Crafting Activist Fiction, with Jude Berman
"If you feel you have something worth saying, why not take the effort and pursue it?" — Jude Berman
In this episode, host Mike Carlon uncorks the story of Jude Berman, an award-winning author and former editor who made the leap from publishing other people's books to writing her own. Jude reflects on her journey through the changing landscape of publishing, her experience with hybrid publishing, and the deeply personal motivations behind her latest novel, The Die. Set in a futuristic Silicon Valley and weaving in ancient Eastern traditions, Jude’s work explores activism, storytelling, and the challenges of navigating today’s polarized world.
Key Themes
- Jude's Transition from Editor to Author. After years of working on other people's books, Jude realized she had her own stories to tell. Her background as an editor gave her valuable insight into the publishing world, but it took time for her to embrace her identity as an author and commit to getting her work out into the world.
- Hybrid Publishing as the Future of the Industry. Jude discusses why hybrid publishing—an alternative model that blends traditional publishing with self-publishing—is gaining traction, especially for authors who don't fit the mold of what major publishers typically seek. For her, it offered the best of both worlds, allowing creative control without the overwhelming demands of self-publishing.
- Blending Ancient Stories with Future Tech in Fiction. The Die merges timeless stories from the Mahabharata with a futuristic Silicon Valley backdrop, creating a unique narrative that connects past wisdom with future dilemmas. Jude reveals how she used these ancient texts to explore contemporary issues in a way that resonates with modern readers.
- Activism Through Storytelling. Jude views her writing as a form of activism, aiming to create fiction that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful dialogue about current societal challenges. She believes that stories can be a powerful tool for change, helping readers reflect on issues like injustice and power dynamics.
- The Realities of Modern Publishing and Author Ageism. In a youth-obsessed industry, Jude faced challenges in getting her work published due to the emphasis on younger, social media-savvy authors. She candidly discusses the barriers older writers face, and how hybrid publishing offered a solution when traditional routes closed.
- Writing as a Response to Personal and Societal Challenges. Jude emphasizes the therapeutic and transformative power of writing, particularly when it responds to both personal and larger societal events. She encourages aspiring authors to write for themselves first, stressing that not every piece needs to be published, but writing can still have immense value.
Buy The Die
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eRPhBI
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781684632305
Connect with Jude
Website: https://judeberman.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judebermanauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jude.berman/
Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
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