Author Judy Conklin
I was born in Austin, Texas and grew up there. My childhood was not a happy one, so I found solace between the pages of Historical Romance novels. I married, at an early age, the first young man who asked me. He was a sailor stationed in California, so off I went to the sunny surf. I quickly found a job as a nanny to two young children whose parents lived just a half a block from La Jolla Cove. Years passed, my sailor and I divorced, and I was back in Austin working at a very exclusive Ladies Dress Shop. One day a handsome accountant walked in to do the store audit. We were married, had three children, and I still continued to read. One day I was fussing about how the Historical Romance genre was changing. No longer were there heroes and heroines. Now, there were “bad boys” and prissy little heroines who were the main characters. Hearing me, Jim offhandedly suggested I should write my own Historical Romance. Well, I did, and it was purchased and published within eight months. Then, responsibilities intruded once again, and I had to give up writing until the late 2018’s. I am now a widow and my writing “career” has suffered many bumps along the way. Still, I just can’t seem to quit writing. My imagination will not allow it.
A little bit about Author Judy Conklin…
I was born in Austin, Texas and grew up there. We were a low income family and I am basically uneducated. I did not finish high school and I was raised from aged 5 by a very stern German step-father. I’ve lived, for a short time, in other places, such as San Diego, California; La Jolla, California; Houma, Louisiana; Houston, Texas, and now Burnet, Texas. I’ve been writing, off and on, since early 1982. Circumstances, mostly family illnesses, caused my writing to be sporadic.
This is Author Judy Conklin’s writing and publication journey in her own words…
Inspiration to start writing…
I’ve always loved reading Historical Romances, and I’ve always loved the Cinderella scenario. However, through the years I noticed the genre changing and, in my opinion, not for the better. I love the wealthy, and very handsome hero, an honest and honorable man, falling in love with a beautiful, but impoverished young woman. In my opinion, you can’t beat that scenario. I can’t imagine any woman (who mostly reads Historical Romances) finding a Pirate who robs for a living, and usually kills while doing so, sexy and attractive. Nor do I find a roughened, usually hard-drinking, cowboy who has probably killed before, sexy. And…Good grief! A Vampire hero!!!! NO.
Judy’s works…
My first novel, Mistress of the Moors, is an English Gothic Romance. It is out of print now, but I do believe that some of the internet book stores still have a couple of copies available for purchase. My second novel, Apache Heart Song, is an American Western Romance and is available on Amazon as an eBook. My most recent novel, The Cornish Mystique, is an English Historical Romance, and I am happy to say it has a 5-star rating and some lovely reviews. It is available at the publisher, The Wild Rose Press, and on Amazon, Barns & Noble, as well as several other outlets.
The Cornish Mystique Blurb
Phillip Delemere is weary of London life, and of Elise, the spoiled debutante he has been courting. He has decided to move to Cornwall for a more peaceful Existence. When he unexpectedly meets Elise’s beautiful but impoverished cousin, Bethany, he expects to dismiss her. However, his brain and heart will not cooperate.
Bethany has never been in love before. But one night in a moonlit rose garden, she discovers what it is like to be in arms of a man she desires but can never have. He belongs to another and is destined to become a viscount, while she is merely the orphaned daughter of a lowly vicar.
One of Judy’s favourite scenes from The Cornish Mystique…
“And you, young woman, will leave this house immediately. Within the hour.”
Bethany attempted to rise, but having anticipated her mother’s intention, Cordelia was not about to let that happen. Still holding Bethany’s hand firmly, she prevented Bethany from any change in position.
Brother and sister then made eye contact. A message passed between them. That is when Phillip slowly and carefully placed his half-empty glass of whiskey on the desk and walked over to his mother with purpose in every step.
“Mama, I do believe you have overstepped yourself. You seem to have forgotten where you are, who you are speaking to, and what you are saying. So, allow me to clarify your error. The is myhouse, myhome, and I am a grown man—independent of your edits and whims. Irule this house. Not you. And I will determine who is welcome here and who is not. ”
Lady Delemere’s face turned a frightening shade of puce. “Now, see here, Phillip, I—”
“No, Mama, you see here! I love you, Mama, as much as any son could love his mother. But you are no longer the arbiter of my every move, my every thought.” He looked around, then back to his mother. “Every person in this room is my guest and is welcome here. And that includes you, Mama. But I strongly suggest, and fervently hope, that you will not cause me to withdraw my welcome in your case.”
A mournful sob suddenly sounded from Elise. She stood a short distance away, delicately dabbing at her eyes as one sob followed another.
Phillip marched over to the bell rope and gave it a furious yank. “I do hope tears are accompanying your caterwauling this time, my dear, for those feminine wiles of yours no longer hold any sway with me.”
Dolly reappeared shortly, this time breathless from exertion. “You rang, sir?”
“Yes, Dolly. It seems I must revise my earlier orders. Please tell Mrs. Weddows to turn out every bedroom in the place. As soon as possible. Also, tell Cook she will need to add plenty of water to the soup, for there will be a full table for dinner tonight!”
This book is fantastic. I could not put it down. Judy’s writing is amazing.