A ROUNDTABLE INTERVIEW WITH JUDY AZAR LEBLANC
Roundtable Interview by Tracy Farnsworth
Welcome to Roundtable Reviews. It is a pleasure to have you join us for a few questions. Can you share with readers more about your new release?
Thank you for inviting me and thank you for the opportunity of being able to share with the readers as an author what and how Many Faces to Many Places was born. As you know, it is an allegorical story about a character whom I created to reflect each one of us as individuals. Since the basis of the book is spiritual philosophy and deals with the age-old questions such as "What is Justice? What is Truth? What is Love? What is Time", and the like .. I specifically chose to write it in a style that would be unique so as to simplify the responses to the age-old questions that even Socrates and Plato responded to in what were for me, very complicated answers. Thus, the "animated-style" was meant to be fun, fast and understandable for all ages and for all of those who are asking these types of questions.
When did you know that you wanted to write? How did you get started?
Hmmmm. Well, I can't really say that at some point in my life that I "wanted to write". What I have always done in my life is keep journals. Between college and my professional career, I always had to write what everyone else wanted for me to write and I actually disliked it so much that after I retired, I swore that I would never pick up another pen again and then one day, while I reviewing my journals, it hit me that now I can write what I love the most. Thus began my own writing career.
Who do you feel has been most influential in getting your career launched?
My beloved husband, Roger, was the one who always encouraged me 100%.
Do you find it easier to create your characters or the plot?
For me, it was easier to create the characters, they were fun.
From the authors I’ve spoken with half say they try to stick to a structured schedule with their writing, others say they write when the mood strikes--which side to you fall with?
Ahhh, there is no doubt in my mind that you have to have a structured schedule. I never structured my writing until the majority of the book was complete, however, each day of writing, whether inspired or not, was definitely structured. Worse yet, I had to give up my social life to adhere to my schedule!
What is a typical day in your life like?
If I am between books, a typical day for me is atypical, especially living in Baja. However, if I am writing a book, a typical day would be to get up at 7am, grab a cup of coffee and go to the computer to work on my book. If I was not inspired at all, then I would organize, edit, and work on my manuscript all day...sometimes until midnight. When the inspiration hit, it is quick ... grab it and type it however it comes out. Sometimes I would dream about the characters and the dialogue would come to me while I was sleeping. Then I would jump up and run to the computer and type everything as I dreamed it. Sometimes I would be inspired in the middle of the night, write all night and then go to bed at 7am .. but that didn't happen too often .. thank God! Typically, I will work 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week on my manuscript until it is finished. Otherwise, it will be just that ... a book you are working on.
I once read an article in Writer’s Digest that stated every fiction author should attempt to write a non-fiction article and vice versa. Would you ever like to try your hand at non-fiction?
Absolutely. I am in the middle of one now. Are there other fiction genres that you’d be tempted to try? Perhaps. After I finish my 5th book, I may investigate other interesting genres and research them.
If you could invite three authors (past or present) to a writing session, who would you choose and why?
One writer that I would invite for sure is Richard Bach, the author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull as his book is even shorter than mine and it reached all ages. I believe his first best seller was about only 7700 words. One of my other absolute favorites is James Mitchener .. I love the way he makes history enjoyable to read. Third place would probably be John Grisham only to find out how in the world he sells so many books about "lawyers". Haa Haa Haa.
What are you working on next?
I am working on a non-fiction that is another age-old topic of conversation, but can't say what it is about yet ... you know how that goes.
If you had to give up your writing career tomorrow, what dream job would you like to attempt?
Dream job? Is there any such thing as a dream "job"? Haa Haa.
A Short Biography
Judy Azar LeBlanc was born in
During the 19 years of living in Mexico, she wrote an English column for a magazine published by the federal government, as well as an English column in a state published newspaper, taught English at the University Autonoma of Baja, and at the local high school. Shortly before returning to the
AVAILABILITY
Many Faces to Many Places is sold worldwide and is available in E-Book format, Paperback and Audio at www.ebookmall.com, www.buybooksontheweb.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders Books, and at www.Amazon.com.
