Author Overlord: Please tell me a little about your Book/Writing...
Judy Ramsook: My inspiration can come from something as small as a news story and some of my own experiences.
AO: What makes your Book/Characters unique?
JR: My LGBTQ+ fictional characters are your everyday ones you can meet anywhere in the world. I stick to this formula because for me, this is what makes them more relatable.
AO: How long have you been writing? And have you been able to make a living of it?
JR: I have been writing since I was a High School teenager and became more motivated after winning an Emily Bronte novel in a poetry contest.
In addition, writing and publishing my first teen adventure novella, Karen's Adventure: Princess Tide's Adventure inspired me to keep writing. This came in the form of my first LGBTQ* romance, The Lesbian and the Homophobic President and more in the same genre.
Although I have not been able, as of yet to make a living off of writing, it is something I still enjoy doing. If I am ever able to make a living doing it, that would be a bonus.
AO: Tell us about a memorable moment that inspired a scene/chapter/entire book.
JR: One day as I was watching the news during the 2004 US Presidential Elections, I came across a few politicians who sounded rather homophobic when it came to the matter of legalizing gay marriage. That's when I got the idea for my novel: The Lesbian and the Homophobic President.
AO: What/Who are your influences?
JR: Although I have read lots of books by different authors, there is no one or two influence(s). In fact I am influenced by all authors, even the ones who do not write in the LGBTQ* genre.
AO: What struggles have you found when trying to advertise your book? [Have you gone to conventions, done other interviews, book signings/readings, etc?]
JR: The greatest struggle I have had as far as marketing goes is how an expensive venture it can be. I once approached an LGBTQ magazine and they said their ads in their magazine start at $600.00.
As for other promotional avenues such as, book signings, for that we authors have to purchase copies of our book(s), and make posters, which can require a small fortune. I have also learned along the way, that it can be quite challenging to market LGBTQ+ books."
AO: What good/bad/ridiculous feedback have you received that particularly sticks out in your mind?
JR: "I once tried to advertise on Facebook and one commentor said ""Who cares." But aside from that, the book market is now flooded with so many LGBTQ+ books that the competition is tough.
AO: What happened in your life that transformed you from a reader to an author?
JR: I guess it was when I was looking for a book I wanted to read in the LGBTQ+ genre I was interested in, but found none, so I began writing it and more.
