This week I’ve had the itch to travel, so I’ve been dreaming about my next trip. It’s hard to decide where that will be, since there are so many places I went to see, but polar bears keep popping into my head. I’ve also been busy trying to get my editing business going. If you know of anyone in need of an editor, please send them my way!
This week I’m talking with Judy Kelly, author of several novels including her latest, The Attractiveness of Wisdom. Enjoy the interview!
About the Author
Judy Kelly is an award-winning author. Her third and latest novel, The Attractiveness of Wisdom, has already won two awards—The Independent Press Award, 2022, and The New York, Big Book Award, 2022. Her second novel, Blessings and Curses, is a Finalist in the Readers Favorite Award for 2020, and the Top Ten Most Popular Novels at the Frankfort, Sharjah, and Guadalajara International Book Fairs, 2018. Her first novel, That Ever Died So Young, is a finalist in Somerset Literary and Contemporary Fiction Award for 2014.
Judy presents at conferences, libraries, and meetings, holds membership in several organizations, and taught fiction writing at Montgomery College, and Frederick Community College. Judy Kelly is also an adjunct professor at Montgomery College where she has taught speech, college reading, and English. She enjoys walking, live theater, movies, and museums. But her favorite pastimes are reading and writing.
Interview
Who or what inspires you to write?
When I was a young girl, my mother told me I would be good at two things – a teacher and an author. I have taught elementary, middle, and high school and am now a college professor. I love teaching and working with students on all levels. I am also a published author of three novels and working on the fourth. My mother was and still is my inspiration. Though we fought from time to time when I was a teen, she is in every part of my life.
I write about the human condition. When I think about the obstacles my mother had to overcome in her life, I feel encouraged to write about the hindrances in the lives of others and show how my characters overcame those difficulties. Thus, my first novel, That Ever Died So Young, is a story about how the main character, Scott, saw himself as the cause of his mother’s death. In Blessings and Curses, Olivia, the main character, came from a horrible background, and didn’t think she could become a priest. In The Attractiveness of Wisdom, Hamilton, the main character, controlled his life and the lives of others. Each character in the story was inspired and aided by another character in the story to change something.
It sounds like following your mother’s advice has turned out well for you. What is the best thing that has happened because of your writing?
All three novels have won at least one award. Blessings and Curses and The Attractiveness of Wisdom have won two awards. My novels are Christian literary fiction, and I am thrilled to know that those reading them for the awards also saw how the power of God works in our lives.
Congratulations on your awards! That must be very gratifying. What is the most difficult thing you have experienced about writing or publishing?
Everything about writing can be difficult from time to time. The research that is needed may not turn out to be as useful. This can cause changes in the plot or location of the novel. It can also change the qualities of the character. If a change or changes need to be made, then they must be made.
In The Attractiveness of Wisdom, I felt the novel was a little preachy. I wanted it to be a story about a man who felt he needed to control his life and the lives of his family. I needed to show the reader, but sometimes I ended up telling the reader. I had to change those parts to show the reader what he did and show the reader how he eventually changed. I used another character to do the showing, which was much better. In doing so, I could add more suspense, intrigue, and conflict.
Sometimes the story just does not go the way you want it to go, even when you create an outline. The difficulty for me is trying to stick with the outline. I don’t always stick with the outline; I change the outline or add to the outline. I always know where I’m going, i.e., I always know how the story will end.
It’s so true that sometimes the story doesn’t go the way you want it to go. Was there anything you didn’t do during your writing or publishing journey that you wish you had?
I try not to let something go and then later, wish I had changed it. If I need to do something, such as add something, remove something, or make any kind of change, I do it before the novel is printed. It’s a nice feeling, much like I’m proud of myself for writing the novel, or a feeling of accomplishment, or maybe I feel several things all at once, but it feels good when I receive my finished novel with a cover and I see my name on the cover and I know that I wrote that novel.
It sounds like you know how to avoid regrets during your writing journey. Do you have a publisher and/or agent, or are you an indie (self-published) or hybrid author?
I have a publisher, Black Rose Writing.
How wonderful! What do you like about writing Christian literary fiction?
I like to write character-driven novels. According to some who have read my novels, they bring back memories of their youth, teen years, and adult life. Character-driven novels also have messages and themes that other genres seem to lack. Mainly, writing about people is fascinating and a learning experience. I learn something new every time I create a story. The research I do enhances the plot, character, and scenes. Sometimes the research turns out to be something unexpected and choosing to use it can cause some part of the story to be changed. It usually makes a deeper story and a deeper character; thus, a much better-focused story.
I really enjoy character-driven novels. Do you outline your books before you write them?
Yes, but the outline is not always useful. Even though I make changes in the story, I continue to follow the outline. The outline is a map, a route I take to get to the ending. The outline enables me to start, helps me get to the mid portion, and takes me to the end of the story. When a person needs to drive somewhere and the area is unfamiliar, they use a map to get to the place. It’s the same for writing a story. The plot line and the outlines are the maps used to put the story on paper and go from the beginning to the end of the story. Sometimes the ending is not as powerful as I would like. I change the ending to a more powerful, more memorable ending.
Your experience sounds very similar to other successful authors who outline, in that the story often strays from the outline. How do you define success as a writer?
When I began writing, I felt partially successful when I completed a novel. Then I was a bit more successful when the novel was published. Since my novels have all won awards, I feel a little more successful. When I can live off my novels, I will feel successful.
That is a common dream of authors, to live off their books. If you could have lunch with any author, who would it be?
At conferences I have had lunch with several authors I admire (one important thing about attending conferences). I have read one of the greatest books, in my estimation, and I would love to have lunch with Georgia Hunter, the author of We Were the Lucky Ones.
Meeting other authors at conferences is so much fun. Tell us about a great adventure you’ve had.
My first novel was a story that took place in Italy in 1935. It was a story about a teen who would soon graduate from what we call in this country, high school. He worked in a grocery store with his father in Alessandra, a small town. The war was beginning, and his friends decided they would sign up. The young man decided to marry his high school sweetheart.
When I wrote the story, I had not been to Italy. I relied on my friends who were and are Italian to help me with the details. I also did extensive research about the customs, and the town of Alessandra, where I placed the story. I read books and articles about Mussolini’s war, the attitude of the people, and whatever I could find. I wrote a description that reminded my friend of her home. That’s when I knew I was on the right track. The research gave me a fervent desire to visit Italy. I did, and what a wonderful place. It was “easy” and “comfortable,” and fascinating. I loved it there. One day soon, I will return.
Writing a book that takes place somewhere you’ve never been must have been a challenge. I’m so happy that you were finally able to visit. Judy, thank you so much for spending time with us!
Readers, you can find out more about Judy and her books at her website, http://www.judycar.com.
After a tumultuous marriage and a struggle to keep it together, Hamilton, a university dean, sets out on a perilous emotional journey to change his life and seek the love he’s always wanted. He’s tired of controlling his life and the lives of others. Hamilton meets Franny, a troubled dance teacher, and accepts her job offer of organizer in her studio. When Franny injures her foot, Hamilton must step out of his secure place to help. His trepidation increases when he meets a research journalist who falls in love with him. But her life isn’t what it seems. He fears controlling her, and after her convent life, she needs his love. Will Hamilton wise up and learn how a man truly loves a woman, the value of friendship and the need for prayer?
The Attractiveness of Wisdom is a Christian literary fiction, heart-warming, enthralling novel with endearing, and unforgettable characters.
Readers, have you ever been to Italy? Let us know in the comments!
Heidi Eliason 