Judy Mays
Last week the earth shattering news hit that high school teacher Judy Buranich writes erotica as Judy Mays. Horrors!! An English teacher who writes. It’s almost embarrassing to read the news accounts of the outing. A parent came forward because she felt erotica “is unethical, totally unacceptable. Period. It just sort of sickens and saddens me to know everybody’s sort of looking at this like, hey, this is OK.” I hate to break it to you parent, but erotic is ok. It’s not illegal. Lots of people obviously like it because there’s definitely a market for it. We even do book blurbs on them here. So I contacted author Judy Mays and asked for her side of the story.
As some, maybe many of you know, I was recently “outed” in the school district where I teach by some disgruntled mothers who felt the content of my books made me unacceptable as a teacher. They contacted one of the local news stations to which they revealed my identity as a writer of erotic romance. It seemed to create quite a hullabaloo. The television station did try to contact me. I got an email at school somwhere around two or two-thirty in the afternoon. It was very short outlining what the parents had reported to them and would I please contact them to give them my side of the story. That was not something I was willing to do on the spur of the moment; and, before I could turn around, I was on the five o’clock news and then every half hour for the rest of the night.
How did I feel? I was shocked that it could happen so fast. Then, I saw my book covers on a broadcast that would be seen by thousands of people, and the first thing that popped into my head was that I could not afford publicity like this. No, I wasn’t upset. I’ve been teaching thirty-three years and am, frankly, too old to get upset because I hadn’t done anything illegal. I’ve been published for nine years, and never once did I bring my writing up in class. I never talked about it.
However, the entire fiasco backfired on the parents who complained. The support I have received from around the world has been unbelievable. Two complete strangers started a support page for me; and, the last time I checked, it had over 9000 “like” hits. However, it’s been the support from my current students, many, many former students, and their parents that has humbled me and warmed my heart. I was always pretty sure I was respected, but the outpouring of support from “my kids” has brought tears to my eyes more than once. They have rocked my world.
Also, the support of the romance community, both authors and readers, has been overwhelming. So, I want to thank everyone who has joined me on this wild ride from the bottom of my heart. You are all truly wonderful people.
And, not to worry. I am not going to lose my teaching job over this.
Oh, my books sales will probably go up too. <g>
Again, thank you all very, very much.
Thank you, Judy, for being so level headed at the outrageous behavior of a few uneducated parents. And how delightful was it to see a former student post a video to YouTube praises Judy Buranich as a teacher and defending her rights to also be an author. It’s very clever and a real tribute to someone who has been teaching for over 25 years. You can watch it below.
Bottom Line: Yes, today is Cinco de Mayo…but most importantly it is my son’s birthday. Happy Birthday Keith!!
As a former teacher I was saddened that parents would find it necessary to try to create a problem where none existed. I was worried about Judy losing her job. When both Judy and the school’s administration chose to take the higher road and not respond to such foolishness, well, I knew she had the support of her employer. But it was the overwhelming response to a facebook page created for her that swelled my heart.
I just hope the subsequent sales from all the publicity swells her pockets. Go Judy. You rock!
Hey Judy, I’m so glad to see these small minded people aren’t getting you down. You’ve got my support and I’m proud of you for being who you are and remaining cool calm and collected in such a situation. Here’s to more sales for you!!
This video is awesome! What a fantastic testimony to a teacher her loves teaching. We need more teachers who actually like the field they teach in and fewer idiots getting 15 minutes of fame on the news. I write under a pen name too, but it’s amazing how quickly people find out who you are. You tell a couple people that love you and they turn around and “share” your good news without realizing everyone else shares it too. I’m amazed who knows about my “other life” at the day job. All it takes is one person with a big mouth and you’re SOL keeping the secret. Judy’s books are wonderful; I read one of her Ellora books last spring and honestly loved it.
Ms. Judy,
I’m so glad that the school board realize what a asset they have in the teaching community. There’s not alot of teachers who are dedicated like you are. I’m so glad that my favorite authors and us readers stood behind you in this hiccup you had to endure. I see a couple of my favorite authors posted above me. Ms. Nina and Ms. Ashlynn are wonderful ladies also. I hope you have many, many sales from this ordeal. And I hope these small minded women get a life and get over that hangups about erotic romance.
It’s perfectly healthy for you. My hats off to you.
Muah,
Teresa K.
I’m so glad you gave Judy’s side of the story, Barbara. She’s a wonderful author, and I hear she’s an awesome teacher as well. I loved that You Tube video made by a former student. It soudns as if any kid would be lucky to have her as an English teacher.
Thank you, Barbara, for allowing Judy to tell her side of the story. I was one of the 9000 or so folks who supportetd her on the Facebook page, because I know Judy personally. She is one cool, level-headed lady and a darned good teacher.
How funny that the first Google ad that overlaid the video when I watched it was “Publish A Christian Book” from Thomas Nelson. Great to see the support she’s gotten.
This is a great story. I’m so happy that the world has turned out to support Judy and to support erotic romance. Sometimes those parents are just so nasty and narrow minded it’s sickening. As an erotica editor and sex advice author I refrain from telling anyone at my daughter’s high school about my occupation as I don’t want my daughter to be ostracized in anyway. This is just so encouraging. Keep up the good work Judy, and congratulations on the *positive* publicity!!
Many, many writers, teachers, and parents support you, Judy! And how awesome that one of your former students created that wonderfully impassioned and commonsensical YouTube video in your support. He says it all, and with great energy.
Barbara, I just knew that you would be all over this in a classy way. Came over here and voila, you’re letting Judy tell her side of things. Way to go!
Again, thanks for all the support. My means of communication with a number of you has suddenly been curtailed. Seems my Facebook Page has been disabled for general misconduct.
So happy to see you blog on this Barbara. We got an exclusive audio interview with Judy the other day. http://readersentertainment.com/2011/romance-author-and-teacher-judy-mays-speaks-with-reader%E2%80%99s-entertainment/
Showing our support for Judy!
Great interview Sheila!
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Thanks, Barbara and Judy!
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Thanks so much for this great article. Another writer here standing up for the right to be creative.
Love the former student’s video. I’ve already been on one of the support pages for Judy on FB. From what I hear, her sales have risen
Go, Judy!
Thank you Barbara and Judy for commenting about this issue. I live in the area of the local “news station” that reported this story. As a teacher and romance fan, I was upset and embarrassed that this was considered news. All teachers know that this is the time of year that parents are prone to become disgruntled and it was upsetting to see them given airtime. However, it is really great to know that there was some benefit to this absurdity and Judy Mays sales have increased.
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Good post. I have found that what really pushes my buttons is reading something a little kinky.
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Very nice and interesting post. I’ve already been on one of the support pages for Judy on FB. From what I hear,
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