Monday, May 31, 2010

Why Write? Judy Sandra Speaks

Judy Sandra is a creative writer, journalist, and communications specialist. Her debut novel The Metal Girl was released in February 2010 by JSM Books.

This summer Judy Sandra, along with veteran DGA director Janet Davidson (Earth 2, Cagney & Lacey, Judging Amy) will be an instructor at the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Boot Camp, which will be held from July 19-23 at The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, CA. This hands on day camp is open to 11 to 14-year-olds and will run for five days, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The camp will also be held in New York City and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

For more on Judy, read her Write On! Author Q&A.

Why is writing so important for young people?
Writing well is important for most school subjects, especially at the college level, and that's just where it starts. Today, more than ever, we communicate with the written word, even though it may not be on paper. When I was a teenager, kids talked to each other on the phone, and writing was something you did for school, or to write a letter to someone. Now, because of computers, the Internet, and the speed of communications, we are constantly writing - emails, articles, announcements, blogs - and we need to write succinctly and efficiently.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a tween or teen?
I once took horseback riding lessons and the first thing the instructor said to me was, "Anyone can sit on a horse and ride it. But it takes hard work and practice to master the skill of horseback riding." I think this truth applies to most skills in life. When I was younger, I would often get frustrated and discouraged when I couldn't master things right away. Even with writing, it takes time and practice to become a good writer. I wish I had known that it's OK to walk before you run, or in horse terms, to trot before you gallop.

How has the ability to express yourself helped you in life?
Besides being a writer, I have also been a radio announcer, a public speaker, a media liaison, and a public relations professional. All of these jobs were possible because I express myself well verbally and in writing. On a personal level, good communication is the basis of both my friendships and love relationships. Being able to express myself has allowed me to write books and articles that other people can enjoy.

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