Interview Judy Boettcher

by

D. H. Parker

1) Sweeter Than Honey is your second book about the Loffington twins. Why did you choose twins as main characters and will they be back in any future books?

I can't remember why I chose twins. I'm not one, nor do I know any personally. Funny. But I knew I wanted a two-book series, and maybe that's why a brother and sister combination came to mind. I may write a third "Loffington Twins, Private Investigators" book someday. I've got too many other novels I'm starting right now.

2) Your books are written from a Christian world view and are G-rated. What are some of the reactions you've had because of that?

No bad reactions at all, all good so far. I did have one review from a professional reviewer who put the "writing" down. I realized she may have had a problem with reading an "inspirational" romance, but maybe she just thought my writing was lousy. It can happen, right? It was my first book, after all. All my other reviews have been very positive.

3) What comes first in ideas for a new book--plot, characters, setting or something else?

With me, the plot or idea comes first, then the title. If I decide to pursue the idea, I'll start a notebook. Then I start writing scenes and character developments from there.

4) How do you find names for your characters?

So far, I've just thought them up. I've put a few family members' first names in, and I'm continuing that trend. In my next book, the hero has my grandson's first name. I'm also excited because I've come up with an original series title for a new mystery amateur sleuth series I'm developing (I won't put it out there yet). It's hard to come up with original mystery ideas that haven't been taken.

5) In your bio, you tell us you graduated from the Institute of Interior Design. With the popularity of the Home and Garden TV network and all its spinoffs, any chance you'll start a series with a designer as the main character?

I thought about it, then quickly dismissed it, after seeing that several authors have already done this. But my first heroine in my first book is a designer. I had her redesign an office with new furniture, flooring, draperies and blinds, the whole works. I wrote in a few problems that designers would encounter. It's a tough business to please clients, that's why I'm not in it now (ha). But I'd love to just get a job at Pier One or somewhere, and just help people pick out items, and not deal with the headaches. I probably will someday. 

6) What do your friends and family think of your writing career?

My husband and sons and their families are very supportive. Even my five-year old grandson loves to look at my website with my books. He knows the names of my characters. He doesn't know there'll be an "Anthony" soon, because I haven't told him yet. He asked me when I'll get my new book. I told him soon.

7) What do you like most about the writing process?

The creative part. When I create a scene that makes me cry or laugh, I know it might do the same for the reader. To influence the human emotion is a powerful thing, and I find that when I read someone else's work and it gives me shivers, it encourages me to become a better writer to do the same to other readers.

8) What do you like least about the writing process?

It doesn't make enough money! Even mid-list authors tell this woe. But the money is not usually why we write. It would be nice to make a few hundred dollars a week, and maybe I'll get there someday, if I work hard and write more books (plus you know, the "P" word, the "promotion" thing we've got to do).

9) What is the one thing you know now about writing that you wish you had known before you started?

That the world wouldn't stop on its axis when my book came out. That blew my ego, but egos need blowing now and then. I'm now a well-adjusted normal published author (ask my husband, wait, don't ask him. He lives with a published author.)

10) Would you like your website url mentioned here?

Yes, please. http://www.judyboettcher.com. Visit, buy books, read excerpts and poetry. I've also got tons of links.

11) Anything else you would like to add?

Thanks to Wings Epress for giving me my start! Lorraine and the staff are all very caring people, plus professional and hard-working, and dedicated to encouraging their authors. Any budding authors would do well to send in their manuscripts to Wings.