(Based on interviews by Masterclass)
Judy is of the firm conviction that individuals most drawn to authoring children's literature possess a unique ability to reconnect with their own youthful selves. The intricacies of her own childhood experiences have never faded for Judy; instead, they serve as a bridge, allowing her to revisit the perspectives and sensibilities of her early years.
Engaging with one's childhood memories does not necessitate oversimplification or dilution of content. Children possess a depth of understanding and complexity often underestimated. Their lives are layered, and they possess an earnest desire to confront the truths of their existence. Growing up, Judy herself yearned for stories that mirrored her realities—tales of children navigating the same complexities she faced.
Preteens, particularly those around the ages of 11 or 12, capture Judy's interest due to their burgeoning awareness of life's broader challenges. For Judy, this age represents a threshold of potential, where all of life's possibilities are just beginning to unfold. This notion has been a source of inspiration throughout her writing career. Similarly, the teenage characters in her novels for adults hold a special place in her heart, underscoring her advocacy for vibrant and brisk narratives. Unlike adult readers, who might patiently read through a hundred pages before deciding their interest in a story, young readers demand immediate engagement.
Judy's writing philosophy steers clear of overtly thematic content, which she believes can feel heavy-handed and underestimate the reader's intelligence, particularly in the case of younger audiences. She prefers to present narratives and characters that allow readers to derive their own interpretations and meanings.
For Judy, the act of writing is inextricably linked with the habit of reading. She questions how aspiring writers can avoid immersing themselves in literature. Reading widely, from timeless classics to contemporary works reflective of current market trends, is crucial for learning the craft of writing. This process not only helps in identifying what to avoid but also in discovering qualities worth emulating. Judy emphasizes that reading is instrumental in understanding the structural dynamics of book creation, offering invaluable insights into the art and craft of writing.
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