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Name of Author: Judy Lawn.
Where do you currently live? At Point Wells, which
is a small village just out of Warkworth.
What inspired you to write your first book? For my
children’s book, my love of the sea. For my novel (about to be
published), a trip around the South Island.
How long does it take you to write a book? A year
for a novel, a month or so for a children’s book. There is always
revision.
How has being a writer changed your life? Writing
is a solitary occupation, and this takes some getting used to especially
if you have been used to working with other people. But I have met other
writers and this had been wonderful and encouraging.
If you weren’t a writer, what would have been your occupation?
I was a dress designer for many years.
Any tips on how others can become writers? Join
writing groups, take creative writing lessons, just write, write, write!
What are some of the pitfalls you have experienced as a writer?
Writing the wrong kind of thing. It is vitally important that you
write the kind of story that you alone can write. Sometimes it takes a
while before you discover this.
What was the best thing that happened in your writing career?
Having my very first short story published!
Can you give an example from one of your books of how you found
your characters? Sometimes I think up my characters
first, but usually my characters come to me the minute I begin the
story. It’s like meeting real people. The further I get into the
story, the more I get to know my characters.
Did you base any of your books on a real life experience?
Partly. This is mostly the case.
Do you start your stories with the aim of making a social
statement or do the stories grow on their own as you write them? I
don’t start my stories with the aim of making a social statement, no.
It’s only when I’ve finished chapters or the book itself, that I
realise this may have happened unconsciously.
Who are your favourite authors? I have lots of
favourites; Mary Stewart, Johanna Trollop, Rosamund Pilcher, Sarah
Harrison, Barbara Cartland, and many others.
What was the last book you read? ‘The Grass
Memorial’ by Sarah Harrison.
Do you have children? Yes, one son, now grown up.
What writing awards have you received? None as yet.
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