Welcome, Judy. Tell us about yourself.
I have a degree in
Journalism and Communications and have written for industry and education. I
began my career in writing as a copy and continuity writer for radio and
television in Scranton, Pennsylvania. I’ve written everything from technical
grants and curricula to commercials, public relations and news articles.
Over a dozen of my
short stories have appeared in various literary and small magazines and
anthologies, and I’ve been fortunate to receive numerous awards. To date, I’ve
written four novels, one novella, and an anthology of short stories which I’m
currently editing for reprint.
I love to garden,
golf, and read. But best of all, I’m on the lookout for anything humorous to
make me laugh. Most of my novels include a little comedy. I’m a true romantic
who enjoys laughter, love, and the happily-ever-after moment.
I belong to Pennwriters,
Inc. and Romance Writers of America, and I divide my time between Central
Pennsylvania and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
We have some interests in common, Judy. Reading and gardening, and I ove humor and a good HEA. Now, where can readers find you?
The web: www.judyanndavis.com
Facebook: Judy Ann Davis Author https://www.facebook.com/JudyAnnDavisAuthor/
Twitter: JudyAnnDavis4 https://twitter.com/JudyAnnDavis4
Pinterest:
www.pinterest.com/judyanndavis44/
Author Page:
Goodreads:
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My second grade teacher had our class collectively journal on a
blackboard in our room every day. We would take turns telling Mrs. Robbins what
we did the night before, what the weather was like, etc., and she write it into
a comprehensive entry. She also read to us at the end of the day before we
boarded our buses. I was enthralled by the “Boxcar Children.” She hooked me on reading
and a love for the written word.
What a great teacher. Next question: how long does it take to write a book?
It takes me over a year to get a book written. I’m a slow writer, but
I’m also a gardener, woodworker, and golfer—I prone to slip away from pounding
the keys more than I probably should.
With spring finally here, I'll bet your garden is glorious. What do you enjoy most about life?
My two sons are grown and living in Texas and Alaska. My husband and I,
besides dividing ourselves between Pennsylvania and Florida, travel to be with
family. We’ve been able to see many places in the United States and meet many
interesting people.
If you could give the younger version of yourself advice, what would it
be?
Don’t let anyone dissuade you from writing. I didn’t attempt to write
a novel for ten years when I received some bad advice from an agent, even
though I was writing and selling short stories. I learned that every piece of
advice, isn’t always “sound” advice. Evaluate all of it carefully.
That's great advice. How sad that you received such bad advice. What do you hope readers take with them after reading your work?
The only thing I want readers to get is a sense of well-being, and
perhaps a few laughs. I want them to realize there is love in the world despite
the chaos that often exists around us.
Tell us about your latest release.
TAGLINE: Can one wily old ghost help two fractured souls find love again?
Four White Roses is a romantic mystery with comedy—and a wily old ghost who adds a paranormal element. The main character, widower Rich Redman, returns from Dallas, Texas, to Pennsylvania never once envisioning that his Grandmother’s ghost would still be dwelling in her house. Although he can’t see her, she periodically appears on a rocker on the back porch and makes it move. Along with his quirky old housekeeper who tries to keep him and his precocious eight-year-old daughter in line, the ghost of Grandmother Gertie prods him toward solving a mystery and falling in love with a very beautiful and talented landscape artist, Torrie Larson, also widowed. Torrie has a daughter as well, and together the little girls are double trouble, creating havoc along the way as they try to tame an elusive white cat. It’s a feel-good story with tears and laughter.
BLURB:
When
widower Rich Redman returns to Pennsylvania with his young daughter to sell his
deceased grandmother’s house, he discovers Grandmother Gertie’s final request
was for him to find a missing relative and a stash of WWI jewels.
Torrie
Larson, single mom, is trying to make her landscape center and flower arranging
business succeed while attempting to save the lineage of a rare white rose
brought from Austria in the 1900s.
Together,
the rich Texas lawyer and poor landscape owner team up to rescue the last rose
and fulfill a dead woman’s wishes. But in their search to discover answers to
the mysteries plaguing them, will Rich and Torrie also discover love in each
other’s arms? Or will a meddling ghost, a pompous banker, and an elusive stray
cat get in their way?
EXCERPT:
“You know
I begged your mother not to make me send you back to Texas after each summer
you spent here with me,” a voice said from the rocking chair behind him. “Your
mother was adamant it would never happen. If your father hadn’t insisted you
come here each summer, Joyce would have packed you up and sent you to some dude
ranch or camp for rich kids instead. Luckily, once the divorce proceeding got
underway, she was outvoted; and when high school rolled around, I finally got
you for good—along with your stubborn Redman attitude.”
Rich
flinched and the hair at the back of his neck felt like bugs were crawling up
it. “You know, Grandmother, you really have to give me some sort of signal when
you want to start a chat with me. Popping up unannounced scares the hair right
off my head. Don’t they give specters some sort of warning bell to use?”
“Ding
dong! Listen up, Richard Lee Junior. You think it’s fun to fade in and out of
your life like I’m a fuzzy radio signal?” The rocking chair began to move. “I
see you and Torrie resolved your little differences.”
Rich
refused to take the bait. He wasn’t going to talk about Torrie Larson with
anyone. He needed time to figure her out. “What do you know about Great Uncle
Walt?”
“He
went to New York to seek his fortune. He didn’t keep in touch with the family.”
Grandmother Gertie’s ghost snorted derisively.
“That’s
it?”
“That’s
it.” The rocker creaked. “I see you’re contemplating refinishing the floor in
the living room and having the room repapered. Have Torrie help you pick out
new furniture, or get those wingback chairs reupholstered. I’d stick with a
gold color.”
Rich’s
voice rose an octave. “You’re serious? You’re dead and you’re worried about the
color of upholstery I’m going to be sitting on?”
“Phfftt.
There you go, Richard Lee, being impertinent again.”
BUY LINKS: Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Four-White-Roses-Judy-Davis-ebook/dp/B06XPBKY7F/
Thank you, Diane, for hosting me with "Four White Roses" on your blog.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Judy. Best wishes on Four White Roses.
DeleteGreat excerpt!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an excellent read! Enjoyed the interview. Good advice on not always taking advice! :) Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Alicia.
Delete