Interview With Author Judith Cosby
Mother of two, triathlete, and animal whisperer, Judith Cosby’s childhood dream of becoming an author finally manifested back in 2018 with the release of her first book – Threads: A journey into the picture of the soul. That’s when I met Judith and our ongoing collaboration began.
Hey there! I’m Ana Grigoriu-Voicu, book cover designer for independent and best-selling authors worldwide. Through my blog, I’m all about sharing my artistic vision and help you turn your manuscripts into absolute best-sellers. If you’re curious to learn more about my work or just want to stay connected, feel free to hit me up on Instagram or drop me an email.
What motivated you to pursue a career in writing and what was your first story about?
In my youth, I wanted to be an author. I loved writing short stories and poetry. After High School, I went to college, received a degree in Business Administration, and chose a career in Human Resources. Although my working life was not very creative, my downtime allowed me time to express myself through writing. I continued to dabble and record short stories of my daily observations, compiling them into an eclectic and very raw manuscript. Then, one day (when my own children were grown and in college), I found a journal I had written when I was thirteen. One of the first lines was that I wanted to be an author! It sparked a flame that reignited my passion, and the doors opened! One of the main entries in that journal became a poignant chapter in my inspirational memoir, “Threads.” In the chapter, The Power Thread, I share my experience of being bullied and how I overcame that negative event, changing it into something positive.
"The Attachment" is your third book and the first in what promises to be a thrilling series. What inspired "The Attachment" and what is the story behind the story?
The story behind the story is quite interesting and comes in two parts. When I was about eight, I experienced an eerie event while staying at my aunt and uncle’s beach home. It forever left a mark on me, and I never forgot it. I remembered my spooky experience as an adult and thought it could make a very intriguing storyline! The author in me felt driven to write about it. The second part happened about fifteen years ago while on vacation in a popular ocean-side town. My family and I visited a very old (1600s) cemetery. While walking about, I inadvertently separated from my family and ended up in a neglected section of the graveyard. There, I discovered a mysterious family plot. The graves were tilted and worn, and the epitaphs told a very interesting story. The writer in me emerged again, and I combined the two experiences into what has now become the storyline behind “The Attachment.”
“The Attachment” is available for purchase on Amazon in e-book and paperback formats.
One day (when my own children were grown and in college), I found a journal I had written when I was thirteen. One of the first lines was that I wanted to be an author! It sparked a flame that reignited my passion, and the doors opened!
Walk us through your daily schedule. How do you juggle daily life with your writing sessions, and how much time do you allocate for each session?
Great Question! I try to write every day. I constantly record ideas that could be a story in the making. An example is finding inspiration in my daily walks with my dogs. I find an abundant amount of material to add just by observing the world around me. I jot down things others see as benign, knowing it could contain an element that brings a chapter to life. My job is being a full-time author. That encompasses not just the writing and editing but also the blogging and marketing. An average day for me begins writing at about 7:00 a.m. I will write for several hours, and the word count varies depending on my focus. I spend my afternoons marketing and blogging. My weekends encompass attending events for my books.
Do you initially outline your characters' characteristics, or do you prefer to let them develop naturally as the story unfolds?
My characters develop naturally as the story unfolds. Sometimes, I get so lost in the writing that a situation arises that calls for a new character, and they just come into focus. I see and hear them! It absolutely amazes me that a character can be born from the imagination! I think to myself, “Where did that person come from in that mind of yours?”
Which begs the question: are you a plotter or a pantser?
Well, that is another excellent question! Because up until “The Attachment,” I was a pantser. Then, when writing “The Attachment,” the plot became very detailed with letters from the past and characters in different time periods, etc. It got very challenging to keep it all in order! My second book in the series is nearly finished, and I have become a plotter. And I like it! I like the direction I have given myself and now see how it gives a seamless storyline. Plotter it is!
Which aspect of storytelling poses the most significant writing challenge for you? Which one do you find the easiest?
Show versus tell is the most challenging for me. I have to work on that aspect of writing, and as I continue practicing my craft, it gets easier. I try to focus intensely on the scene or dialogue written. Once I am “in” the scene, I visualize the motions that could enhance the mood without telling it. I know I am getting it right when my cat and dogs look at me with concerned expressions!
The easiest part of writing for me is character development. I can visualize the character instantly. Even the names come easy. When my content editor recommended that I needed a best friend for Eliza Grey in “The Attachment,” it wasn’t difficult. Vanessa popped into my head immediately. Her job, personality, and appearance all came into focus the minute I imagined Eliza commiserating with another person. That probably comes from the innate storyteller in me!
“Threads – A journey into the picture of the soul “ is available for purchase on Amazon in e-book and paperback formats.
The feel of the worn keys under my fingers, many with missing printed letters, is my muse of inspiration.
What is your target word count for an average writing session and how do you keep yourself determined to reach it?
I like to reach at least 2500 words a writing session. During my push to hit the 50,000-word mark, I will write almost 4,000 words a day. I watch the word count grow slowly and keep plugging. Then miraculously, once I pass 50,000 words, it is as if the magic happens, and the next thing I know, the word count hovers between 100,000 -110,000!
I am an organized person. My work area must be neat to clear my head to write. If my dishwasher needs emptying and dirty dishes are in the sink, even if I’m in another room, I can’t write until it is done. Although I know that doesn’t seem practical, it’s how I roll. Once the exterior stuff is done, I am in my fictional world, where the dishes can be dirty!
What's the writing software or item you can't imagine working without?
Grammarly, Word, and Aticus. I have two laptops, but one is my “baby.” It’s been with me through thick and thin, like that comfy sweatshirt you can’t live without. The feel of the worn keys under my fingers, many with missing printed letters, is my muse of inspiration.
Finishing a book is certainly challenging, but for a self-published author, marketing it can often prove to be even more demanding than the writing process itself. Can you share your approach to book marketing and your experiences with promoting your works?
Simply, never stop. Attempt every avenue possible. I continue to post on social media platforms, hoping I am not inundating the fan base with constant posts. I attend various events, book clubs, speaking engagements, and anything that will bring a broader base to my books and me as an author. The incredible thing about being open to this type of marketing is it will usually introduce you to another avenue. When I did a local book signing at a gift shop, I met a podcast host and an editor of a magazine on two different occasions. Both asked for an interview, which led to another level of marketing. I am shy by nature, but I find challenging myself to try different platforms usually helps my books gain traction and a broader audience. It has been five years since the release of “Threads,” and I am still asked to attend or speak at events. Marketing requires dedication, flexibility, and the ability to wear two hats: author and promoter.
“Spirit Threads: Messages of hope and healing” is available for purchase at Amazon in e-book and paperback formats.
How do you view writer's block as a creative obstacle and what is your recipe for overcoming it?
I believe it is a real obstacle for authors to overcome, and I have experienced it twice in the last five years, which made writing painful. The first time went on for almost three months! I just couldn’t clear my head to get what I desired in the manuscript. I believe it has much to do with what is happening outside the author’s world, such as stress, illness, etc. But for me, perseverance is the key. Taking frequent breaks, walking, or trying another creative outlet, like gardening, can help clear the mind. The pressure of the block alone can make it worse, so releasing that “negativity” from your thoughts may help clear the path to writing free and easy. Once I am through the block, I use the experience to flavor the words, and often, I see it as a way to deepen the storyline.
AI generated content seems to be everywhere these days, from text to images, sound, music and video. With the rise of AI-generated literature how do you anticipate authors will adapt to the new challenges it presents in the writing market?
AI-generated literature comes with pros and cons. I can see authors using AI as a tool for such things as formatting and streamlining content creation. But I believe it will ultimately challenge writers to hold tight to their “writer’s voices” and not allow lifeless prose. Authors can benefit from AI tools but must remember that their imagination, creativity, and originality create their book brand. Each of us has a distinct writing style, with AI-generated literature that could be lost in the process. I plan to stay true to my own voice and utilize the tools that make the job easier.
Each seasoned author has been there – the beginning steps of their writing career. What advice would you offer to novice writers who are just embarking on their journey?
Write. Don’t let that little voice of self-doubt stop you from pursuing your dreams. Once you have completed your manuscript, find a good content editor. Listen and learn as you go through the process. Criticism hurts, but it also can develop better writing. Decide how to publish your book. There are pros and cons to both self and traditional publishing. Analyze what works best for your needs and comfort level. There is a time investment in either decision. And finally, if you self-publish, find an extraordinary cover designer who listens and creates a cover worthy of your masterpiece. Your cover draws the reader to your book; don’t skimp on the process. Enjoy your passion, and never stop writing.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
The King James Version of the Bible (always) and Mary Higgins Clark’s “Mount Vernon Love Story.”
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or ideas you're currently exploring?
I am currently working on the second book in my Eliza Grey Mystery series. It is set in a Chateau where ghosts from the past haunt our heroine to correct a wrong. There is also a present-day mystery and a twist at the end.
You can find more about Judith Cosby’s work at www.judithcosby.com, on Amazon and follow her work on Facebook
Share this article:
