~ New Face: Judy Lynn Hubbard ~

 

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judy lynn hubbard: dEBUT aUTHOR

by Wayne Jordan

 

 

Name:

Judy Lynn Hubbard

Date of Birth:

16 November 19?? :-)

Occupation:

Writer, Medical Transcription Editor

Residence:

Dallas

 

 

1. How long have you been writing?

I’ve always loved writing and I’ve been writing for over 20 years. I wrote my first book between 1986 and 1988 (but it was nowhere near ready for publication). I began submitting seriously around 2000.

2. What convinced you to get started on your first book?

I was sitting around talking with my sisters and cousin. We all loved to read Harlequin romances and I said, “One day I’m going to write for Harlequin.” Everyone laughed, but I was deadly serious and determined to make my dream come true one day, so I started writing.

3. What challenges did you face in becoming published?

Whew, how much time have you got? Succinctly, it took me a long time during which I overcame challenges of balancing a full-time job, family and finding the time to write. I also learned to deal with disappointment as my submissions returned with “thanks, but your story’s not quite right for us at this time” before finally reaching my goal of being published by Harlequin. I experienced many rejections, did numerous revisions and rewrites, but I’m here to tell you that perseverance and faith do pay off.

4. Did you ever imagine that you would become a published author? What did you do when you got THE call?

I always knew I would be published and by Harlequin. I never doubted that and I never gave up on that dream.
When I received “the call” it was from Alex, Kimani’s Assistant Editor. We had been emailing each other for months and I had already revised my manuscript at his request when he emailed and asked if I’d be available for a call later that day. My heart started beating furiously as I typed my response telling him that yes, I would be home and waiting for his call. Well, several hours later when he called, I tried to maintain my cool, which was very hard to do especially when he said those wonderful words, “We’d like to offer you a publishing contract.” Inside, I was screaming and jumping up and down, but I managed to keep it together until I got off the phone and then I jumped up and down, shrieked in joy and proceeded to call everyone I could think of to tell them I was going to be a published Harlequin author—finally!

5. What has been the response to your debut release so far?

It’s been amazing! I’m thrilled and humbled by the wonderful reviews I’ve received from readers who have taken the time to email me, post on my FaceBook wall or tweet me on Twitter. It’s an indescribable feeling to know that others like my story and characters—so much so that everyone has been asking for a sequel to THESE ARMS OF MINE featuring Derrick and Alesha’s best friends, Cam and Angela.

6. What are some of your favorite authors, genres, and/or books?

Romance is my favorite genre (contemporary, paranormal and romantic suspense). Some of my favorite authors are: Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Brenda Jackson, and Stephen King.

7. What are some of the things you like to do in your down time?

LOL, down time, what’s that? Usually when I’m not working at my “day job”, I’m writing. I enjoy watching movies (horror & sci-fi), reading, spending time with family and going to casinos (I love playing slot machines).

ABOUT THESE ARMS OF MINE

1. Tell us a bit about THESE ARMS OF MINE?

It’s a reunion romance about two people who met, were attracted to each other, but were pulled apart by bad choices and circumstances. When they’re reunited two years later, Alesha needs a huge favor from Derrick (whose heart she broke years before) and Derrick wants some long-denied answers and maybe even a little revenge from the woman he thinks needlessly nearly ruined his life.
 

2. What was your inspiration for this, your debut effort?

I love a really good love story. I wanted to write a simple boy meets girl, forces tear them apart and fate brings them back together type of novel. Alesha and Derrick’s story contains all of those elements. It’s just a good old-fashioned love story.

3. Do you have any favorite characters or scenes that you wouldn’t mind sharing or providing a little more insight on?

I love all my characters, but if I have to pick one it would be Derrick because he was a true gentleman, an alpha male with a good heart who wasn’t afraid to admit that he had feelings. He was sexy, romantic and truly cared about Alesha. Of course, I loved Alesha’s selflessness, loyalty and compassion and even though she was a little misguided in her actions at times, she tried to do what was right. Cam, Derrick’s best friend, is also a favorite because he was such a good friend—very supportive and funny. He didn’t let Derrick get away with trying to minimize his feelings for Alesha and Cam is just an overall good guy; he’s the best friend we all need.

The first scene where Derrick and Alesha meet again is one of my favorites because there’s so much internal and external emotion going on for both of them. You can tell that these two people are attracted to each other, but carry scars and pain that hopefully make you want to keep reading and find out what happened in their past and what their future holds.

4. Did you face any major challenge(s) writing this particular story? If so, what were they?

After I had written and submitted my story, I waited anxiously to hear back from Kimani. Several months later, I did and they liked my manuscript, but asked for a rewrite, which I was happy to do. I really changed Robert’s (Alesha’s brother) character and motivations, which led to some major changes in interactions between Alesha, Derrick and Robert in the book. I had to cut a couple of really good scenes with Robert and Derrick and between Robert and Alesha because they simply didn’t fit the story anymore and that was a challenge.

5. How have readers responded, so far, to THESE ARMS OF MINE?

They’ve been very supportive and complimentary—simply fantastic! The best thing since getting “the call” has been receiving so many wonderful emails, tweets and FaceBook posts from readers about These Arms of Mine.
 

ALL ABOUT THE FANS

1. What’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming releases or projects you are working on?

My second Kimani novel, OUR FIRST DANCE, will be released on June 19, 2012. I have several proposal submitted to Kimani that I’m waiting to hear back on. I’m also outlining a paranormal romance and romantic suspense novel, as well as working on the outline/proposal for Cam and Angela’s book (sequel to These Arms of Mine).

2. Do you have any reader events coming up (book signing, tours, etc.)?

I’m in the process of scheduling a Barnes & Noble book event/signing for June to coincide with the release of OUR FIRST DANCE, but the date’s not definite yet, so watch my web site and FaceBook pages for further info.

3. How can your readers stay in touch with you?

They can find me by my full name (Judy Lynn Hubbard) everywhere. I love to talk with readers, so please feel free to contact me anytime. Here are some links:
 

4. What advice or encouragement do you have for aspiring authors?

Never give up—no matter what. Keep writing and believing in yourself and in your work, because if you don’t think you have what it takes to be published, how can you expect anyone else to?

 

The staff of Romance in Color would like to thanks Ms. Hubbard for taking the time out to be our guest.