Have you ever stepped off a roller coaster and been amazed to be on solid ground once more? That’s me this week—back on solid ground.
Once upon a time, I wrote a book in six weeks. The book in question was Beaumont #11, Failure to Appear, and I performed that literary feat out of necessity rather than choice. I had been writing a Brady book when the powers that be in New York changed their minds and said they wanted a Beaumont instead. They changed their minds about the book. Unfortunately, they did NOT change their minds on the book deadline, so I buckled down and wrote like crazy. Bill claimed that I never slept the whole time I was writing that book because I was still up working when he went to bed, and I was up working again by the time he crawled out of bed the next morning. It was one of those books that just came together.
Blessing of the Lost Girls turned out to be the same thing. I’m not ready to tell you the story about the inspiration for that book. I’ll do that closer to pub date so you’ll remember it, but the idea for that book had been cooking away in the far, dark reaches of my “Waring Blender” mind for about a year and a half. Even so I didn’t actually start writing it until June 16—of this year! I finished it this past Sunday evening—August 21st! (Also this year!). Then I put in three full days until 1 or 2 a.m. doing an in-depth grammar/spellcheck review/rewrite. Only now am I back on solid ground.
That’s usually what happens when I hit the banana peel. Time doesn’t matter. Sleep doesn’t matter. My only priority at that point is getting to the end of the story. And that’s one of the reasons I find being called ‘prolific’ so annoying. Putting in that many hours with that kind of total concentration isn’t a walk in the park. It’s work. I love writing books, but it’s STILL work! I put in countless hours of thinking and typing both before and after I hit the banana peel.
Today someone wrote to me saying that she had read a Goodreads Review of Kiss of the Bees, the second Walker Family book in which the reviewer apparently objected to the unnecessary “italicized stories and legends” in the book. She’s not the only reader to feel that way. In fact, when my first hardback editor read the manuscript for Hour of the Hunter, Walker Family #1, she told me on the phone, and this is a direct quote, “What you need to do is get rid of all that Indian stuff.” Excuse me??? As far as I was concerned, the “Indian stuff” was the whole point. My purpose in writing the Walkers was to make reservation life understandable to people who would never go there.
The five years I spent on the Tohono O’odham as a K-12 librarian were life-changing for me. I learned far more than I ever managed to teach. The Desert People were kind to me. In fact, when I left to go elsewhere, one of my Tohono O’odham friends gifted me with an owl basket, one I still treasure, and told me, “Judy, if you can’t make it with your own tribe, you can always come back here.”
Writing Blessing of the Lost Girls was a way of sending my heart back to that very special time. I loved being back in touch with the Walker Family clan—and with Joanna Brady’s too. I loved immersing myself once more in the Desert People’s origin stories and revisiting both the language and the gentle humor of the Tohono O’odham people. And somehow, in the process of telling that story, a number of things happened that I simply can’t explain. One moment I was telling how four quarrelsome brothers were responsible for Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The next moment, in fact, the very next paragraph, I found myself writing about the four José brothers who, in a previous book, had fallen victim to a band of drug smugglers. It was as though the separate parts of a French braid had suddenly blended together. That kind of experience is nothing short of magical.
But here’s the deal. I’ve written that book, but I’m not done with it by any means, There’s still a lot of editing to do, but soon—probably only a few weeks from now, it’ll be time for me to saddle up and do it again—time to figure out a new plot and write another book. And be prolific!
Right now, though, I’m out of that fictional world and back in the real one. For two months plus my head was stuck in April 2022, while the summer of 2022 not only came but is also on its way out. Other than writing the blog and answering e-mail, I’m officially on VACATION!
While I’ve been working, typing has become much more problematic because my fingernails have grown too long. According to my calendar app, my last manicure appointment at Andy’s Nails in Bellevue happened on June 6, and one of my Big Apple Red Gel nails is about to go south. For the last two weeks, I’ve been saying that as soon as I finished writing the book, I’d reward myself with a mani-pedi. Unfortunately this week when I called, Andy was totally booked up until 6:30 Friday evening. So today, when not using my keyboard, I’ve been wearing a band-aid on that finger—not because it’s injured but to protect that one loosey-goosey nail.
For several days, from Saturday to Wednesday, I barely checked my emails to say nothing of replying to them. By Wednesday morning there were 85 of them stacked up and waiting. That’s why I try to answer emails immediately after receiving them. If I don’t, they turn into a mountain.
Yesterday I went to lunch with a friend. That may sound like a very small thing, but in the aftermath of Covid opportunities to be “ladies who lunch” have been very few and far between. It was wonderful. I also brought home take-out for us to have for dinner—no cooking for Vacation Lady that day!
One made Wednesday of this week very special. On August 24, 1936, three days after my father turned twenty and six days before may mother turned 22, Norman Busk married Evelyn Anderson. For those few days Evie was only one year older than Norm and she could no longer be labeled a “cradle robber.” Their anniversary sparked a flurry of among me and my surviving siblings in which we shared memories of growing up in that very full house on Yuma Trail in Bisbee, Arizona.
Although our parents were barely out of their teens when they married, the “I do’s” they exchanged that day were good for a sixty-eight year run, and the seven children they raised together were and are incredibly lucky to have had Norm and Evie Busk as parents.
So today in every way has been a time for counting my many blessings.
I hope you don’t mind if I pass them along to you.
Vacation. You’ve earned it.
Thank you for taking the time and being a part of ours last month.
Judy – as I somewhat recent blog subscriber but long-time reader, I look forward to your Friday messages. I’m looking forward to “lost girls,” because I’m sure it will be an intriguing story, but even more because it addresses the acute problem of lost and abused Native women. God bless you and the late Tony Hillerman for including all that Indian stuff.
I grew up in Rapid City, SD, when there was still a “teepee town” at the city’s outskirts, and have tried to learn as much positive about Lakota culture to erase those early characterizations.
I was fortunate to meet you once, probably about 30 years ago at Mystery Books at Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. We talked about our shared South Dakota roots and you asked if I was familiar with your cousin Polly Johnson. I said she was a favorite as she and Buddy Meredith were regular Saturday night performers on KOTA-TV. (I think they were on locally before we even had a microwave tower to transmit from networks.) I thought it was quite special that you had based a character on her in one of the Beaumonts.
Anyway, thanks for doing what you do so well!
I lived in Rapid with my Native family that I married into. I believe the place you’re talking about was called Indian camp.
That was thirty years ago–on my first publisher-sponsored book tour for Hour of the Hunter. And yes, I based Jasmine Day in Taking the Fifth on Polly who, after leaving Rapid City went to become a gospel singer before her tragic death in a plane crash at age 23.
Thanks for the touching words. Thankful is a great way to start the day. Tana Steward
Your words today struck a note with me. I too just finished a writing project. Unlike you, I started it about a year before the pandemic began and it’s been harder to get to the end than any other books before. It came together despite a major move, and a number of other life events including the pandemic. So getting to the end of a big book project is a huge deal, and when it involves much loved subject matter and beloved characters, it’s even more of a big deal. So I congratulate you, and offer you my very best as you put the finishing touches on a very special project. Congratulations J.A. Jance.
I love your blog. Thank you for an inside look at your life.
Many blessings and thank you.
Wow – that quantity of books you produce is awesome enough but with such incredible quality too is nothing short of miraculous. I have had A book roaming around in my head for so many years but it has never found its way to culmination. You amaze me!
I sure know about your tons of emails. One has to constantly delete like crazy because of the impersonal transmissions. So much (read most) is POLITICAL! SO sick of that stuff – average of 75 to 99+ to delete every day. Aarrgghh!
Just sang Kellogg birthday song to my mom today and to HER mom on the 21st. It felt funny for some reason to hear about your parents birthdays being so close to two of our family’s birthdays. Thanks for being part of my life, Judy.
One.of the blessings that I count is having authors who keep on writing books that I am always anxious to read.
And as to all that Indian stuff, it is just a short bit at the beginning of chapters. If you don’t like it, it is easy to skip. So.why complain about it?
I for one am very glad you are a member of our tribe. Thank you for all of your hard work.
I an waiting with worms in my mouth for your next piece of work. (Baited breath).
Keep up the great work,
Don’t listen to those people who don’t understand your books and stories. Their idiots. Probably flunked out of school. I love the history of peoples different backgrounds l love the stories and the backgrounds if people would listen there’s a lot of truth to them. I have a lot of stories and they mean a lot to me. God made a lot of different people for a reason. Those ignorant people know nothing keep up your wonderful work and many blessings. I love your books.
I have read every single book you’ve written. Anxiously awaiting the next one I thought was coming out this month. Neither my local library or Barnes and Noble don’t have a new book for you until March of 2023? That doesn’t seem right? So happy you didn’t kill Beaumont off in his last book. Anyway, can you please verify the next book, title and approximate date of release? Thanks so much.
Yes, I ran overtime on the book that took a year to write and instead of coming out now, it’s coming out in March. Sorry about that.
Oh, Judy! As usual, your blogs make me so happy. I think you must have the strongest work habit of anyone I know. And I consider all of your books magical! I remember when I began to read The Kiss of The Bees, it was difficult for me, but I stuck with it and felt so moved by the culture I had known nothing about.
Glad you can relax with a mani-pedi later today. I know all too well that bit of wearing a bandaid on a loose nail. Enjoy your vacation.
And that’s the whole point about “the Indian stuff”. You live 60 miles from the Tohono O’odham reservation. I grew up a hundred miles farther away and yet I didn’t know anything about the Desert People, either.
Thanks again not only for your blog, but your tenacity examples. You are a special person that joined my life about three years ago and have stimulated me to do things in my life that I would not have otherwise accomplished or endeavored to work with, without your Guidance. Chuck in Tacoma {running late because of health issues} aloha to you and yours…
Anything you share is a blessing to your fans as well as yourself.
I’m just so thankful you keep writing! And if the day arrives when you call it quits, my sister, Marianne Livingstone, has every book you’ve written and I will start re-reading. They are all autographed books, too!! Have a restful vacation, dear lady!
JA—you are something!! I’ll always enjoy reading you, no matter what the topic. Your books and blog and everything else are always a learning experience, for those who realize it.
Have a good “vacation” and thank you for being you.
Hugs.
Blessings counted…
God bless you!
Stories of the desert people are fascinating and counter the lost of culture the forced Indian schools demanded. Weaving the stories into women who survived, it is magic, life-affirming and an act of love. I feel I am a spiritual sister to your characters. I read the books over and over and bought the reference books you used. I am driven to write memoir, poetry and songs the same way. Rest, and write some more!!! I am forever grateful.
I wonder how aware you are that you have a double blessing. Not only can you write amazingly well, but your Waring Blender Brain keeps creating stories to write about. It’s all too easy to conflate those two talents into one.
The world of the Desert People is very much a part of you, Judy-
And you have made it part of your readers’ inner lives too- That is a blessing which I gratefully accept, as I wish you a lovely vacation with more “lunches with ladies!”
Thank you fir passing your blessings. Liz
You are a blessing to me, the one author who’s books I have read faithfully ever since reading “Until Proven Guilty” featuring my beloved character, J.P. Beaumont, whom you have matured gracefully into a caring and compassionate human being with feelings, and a confidence even he didn’t know he had. Helping Sue Danielson’s son in “Nothing to Lose” is my all time favorite, so far! Thanks too, for Sheriff Brady and her family, the Walkers and Ali Reynolds.
Poo Poo on those people who don’t want your beautiful thoughts on the people in your stories! That is part of the love of the story, the ” the meat ‘ of the reason things happened the way they do.
I have been blessed to find you on the bookshelves (way back then) and feel like your people are part of my story.
So, THANK you for these wonderful people who have enriched my life.
enjoy your time.
I was going to send you an email, but decided others might like to know this, too. Has the heron come back? You haven’t mentioned it in a long so assume it hasn’t.
Thank you so much for your hard work. I enjoy your blogs as much as your books. Thanks for sharing a little more of you. Blessings to you as well. Muggsy
Write the Beaumont book , please write the Joanna Brady too. I am a fan of the Jonna Brady books.
So happy you are returning to the Walkers I loved those books especially all the wonderful Native stories (so there). By the way I have read all of your books, seriously and in chronological order. Some several times.
Glad you are being prolific. I can hardly wait for more Walker Family … and all others. I have had to revert to CJ Box and Michael Connelly while awaiting for new books from you. I live near Cochise College in Benson. I am 80 so I do a lot of reading … however I slow during football season. I am currently sort of house bound due to Bell’s Palsy and it really pisses me off. Take care and enjoy your “vacation”. Jeannine
I just wanted to let you know, I love reading your books and have several to go as I
only started reading them a few years ago. I especially enjoy the stories about Bisbee as I am a native! In fact, I believe I went to school with your sister, Janice. Small world, huh? Enjoy your vacation and I look forward to this book out soon.
I just wanted to let you know, I love reading your books and have several to go as I
only started reading them a few years ago. I especially enjoy the stories about Bisbee as I am a native! In fact, I believe I went to school with your sister, Janice. Small world, huh?
I have been a fan of almost all of your wonderful books and your great characters. In fact I have met you once at the Northgate Mall in north Seattle at a bookstore. My grandson was with me (he & his dad were living with my husband and I at the time. My son was divorced & had full custody of his son and moved bac k home after being in the service. the only reason for those details was that I was unable to afford a hardback book which you were signing for all, but i did enjoy visiting with you.
I did buy and get all the paperback books and saved them. That was until my girlfriend in Rochester, New York said sh e couldn’t find your books in her area. So I mailed them to her… Now I am starting all over again re-reading your books at age 87 almost 88 I have forgotten some of them not all but abit of the story line. I have a book shelf of your hardcover books that I have gotten at garage sales and other places like Third Place Books.
Recently i have been reserving books from Library 2GO on the last Thursdaty of the month they stop by the Senior Living Apartment Complex and bring the books to us. This was a lifesaver during Covid shut down time one month I read 12 books two of yours that I got after putting a reserve in last October. The best find I had was when I went to Costco, I always check out their book supply. I was so delighted and excited to find “Nothing To Lose” I yelled out to my girl friend I’ve got it – it’s HERE! a nearby lady come over to me & asked what I was so excited about? I quickly explained how long I had been waiting for this book!!!!
I have an old computer and haven’t been able to get on line a new one is going to be set up for me (a present but they have a business & are very busy with catching up orders from their Covid shut down, but open now.
You are and have been my favorite author since your #1 JPBaumont book! Also-Love Joanna Brady & Ali Reynolds. Sorry to say the Walker books were on the too dark side for me.
Before I close I have a picture of you with my second son Doug. You were at the Hearthstone Home by East side Greenlake. He worked there for 30 plus years. He and his wife just last year retired to Sun City Arizona, they return to Seattle where he grew up, for 3 months in the summer. They had been going to Arizona and investing in property for their retirement also to see the Spring Training of the Mariners.
This is long but its the first time I have written to you. I hope I can get back in my computer email again to read more of your blogs I did get and print the short story you wrote at the author book workshop I printed it and shared it with my friends who are fans of yours too. Thank you for being you & for sharing your talents that are enjoyed by so many.=====
I have been a fan of almost all of your wonderful books and your great characters. In fact I have met you once at the Northgate Mall in north Seattle at a bookstore. My grandson was with me (he & his dad were living with my husband and I at the time. My son was divorced & had full custody of his son and moved bac k home after being in the service.) The only reason for those details was that I was unable to afford a hardback book which you were signing for all, but *I did enjoy visiting with you.
Later I did buy and get all the paperback books and saved them. That was until my girlfriend in Rochester, New York said she couldn’t find your books in her area. So I mailed three to her. Now I am starting all over again re-reading your books at age 87 almost 88 I have forgotten some of them not all but a bit of the story line. I have a book shelf of your hardcover books that I have gotten at garage sales and other places like Third Place Books.
Recently I have been reserving books from Library 2GO on the last Thursday of the month they stop by my Senior Living Apartment Complex and bring the books to us. This was a lifesaver during Covid shut down time one month I read 12 books three of yours. Some that I got after putting a reserve in last October. The best find I had was when I went to Costco, I always check out their book supply. I was so delighted and excited to find “Nothing To Lose” I yelled out to my girl friend I’ve got it – it’s HERE! a nearby lady come over to me & asked what I was so excited about? I quickly explained how long I had been waiting for this book!!!!
I have an old computer and haven’t been able to get on line. A new one is going to be set up for me (a present from my daughter but they have a business & are very busy with catching up orders from their Covid shut down last year.
You are and have been my favorite author since your #1 JPBeaumont book! Also-Love Joanna Brady & Ali Reynolds. Sorry to say the Walker books were on the too dark side for me.
Before I close I have a picture of you with my second son Doug. You were at the Hearthstone Home by East side Greenlake-Seattle. He worked there for 30 plus years. He and his wife just last year retired to Sun City Arizona, they return to Seattle (where he grew up), for 3 months in the summer. They had been going to Arizona and investing in property for their retirement also to see the Spring Training of the Mariners.
This is long but its the first time I have written to you. I hope I can get back in my computer email again to read more of your blogs I did get and print the short story you wrote at the author book workshop I printed it and shared it with my friends who are fans of yours too. Thank you for being you & for sharing your talents that are enjoyed by so many.=====Diane Bicknell