A Watcher of People

Apr 29

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Judy Marano Author Interview

So I’ve Been Thinking is a series of short, real-life stories pulled from your own experiences that reflect on something we all wrestle with: family dynamics, personal growth, fear, nostalgia, bravery, and, yes, dessert. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I have been a watcher of people. What I have come to realize is that we are much more alike than we are different. By sharing these stories, I am hoping people find commonality and in that, see our neighbors, friends, and people we have yet to meet as friends.

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what was the most rewarding? 

The hardest part was putting the stories together in a way that makes sense to the reader. The most rewarding part was rereading the stories from a reader’s perspective. 

What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?

My mom taught me about self-love at a very young age. She said, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t fill your well and take care of yourself first.”

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?

I hope the reader laughs, cries, smiles, and feels joy. I hope they continue to talk about the book long after they finish the last page.

Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Are you the kind of person who notices the small and not-so-small events that occur around you as you make your way through life? Or do you put your blinders on and try to go through your day checking off the to-do list? What if, instead of just moving through your day, you found a moment to stop, notice, and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” So I’ve Been Thinking is a series of stories about everyday life experiences. Although we are individuals, at the core of our being, we share the same pride in our families, traditions passed from generation to generation, and the ups and downs of life. There is an unseen web that connects each of us together. While reading, you might find the corners of your mouth begin to rise; perhaps a laugh will slip through, or a tear will slide down your cheek. Although the details may be different, the daily lessons we can gather from even the smallest interactions can be very similar. Each of the tales in this book is taken from the experiences of the writer, with the permission of her friends and family. Of course, everybody recognizes themselves. Yet every reader that picks up this book will find the story or stories that were written just for them. This is not a self-help book. However, it is a book about life: yours, mine, and ours. While reading this book, the writer hopes that you will discover new ways to cherish your life and find moments filled with joy.

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