Ask the Author: Judy Shank Cyg
Answered Questions (10)
Judy Shank Cyg
Good question! How a little girl born on a Monday in the winter of Pontiac grew an imagination that followed her through school (daydreaming and making up stories), jobs (where coworkers were crew members on a starship to pass the time), marriage and children (where storytelling hid underground), to permanent summer in Florida where books exploded outward like a geyser, and imagination became a daily companion and took over pen and keyboard, reminding her that, all along, life's purpose was saving the world from darkness, one story at a time. Creativity, inspiration, and flights of fancy are a mystery, wouldn't you say?
Judy Shank Cyg
I'd spend a year in Miss Read's village of Fairacre, and enjoy the countryside, the quiet life.
Judy Shank Cyg
Something Deeply Hidden (Sean Carroll), Quantum Physics for Beginners (Elliot Berg), Tevye's Daughers (Sholom Aleichem)
Judy Shank Cyg
Most recent book is a collection of interrelated characters called the Pererin, interstellar "pilgrims" made up of wizards and warriors, a trickster, and a woman of unquestioning faith, led by an Oracle, with the belief that they never quit and never fail, no matter what challenge or enemy they face on any world.
Judy Shank Cyg
Retired from a hectic job with all summer ahead and time to write. Alarm went off on Monday morning, and it was a dream.
Judy Shank Cyg
I've experienced writer's block many times, once it lasted for years when there was a family challenge for time and effort and energy. Through all of that, I kept a daily (morning) journal where I let myself play with characters, scenes, sketches, taped in favorite pictures, and above all, dated every entry. I have two shelves full of these commonplace books, and they're not so much personal history as dreams on paper. Works for me. (Never give up...)
Judy Shank Cyg
You're never lonely!
Judy Shank Cyg
Every writer, professional or poet or journal scribbler, is an aspiring writer. Believe that you have a unique voice and outlook, that what you see and understand and share matters to everyone else, and do NOT give up, even through writer's block, distractions, duties, and doubt around you. Above all, read books about writing--encouragement, improvement, skill building. Donald Maas and Larry Brooks offer the best of these, and I owe my constant learning to them.
Judy Shank Cyg
A collection of "short" stories about an interstellar band of pilgrims--wizards and warriors, led by an Oracle--who claim they never lose, never quit no matter what foe they face, called the Pererin (Welsh for pilgrim). These stories interlock, adding new heroes who become involved in their adventures. Charles deLint has always been a writing hero of mine, and I love his collections of short stories.
Judy Shank Cyg
Born with a desire to create stories from music, scenery, chance meetings...must be a Divine direction.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more