Tuesday, May 05, 2020

Garden Interview with Judith Sterling

Hello Judith

Tell us about you and your books



Do you plot or let the story unfold as you write?


I plot not only stories but series as well, with detailed outlines. My characters can still surprise me, though!

How did you do in English as a kid?

English was always my best subject, and I wrote chapter stories and scripts even in elementary school.

Do you have set times during the day that you write?

I write best when I’m alone, when my husband is at work and our sons are at school. Of course, now with all the Corona craziness, we’re all home together 24/7. I write in our dining room, which is like grand central station, so it’s a challenge. Love scenes are particularly difficult; at any moment, my kids could sneak up behind me…and potentially get the shock of their lives!


How much time do you spend writing every day?

It depends. Some days, I have four or five hours to devote to writing. Other days, I have none because I’m working as a tour guide at The Witch House, the 17th-century home of Salem Witch Trials judge Jonathan Corwin. Family time is also sacred, which means at least two days a week when I don’t write at all.


What are your current projects?

The Sword Unsheathed, the third book in my YA paranormal fantasy series, will be released on June 1. In the meantime, I’m writing Return of the Raven, the 5th and final book in my medieval/time travel romance series. After that, I’ll be writing The Spear Alight, the 4th and final book of the YA series.

And for some fun...

What's the most blatant lie you've ever told?

That Santa Claus was real. My husband and I wanted to give our kids that magical belief, but the older they grew—and the more questions they asked—the guiltier we felt about it.


What did you want to be when you grew up?

An author. Always.


Do you have any hobbies?

I love traveling and visiting historic sites with my family. I also enjoy paranormal investigation.

What is your favorite time of year and why?

The fall. I love the vibrant colors of the leaves (especially here in New England), the crisp air, the shift to soulful introspection, and Halloween.


If you could have three wishes granted, what would you wish for?
Of course, I would have global wishes for peace, prosperity, etc., but here are my personal ones:
(1) My family and I would never feel physical pain again.
(2) We would have enough money to travel whenever and wherever we choose and to do only the work we truly want to do.
(3) I could eat anything I want yet remain thin and healthy.


Where can we find out more?




Download Night of the Owl on Amazon https://www.amzn.com/B07YCX3R2B
and other online retailers





14 comments:

Micki Miller said...

I can’t imagine writing with people running through the room. Now that’s a talent!

GiniRifkin said...

HI Judith: Giving tours at the Witch House sounds like so much fun (and a bit of work too I imagine). I admire your ability to do detailed plotting.

Donna Simonetta said...

Great interview, Judy! Fun and interesting. And, by the way, I'm totally with you on your three wishes. Those are excellent choices!

Judith Sterling said...

Thanks, Micki. It's certainly a challenge!

Judith Sterling said...

Thanks so much, Gini. I LOVE working at The Witch House!

Judith Sterling said...

Aww...thanks, Donna. :)

peggy jaeger said...

Lovely!!!

Barbara Bettis said...

Loved the interview--and the three wishes. Best of luck with your upcoming books!

CB Clark said...

Great post! I'd also love to be able to eat whatever I chose and not gain any weight. is there a pill for that? Best of luck with your writing.

Judith Sterling said...

Thanks, Peg!

Judith Sterling said...

Thanks so much, Barb!

Judith Sterling said...

Thanks, Christine. And I know, right? I've been eating way more than I should during our quarantine, and I don't want to go near the scale!

Ilona Fridl said...


Great interview! We all are indulging in comfort food now, aren't we?

Jana Richards said...

I like your three wishes. I would definitely like to eat anything I want without putting on weight!Nice interview, Judith.