I AM A PROUD MEMBER OF THESE FINE WRITING AND RV ORGANIZATIONS


This is a post on Nick Russell's blog  GypsyJournal.com

This is the first in a series of interviews on self-published authors I will be running. Some of the authors are very successful and sell hundreds of books a month, while others have enjoyed more modest success. Their backgrounds, writing styles, and genres may be different, but they all have one thing in common; the desire to share the stories inside their heads that are clamoring to get out.


I first met Judy Howard at a Gypsy Journal RV Rally in Yuma, Arizona and was impressed by her dedication to succeeding as an independent author.

Where Do You Live: Sun City, California
What Genre Are Your Books: My first book, Coast To Coast With A Cat And A Ghost, is a memoir. My second book, Going Home With A Cat And A Ghost, is a mystery-romance. My current work in progress, Invisible Heroes, will be realistic.
Book Title(s):
Coast To Coast With A Cat And A Ghost
Going Home With A Cat And A Ghost
Invisible Heroes

Tell Us About Your Background: I was born in Illinois and attended the University of Illinois, Champaign. I have owned and operated a pet grooming salon, The Canine Beauty Salon, since I was eleven years old. After my husband of 25 years died in 2004, I began traveling more in my motorhome, and three years ago I began writing.
How Long Have You Been Actively Writing: Only three years, but I am addicted and cannot stop.
Indie or Trade Published: Working as a self-employed business owner all my life, becoming an Indie Author came naturally.
E-books Or Printed: My books are available in print and as e-books.
Is Writing A Fulltime Activity, And If Not, What Is Your Regular Job: I am transitioning to retirement from my dog grooming business. I will write full time by the end of the year.
Who Are Some Of Your Favorite Authors: I am fickle. I am drawn to what I am researching at the moment. When I had time to read for pleasure, I did not seek out the great American novels, but was attracted to the mainstream authors, Nora Roberts, Joseph Wambaugh, James Patterson, Jean Auel and even Daniel Steele. As an author now, I regret not mentioning them all. But today, Carlos Luis Montelvan’s, Until Tuesday, Garth Stein’s, The Art Of Racing In The Rain are just a few.
What Brought You To Indie Publishing: As I said before, I have been self-employed all my life and I found it difficult to partner with others, and am glad now that I didn’t. I have many author friends, many who have publishers who have not made them wealthy, so what can I say?
What Is Your Writing Schedule: I write every chance I get. Many times my grooming business and my traveling threaten to push my writing aside. If I allow that to happen I get irritable and restless. So, for the most part, I rise between five and six A.M. to insure writing time, before reality takes over the day.
What Are Your Writing Goals: My goal is to be completely retired from my grooming business so that I may travel and write. My hope is my books will inspire and bring change to my readers’ lives.
How Do You Promote Your Books: I mainly blog and Twitter. I attend as many book signings and author affairs as I am able. I support other authors. I am a strong believer in a supportive community of authors. I also perform writing workshops to inspire others who have the desire to write but have not yet delved into the sea of words.


Where Do Or Would You Like To See Yourself In 5 Years: Writing and traveling. I hope that I will be an author of some prominence, traveling, speaking, and writing.
What Do You See As The Future For Indie Authors: I have always believed in capitalism – the concept of competition and theory of supply and demand. Social media has made it possible for an author to soar to the bestseller’s list, if he/she writes well. As always, if you do quality work and work your ass off, you will survive and thrive.
What Advice Would You Give A New Indie Author: I forget what best-selling author said this, but I will paraphrase: Work from daylight to dusk, and rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.
What Else Would You Like Our Readers To Know About You: First of all, through my research for my current book, Invisible Heroes, I have acquired a deep feeling of gratitude to all of our veterans. Second, I am always asked if I am afraid, traveling alone. The answer is, “Yes, but I do it anyway.” And third, I am asked why I write. My answer is the same as President John Kennedy’s when he explained why we choose to go to the moon. I choose to write not because it is easy, but because it is hard.
Blog and websites:
www.sportsterandme.com
http://coasttocoastwithacatandaghost.blogspot.com/
Thanks Judy, I wish you much success in your publishing efforts.

Tags: best-selling author, e-books, Favorite Authors, great American novel, independent author, Indie Publishing, James Patterson, Jean Auel, Joseph Wambaugh, mainstream authors, mystery book, Nora Roberts, romance book, self-published authors, Twitter, write full time, Writing Schedule, writing styles
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12 Comments on Indie Author Interview – Judy Howard
Ashley Kopp says:
January 9, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Oh, I can tell already that I’m going to love this new blog series! I love getting to know the people behind the covers of the books I read.

Larry Linford says:
January 9, 2013 at 4:54 pm
Good interview Nick. I’m looking for ward to more.

Albert Benson says:
January 9, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Excellent interview, just the right length and format so it didn’t bore the pants off me. Keep it up, looking forward to the next one.

Sue Deering says:
January 10, 2013 at 12:39 pm
We met Judy at the Yuma rally but didn’t get back to get her books. I’m off to Amazon now to look for them.

Del Westheimer says:
January 10, 2013 at 12:41 pm
I’m looking forward this series Nick. As a new indie author myself, it will be interesting to get to know some of my peers, what makes them tick, and how they came to this point in their publishing careers.

Douglas Dunn says:
January 10, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Love this type of interview. Gives hope and perspective to others out there.

Larry says:
January 10, 2013 at 1:48 pm
Isn’t that the great thing about this RV lifestyle? We quickly learn to be independent! Sounds like a neat lady. We hope to meet her someday.

Susan Bell says:
January 12, 2013 at 1:31 am
I enjoyed reading about Judy’s story and how she got into self-publishing. Off to read her blog now.

Jim Parrish says:
January 12, 2013 at 9:04 am
I know Judy and I am impressed with her work ethic and dedication. I am sure she will be successful and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Cheryl Keeffe says:
January 12, 2013 at 11:05 am
Thank you for starting this series of interviews. I met Judy through the Gypsy Journal and look forward to the day our paths converge. I’ve joined Penwheels now and search out any chance to hook up with other writers while on the road. My goal is to be one of your interviews someday, so I guess I’d better keep working on my memoir!

Sandy Brown says:
January 12, 2013 at 1:55 pm
Judy is so full of life it is very interesting to follow her writing just to see what she is up to next. Her interview was done so well that it was informative and insightful. Good idea, the author interviews.

Too Much Tina says:
January 12, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Excellent interview! I’m looking forward to reading more of your site. Judy is amazing to me! Her strength and kindness exude from every pore in her body!

Congratulations Judy!


After the death of my husband in 2004, I became inspired to pursue writing and traveling.
Both genres, travel and overcoming life’s difficulties, are covered in my first book, a memoir titled, COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST, an inspirational and uplifting account of how to survive after the death of a loved one.
My second book, GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST, is a romantic mystery appealing to everyone in the second half of their life who have asked themselves, “What if?” Even in this work of fiction, there is a message about how to rise above life’s tragedies.

Once again, in the author’s third book, MASADA’S MARINE, the uplifting message of overcoming life’s dramatic hurdles is delivered. You will be drawn into the life of a Marine Corps veteran who struggles with PTSD when he comes home from Iraq and, also, into the life a dog named Masada, who becomes a service dog for the wounded warrior.
I began a dog grooming career at the age of eleven and I still work part time as a groomer. When me and mycat, Sportster, are not traveling in our Winnebago we reside in Sun City, California.
I am currently creating the second book in The Masada Series.