Interview Judy Boettcher

by

Michaeline Della Fera

1. Is Awake, My Love your first novel? How long have you been writing? And what genres do you specialize in?

Yes, "Awake, My Love" is my very first novel. I've been writing just a few years, although I was part of my high school newspaper's fiction department for a while (eons ago). I did have a short story published then. I specialize in Inspirational Romance right now, with this 2-part series.

2. Do you write any other form of novels or only inspirational romances? How many other inspirational novels have you written?

This is my first, as an inspirational romance, and the sequel will be the same genre. I have no other novels written, but I have various scenes written for my next four novels. My third novel will be a light comedy/detective mystery/inspirational romance. The fourth will be a suspense mystery, although with a darker subject matter of a kidnapped young girl. The next one planned is a serious fiction book concerning child abuse. Then, the next one planned is an Angel vs. Demon novel, with probably no humans in it at all. Now, these are my plans--and plans change.

My future books will not all be romances, but all will incorporate spiritual issues in some form, whether comedy, mystery or suspense.

3. How do you come up with your plot and characters? Is everything you write about purely fictional or does your story have a basis in reality?

The Loffington Twins, Private Investigator series is purely fictional. I don't know how I'm able to even write about PI's; I don't know any. I just decided to try. (I hope real PI's don't laugh at my attempt.) My heroine, Laney, is an interior designer, and though I only sold custom draperies, I did earn a certificate in Interior Design, so I had that to draw from.

In the sequel, Book Two of The Loffington Twins, Private Investigators, "Sweeter Than Honey," Honey Loffington (who is also a PI) falls for the court reporter at a trial where she is the key witness. So, I'm writing a courtroom drama. It's been hard, but I'm reading several courtroom dramas as I write. I don't think I would have attempted it if I hadn't been, oh, about 3/4 of the way through Court Reporting School at one time, and I also worked in a major San Diego law firm for over two years. I was able to draw from both experiences (that and The Practice, ha ha).

4. Tell us something about the tension between Laney and Brad. And how does Laney's best friend fit in to the tension and plot?

Brad feels like a loser, basically. He's lost his parents at the age of 13, lost in every love relationship he's ever been in, and more importantly to my story, lost his relationship with God. But he meets Laney, a "good girl" Christian who's been raised by loving parents and enjoyed the benefit of knowing how important God is to her, and how important she is to God.

The tension between them stems from Laney happening upon a file at Brad's office when she is alone there decorating. The file includes information on Laney's best friend, who spent two years in a juvenile detention center camp as a young teenager, for a crime she didn't commit. Laney, of course, thinks Brad had something to do with Janeen's incarceration, but Brad insists that he was hired only to investigate the widow who accused Janeen of the crime.

5. How long do you spend writing each day?

I try to spend a few hours writing each day, but the problem with that is life gets in the way! So, right now, I've just finished my website, and just begun to promote my first novel. The sequel needs to be sent in to Wings--first it was going to be by the end of October, then November, then...well, you get the idea. But, eternal optimist I am, it's now going to be by the end of January! I only have 2 chapters left to write.

6. Do you outline, write drafts and revise drafts or do you simply sit down and write?

I am definitely outlining for the courtroom drama sequel because it's a harder book to write, but "Awake, My Love" didn't need too much outlining. I always eventually sit down with a notebook and plan the sequence of my scenes though, sometimes half-way through the book. This helps me get things in order.

As for drafts, I write one scene at a time, sometimes skipping around from chapter to chapter. Then I may edit that scene three or four times before I'm satisfied with it. I know I go against many writers' recommendations to 'write an entire book, then start editing,' but to each his/her own!

7. Does your family support your writing?

My husband is my biggest fan. He's much better at promoting my book than I am! I'm still pinching myself to make sure it's not all a dream. My mom in Illinois just sent me $ for Christmas to order books for all the girls in our family (men, you can read it too--PI books are manly!) My two grown sons and their families are excited for me, too.

8. Describe your writing space, and do you write among noise, with music, etc.? Do you write during the day or evening?

It's a desk in the den, next to my husband's desk. I prefer to write in absolute silence, hence, I don't write as much as I prefer. I remember last winter I wrote all night long and slept during the day. Now, I try to keep to a day schedule. I've cut out virtually all daytime TV, so that's good for my writing, but I still like to spend time doing other things, like working outside in the yard, decorating, shopping, etc.

9. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

I would say to read the genre in which you want to write. Depending upon what you already know, investigate (the internet is a great starting place) the techniques of writing (like point of view, cliff-hangers, conflict, etc.). Also investigate the publishing markets (what they're buying) and of course... begin to write. I remember the first story I began to write a few years ago was so bad I threw it away. Now, based upon all the research I've done into writing, I know I could write and finish that same story, only now I would keep it (and hopefully sell it).

One other thing I'd like to add, and this is never easy for anyone, is to accept the fact that you're going to receive rejections. It's going to hurt, but it's nothing personal! My husband always reminded me about the scores of rejections for "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." I guess that helped--right!

10. What are your favorite movies?

I love watching old movies with my husband, especially... Humphrey Bogart! I wish he could have stayed around longer to make more movies. I love watching Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon.