Judy Reeves sits down with Steve Montgomery | Interview at San Diego Central Library

TL;DR

Judy Reeves discusses her love for libraries, the importance of protecting books from censorship, and her new memoir about her year of traveling after a personal loss.

Transcript

hi I'm Steve Montgomery and I have the great privilege of interviewing my friend Judy Reeves today uh Judy is one of the best writers I know and you would be very lucky to have her as your writing teacher because she is phenomenal Judy has written two books focused on the craft of writing a writer's book of days and writing alone writing together s... Read More

Key Insights

• 👥 Judy Reeves and Steve Montgomery have been writing together in a weekly writers' group for over 25 years.
• 🥰 Both Reeves and Montgomery share a love for musical theater, chocolate, and libraries.
• 🥰 Libraries hold a special place in Reeves' heart, as she was a teacher librarian for 15 years and believes in the freedom and access to knowledge they provide.
• 📔 Book challenges and censorship have been on the rise, with 2022 seeing the highest number of attempted book bans in years.
• 📚 Reeves emphasizes the importance of protecting libraries and making noise to oppose book censorship.
• 🗺️ "When Your Heart Says Go" is a memoir by Reeves, chronicling her transformative journey after a personal loss, where she sold everything and traveled around the world for seven months.
• 🤳 The memoir explores solitude, self-discovery, and the importance of listening to oneself.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Judy Reeves to write her memoir, "When Your Heart Says Go"?

The memoir was inspired by Reeves' decision to embark on a solo trip around the world after the death of her husband. She sought solitude and self-discovery during this transformative journey.

Q: How does Reeves feel about libraries and their value?

Judy Reeves has a deep love and appreciation for libraries, viewing them as "the great equalizer" that provides free access to books and knowledge for all. She believes in protecting the values that libraries stand for.

Q: What are some concerns Judy Reeves has regarding book censorship?

Reeves is deeply concerned about the increasing attempts to ban books and the rise in book censorship. She believes it is crucial for writers, readers, and lovers of books to continue making noise and standing up against these attempts.

Q: Can Reeves recall the first time she saw her own book in a library?

Reeves remembers seeing her book in a library for the first time at the Central Library on East Street. She finds it thrilling when friends take photos of her books on library shelves and appreciates local author showcases organized by the Friends of the Library.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Judy Reeves is a renowned writer and writing teacher with multiple books and kits focused on the craft of writing.

• She shares her deep love for libraries and the values they represent.

• Reeves expresses concerns about the increasing attempts to ban books and the rise of book censorship.

• She discusses her new memoir, "When Your Heart Says Go," which chronicles her transformative journey of self-discovery during a trip around the world.