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Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

Q&A with Judy Etheridge

City of residence: Perry

Occupation: Manager in claims for Allstate Insurance Co.

Question: Where were you raised?

Answer: I grew up in Macon. I attended high school at Mount de Sales (Academy). I received my (Bachelor of Business Administration) from Georgia College & State University in marketing.

Question: You have a new children’s book out. What is “Olivia’s Wish” about?

Answer: It’s about an 8-year-old girl whose soldier dad is being deployed. Prior to his leaving, they go to the park and make a wish at the wishing fountain. A beautiful light is cast upon them, and father and daughter make a pact. Every time Olivia sees a beautiful light she makes her wish. As Christmas approaches, Olivia misses her dad more and more — will he be home for Christmas?

Question: Is this your first book?

Answer: Yes.

Question: What inspired you to write “Olivia’s Wish?”

Answer: I was profoundly affected by the events of 9/11. The sacrifices that so many of the men and women in our country make every day for our safety inspired me to write “Olivia’s Wish.” I am donating 25 percent of my profits from the book to the Disabled American Veterans.

Question: What was the process of writing of it?

Answer: I actually wrote the story several years ago and put it away. About a year ago, I decided that it may be something that children would enjoy because the basis of the book is love and the happiness of having a wish come true.

Question: Where can your book be purchased?

Answer: It is available at Two Friends and Beauty for Ashes in Perry. Or, you can e-mail me at judy.etheridge@yahoo.com, and I can send you one. ... I will be at Mistletoe Market in Perry Friday through Sunday.

Question: Do you plan on writing another book?

Answer: I have already written another children’s book called “Pinky the Cat.” It has not been published yet.

Question: What is your favorite genre?

Answer: I enjoy autobiographical books and inspirational books.

Question: What are some of your other hobbies?

Answer: My husband, Byron, and my son, Nik, love to go camping as a family. I also enjoy gardening and knitting.

Question: Whom do you admire most?

Answer: The person I admire most is my sister, Susan Fry. Susan is a four-year breast cancer survivor. Seeing her strength, while going through the treatment process, was very inspiring. She is my best friend.

— Stephanie Granados