Judy L. Mandel | The Real 50 over 50

About me

Judy L. Mandel is a former reporter and marketing executive. After the death of her parents, she knew that it was time to write the story of her family; their emotional and physical survival of a devastating plane crash that killed an older sister and left a remaining sister critically burned and close to death. Her New York Times Bestseller, REPLACEMENT CHILD, is the story that her parents and sister had unknowingly prepared her to write, through letters and news clips, pointing her to clues of their inner lives. Replacement Child was the #1 Memoir in Amazon, won an IPPY award, a Writer’s Digest Award, and was named Book-of-the-Month by the Jewish Book Club.

Her new book, WHITE FLAG, is related to her first book as she becomes aware of the tentacles of transgenerational trauma stemming from the family tragedy—the plane crash in 1952. WHITE FLAG is an investigative memoir centered on her niece’s struggle with an addiction to opiates.

Judy holds an MFA from Stony Brook University. She also writes essays and articles and is a co-founder of the Replacement Child Forum. Judy lives in Connecticut with her husband and obese orange cat. She plays guitar and is learning piano. 

What do you do and why do you do it?

With my newest book, White Flag, it is important to me to change the conversation about substance use disorder to reduce the stigma and encourage harm reduction measures.

What changed for you after age 50?

I didn’t take any shit anymore! I realized my time is short and I needed to pursue my goals now or never. I went back to school and got my MFA at 60, published 2 books, taught writing, and coached writers.

What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?

Be aware you don’t have all the time in the world. You are enough. You are important. You are unique.

What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?

See above.

What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?

To have the opportunity to have more conversations about both substance use disorder and the subject of my first book, replacement child condition.

Who or what inspires you and why?

Joan Didion, for her writing and perspective on life.

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