Stopping by Authors & Readers Book Corner today is the award winning author, public speaker, and CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas, Judy Gaman. She’s spent nearly a decade offering advice on longevity and vitality as a voice of The Staying Young Radio Show, which was nationally syndicated on 58 stations.
When not working on the podcast Stay Young America!, she serves as a healthy living expert for Fox News and other media outlets. Judy is a five-time author and has appeared on Fox News Radio, Good Morning Texas and San Diego Living, among numerous other outlets.
Judy also tours as a public speaker, and has been entertaining audiences of all sizes for years. She crafts her presentations around engaging and easy-to-understand concepts including longevity, vitality, and healthy living. Her presentations touch on topics like curing workaholism and burnout, while still being a strong leader.
Let’s get to know Judy Gaman:
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Or what first inspired you to write?
I never dreamed I could be a writer because I was always a slow reader as a child. It wasn’t until my own daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia that I realized I had had dyslexia my whole life. After putting into practice the things she was learning, and thanks to Chromagen lenses (for dyslexia) the world of reading and writing was opened up to me. Now I just can’t seem to get enough.
Where/When do you best like to write?
At home, it’s my 3rd story office. It’s quiet and cozy. When I need a change of scenery, I head to the coffee shop around the corner.
Do you have any interesting writing habits or superstitions?
Most people write one thing at a time, but I tend to skip around from articles to books and back again.
When you are struggling to write/have writer’s block, what are some ways that help you find your creative muse again?
Sometimes I just have to get away. I’ve been known to check myself into a hotel and not check out until I have met my writing goal.
What do you think makes a good story?
One that is real and raw. I don’t like to read stories that waste words, taking forever to get to the point. However, words that paint a picture of the scene or the character are never wasted.
What inspired your story?
My true and genuine friendship with Lucille Fleming. Who knew someone over 100 years old would have such a profound impact on my life!
How does a new story idea come to you?
I believe all my writing comes from above. I can’t explain it, but if I pray to have inspiration, it finds me. When I get too busy and my spiritual life is off, so is my writing. Everytime!
Is there a message/theme in your book that you want readers to grasp?
Each chapter has a message or a lesson that I learned from Lucille. The ending is the single most important lesson of them all, but I can’t spoil it here.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That when you think you’re done, you never are. There is always more you could or should write.
What was your greatest challenge in writing this book?
Doing justice to such an amazing friendship.
On a Friday night, what are you most likely to be doing?
Recovering from my week. Thursday night is date night and Friday night is recovery night. Then Saturday is writing and family time.
What’s the best writing advice you have ever received?
When you write a memoir, be kind. In the moments you have to describe an unpleasant situation in your life, do it with grace. Never publish anything you wrote out of anger because you can never take it back.
What is the one book no writer should be without?
Story Genius
Visit and connect with Judy Gaman via Social Media:
Author Website: https://www.judygaman.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judy.gaman.9
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudyGaman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-g..
About The Book
Uncovering the Secrets to a Long and Meaningful Life
An unlikely friendship with a spirited centenarian culminates into valuable lessons for personal growth, love, true friendship, and balancing work and family.
As a determined professional in her forties, Judy Gaman didn’t realize that she was trapped in an unrelenting and all-too-common cycle of workaholism, something she inherited from both her parents. She spent so much time keeping her head down and pursuing her professional dreams that she lost sight of the little things in life that really matter.
While writing a book about longevity, Judy met centenarian (100+ yrs in age) Lucille Fleming in Dallas. Lucille was larger than life, and what was supposed to be a short meeting turned into an inseparable friendship. The two bonded and through their shared stories, they learned that true friendship knows no age. They also discovered that the human experience, regardless of generation, has similar milestones that shape our lives and make us who we become.
Lucille’s lessons would ultimately help Judy break free from the chains of workaholism. But, it wasn’t until Lucille’s death that Judy realized the importance of the first lesson Lucille ever taught her. Love, Life, & Lucille highlights the core of Lucille’s secret to a long and meaningful life.
Buy links:
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-life-and-lucille-judy-gaman/1132648492?ean=9781631528828
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