Judith F. Brenner
Author Interview - Judith F. Brenner
Author of The Moments Between Dreams
A story of hope, courage, and perseverance
When Carol misses red flags early in her relationship and ends up married to a man with a violent temper, her dreams for herself and her family are dashed, and she realizes how brutal waking life can be. She hides bruises and protects her children the best she can while secretly planning an escape to a better life. Despite her circumstances, Carol empowers her daughter to know no limits after a virus paralyzes her legs and teaches her son to stop the cycle of violence and gender discrimination.
The Moments Between Dreams, the debut novel by Judith Brenner, is about a 1940s housewife in Chicago who conforms to the rulebook of the times until her husband pushes her too far, and she must take action for everyone's sake. Carol finds a way out of dark circumstances, and she and her children learn to lean on their faith and each other, ultimately finding their happy ending.
Author Interview - Judith F. Brenner
Author I draw inspiration from: Audrey Niffenegger, Margaret Atwood, Jo Jo Moyes
Author Interview - Judith F. Brenner | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: In bed and on a plane
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Count Alexander Rostov, in a lift at the Metropol Grand Hotel, A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles. He's an expert at being trapped in one place and would make for great conversation.
Author Interview - Judith F. Brenner | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: In college, I got goosebumps after people reacted to my work. However, I needed life experiences before I wrote fiction. I sustained a career as a journalist until I was ready.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Paperback for book clubs, Audio books for
The last book I read: The Deacon King Kong, by James McBride
Author Interview - Judith F. Brenner | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Pen for journaling writing prompts; computer for free writing scenes.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Henry DeTamble, the romantic librarian at the Newberry Library in Chicago. I'd miss him when he time traveled but fascinated by his future and past life when he'd reveal snippets. The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger
Author Interview - Judith F. Brenner | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: A Pilot, flying a chartered prop plane, island-hopping tourists in the south pacific. At least that was dream when I was a teenager. After completing ground school, I had nightmares that I knew how to take off, but couldn't land. So then I studied how to be an Air Traffic Controller. The stress warnings of a career with the FAA overwhelmed me. When I no longer wish to write, I'd choose to live in the south where gardening could be a year-round job or hobby, feet on the ground, digging.
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1960s: from Breakfast at Tiffany's elegant dresses to hip, sexy express yourself Janice Joplin
Place I’d most like to travel: Poland sipping Polish vodka and touring beautiful churches, or Bali Hai sipping rum and singing. "I'm gonna wash that guy right out of my hair!"
My signature drink: Baileys & Coffee
Favorite artist: Salvador Dalí and Picasso in museums; Music artists Alicia Keys and Tori Amos on piano.
Number one on my bucket list: Donating blood annually to the Red Cross. It stays #1 that way each year. I bring along a friend since I have a tendency to faint afterward, but for a good cause.
Anything else you'd like to add: A Reader Discussion Guide will be available on www. judithfbrenner.com by May 2022.
Find more from the author:
#MomentsBetweenDreams
Instagram: Judy_Paprock_Brenner,
Twitter @WriteEdit4U, @ChicagoWrites @WF_Writers
Author Bio: Author biography: Judith F. Brenner is a native of Chicago, essayist, and owner of Creative Lakes Media, LLC, where she is a freelance editor. Her company publishes a national trade publication, Sharpeners Report, and non-fiction books for the sharpening service industry. Her essays have appeared in MN Parent magazine, and WINK literary magazine. This is her first novel. She and her spouse reside in Minnesota and enjoy time with their two daughters and Hons, the pet bunny. Her writing desk sits under a framed burning Underwood typewriter by artist Leopoldo Maler. Depending on the season, you'll find her in a kayak or donning snowshoes on one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes.
