Interview with Judith Hensley

Author of The Bride Price

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Harlan, Kentucky, grew up just south of Chicago in Chicago Heights and Steger, then returned to Harlan for my teaching career.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

Returning to Harlan, Kentucky was a result of searching for my roots, culture, and ancestry among the people and mountains that I have loved all my life.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I started writing in third grade while a student at Garfield Elementary in Chicago Heights, Illinois. When a story I wrote was published in the Chicago Heights Star (newspaper) on the children’s page, and I saw my words in print for the first time, I was hooked on writing, and continued all my life but for decades considered myself a “writer wanna-be.” When I finally submitted my first children’s chapter book, Sir Thomas the Eggslayer, it was accepted by a small press immediately. That was over thirty book projects ago. As a teacher, my students gathered stories of local culture, history, and local folklore for eleven volumes of published books. From there I began to have my own work published in a variety of books.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I write in several genres. Christian Romance, nonfiction testimonials from real women who have discovered God’s grace and strength to face life’s challenges, Appalachian culture, cryptid sightings in the region, Christian devotional, and children’s chapter books. I am a story gatherer and find inspiration through real people, but also have a thriving imagination from which stories are born.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Readers of my work have praised my children’s chapter books, and many have said they are inspired by the stories gathered from real people. Other readers are fascinated by accounts of Appalachian culture, folklore, daily life, and animal encounters.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I have been very much surprised by the number of people who say they don’t read, or they never pick up a book. Daily schedules don’t allow time, or they admit being hooked on technology and television, leaving no time for reading in their leisure hours. Among the highest compliments I’ve ever received is when a self-proclaimed non-reader comes in contact with one of my books and finds me to tell me they couldn’t put it down.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Be confident. Keep trying. Write, write, write, rewrite, write. Submit. Go to writing workshops. Discover what your skills and strengths as a writer are and continue to learn your craft. Be disciplined.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

From local to international audiences, I would love to know the work I’ve done is impacting lives both near and far.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I write a good story. I can put a book together. However, I am not good at marketing myself. Breaking through that barrier would be tremendous.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I constantly have new stories percolating in my imagination. I often have the bones of two or three books taking shape in my brain at the same time. My basic writing skills are solid. I have been published by a variety of publishers and self-publish. As for marketing, I am willing to learn and open to possibilities.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness is juggling my real world life and responsibilities while caring for others, and making time for writing daily. I haven’t had a lot of success with small presses. They often “sell out” or close up after a short while. Marketing is an area in which I have room for great improvement. I need to utilize technology in ways I have not mastered.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m always working on at least one “next book” in my mind, and usually writing another at the same time. Due to a current interruption in my plans while dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, I am not currently writing more than my weekly newspaper column, but have a couple of books in different stages of completion awaiting my full attention.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I have self-published, used a hybrid publisher, and traditional publishing.