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Judith Bierman |
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Judith’s 18Q |
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The Eighteen Questions |
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18Q |
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Published freelancer since 1984 |
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Bibliography |
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URL |
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1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you? It definitely chose me! For me, writing falls into the same category as eating...it something I must do! 2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.) My background is in social work but my writing encompasses all things that are of an educational nature. 3. When did you 'know' you were a writer? When I opened a newspaper back in 1984, learned of a beloved dog who lost his life when he got into his owner's Christmas baking chocolate, and I was compelled to share the fact that chocolate can be deadly for animals. The article was published in Dog Fancy. 4. How would you describe your style of writing? Conversational tone, drawing the reader into the article in such a way that he/she will feel as if I am writing directly to them. 5. What is your writing process? Gather article ideas, research potential markets, craft query letters, and begin writing the basics of the articles while waiting to get a favorable reply. After getting a positive reply with a request to see my article, I do my final polishing of it to fit the market it is being sent to. 6. What was your path to publication? Found a newspaper article of great interest, and followed up on the story until it reached publication. 7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea? To come up with a completely original writing idea, lay it all out in a neat, eye-appealing package, and get it into the hands of local businesses or individuals who can benefit from it. I love doing that...and enjoy getting "bites" of interest that can generate both sales and often speaking engagements for me. 8. What are the biggest surprises you've encountered as a writer? Even though writers abound throughout the world, it always takes me by surprise when strangers who learn I am a published writer treat me like I'm someone special. I'm flattered, yes, but hey, I am not a writer to obtain glory...I write to educate. 9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity? Personal reflection on the life of my family and others in the local community. There is such a wealth of inspiration just waiting to be tapped. 10. What is your proudest writer moment? When I sold my first feature article and held the magazine in my hands after it was published. I was truly awe-inspired. 11. What's the best advice you were given about writing? Don't give up! 12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment? When I put one of my query letters into the wrong envelope and mailed it before realizing my error. 13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer? Keeping organized. I love to write but I hate record keeping. Tax time for me is a real headache! 14. What is your writer life philosophy? Have life, will share! Absolutely everyone I know has a story about their life that is truly compelling! Talking to people is vital in getting human interest ideas to write about. It's often not the big things but rather hobbies, life events...little things that create the best stories. So I love talking to people! 15. When you're not writing what do you do for fun? Play computer games online, or watch a good movie. 16. Who do you like to read? For me, I devour the "Chicken Soup" series which is written by a variety of everyday people. I love to be inspired as it puts me in a positive frame of mind. 17. What’s your advice for new writers? Join a writer's group online...www.writing.com is one of the very best in my opinion, set aside a portion of time to write every day, and when querying editors do so in a positive, confident manner. There is no need to indicate you are a "newbie". 18. What are you currently working on? I am currently working on an educational article about our forests for children in the younger elementary grades. |
