Ask the Author: Judy Kelly
Answered Questions (8)
Judy Kelly
I'm not like most of my family. I would like to find out more about that, but then, I don't think I want to.
Judy Kelly
My next novel is The Attractiveness of Wisdom. I hope to have it out in late summer or early fall. Please look for it. I know you will love it as much as I do and as much as you have loved That Ever Died So Young and Blessings and Curses.
Judy Kelly
I'm always inspired. I just look for the next story.
Judy Kelly
The best thing about being a writer is that a writer can first live in another world while creating wonderful stories and characters for readers. Sometimes that world is an enjoyable one and the writer feels good, and other times it is not; it is dark and gloomy and scary. The writer gets to show readers how some people live their lives. Sometimes, the writer enjoys interacting with their characters. So far, I have enjoyed being with Scott, Martin, Olivia and Wesley. I create characters I like and characters I need. I create characters I know people will relate to and understand. Then when the story is finished, the writer can take readers in that world for them to interact with the characters while they move on to other stories.
Judy Kelly
I have spent much time reading for awards programs, that I've neglected my personal reading. Thus my list has gotten so long. I would like to tackle the stack of books in my office this summer. I don't know what's on top because the stack got so high that it toppled over, but I will begin with whatever I touch first.
Judy Kelly
For aspiring writers I suggest that you learn all you can about writing and the writing process. Read all you can, good books and not so good books. You need to be able to see the difference. Read across genres. Know your craft and be well versed. Know the genre you write. Don't tell people you write mystery when you open with a crime scene and police officers are everywhere. Know how to write your genre. While trying to get published, it is important to follow the rules of the agency and of your genre. If you want an agent or editor to invest in you, then show them you are worthy of their time and effort by following the rules of your genre and sending them what they say they want. Learn to accept suggestions, but from your writing group members, an agent, an editor. When you submit your work to your writing group, you know that the work needs help, so teach yourself to accept what people say about your work. Some comments will not be well thought out, but also learn that that happens and you must sort our the comments. Accept those comments that help you improve your work. Most importantly, don't give up. Good writing takes time, lots of it and lots of effort. Be determined and dedicated to your craft.
Judy Kelly
Writer's block. When I find that I can't go any further with a character or topic, I first look at the topic. If my character is to make a banking mistake with a customer, for example, and I am blocked on it, I go to the bank and while in line or pretending to fill out a form, try to see how what I want to happen can happen. I think things through step by step while in the bank (having it act out in my mind), and when I get home, I draw a diagram of what I want to happen. If it still doesn't work, then I toss it and try something else. In my first novel, I wanted my main character to go down a street in Alexandra, Italy. I got books, went on the internet to see how he could walk one block. I wanted the flavor of Italy and that was the only way I could do that. I also found out so many other things that I used in the novel as well. If I'm stuck on what a character would do or say, then I go back to my character sketch to determine whether or not my character would do or say what I want. If not, using my character sketch, I change things to what they would do or say under the story's circumstances.
What I'm saying is that I work my way out of writer's block. I find that I'm blocked when I don't know enough about something or that I'm having my characters act against who they are. I also take my time, put the work down and go back the next day or the day after.
I don't let terminology stop me from writing my story. I really don't think I know what writer's block is or believe that there is a writer's block.
What I'm saying is that I work my way out of writer's block. I find that I'm blocked when I don't know enough about something or that I'm having my characters act against who they are. I also take my time, put the work down and go back the next day or the day after.
I don't let terminology stop me from writing my story. I really don't think I know what writer's block is or believe that there is a writer's block.
Judy Kelly
The idea for my novel, That Ever Died So Young, came from an automobile accident that I happen to see as I drove by. A man, walking back and forth and talking on his cell phone made me think that he caused the accident. Since I had to wait for those in front of me to see what happened, I had time to think of other ways a person could feel like they caused an accident. Thus, my opening was created.
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