Talkshow Thursday: Judy Ducharme

Talkshow Thursday: Judy Ducharme

Linda:  Welcome to my blog and congratulations on your latest release, Blood Moon Redemption. It sounds intriguing. What was your inspiration for the story?

Judy: I listened to a tremendous amount of information and teaching about the blood moons and how they related to the end-times. It was all in the non-fiction genre. I wanted to weave a story to entice people to learn and then study it for themselves. I knew so many would never just read the non-fiction books about it. My husband then gave me the suggestions for two very key factors of the book and really encouraged me to get writing. While writing so much of the book, I felt I was watching it on a screen and just trying to write fast enough to keep up – I know the Lord assisted me at every juncture.

LM: You’ve written fiction and non-fiction (devotionals). How do you approach the genres differently to research and write the books? The same?

Judy: With non-fiction I must really keep track of every single source. On my first devotional, The Cheesehead Devotional Kickoff Edition, I took tons of notes and researched and double-checked my details even if it was a game I attended, but I didn’t write down the pages and dates of all the sources. I had to go back and find it all. For the Hall of Fame Edition, I made sure I documented better. I used very similar methods for fiction – books, online, newspapers, personal experiences – and I kept those close at hand so I could verify if questioned. So, my research is similar whether fiction or non-fiction and often extensive.

LM: What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

Judy: I’m a pantster – writing by the seat of my pants. I tend to write when I feel inspired or have deadlines 😊. Taking walks is a good place for my imagination to take control of a story. I pray and ask for ideas, organization, and the discipline to get it done. When I try to schedule myself, I don’t always comply with that plan. If I have a deadline, I sometimes take myself by the ear and set myself in front of the computer. But I don’t have a specific method or place.

LM: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Judy: I know my friends will tell you I’m just rather quirky, but what comes to mind is the time I forgot my name when I met Mrs. Nixon at the White House. At the time I worked as an announcer at a Christian radio station. Three of us were privileged to attend the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Washington DC. We attended the National Prayer Breakfast and then had a visit to the White House. We went through a reception line to greet Mrs. Nixon with strict instructions not to say anything religious or political (it was around the Watergate time). My friend was ahead of me in line and proceeded to tell Mrs. Nixon all about where we were from and what we did. So, when I got to her, ready to simply tell her my name and that I was pleased to meet her, she engaged me and told me how impressed she was with what we did. It totally threw me off. I nodded, gulped, and started to tell her my name. It was gone. I finally found it, told her my name, and thanked her.

LM: Here are some quickies:

Favorite season: summer                   

Favorite Bible verse: Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Favorite childhood book: Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling

LM: What advice do you have for fledgling authors?

Judy: GO TO A WRITERS CONFERENCE!! It’s where you meet publishers, agents, editors, accomplished authors, and those right where you are. Everyone there is willing to listen to you and help you. Workshops help you hone the skills you already have and learn those you need.

LM: What is your next project?

Judy: Right now I’m wrapping up my recent novel – I’m almost done with all my editing. I have publishers who are interested. That doesn’t guarantee a contract but it’s the first step. I hope to send it out in the next week or so. I have a children’s book I need to rework a bit before I can send it out. I have ideas for other children’s books. I have a novel I started several years ago that I need to finish. And I really need to get better on social media and do a lot of marketing. (Pray for me please.)

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Judy:

Website: http://www.judithducharme.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/judy.ducharme.18

Twitter: @PackerJudy

About Blood Moon Redemption:

It was just a relic, and hers, just a name. Who knew what time it really was?

The blood moons were always surrounded by great persecution and great provision, great trial and great triumph.

When the Jews were expelled from Spain and traveled with Columbus, only a tassel from a prayer shawl remained with them to signify their faith. That tassel, handed down, stolen, and hidden, became a marker of God's protection and now is the focus of a terrorist scheme and a young woman's destiny.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2w3brRk