Judy Christie writes “Fiction With A Louisiana Flavor”
and her new book
Sweet Olive (Zondervan) is no different. Set in Samford, Lousiana, Judy
tells the story of Camille Gardner who finds herself surprisingly intrigued by
the small town where she once spent the worst month of her life.
THIS BOOK FOCUSES ON A HOT TOPIC RIGHT NOW--THE
SELLING OF MINERAL RIGHTS IN SMALL TOWN AMERICA. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE
ABOUT THIS STORY?
As a longtime resident of Louisiana, I love watching how friends and
neighbors come together to help each other make hard decisions and to support
each other, even when they disagree on an issue. I watched this topic unfold in
the lives (and backyards) of everyday folks and observed individuals struggling
to do the right thing--and added a "what if?" twist to the issue.
I HAVE TO ASK: DID YOU WATCH THE MATT DAMON
MOVIE "PROMISED LAND" WHICH TELLS ANOTHER STORY OF A SMALL TOWN AND A
NATURAL GAS COMPANY COMPETING FOR RESOURCES? IF SO, DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS
ABOUT IT?
Sweet Olive had already been written when "Promised Land"
was released, and I decided not to see it, although I'll probably watch it one
of these days. From the movie reviews I've read, the two stories take
different approaches.
THIS STORY IS SET IN LOUISIANA, WHICH HAS A RICH
CULTURE AND HISTORY. IT'S ALSO THE SETTING FOR YOUR REAL LIFE. WHY DO YOU LIKE
WRITING ABOUT LOUISIANA?
Louisiana has so much personality—and I enjoy sharing its texture
with readers and showing my affection for its eccentricities. Folks here
persevere through hard times and play during good times; they enjoy faith and
family and fun. Quirky and compassionate, people approach life with
down-to-earth good humor and are great storytellers. That inspires me to try to
create characters readers will root for.
In Louisiana, you're apt to see a pirogue on a bayou while a bass
boat blasts by; old and new are woven together. By setting each of my seven
novels in a fictional Louisiana town, I hope to introduce readers to the
details of life here while exploring themes universal to any small town. And,
of course, there's the scrumptious food--from beignets to etoufee, boudin to
biscuits. This adds an extra layer of flavor to any story.
WHY DO YOU THINK READERS WILL ENJOY THIS STORY?
Sweet Olive is a unique twist on a modern issue with a setting full
of southern flavor. I hope that entices readers and leaves them wanting to know
more about life at the corner of Trumpet & Vine in Samford, Louisiana.
Early readers have told me they became attached to the characters and cared
about them, while enjoying the small-town setting. There's also a romance
thread, which I had fun writing and which readers say they like! Reviewers have
compared this book to the Mitford series, which I consider a great honor.