Tattered Cover in Denver.
Once aspiring to be an investigative reporter, Jude found her plans changing during college as family life took over. Years passed before she revisited writing, prompted by a serious health crisis. What began as a minor backache escalated into severe pain that left her unable to walk without support, dependent on others, and taking astrong medication to manage daily discomfort. Journaling became her way to cope.
Ultimately, Jude was diagnosed with Arachnoiditis–a relentless, progressive spinal cord disease causing intense pain. Relief finally came through a Medtronic Advanced Pain Therapy Neurostimulation implant, restoring her mobility, but not allowing her return to her previous career as a freelance artist in makeup, hair, wardrobe, and special effects for film and television.
Jude also reached impressive milestones in billiards, earning national recognition from the Billiard Congress of America before her condition changed her life’s direction. Accepting that she couldn’t do the things she loved wasn’t easy, but after two major surgeries and the spinal cord implant, she now manages her pain without drugs and keeps her challenges largely invisible.
Invited to join a local critique group linked to the Romance Writers of America, Jude embarked on serious writing, garnering multiple awards in both romance and nonfiction genres. She has served extensively on the Pikes Peak Romance Writers board and received their Volunteer of the Year honor. Today, she remains active in the Romance Writers of America and Pikes Peak Writers.
During the day, Jude works with her husband managing their real estate investments. “Although I always wish for more writing time, I truly enjoy meeting new people. Working in real estate is never boring and constantly inspires ideas for my stories and characters.” At night, she dedicates herself to writing both romance novels and nonfiction.
Jude lives in Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak with her husband, Rob, and their small Chihuahua, Maddie. The view of Pikes Peak each morning serves as a daily source of inspiration. She is a mother of four and a grandmother to eight wonderful grandchildren, who keep her busy when she isn’t writing.