance, but with maturity, I came to appreciate other genres. Mystery is probably my favorite read now.
Q. How do you handle rejection letters? Any hints?
Judy
Handling rejection letters isn’t too bad, I just file them away and go into denial. All kidding aside, everyone gets rejection letters, the key is not to take it personal.
Cindy
I hate rejection letters.
Q. If I were sitting down today to write my very first story, what would your advice be?
Judy
Take writing classes in the genre you want to write about, join a good critique group. I joined Novel Advice, an on-line writer’s group. We critique each others writing and it has been a wonderful learning experience. Good honest feedback is priceless and that’s what you will get from this site.
Spend most of your time on your outline, you won’t regret it. Actually it will make the book easier to write and the flow will be better.
Cindy
Take some writing courses. Join a critique group or organization that supports writers, such as Romance Writers of America. Talk to other writers/authors. When you are ready to sit down and write prepare an outline. You will need to outline the beginning, the journey and the finish. It’s a big help.
Q. Do you take most of your ideas from life? Or your imagination? A mix? (Do you hate when people ask this?)
Judy
I don’t hate when people ask this question. I think all writers get ideas from life and their imagination. Together it’s quite a combination.
Cindy
Absolutely. I like to close my eyes and visualize a scene in my mind. What’s it look like, any colors, any smell? How about listening? What do you hear? I may have just been sitting on my porch on a warm spring day. Plots for a story line is a collaboration with Judy.
Q. Do you have days when the words won’t flow? What do you do?
Judy
If too much time has lapsed since Cindy and I have gotten together to work on the novel, it’s like starting over. Even though we read the story from the beginning to where we left off, sometimes it just doesn’t click. So we may end up only writing a couple of pages instead of a couple of chapters. It’s always very disappointing. That’s when we just have a glass of wine and catch up on what’s been happening and hope we do better the next time we get together.
Cindy
Yes, bounce it off my partner. She always has my back covered. If I can’t think it, visualize it, speak it, she can.
Q. What’s a typical writing day like for you? Do you have a schedule? How do you keep from procrastinating?
Judy/Cindy
We really have no typical writing day. They are always different. Some are good, some are bad but, some are excellent. Scheduling can be difficult.
Q. What’s it like writing with a partner?
Judy
We always seem to have a good time. Everyone’s writing style is different and we compliment each others’ style.
Cindy
The best. The only down side is scheduling conflicts. Judy and I have very different life-styles so it can be difficult at times. I can’t say it’s easier to write with a partner just because we have two heads. We also have two opinions. Sometimes we compromise or agree to disagree. We have never had a problem moving forward.
Q. What do you do to unwind and relax?
Judy
I read, travel with friends, and spend time with my kids.
Cindy
Reading, obviously. I love spending time in my garden or on the back of my husband’s motorcycle.
Q. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and started writing? Do dreams inspire you?
Judy
No, I haven’t. I usually do wake up during the night and if I can’t get back to sleep, I will read.
Cindy
No, I’ve gone to sleep with a troublesome scene running around in my head: Maybe trying to resolve a problem.
Q. Do you have a ‘golden rule’ of writing that almost always works for you?
Judy/Cindy
Don’t lose focus. Stay consistent.
Q. What’s your opinion on “How-to” books on writing? Helpful, a waste of money?
Judy
I think some of them are very helpful, they point you in the right direction and that’s important. I think critique groups are more important, especially the mix. Published writers can be so helpful to unpublished writers. I am a member of NovelAdvice.com and they are very supportive and knowledgeable. We all have the same goal. If you are not published, you want to get published. If you are published, you want to get published again and again.
Cindy
Take what help you can get. If it helps it has value.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as a writer? What’s the worst?
Judy
“Stick with it, don’t give up.” is the best advice I have received. I don’t think anyone has given me any bad advice to tell you the truth.
Cindy
Keep writing. Stop writing.
Q. Did we forget anything? What would you like to add? Any upcoming publications or links for our readers? Current projects we should watch for
Judy/Cindy
Our thanks to Long Story Short for your support and encouragement!
