Today we’d like to introduce you to Judy A. Bernstein.
Hi Judy A. , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I believe that writing is a powerful tool for empathy and social change. Through individual stories we can achieve the greatest understanding of history’s largest events. As co-author of my first published book, “They Poured Fire On Us From the Sky: The True story of three Lost Boys Of Sudan” I assisted three survivors of the Sudanese civil war to bring their amazing stories to the world. Told in their own words with the candor and purity of their child’s-eye-vision, their story is a lyrical and captivating portrait of a childhood lost to war, and of the perseverance of the human spirit. “They Poured Fire…” received critical acclaim and wide distribution. I traveled widely with my three co-authors, speaking to school and organizations.
My current project is a middle grade book about a real character brought to life through fiction. My passion is to encourage young people to want to read. I love to travel, enjoy nature, garden, and I will always write.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I met my co-authors on their third day in America. They came from a place without electricity, running water, or laws to San Diego and as refugees had only a few months to adapt to our way of life. A profound learning experience for all of us which we eventually wrote about in our second book, “Disturbed In Their Nests,” a double memoir with myself and Alephonsion Deng about his first year in America.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My mission is to bring stories of people who have survived extraordinary circumstances to give perspective and create empathy with readers. When a reader says, “This book has changed my life or my outlook.” Or, “I’ll never take my good fortune for granted again.” Or my favorite from young people, “Mrs. Bernstein, I’ve never read a book before but I could not put this book down.” It’s a huge honor to shed light and have even the slightest impact on someone’s point-of-view.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love horses. I have always loved horses. I had horses. Now I’m writing about horses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheyPouredFireBooks.com
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TheyPouredFireBooks
Image Credits
Mark Frapwell
