Judy Blundell

Thanks very much to the lovely people at Scholastic, and of course, Judy Blundell, for arranging this interview and anwering my questions.


1. Where do you like to write?

I write at my desk, in a narrow front room which was once the front porch of the house. I share the room with my daughter's toys, a piano keyboard, a big wardrobe, and an old sofa that is tantalizingly close for flopping on. But where I like to write is probably on my laptop, propped up with pillows on that same sofa, so I can look out at the trees.

2. Any music you listen to while writing?

When I worked on What I Saw and How I Lied, I listened to the music of the forties. I liked having the rhythm and swing of the period in the background as I wrote.

3. What gives you your inspiration?

I'm inspired by so many things-- stories I hear, turns of phrase, a line in a newspaper article, the way a stranger on the street walks or talks on the phone. Like most writers, I'm a shameless eavesdropper. I live very close to New York City, and I love overhearing random comments on the street. I'm also inspired by history-- tremendous events and upheaval and how they affect lives.

4. Can you tell Dragonfly Book Reviews' visitors a bit about What I Saw and How I Lied?

What I Saw and How I Lied is set in post World War II America and is about a fifteen-year-old girl named Evie who falls for a mysterious and charming ex soldier while on a family trip to Florida. The soldier may or may not be hiding a connection to her family. Evie is forced to uncover mysteries and motivations hidden by the adults around her. She has to grow up fast.

5. Are you writing another book? If so, can you tell us about it?

I'm right now in the middle of writing my next book. It's also set in the postwar period of America, and though it deals with different themes than What I Saw, it does involve mystery and suspense as well.

6. Ask yourself a question and write down your answer!

Q. Judy, why do you write about the postwar period, and what is your favourite snack?

A. I'm interested in the postwar period because it was a transitional time in recent history when many dramatic changes occurred in society, and I'm very fond of dark chocolate with bits of ginger in it.

Thanks so much Judy Blundell!

Look out for a review of What I Saw and How I Lied - coming soon!