#Spotlight :: The Studio by @JudithErwin1

About the Book:

Dance teacher falls in love with murder suspect.

Check out the Book on Amazon

The Studio

(Shadow of Dance Series No. 3)

By Judith Erwin

A ballet teacher, a naval commander, a missing wife, and five motherless girls populate a novel filled with the emotion, suspense, and romance readers have come to expect from Judith Erwin



Praise for The Studio:
“The writing is stellar and I loved how the intelligently written dialogues deepen plot and character. Judith Erwin deftly uses suspense to keep readers engaged. This is a fast-paced, emotionally rich, and hugely entertaining read with a delightful ending.”
***** Christian Sia for Reader’s Favorite

“This is a must-read for all romance and suspense genre readers. The Studio has all the ingredients to be a winner with the makings of a Hallmark TV special.”
***** Trudi LoPreto for Reader’s Favorite

“This is the fifth of Judith's books that I've read and honestly they just keep getting better. I honestly start them and can't put them down until I'm finished. Her style of writing keeps the reader eager to turn the next page.”
***** Karen Baltovski for Amazon

Interview with Judith Erwin

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?

I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be a writer.

What inspires you to write? 

Inspiration comes from ideas, which in turn come from many sources such as personal experiences and news articles.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?

Like most stories, The Studio is a combination of several ideas. Kaci’s world is her ballet school. I have been associated with dance schools most of my life as a student, mother of a professional dancer/choreographer/artistic director, and close friend of several dance teachers. Further, I’ve served on the boards of four ballet companies and the Dance Panel for the State of Florida Grant Awards. In addition, I have interviewed professionals and written numerous, published dance articles and reviews for local and national periodicals as a freelance journalist prior to my career in law. 
In choosing the male protagonist, I drew from my experience living in an area with two naval bases. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing a number of naval officers, including a family member. Matt Emerson is an embellished amalgamation. As for the story surrounding and complicating their relationship, it is based on events I’ve read about and seen depicted in true crime documentaries with a little “what if” added.

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?

Maybe one or two.

Tell us about your writing process.

I have to admit that my process is random. I write anywhere and at any time. I would like to say I write each day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. But I don’t. I may write at 3 a.m.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?

If I described my favorite scene, it would give too much away. But I will say that some of the scenes with Matt’s daughters are special in that I hope readers will feel what such a situation must be like for the innocent, collateral victims of crime. I also like the kick-ass attitude of P.I. Jake Shepherd in his scenes with Matt and the FBI. Finally, it wouldn’t be a romance if there weren’t stirring scenes between Matt and Kaci.

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?

Friends who read my books say they see me in many of my characters. I’m not sure I want to know the details.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I often talk out the dialogue. My late significant other would come in my room and ask who I was talking to. “It was just Ansley and Nick having a conversation,” was my reply.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?

I have read since before I could read words. I remember devouring comic books when I was four. As a child, I never went to bed without reading. Books surround me. That being said, I don’t currently read as many novels as I would like. I read so much for research that I run out of time. But I always have one or more books in progress. I love Karin Slaughter. Hallie Ephron, Hank Phillippe-Ryan, and Paula Munier are current favorites. In researching, I recently read Christopher Whitcomb’s 2001 book, Cold Zero and couldn’t put it down. I also enjoyed Candice DeLong’s Special Agent and Lt. Joe Kenda’s I Will Find You.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?

“Stop talking about it and do it.”

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Learn to live with rejection. No matter what you write, some will like it; some will not.

What would be the Dream Cast for you book if it was to be turned into a movie?

I like Jenna Dewan for Kaci and Scott Foley for Matt. Jake is a bit harder for me to cast. Bradley Cooper comes closest.

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?

To survive, I need four. My cat, a means of writing, photos of my family, and a Pepsi.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?

Since retiring from my law practice, you might say all my time is free. Prior to retiring, I considered free time to be writing time. I unwind at home. Reading, watching TV, and working jig saw puzzles on my tablet calm me.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

That’s easy. I’ve been lucky enough to make a lot of my dreams come true. The one left is seeing one of my books come alive on the screen—feature film or TV.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.

I can’t sing, I can’t swim, and I won’t go to a movie or watch a TV show that harms an animal. Thank the gods for the Internet site that provides warnings: www.doesthedogdie.com

What do you have in store next for your readers?

A crime-solving mystery series starring Jake Shepherd and Scarlett Kavanaugh.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?

I would thank them for their support. They put the sunshine in my life.

About the Author:

Website * Facebook

Judith Erwin is the author of romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction with a mystery series in progress. A graduate of the University of Florida, College of Law, Erwin practiced family law for more than two decades.

Prior to obtaining her law degree, she worked as a freelance journalist, publishing numerous reviews, profiles, and other articles on dance and theater. Her novel, Shadow of Doubt, was a finalist for Romance Novel of 2016 in the Royal Palm Literary Awards Competition. 

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