If someone were to ask me who I think is one of the nicest indie authors around, I’d probably say Julia Jarrett. From the first time I followed her to the DMs we’ve exchanged, Julia’s always come across as the kind of person I’d want as my friend forever. And because I usually force my way into the lives of indie authors I adore, I think you might be stuck with me, Julia.
I discovered Julia with her Dogwood Cove series and I enjoy her storytelling, and the characters she brings into her books. I’m two books into the series and I can tell you that once you start, you’ll want to gobble all of them up right away. Following a group of friends in the small town of Dogwood Cove in Canada, a fourth book (Truth & Temptation) has just been released in the series!
Her writing journey might have started as a dare from her husband, she puts a little bit of herself in every character she writes and she’s also an excellent reader (her words!)
And now, let’s you and I get to know Julia a little better!
What inspired you to write—was it another author or books you read as you grew up?
If only it were so poetic. No, I started writing thanks to a dare from my husband. One summer I was commenting to Mr Jarrett that I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my time when our youngest reached school age. He jokingly said, “you read so many damn books, why don’t you write one?” And two weeks later… I started my first novel (Loving Callie)
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in?
It’s the only genre I read, so it was natural that it’s what I would write.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
Because I’m an impatient control freak who didn’t want to wait for a publisher to realize how amazing I am!
Do you write full time or is this something you do on the side? And would you want to write full time?
I am incredibly privileged to be able to do this as a part time career. I do still work occasionally in the health care system, but my primary focus is my family, writing comes second.
Other than writing, what is something you enjoy and are really good at?
Does reading count? I’m an excellent reader… Just kidding. I love yoga, walks or hikes with my doggos, cooking and baking.
What are some of your all time favourite books—ones that you recommend to people or can reread multiple times?
Oh man, to choose a favourite book is like choosing a favourite child. I can’t! But I definitely have some favourite authors I always recommend. These are authors I re-read and binge read and obsess over… Depending on what people are looking for of course. For the darker side of things, Tate James. Emotional but sexy, Melissa Foster. All the laughs, Roxie Noir or Max Monroe.
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Only one tip. JUST WRITE! Okay maybe two. Write, and then find a trusted editor to be honest with you, and to help bring your work to life. (not a friend or your mom—yes, I admit that I did use my friends and my mom at first, but quickly realized I needed a professional to help make my work shine.)
Can you briefly tell me about your book(s)?
I’ve found my home in steamy, light and easy, small town romance. That being said, I’ve written a fairly wide variety—but all contemporary, all sexy but on the lighter side of things. Low-no angst, guaranteed HEA’s, just fun simple books.
Of your books, who is your favourite character?
Mila from Rumours and Romance is my absolute fave. She is who I want to be when I grow up… Sassy, sexy, confident, fun loving, and the best friend and sister you could ask for.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
Every character has *something* of me in them…
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
A light and easy escape. I use reading as a way to shut my anxious over thinking brain off… and that is exactly what I want to achieve with my books. A break!
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
Once the Dogwood Cove series wraps up in September, I’ll get started on a linked series…. Think brothers. Lots of hot brothers.
What are your most and least favourite tropes?
Favourite is tricky, because I read a fairly wide variety of tropes. I love a good RH, especially with crossing swords…. Or a well written rom-com. But I am slowly getting into the darker side of things! The one trope I will never EVER EVER read is bully, or high school. I just can’t get into it…
What are some topics (sensitive and otherwise) that you think should exist more in romance?
Normalize consent, normalize lube, normalize differently abled bodies, normalize differently shaped and sized bodies! Basically, let’s keep the fantasy, but also make it relatable to everyone…
What is your favourite thing about the romance genre?
The fact that there’s something for EVERYONE…
THIS OR THAT
Ebooks or audiobooks
Historical romance or romantic suspense NEITHER!
Single or Dual POV
Standalones or series
Music or silence while writing
Plotter, pantser or plantser
Tea or coffee
Cold or warm weather
Morning person or night owl PERMANENTLY EXHAUSTED PIGEON
Illustrated cover or photo cover
To stay updated on all of her upcoming books, to get a peek inside her cover photoshoots and to just get to know Julia better, you can find her active on Instagram or even sign up for her newsletter! And if that’s not enough, two of her books are currently FREE and you can find the links on her website.
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