AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Judy Howard, "The Grieving Gift"

I'd like to welcome author Judy Howard to my blog. She has recently released a new book, The Grieving Gift, now available on Amazon. Thank you for taking time to chat with us, Judy.

Welcome, Judy. Tell us a little about yourself. 
Today I live full-time in my Winnebago motorhome with my cat, Sportster, traveling across the country as a motivational speaker and offering writing seminars. When Sportster and I are not traveling, we spend their time in Sun City, California.

How long have you been writing?
The death of my husband in 2004 gave me a wakeup call. Life is short. I sold my pet grooming business, which I had operated since the age of eleven and engaged full throttle into my new passions of writing and traveling.

What types of books do you typically write?
My writing career expands across many genres, including memoir, romantic mystery, reality fiction, travel and young adult, and now with THE GRIEVING GIFT, an autobiographical novel. In all of my books I address the same theme - overcoming life’s difficulties.

What types of books do you enjoy reading?
Reading for pleasure? I am guilty of denying myself of that luxury. When I read, I read about writing or for research.

What is different about your new book?
THE GRIEVING GIFT rises above other books which attempt to tackle the depressing subject of a deathwatch. THE GRIEVING GIFT bypasses the religious and faith issues that most books suggest one acquire to make the deathwatch journey and the grief following. Instead the reader will come away from my story believing in the impossible.

Why prompted you to write it?
The past several years I have experienced a series of experiences so incredible and so much more than I could have ever imagined that I had to write about them. That these events began the day after my sister’s death would make anyone question if anyone really does die.

I understand you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Care to explain?
Yes! I am an adrenaline junky! Perhaps I have my father’s genes. He was a race car driver. I meet so many people who envy my life and yet their fears hold them back from even trying to reach for their dreams. I won’t ever NOT do something, just because I am afraid. There has to be a better reason not to do something than just because I am afraid.

Do you have any other hobbies, other than reading and writing?
I enjoy traveling in my motorhome just as much as my writing. It feeds my inspiration. If I could no longer write I would paint. I can get lost in sketching and painting.
 

My favorite quote: “How vain is it to sit down and write when you have not stood up and lived?” ~ Henry Thoreau ~

What would you like to be remembered for?
I want you to remember me as the one who lit your fire, who showed you your passion and who gave you the courage to grab hold and live your life!

Any advice for new writers?
If whatever you desire is the first thing you think of when you open your eyes in the morning and the last thing on your mind when you fall asleep then you must follow it or else you will live a life full of regret.

If you want to be a writer, you have to write, no matter what. Do it in spite of the voices inside and outside your head. We all are what we do. Never, never, never deny your passions.

Where to find/contact/follow Judy & Sportster:

Judy Howard's Amazon Author Page

Blog: The Adventures Of An Rving Widow

Blog: A Cat's Perspective On Reading, Writing and Life

Judy Howard Website

jhoward1935@gmail.com