Welcome, today we are talking with Julie Castle! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.
Can you share a little something about Julie Castle that’s not mentioned in your bio?
I love to travel and I’m an artist.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for about 25 years.
What have you found most challenging about it?
I’m basically self-taught. I learned the craft as I went along. I joined WisRWA, got into my first critique group, and was off. Initially, it was hard for me to do conflict and action scenes. I’m kind of a quiet person and naturally shy away from conflict. The lovely thing is my characters can let it all out, and I can live vicariously through them.
What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?
It’s all of that and more. I find it cathartic and emotional. My writing lets me express myself, go places, and do things I wouldn’t ordinarily do. I must confess I weep tears of joy every time I write. The End and I have to let my characters go find their happy endings.
Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?
I am not disciplined, so I try to stick to a schedule. I find that if I sit down to write in the morning and just start freewriting, the muse often comes to me. I prefer to edit in the late afternoon when I’m in a more receptive state of mind.
Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?
I went into writing to prove to myself that I could do it. It all started when someone gifted me with a grocery sack full of romance novels. I was a stay-at-home mom with some extra time on my hands. Well, I dove in and haven’t come up for air yet. About ten books in, I started to wonder if I could possibly write one. I gave it a try, and the rest is history.
What inspires you?
Nature, exciting people I see on the street, little bits of conversation—I think writers are basically snoops. My way too vivid imagination also inspires my stories.
Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.
What are your pet peeves?
I really don’t like mean, aggressive, prejudiced people; There is far too much hate and disharmony in the world.
Who is your hero?
My hero is imperfect but redeemable. He loves deeply and is fiercely loyal. He’ll get to the earth’s ends for the one he loves.
Give us one thing on your bucket list.
I would like to travel more and take a few more art classes.
What would readers find surprising about you?
That I’m kind of quiet and shy, I’m much more of a watcher than a doer.
If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?
I’d visit my parents. We’d have coffee and have a wonderful visit.
Just for fun. What is your least favorite:
- Hero type – I don’t like cool, reserved types.
- Body part – feet are not cute
- Overused word in a title – His
- Genre – historical
- Dirty word – shit
Now that our readers know who Julie Castle is let’s get down to the business of your book, It Had to be You.
Please tell us a little bit about It Had to be You.
One day, I started thinking about star-crossed sweethearts and a high school reunion. And me being me, I had to add in a suspenseful twist.
What was your hardest challenge writing this book? Doing the research and getting myself in the right headspace.
What kind of research did you have to do?
I researched papermaking, magazine, and catalog businesses. I come from a papermaking region and used to work for a catalog business, so I already knew a little bit about them, but there were a few odd facts I had to nail down. I also researched fashion design and the action parts.
What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?
Number one, there has to be a natural attraction that sets things in motion. There also has to be something that keeps them apart. If you can get that right it’s magic.
I understand that you have 4 series coming out on Rowan Prose this year. Please give us some information about that.
I do, and I’m so excited. As you can see, based on the 4 different series, I love to write in different genres. Contemporary romance was my first love, and that gives you the 4 R series. Then I started dabbling in sweet erotic romance, and April Love came along. And then I wanted to push the boundaries a bit and The Gift and A Wolf’s Tale happened. I love writing romance with an edge, paranormal, suspenseful, super sexy, or laugh your pants off funny I hope you’ll find it in my books.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Don’t be afraid to try and follow your muse. You never know where it may lead.
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