Judi shares with us her passion for poetry and how she started on the road to self publishing.
When did you start writing?
I used to enjoy writing essays when I was at primary and secondary school. But it was in my 20’s that I began writing stories for publication, and short plays for my drama students. I’m the one in the family who always turns up with a humorous poem at family birthdays, to my youngest daughter’s embarrassment.
What type of work do you produce?
I have written many short plays and two 3 act plays. But my real love is rhyme. My books are all poems or action rhymes for children from 2 to 13. I do write for older students, but that work is not published. I mainly write humorous poems that relate to every day family life, like the mum who always chats. Or whose turn is it to sit in the front seat.
Where and when do you work?
Since January this year I work full time on my writing and marketing. I write in our rather small office, or in my comfy chair in the lounge with the footrest out and the laptop on my knee……which is where I am right now. The dog is often in the chair with me. It’s great for my writing to be the main focus in my work life.
Making people laugh. Seeing children discover that words are fun, and giving them a love of language. The sense of feeling I have completed something. Watching a book come together delights me.
And the most challenging?
Finding time to actually write. Marketing takes lots of energy and eats into my time. Being a one (wo)man band is challenging, as I’m responsible for sales, marketing, invoices, accounts, budgets, website, emails, writing and layout. All this means I find it hard to turn off.
I am close to launching my next book, ‘Granny Goes To Hip Hop’ the second in my ‘Granny’ collection. The poems are all written, and it’s now down to the layout.
Do you have any exciting projects planned for the future?
I am planning on publishing teacher resources using my poems which I am very excited about. I’m also looking to run some drama/writing workshops in the school holidays.
Who was your favourite children’s writer or illustrator when you were a child?
When I was little, the first stories I ever read were by my Mum. She’d write them in a school exercise book, and do her own illustrations. As a teenager I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries. They were written by Carolyn Keene, who I now know was in fact a lot of different writers using that name. What a disappointment.
Which illustrator’s or writer’s work do you admire now?
My absolute favourite all time writer is Joy Cowley. I love how she uses ordinary family situations and gives them a twist.
I live in Hamilton with my husband Les who is a great support. I’m also a drama teacher, and workshop presenter. This year I’ve been asked to be a Duffy’s Books In Homes role model which I am greatly looking forward to.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hahaha! I seem to write in my spare time. I’m passionate about genealogy, and have written a full family history of my maternal grandfather’s line. I love the beach, it’s where I always write. I enjoy spending time with friends, swimming, cooking, my garden, watching netball and spending time with my grandchildren and our gorgeous dog Rosie. I have a love of drama and theatre, and for many years was actively involved in Te Kuiti Repertory.
Please list the names of your websites, blogs, twitter etc.
@JudiRainbow
Website www.rainbowpoetry.co.nz
Facebook: Rainbow Poetry and Words for You
Email: [email protected]