JOY RESTORED - Jude Urbanski - Free eBook

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think most writers pick snippets from their own life which appear in their stories. I think I do that also. I hadn't thought of myself in the heroine of my novel, but a friend said she saw me there. The inclusion wasn't intention I can say, which makes it a little weird doesn't it? Maybe we incorporate more than we know.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Lena, other than leave my bed unmade every Sabbath, in hopes of an afternoon nap, (which I almost never get-but still hope for), the only thing I can think of was the time I wore unmatched earrings during the week and then on Sunday would wear matched ones. My object lesson was that with God and the Sabbath, we can have balance and peace. But I quit, because we can have balance with God every day.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I'd say the realization began in high school, when I worked on the year book and school paper, took journalism, and wrote a column called “Jottings by Judy.” I began my first manuscript when I was early twenties.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I am very eclectic. If it's printed, I read it. My current BFF nonfiction writer is Max Lucado. My fiction favs are historical fiction, romance and other wise. I love history stories, in particular the medieval times, but thrill to a well written love story also.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I start every day with a time of prayer and meditation. This helps me with balance and peace. Even though I am retired and my children are grown, times still get hectic. I am careful not to over commit my time and energy, yet feel the need to give back to people, my church and to my community.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I like this question! In my first novel, it was easy, because I used arrangements of my ancestral family names since my setting was where my family homesteaded. Other than that, I try to make my names match my stories in time and place. Sometimes I use a name that I just love!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Proud isn't the right word, but I am most thankful for Jesus' redeeming grace.

I am proud, maybe it's okay to say that, of the educational privileges I've had through scholarships, whereas I would never have had the chance for such a good education.

My kids came through me, but are not me, but I am thrilled with them and their kids.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

This is easy. I'd be a giraffe, because they stick their necks out!

What is your favorite food?

Pastas, salads and fruit. Ethnic wise, it is now Indian cuisine. Used to be Chinese.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Initially, staying in Point of View challenged me, but I continued to read and absorb and take courses on this. I also had to work on making my dialogue not sound so stilted. I think I have finally accomplished both, but am committed to lifelong learning.

Tell us about the featured book.

Joy Restored is book one in The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing. It is in electronic format and set in Pickett County, Tennessee, where I was born, as was my family for many generations. It's a women's fiction crossed with inspirational romance. A young widowed mother spins tragedy into triumph, renews her faith and ultimately finds love. It deals with the eons-old question of why bad things happen to good people.

Lena, the fun thing with my book by Desert Breeze is that my mother's 80+ year old romance novella, with the same setting, is a free companion download with my book. I like to think she knows that she finally got published!

Please give us the first page of the book.

               

Chapter One

Kate's heart beat in sync with the slow-moving hearse crawling along the rutted lane. The image of a tiny ant heaving a giant burden seared her mind, but the ache in her heart rested with the body in the hearse.

The Davidson Family Cemetery soon came into sight, looking as neglected and abandoned as Kate felt. The driver of the hearse hurried to Kate's car as soon as the procession stopped.

“Mrs. Davidson, please step over here.” Undertaker Shirley Brown ushered her closer to the fresh, mounded dirt after Kate and her children climbed from the car.

She could do with an extra dose of strength right now, but how could she muster it given the pain and anger she felt in her heart? Her arms tightened around her three small children, who huddled close, the cold wind whipping hard against their legs. Her children were Clayton's legacy. His only legacy.

If only she could get through this. She, her children, and a meager band of mourners stood like sentinels beside the open grave as the body of her husband, Lieutenant Clayton Paddy Davidson, was lowered to its final resting place. He would join his Scottish forefathers in this rural Tennessee countryside. The Vietnam nightmares could rest, too.

Father O'Connell's words of intended comfort cut through the cold mountain air. Kate looked at the priest. He radiated kindness from the top of his balding head to the tip of his black robe blowing in the harsh wind. It certainly wasn't required of him to conduct the funeral, for she and Clayton hadn't been God's most faithful of St. Francis' Parish. Father O'Connell had wanted to do Clayton's service.

Why?

In closing, Father invited all to join in the Lord's Prayer. Heads bowed.

Kate extended her hand to him at the last amen.

“Thank you, Father. I appreciate your doing the service.”

“You're welcome, my child. You're also welcome at God's house.”

She felt his squeeze of her hand. She nodded.

God's house? She didn't think so. She hadn't been able to help Clayton, and God certainly hadn't helped him either.

God is supposed to help those in need. Could she ever believe that again?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.judeurbanski.com


Thank you, Jude, for the interesting visit today.


Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing Book One: Joy Restored - Kindle


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