How and When I Got Started Writing
I started writing at a really young age. When I was five years old, I became inspired to begin writing sweet, little romance books for my grandma. My mother would make me blank books out of notepaper that she would fold and staple together. Then I’d fill them with writing and drawings.
My mom told me several years ago that I would work on the books as we traveled by car across the country from the East Coast to visit my grandmother in Montana. By the time we arrived at her door, I had several books to give her. I guess you could say that was my first book series.
Initially, the books were pretty rudimentary. But as my vocabulary improved, so did the stories. Although I must admit the drawings never really did improve all that much. So, I stuck to writing!
I had forgotten about those little books until my grandma reminded me one day a few years ago. I wasn’t sure if maybe her memory was playing tricks on her regarding how young I was when I started writing the books—until I saw an old movie my dad had shot of me at five years old with one of those little books, and I was writing in it!
Today, my dad reads my books, which is also really fun. And it’s even more enjoyable to think that he saw me start writing “way back when.”
My love affair with writing has continued since those early days. Today, I write at least six days a week, sometimes seven. In fact, if I miss more than a couple of days writing, I get a little cranky. I’m truly in one of my happiest places when I’m writing. It’s something that has stayed with me all these years.
I often think about what drives me to write.
There’s something about the process of creating worlds with words. It just can’t compare to anything else for me. I never know where the pen (or computer keyboard) will lead me, but I’m always enthralled to find out.
When I sit down and the characters step onto the page and begin talking and acting, I can’t wait to see what happens next. So, I keep writing, and before long, I’m delighted at where the writing has taken me.
It’s even more fun when the story hits close to home. This happened with my Past Life Prism Series, which is set in the Southern California neighborhood where I live today.
I also love the fact that I’m writing for you, my readers. Just like it was a thrill to have my grandma and mom read my books way back when, I’m equally as thrilled and very grateful to have you reading my words.
It’s even better when you let me know how much you enjoy my books and articles. Feel free to comment below and let me know what you like and why. And please let me know if there is anything you’d like to see me write in the future.
Happy Reading,
Julie
P.S. I have a new book coming out soon—subject yet to be revealed. I’ll keep you posted!
You know those novels you hear about that journalists have hiding in their desk drawers? I finally pulled mine out, dusted it off and spruced it up, and Discovered Secrets will be out soon. Well, okay, it was a little more complicated than that. Actually, a lot more complicated. I actually “gestated” this book for three decades. There I’ve said it. So for those of you who yearn to get that novel out, this is proof that it’s possible to give birth to that baby and send the little darling out into the world!
Also on the horizon in October are Discovered Memories and Discovered Indiscretions.
The Discovered Truth Series started with Discovered Secrets and my burning desire to tell the story of the Canal Zone and the Zonians who made the US territory home for 74 years. At one point during the writing of the book, I fell in love with one of the characters and decided to take him along into a next book. That being said, my series is what I would call a loose one. I don’t have the same main characters in each book. Instead, I bring along minor characters into the next book and tell their stories. And then continue the pattern with the next.
That way when you run into a minor character from one book who is a major character in the next, you know the person’s backstory. That makes you privy to what’s going on. You’ve got the insider information. At the same time, that makes the books able to be read as standalone novels, because you don’t have to know the backstory to like the book. It’s just a little icing on the proverbial cake.
The Discovered Truth Series consists of romantic suspense novels featuring complex, gutsy women and equally complicated, charismatic men who find themselves immersed in dangerous and intriguing modern-day challenges such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, national security threats and identity theft. When the heroine and hero meet, worlds collide and sparks fly, kindling unforgettable romance and intrigue.
Hooked yet? I hope so. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to answer!