Author Q&A with Judy Ferrell

1. Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)

At present, I have 5 books on Amazon, 3 books of poetry, and 2 of short stories. I am presently hoping to have at least one more book published this year.

2. Where’s your favourite place to write?

I write in my recliner in my living room. I can have access to anything in my house from here.

3. How do you approach starting a new book?

Each new book usually starts with a line or a phrase that gets stuck in my head. I often build from that.

4. What’s your favourite genre to read?

I read everything as many indie authors know. I seem to review many of them.

5. Have you always wanted to write?

I’ve been writing for years. It’s only been in the last several years that I have been published, however.

6. What do you do when you have writer’s block?

Writer’s block is a problem for all writers at some point in time. I walk away from the project for a time. I find a short break gives me what I need to regain control of the writing and continue.

7. Tell us about a scene that you loved but had to edit out of your book

I wrote one short story for Tales From the Mountains 2 that I could not use. When the story was written I found that it was absolutely to horrifying to be included..

8. Do you like reading the same books you write?

I will read anything. However, I find poetry to be a little hard sometimes. It’s hard to read poetry without understanding what the poet is trying to convey.

9. Do you write under a pen name?

I use my own name. I’m very proud of my writing. I have found it very exciting and very much my own thing.

10. How do you choose your book’s title(s)?

Choosing my titles for me is very easy. as I write I find it comes to me. A word or a sentence leads the way.

11. What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their own book?

If you want to write a book simply put pen to paper. let no one discourage you. You can only try. I only just put out my first book at the beginning of Covid. You must believe in yourself. Ask for help if you need it. There are others that will help. Pursue your dreams. They are important. Let no one take away your dream!!

12. Do you do research for your books? If so, what kind of research?

I do research on occasion. I talk to people in the know. I check Google. I do library research. Never forget that sometimes that can be your best friend. You may not need everything you find at that time but the information is never a bad thing.

13. How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

I write all hours. I write as and when the mood strikes. It’s why I live alone, or one of the reasons. Writing is a subjective adventure. You must handle it as and how it works best for you.

14. How do you approach ‘world building’?

World-building for me is different at this point. with my work. The work I am doing now is built on this world so I have something to build from. I find that in the books I’ve read and reviewed the worlds that have been built are fantastic works.

15. How do you handle criticism?

I have a problem with criticism. I think all authors encounter it eventually. I have found, for myself, that it bothers me mostly because it seems that most times it’s given mean-spirited. There should be a nice way to help people.

16. Describe your perfect character to me

My perfect character is a strong woman. She probably has a strong character and an even stronger belief system. She will cot compromise.

17. Tell me about your current work

My current work is sort of a spy/mystery novel. It seems to have taken a life of its own. the more I work on it more I realize it may become a series.

18. Tell me about your main character

My main character Cora Lee is a retired librarian. She is not what you would expect. watch for surprises.

19. Would you want your book made into a film?

Making my book into a film would be fun. Lots of action. Lots of misdirection. The possibilities are endless.

20. How many books do you own?

How many books do I own? Thousands. Paper and e-book. I will read always!

You can find Judy on Twitter

Author Q&A with Judy Ferrell