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Main Street in downtown Yellow Springs, Ohio

I just Love a Good Story. Don’t you just Love a Good Story?

I have another Good Story, but also a rather sad story. I just heard through Facebook that the Antioch Writers’ Workshop has closed down.  Antioch was like a parent to me.

Many years ago, I received a brochure from a writing conference telling me all the wonderful things about their conference and why I should attend. I read it through, and  decided that I wasn’t going and threw the brochure in the trash. Then, I pulled it out of the trash looked at it and decided that if I’m going to be an author, I would have to start taking writing a bit more seriously. I threw it in the trash and promised myself that I would attend the next workshop or conference that came in the mail. Two days later, the brochure for Antioch Writers’ Workshop appeared in the mail. I threw it in the trash, too. But for this one, there was an unrest inside me and I knew it was about the promise I had made to myself, the promise that I needed to take writing more seriously. So I got it out of the trash. I asked myself who would send me this anyway? How did this place get my name and address? Remembering my promise, I put the unnecessary questions away, completed the application and sent it in.

When I arrived  in Yellow Springs, Ohio, I was surprised. It was a cute little town that seemed stuck in an earlier time period. I loved it right away. It had an aura of calm, and comfort that seemed to change my attitude. I was anxious to start the conference.

The Tavern where many of us ate

I found my way to the home of my host. One on the nicest features of Antioch was that an attendee could stay for the week-long conference (Saturday to Saturday) in the home of a resident. How nice was that? I signed up for that. The next morning,  I realized that I was sharing a home with two other presenters.  A Newbie, and already I was placed with an award winning poet, and an awarding winning author. I took this as a good sign. The home owners were beautiful people. During the week we shared and talked, and I got to know not only the presenters, but the town and some of the wonderful people in it.

My first year, our speaker was Robert Inman who spoke about character and ways to develop character in stories. His talk was so good  I went and bought all of his books.  All the conferences after that were always filled with award-winning authors who talked about craft. I learned how to create good strong characters, meaningful dialogue, the need for an outline, and the need for a strong plot. I also bought many books and asked these brilliant authors to sign them. Each year there was so much information imparted that I found it impossible to take in so much material in one five-day session, so I returned the next year to learn more. I had become an “Antiocher.” It was clear that the goal of the conference was to help us to develop good writing skills in order for us to become good writers and become published authors. I loved the idea that the emphasis was on craft, teaching us how to shape and mold a story into something excellent.

                                                                                                                     The library                                                                                                                                                     Antioch College

Another good feature of the conference was lunch with the keynotes and authors. Sitting next to someone who wrote a novel, is very encouraging. Speaking with them and asking questions about how they got started, clarifying something in the talk earlier, or just generally talking enable me to see that I could do that, too. They were people just like me. Our ideas came from the same place – the heart. I needed to understand that.  One year, I was the only one lunching with Silas House. That session became dear and important to me and I will always cherish the fact that he made a choice to continue with one person. He taught me that no matter how many or how few people show up, give it everything, honor them the way you would a larger group. And he did. Today, every time I do a book signing, give a talk, or teach a writing class, I think about that day and I find I don’t worry. I’m going to honor whoever shows up.

Antioch Writers’ Workshop made me into not only a writer, but an award-winning author of two novels so far, That Ever Died So Young, a finalist in the Somerset Literary and Contemporary Fiction Award, 2014, and Blessings and Curses, ranking in the top ten Most Popular novels in the Frankfurt, Shahjar, and Guadalajara International Book Fairs, 2018. Antioch Writers’ Workshop helped me bring my skill to light, and Antioch Writers’ Workshop helped me refine my skill.

The auditorium where I began as an “Antiocher” was torn down and something else in its place. Antioch College closed down and the conference moved to Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Years later, when Antioch University opened, the conference moved to the edge of the city into the university. The bookstore where many read their work in the evening went out of business and the readings moved to a café. After some years, the host program was discontinued. I am forever grateful to all those keynotes and intensive leaders and intensive participants who through their talks and critiques enabled me to see my value. Antioch, like parents, will pass on, but Antioch grew me, and as one of its many children, I will continue to grow from the many craft sessions, lunches, and critiques that I received from my parent.

A nice restaurant good for lunch/dinner

 

Antioch has done so much for many of us that it shouldn’t just go out quietly. It should go out with a big band. Why not have a “Going Out Party.”  I think Sharon Short should send out invitations to everyone who ever attended and have a big party. We will be able to see how many of us have benefited from their workshops over the years. I would delight in that.

I just Love a Good Story. I hope you Love a Good Story also. Along those lines, take advantage of this cold weather we’re having. We’ve been asked to stay home, so lets just do that – stay home. Make a big bowl of popcorn, and allow its alluring aroma to penetrate your nostrils. Don’t forget to sprinkle it with cheese and salt. Pour yourself a nice glass of wine, or a cup of coffee, or tea. Start a nice warm fire in your fireplace; watch its glow and settle in as you listen to the crackling sounds. Wrap yourself in a nice blanket or throw, and cuddle up with your sweetheart. Then, reach for your book, Blessings and Curses, and start this wonderful page turning story.

The E-Book Blessings and Curses is on sale now on Amazon for $2.99. Why not get it and enjoy an evening by the fire with your sweetheart, popcorn and wine? Hurry, because the special is over February 3rd, and hopefully, this cold weather won’t last too much longer. But, if you enjoy your evening you may want it to last a little longer.

Blessings and Curses E-Book on sale on Amazon for $2.99. Now, who could resist that? Isn’t that A Good Story? Enjoy A Really Good Story.

Don’t you just Love a Good Story? I just Love a Good Story. Want to hear another Good Story? Blessings and Curses was in the top ten most popular books in the largest book fair in the world (Frankfurt International Book Fair), but it was also in the top ten in the Sharjah International Book Fair (AUE). Isn’t that a Good Story? I think that makes Blessings and Curses an Award Winner! What do you think? It would be nice to see the novel translated in other languages and in bookstores and other places around the world. I have this picture of crowds of people everywhere in long lines in stores and other fairs, grabbing a copy or several copies for themselves, family and friends.

As you make your shopping list for Christmas, please put Blessings and Curses on your list. Buy for yourself, and know that the novel makes a very nice gift for others, as well. There are parts of the book that are special to me and I hope you will also find those scenes memorable and cherish them as I do. So get copies of Blessings and Curses and spend some part of your time off with Olivia Douglass, the main character. Find out about her curse, what she does about it, how she sees herself, and what that means for you.

You may purchase your novel at any of these places:

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/literary
https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Curses-Judy-Kelly/dp/1612969895/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518099133&sr=8-1&keywords=blessings+and+curses+judy+kelly
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blessings-and-curses-judy-kelly/1127896234?ean=9781612969893

I Love a Good Story. Don’t we all Love a Good Story. Here’s another Good Story.

My department chair at the college where I teach, organized a book talk and book signing for me. Now isn’t that a Good Story? She sent out flyers, email announcements, put the flyer on the TV screen in the buildings on campus, and put a notice on the opening page of our “inside” website. She also ordered the books and asked for student help with them. I was afraid that after everything she planned, no one would show up. I was also afraid that I would be in that big auditorium talking to myself with a hand-held mic.

That’s not what happened. About twelve people showed up. It was one of the nicest talks I have given, so far. The students and other professors asked many questions and made comments. I got into talking about my novel. I related the themes that I had heard others say about the novel, talked about how I came about creating my characters, and those who had already read the novel asked questions about how I came up with the plot. At the end, my department chair commented on how nice the talk and signing was and announced that she would like to do it again, but in the spring. Now that’s A Good Story. Don’t we all Love a Good Story?

Here’s another Good Story. Blessings and Curses was in the Top Ten Popular Titles in the Frankfurt International Book Fair.  Now, isn’t that a Good Story, and don’t we all Love a Good Story?

Popular Titles
Finding My BadAss Self
Traitors or Patriots
Rita Hayworth
Incidents in a Life
Defying the Pains of Gravity
A Champion’s Mindset
Brother’s Khan
Leadership in Focus
Blessings & Curses
Rahab Raised to Honor

This is one of the many sections for publishers who had space at the fair for their authors.  There were so many good books. I am so grateful that my book was in the top ten popular books.  Don’t you just Love a Good Story?

 

 

I love a Good Story. I hope you, too, Love a Good Story. Then don’t miss the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival tomorrow at Old Mill Park 2201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Va. They begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.. I know you’ve heard so many good things about the festival, so come out and have a wonderful time.  I will be there. Look for My Table in:  Contemporary Literature:  Row S (I believe the S is for Story as in Love a Good Story) and I’m Seat  2. I sincerely hope I see you there.

Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival
Saturday, September 29
10 AM to 4 PM
Old Mill Park,
2201 Caroline Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

 

 

 

Sunday morning I went for a walk along a trail where the area is wooded. I promised myself that I would take that walk since I hadn’t walked along that trail in many months. The last time I went there was so much to see. The squirrels racing across the fallen trees; the sun sneaking in between the leaves and branches; birds calling to each other, or pecking on the trees; the water rippling from the stream; and the silence every now and then.  The walkers, runners and even many of the bikers, who use the trail early in the morning, say, “Good Morning” coupled with a look directly at you and a smile as they pass. The early morning walkers have made it a must. Later in the day not so much.

I made a promise that I would walk that trail in prayer to a certain point and that I would notice all the movement, and sounds as I walked. When I got about half way, my foot shifted in my left sandal. Even though I felt it, I didn’t pay attention to it. After a while, the shift was definite and I stopped to look at the bottom of my sandal.

  These are the sandals from the top after the walk. The pavement was dry (even after the many days of long hard rains) so the pavement had dry dirt.  The mud dried and then turned to dirt and then dried dirt.

The sandals I had on were walking shoes, from the Walking Store. I bought the sandals about ten years ago when I went to Italy. They are the most comfortable shoes. After the first year, and since I wore them everywhere, I decided that I would need a second and perhaps a third pair (Yes, they are that fantastic). But the company didn’t make them anymore. So, I tried to do what I called “save them,” by not wearing them so much, if that were possible. On Sunday, I took them out to wear on my walk for the first time in over a year.

When I stopped to look at my sandals, I noticed that on the left heel the leather strip around the heel was coming off. I also saw that there was a split across the sole from one end to the other. I put the shoe back on and took off the right sandal. The leather piece around the heel was loose, and seemed ready to come off, but was in better shape than the left sandal. There was also a crack or split across the sole from one side to the other. I thought about the fact that by wearing sandals, my feet were without socks. Walking on the cement walkway, coated with dust, dirt, gravel, etc. in bare feet would be very unpleasant.

I held my shoe for a few minutes and thought about the trips we had made together, the places those sandals went, the brick sidewalks, the gravel walkways, the paved streets in all those places and how those shoes seemed to make walking easy for me. It saddened me to know that I would have to throw those sandals away. They also went with almost everything I wore in the spring, summer, especially, and early fall. They never hurt my feet in any way, and they were so comfortable that most of the time I forgot I even had them on.  Just having them was a comfort.

After I saw the condition of my shoes, my first thought was to turn back, and try to make it home. But, I had made a promise. I promised that I would in prayer walk to a certain point before I turned around. I had to continue my walk. Before I reached the turn around point, the heel of the left sandal came off. I had to walk on my toes from that point. I reached my turn around point and headed back. Walking on my toes on my left foot and using my entire right foot was a bit uncomfortable, but after a while I forgot about it. I made it all the way home without further incident. But take a look at my shoes on the bottom.

Often we “turn back” when we see trouble, when things get tough, when we think we can’t control things. For me, that is easy to do. What I learned walking on that trail was that I was not in control. My sandals were falling apart and I couldn’t stop that. But what I could do was keep the promise that I made. I made my Father in Heaven a promise that I would meet Him on that trail on Sunday. He was there. Through prayer, I  see that things turn out okay when I stay focused on my goal.

 

 

 

 

People bring things of ill intent into our lives. That’s happening to me now. I can either attend to that ill will which takes me away from my goal, or I can ignore it and focus on my goal. On Sunday, I focused on my promise, not so much on my shoes, but on my promise. I made it home safely on the shoes you see above. The thing is, I wasn’t uncomfortable walking in those shoes and was surprised when I got home and saw them.

I also learned that there are times when we have to “clean house.” We have to get rid of the old and accept the new. I  feel a change happening in my life right now, and  getting rid of these old standbys, my reliable sandals, signals a change for me. So I will stay focused on my goal and accept whatever change the new will bring me.

I Love a Good Story and I know You Love a Good Story.

Normally, I do not talk much about myself, I don’t gloat, jump for joy or any of those things that many people do. But I have received two reviews of my novel, Blessings and Curses that make me want to jump for joy. It warms my heart that others see the ideas and the real story of my novel. I shared the one that my friend Lynda wrote and you saw how moving and powerful her review was.  Now, I would like to share two others. I hope you don’t mind reading them, and when you do, please read them both from beginning to end.

Blessings and Curses by Judy Kelly is a novel about a young devout Christian woman, Olivia Douglass, who is becoming a priest. Her graduation is in just a few days, but she has started having reservations about her future vocation. During this time period, she gets an assignment to answer a request of a condemned convict, “Leon Sunstrik Wilkerson, who is seeking some solace before his upcoming execution. A part of her fears this task but another part of her knows it is her duty.

In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus is quoted as saying:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me”

Olivia knows she must follows this directive and visits this man, convict Leon Sunstrik Wilkerson, who she soon discovers was convicted of the murder of twelve young women and was responsible for numerous other hideous crimes. He has only a few days left before his final judgment day when he will face his Maker.
The new week proves to be a pivotal time in Olivia’s life. It is a time of discovery, a time of new love, a time of startling revelations of her past and a time of clarity about her future.

This story speaks to how death row changes people. It talks about how scared Leon feels knowing he’ll soon be put to death and all he has is just a few more hours, minutes and seconds to make amends for the horrible crimes he perpetrated. Kelly writes of the anguish Leon confesses to her as he waits to be killed.

“Blessings and Curses,” is a powerful story about the compassion, kindness, and solace rendered by prison ministries. The story is fictional, but it reminds us that the Leon’s in this world teach us many lessons of compassion and how the work of these ministries can sometimes soften the hearts of the most hardened criminals whose lives have been broken by experiences unimaginable to us.

Olivia sees a miracle of transformation in Leon and one of his final acts of attrition will change her life forever. The happenstance of her being drawn into prison ministry is transformative to her also. Kelly weaves a love story into her book of unsavory murders, prison life, and death row. “Blessings and Curses,” offers a taut tale, creating believable characters and making the book realistic. A great read for lovers of unique romance novels or books that offer a glimpse into the cruel world of crime and punishment.
Authors Reading
http://www.authorsreading.com/blessings-and-curses_311htm

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CHANTICLEER Review of: Blessings and Curses
Author: Judy Kelly
Publisher: Black Rose Writing; 1 edition (2018)
ISBN-13: 978-1612969893
Genre: Christian, Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary Romance

Olivia Douglass has completed her college coursework in religious education and is set to graduate. Her adoptive parents and sister and will be on hand for the occasion along with her steady beau, Claude. But she harbors a painful secret: contrary to their expectations, she has decided not to go on to become a priest, even though she has been preparing to do so for several years.

Since childhood, it seems, Olivia has felt a curse upon her, some wickedness that follows her, making her unworthy of a religious profession. That feeling has returned at this crucial juncture to cast a shadow over her plans. Understanding, but unsure she should give up her plans, Olivia’s parish priest sends her on an errand of mercy – to pray with Leon, a man on death row with only two weeks to live.

Assisted by fellow church member Wesley Johns, meeting the prisoner proves far more difficult than Olivia had imagined. She persists, though, and tries to access the spiritual nature of this hate-filled man who kidnapped and slaughtered numerous women and children. As Olivia gets to know Leon better, she simultaneously forms a friendship with Wesley, and they discover that they have a link, Wesley shares in the curse that envelops her—and like her, longs for a way out.

At the same time, her parents’ reaction to Olivia meeting and praying with Leon is odd and rather disturbing. On top of that, her sister begins to reveal signs of her own cursed and tormented life. Finally, Olivia will confront her ghosts, and theirs, in a brave and daring move.

Author Judy Kelly writes with skill and intelligence, building her plot step by step so that even when the reader begins to think that the outcome is inevitable, a twist crops up to turn the tale in yet a new direction. Visits to the prison have a knowledgeable feel, and the character of Leon is vividly depicted as he at first crudely and violently rejects Olivia’s help, then gradually comes to accept and welcome her, and finally accedes to her spiritual support on the next to last day of his life.

Kelly draws her characters with depth, from the twisted psychology of a serial killer to Olivia’s growing tenderness toward Wesley, and with it, the revelations prodding her about Claude’s dark side.
Blessings and Curses combines themes of romantic love, family ties, religious aspirations and coming of age with a slowly unfolding, at times terrifying glimpse of genuine evil.

***

“A cleverly constructed Christian Mystery wrapped in romance, coated in spiritual longing, with a would-be priest and a serial killer at its core.” – Chanticleer Reviews

 

I Love a Good Story. Don’t you Love a Good Story? I hope you Love a Good Story. I want to tell you a story about what happened to me Saturday.

Saturday, I did a book signing at the Cricket Bookshop in Ashton, Maryland. If you have never been to Cricket, please go!! You are in for the biggest treat of your life.

During the book signing, a lady asked me what my story was about. The day before, I reviewed what I would say in the event someone asked me that question. But Saturday, when I began to respond with my practiced piece (the one on the book) I surprised myself with: “I want those who read it to see that my story has several themes. One theme I want people to see is that when one family member does something that is against the practices of the family, that something impacts the entire family and may cause the family members to make an unwelcome change in their lives. Out of love for the family member, the others lie, ignore the facts, and the truth to cover up the action. In Blessings and Curses, Olivia’s sister gives up her entire life to help hide her sister’s secret.

The other thing I want readers to see is how we can all be so different, even though we seek the same thing. I finished Elizabeth Strout’s My Name is Lucy Barton and found her character, Lucy Barton, a little sad. I’m an Elizabeth Strout fan and have read all of her books. After I read this story, I turned to my novel, Blessings and Curses, and thought about my character, Olivia Douglass. In My Name is Lucy Barton, Lucy seemed to want more, but she didn’t make a concerted effort to obtain more for herself. She reminded me of a river where the river takes you wherever it wants. In Blessings and Curses, Olivia Douglass sees herself letting life dictate to her who she would be, and what she would be. But, Olivia, realizing the strength and power that she has and out of her sense of responsibility for others, decides that she will not allow life to say who she is. She finds it in herself to become the person she wants to be. Like Lucy Barton, I was led by what others thought I should be in my early life. As I look around me, I see many women who seem to drift along allowing whatever to take them over and lead them. Perhaps this is how all women begin their lives until someone tells them that they must have desires and ideas and goals, and they must strive to reach these goals. Many women have been sexually abused and think that sex is all they are good for. That isn’t true, but they believe that and remake themselves to fit that untruth.

I wanted to create a strong female character, one who sees herself being led by how society would think about a woman, especially given her background, but I wanted a character who decides that she is in control of her life, and she will not allow anyone but her to determine who she is. I think I did that.

Who do you see when you read the story?

 

 

My good friend, Lynda, wrote this about my novel, Blessings and Curses. Is it a good story? See what you think.

“Judy Kelly in her new book, Blessings and Curses, explores the nature of the human heart and the nature of good and evil. What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to do evil? Is there a limit to forgiveness? We come up against these questions throughout this book which weaves a spell with its cast of characters who thread their way into our minds, keeping us riveted to their story until the book’s final chapter. It is a fast read simply because we don’t want to put the book down. Afterwards, we go back to ruminating over the questions: what does it mean to be human? Who are we really? What is evil?

Take a look at the world Judy reveals, and draw your won conclusions.”

I say, What a good story!  Why not take Lynda’s advice. Go into my world, read the book draw your own conclusions, and let me hear from you. Meanwhile, if you have a good story you would like to send me, I would love to hear it.

Don’t you Love a Good Story? I Love a Good Story.  Sometimes I think about some of the elementary and high school students I had over the years. I wonder where they are now, and what they are doing. Did the student who wanted to be a nurse become a nurse, or the one who wanted to be a designer go to New York and enter design school. Or the boy who wanted to go out on his own go to California and “make it big?”  One of my students went off to work for NASA. Yesterday, I thought about the student who had special problem. I wonder what happened to her. 

This student, a quiet, sweet female, came to school  on an irregular basis.  She sat in the back of the room, on the last row and by the door. She would arrive late. Whenever she did attend, I would sit with her and try to catch her up on the assignments she missed and fill her in on the concepts taught in English class. She was very pleasant, and agreeable and she smiled sometimes.  I noticed that she wore long sleeves and as we talked she pulled on her sleeves, even though they did not rise up.

To keep her abreast of what we were doing and the papers and assignments that were required, I made copies of the things that she missed and gave her my notes and whatever else she needed. She took everything graciously and thanked me for everything and promised to attend the next session. The next session, I looked for her, but she didn’t come to class.  She missed that one, the next and maybe she would attend the next one. Her attendance was spotty for several weeks and my concern prompted me to act. I discussed her with my team teacher who was also worried about her attendance. We checked with her other classes and found that she was also absent from those classes just as often. I checked with the nurse to see if she had a food allergy or anything that would keep her out of school as often as she was out. If there was a problem, maybe she could be put on homebound until her physical health improved. The nurse said that the student was not on any of her lists.

The next time she returned, I noticed her pretty top with three quarter length sleeves. As we talked, I noticed cut marks on both arms. I gave her copies of missed assignments and notes, and tried to catch her up on the latest assignments, but my mind was elsewhere. I told my team teacher what I had seen and that I had to talk to the assistant principal. After talking with him, I went back to the classroom to get the student. She never put up any kind of resistance; she just walked with me to the principal’s office. I asked her to show her arms to him and she pulled up her sleeves and did so. No argument, no hesitation, no, “I didn’t know we were coming here.” or “I don’t have to do anything you say,” or anything of that nature. I can’t tell you how I felt when I saw all those cut marks up and down her arm. I just wanted to take that young lady, give her the biggest hug ever and let her know that those of us in this high school love her and care about her. I had to go back to my next class, so I left her there. In between classes, I went back to check on her, to see what happened to her. Her parents had arrived, but they were all still in the office. The next morning, I raced to school to find out what happened after I left. The assistant principal told me that the reason why they were in his office that long was because the parents didn’t believe that she was a cutter and they would not take her to a hospital where she could get treatment.  The assistant principal and to call the authorities on her parents and an ambulance to take the student to a mental health facility of a hospital.

I never saw that girl again. I often wonder what happened to her. Did she find someone to show her that she is loved and cared for? Did she go back to her parents who weren’t able to face the fact that she needed help? Did she gain the confidence in herself that she needed to stand strong? She was a sweet, sweet girl who thought nothing of herself. She could have been hostile with me, pushed the copies, etc, I made for her away and turned her back on me. She never did any of that. She deserved better than the way she treated herself and the way she allowed others to treat her. I wish I could say that this is a Good Story. I hope that what happened to her ended in a Good Story.

I ask everyone reading this to find it in your heart to look around you and help those you know or suspect need help. In this time when people are denying another human being an opportunity and separating families, and retaliating by doing the same thing, we need to remember that we are all human beings. We need to remember to love one another.