Meet Judy Dearborn Nill

Judy Dearborn Nill is the author of books for early readers, middle-grade readers, and young adults. She remembers her youth vividly--both the happy things, such as endowing her stuffed animals with individual personalities, and the more difficult experiences, such as growing up too big too soon.

These memories serve her well and provide understanding of those for whom she writes. 

Judy's professional writing career began as a reporter for a chain of city newspapers. She taught journalism for twelve years at community colleges and the university where she earned her degrees.

Her second career is in psychology. She has been a licensed mental health counselor since 2001. She enjoys listening to people's stories and helping them sort out what is important in their lives. She also likes to reflect on her own life with those who listen to her.

 

 Perseverance Pays Off

 

This author's middle name should be perseverance. Few writers "keep on keeping on" the rugged road to authorship as this determined woman has done. Thirty-five long years, ten revisions, and countless rejections stretched between the first draft and publication of Too Big (Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. 2016.)
 Encouraged by four "close-but-no-contract-after-all" encounters with an editor from Scribner's, Judy refused to give up on her firstborn novel, but polished and continued to submit until it sold.

The refusal to quit also paid off with Ties that Blind (a revised version of Judy's coming-of-age novel).
  
Publisher's Weekly reviewed Simple Twists of Faith when it was a contest semifinalist, saying, "The characters in this novel are expertly rendered . . . The plot is engaging and keeps the reader wondering what the end result will be." This story about shattered expectations and the human ability to rebound is a keeper.



Samuel & Sophia, an early reader--or read-aloud book--features twin teddy bears facing separation in their search for a home (Guardian Angel;, 2015, illustrated by KC Snider.) A delightful story.

* * *

When asked, "What is your best advice for aspiring authors?" Judy replied, "Writing-for-publication classes and the writing groups that came from them have led me to lifetime friendships and networking advantages. Other writers I know have connected with agents and publishers through writing conferences. Do what fits and works for you. Enjoy the process. It may be a long one, like mine. Or you could strike gold on your first dig. You never know."

Judy is right--and a living example that persistence really does pay off.

Too Big,, etc. available at