An Interview with Judith Bowen

Judith Bowen is eighty-two and experiencing the most fulfilling and joyful time of her life. She lives in gratitude for a life always full of blessings despite the speed bumps that come with living in a complex world. She has been blessed with two amazing daughters, four wonderful grandchildren, and a husband who was always supportive, caring, and challenging. She is loved.

A forty-year career as an occupational therapist, as both clinician and educator, brought Judith thousands of clients and friends who taught her always about compassion and respect, and now she gets to enjoy her lifelong passions of writing and painting. She has published three memoirs and enjoys painting, yet another form of expression. Her body may be a bit creaky, but her soul is well.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Whenever I am asked why I write, my only response is “I must.” The need seems to be part of me. This quote found its way to me: “Writing is a finding place, not a hiding place.” And so it seems to be for me.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have worked in healthcare as an Occupational Therapist, both clinically and as an academician in six different states, I developed a new OT program in Texas and was the department chair for thirteen years. I love the Southwest and am sure I lived there in a former life. I also love to paint.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

The music of Hildegard von Bingen. Mystic of the Middle Ages.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I will answer that by quoting Fr. David Steindel-Rast, a Benedictine monk, now ninety-seven years old.

“The mystic is not a special human being—every human being is a special kind of mystic.”

I hope in my story, the reader will discover their own inner mystic.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

My experience with Atmosphere Press has been one of being surrounded, guided, and encouraged by an amazing team of people, all clearly dedicated to holding my hand during my occasional anxiety attacks, answering all my questions no matter when they popped up, and who clearly wanted nothing more than my success. A most amazing, loving, experience.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.