Welcome back, Julie!

Tell us about what you write.

I’ve written all of the above. I started with non-fiction, both as a journalist and also as a ghost writer on a book memoir for a Hewlett-Packard executive. That book is currently archived in several libraries. I’ve had seven novels and one novella published by The Wild Rose Press. Most are mysteries; The Three Widows of Wylder is my first historical fiction.

When did your writing journey begin?

I’ve always loved to read and that made me want to write my own stories. I was a journalist for years so had the technical background. About ten years ago, I started writing fiction and now work on my novels almost daily.

What was your inspiration for The Three Widows of Wylder?

I had an idea already in mind about three widows who band together for survival, and have secrets to hide. I thought it would be a contemporary story, but when my publisher came up with the Wylder West series, I instantly knew I would set my story in the 19th century. It was perfect for their personalities and heightened the mystery and danger surrounding their stories.

 Do you find inspiration in your own life for your writing?

Absolutely. There isn’t a place I visit or experience I have that I don’t think: Can I use this in a scene?

Tell us about your experience with the publishing process.

I was very fortunate and my first book, Crime and Paradise, was picked up almost immediately by The Wild Rose Press. I had submitted to agents for a few months, and while I had some interest, nothing solid materialized. A friend suggested I send the manuscript directly to a small publisher and that’s how I landed my first contract. I’ve had a wonderful experience with this publisher and The Three Widows of Wylder is my eighth book with them.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a contemporary mystery, the first of a new series. I hope to finish it sometime next year.

 Words of advice for fellow writers in the trenches:

Never give up. Don’t listen to naysayers. Just listen to your heart and keep writing.

 What was the hardest part of the story to write/research?

I always feel a bit protective about my characters after I’ve spent some time with them. It’s difficult to decide to have bad things happen to them.

Of course, in historical fiction, the research is very important. I love to read historical fiction and if an author gets details wrong, it ruins the story for me. I try very hard to get the history right and to build a world that no longer exists in time.

SPEED ROUND!

Oxford comma, yes or no? Yes

Ice cream (favorite flavor)? Vanilla with hot fudge

What is your writing vice or must-haves? Coffee

Describe a perfect writing day. Up early, write for four hours. Take a three-hour break, and then another two hours of writing-related work.

What are some of your go-to methods for writing? I’m a big outliner and plotter, so I always know what’s next.

In an alternate reality, what would be your dream job (besides author)? I can’t imagine not writing. Perhaps a college professor?

Where is your favorite place you've visited (or wish to visit)? Istanbul

You have a time travel machine: past or future? Where/when? I’d love to visit the future to a space colony. See the new technology and another world.

What do you like to do when not writing? Travel, go cycling, walk, garden, spend time with family. And of course read!

Beach, lake, or mountains? I crave the mountains right now.

Find Julie online:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Bookbub ~ Twitter ~ Instagram