All Member Spotlights
Member Spotlights

Member Spotlight: Judy Polumbaum

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? All media of expression and communication matter. I happen to like words. I write books not out of any hankering for attention, lucre or glory, but because I have things to say and need to get them out. My writing is not of great use to the world, but there are many writers whose work is of critical importance, and they have my utmost admiration and respect.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? No remedies; just get going and establish a routine. I go long periods writing little, and then get into a project and keep at it to its conclusion.

What is your favorite time to write? Morning for sure; I fade by afternoon and am useless by evening.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Strunk & White: Omit needless words. You’re even allowed to repeat that twice more.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? Nothing much. I was trained and socialized as a journalist, and my happiest newspapering days are far behind me (as are the best times for newspapers generally). I think writing and authorship are over-fetishized. But I do love reading, so somebody’s got to do the writing.

Judy Polumbaum’s All Available Light: The Life and Legacy of Photographer Ted Polumbaum is out now with McFarland.