I’m so excited because today I have a special guest featured on N. N. Light’s Book Heaven. Julie Howard is a prolific author and her books are all must-reads for me. She writes in various genres with a mystery/suspense theme but in her latest release, she delves into historical western women’s fiction. I asked her to sit down for an interview and she agreed. So, grab your favorite beverage and join us. Julie, take it away:
What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?
Never give up! If writing is truly what you want to do, then keep at it. Take a couple of classes or listen to podcasts on writing and learn the craft. Pay attention to what you particularly like about the books you read. Most importantly, don’t listen to the naysayers in your life. If writing is what you want to do, then write. You have to be your own biggest fan.
Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to deal with the bad?
I read all my reviews and appreciate them all, even the ones that aren’t as complimentary. I appreciate my readers and the time they spend on my books. There’s a lot of trust between a reader and author – as a reader, you trust the author will create a believable world and engaging plot that leads to a satisfying conclusion. I’ve been fortunate in receiving mostly very positive reviews but there certainly have been some that prod me to do better. I try to keep all the reviews in perspective and try not to get my feelings hurt. I remember that there have been a number of bestsellers I’ve read that I didn’t care for, and realize you can never please everyone.
Do you have a favorite spot to write? What is it?
I have a small writing group that has been meeting for the past year at a lovely spot by a river. We bring our chairs and laptops, chat for a bit, and then work on our projects for an hour or so. Not only are the sounds of the river and geese relaxing, but we’ve become good friends through these bi-weekly writing sessions. Writing is a solitary endeavor but this group has added a nice layer of social time to it.
Is this your first book? How many books have you written prior (if any?)
The Three Widows of Wylder is my eighth published book. I have a mystery series and also a paranormal mystery series.
What are you working on now? What is your next project?
I have three novels underway. One is a historical fiction, another the first of a new contemporary mystery series, and the third project is a continuation of my Spirited Quest series. I’m not sure which one will be finished next as I work on all three depending on my mood. I’ll spend a month or two on one and then have an inspiration for one of the other two stories – then spend a month working on a different book. Right now I suspect the contemporary mystery will be completed next.
Do you write naked?
No, but I love the question!
Have you ever been in trouble with the law?
I’m such a “good girl” and never even went so far as to smoke a cigarette behind the high school gym. I did get caught once kissing a boy in a parked car late at night. A cop shined his flashlight in on us and told us we weren’t supposed to be in that parking lot late at night.
Have you ever gotten into a fight?
Once, in elementary school, I had a fight with another girl who lived in my neighborhood. I have no idea now why we fought but I remember there was a bit of hair-pulling. I don’t think either one of us wanted to fight but we were urged on by friends.
What do you want your tombstone to say?
Anything along with the words “bestselling author”.
What secret talents do you have?
I don’t think it’s a talent but I enjoy crocheting. It’s a relaxing hobby that lets me be productive even while I’m watching TV. I’m currently making a cable sweater that is going to be so cozy.
Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before?
I love to travel and have been to many countries, but never to Asia. I’d like to see southeast Asia and the Philippines.
What were you like as a child?
I was such a bookworm and that’s never changed. I also enjoyed sports so played softball, tennis, and even briefly ran on the cross country team. I was a pretty good student, but daydreamed in class quite a bit.
Thank you, Julie, for the fun interview. Readers, scroll down to check our Julie’s latest release…
Title: The Three Widows of Wylder
Author: Julie Howard
Genre: Historical fiction/Women’s fiction
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Book Blurb
Three women on the run.
After the death of her husband, Clara flees a hanging judge and seeks refuge with her brother in Wylder, Wyoming.
With secrets of her own and good reasons to flee, spoiled and vain Mary Rose joins Clara on the trek to Wyoming. Surely a suitable man exists somewhere.
Emma is a mystery. A crack shot and expert horsewoman, her harrowing past seeps out in a steady drip. She’s on the run from something, but what?
After the three women descend on Wylder, a budding romance leads to exposure of their pasts. As disaster looms, will any of them escape?
Excerpt:
Emma stood, legs apart, one hand on the pistol at her hip. The covered wagon was the type used years ago by pioneers, before trains tamed the prairie, and they still lumbered across areas where tracks hadn’t been laid. Two women sat side-by-side, too focused on their argument to yet notice the camp they entered. Their one horse, overmatched by the heavy wagon, was damp with sweat, its mouth flecked with froth.
“We should have stayed on the main road.” The peevish one appeared much younger, curly gold hair topped by a large straw hat. She wore a light-yellow dress with lace at her wrists and throat, a perfectly inadequate outfit for travel. “Someone could have provided directions.”
The older woman had finely-drawn features, a few strands of gray threaded through her dark, uncovered hair. Dressed in sensible blue calico, she gripped the reins too tight and the poor horse gave a pathetic shake of its head. “The whole point was to avoid people,” she sniped.
Emma strode forward and seized the reins. “For God’s sake, you’re killing him.”
The two women gaped as though at an apparition. The horse, released from harsh hands, lowered its head and halted. Its sides heaved as flies drank at its sweaty flanks.
“Whomever let you two fools handle a horse should be whipped.” Tempted to dispatch the women to hell for their cruelty, Emma rested her hand on the pistol’s handle.
They two travelers spoke in tandem. “Who are you?” and “How dare you call me a fool.”
As Emma crooned into in the horse’s ear, her expert fingers undid the buckles at its shoulders and haunches. By the time the older of the two women climbed to the ground, the horse was unhitched and Emma led it to the creek.
“That’s our horse,” cried the one in yellow. “Clara, what is that insane girl doing? She’s stealing him.”
Emma halted, shoulders stiff. She turned and pointed the pistol at the one with lace at her throat. “I’m no horse thief.” She cocked the hammer. “Apologize.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-three-widows-of-wylder-julie-howard/1140125715?ean=2940162583257
Author Biography
Julie Howard is the author of the Wild Crime mystery series and Spirited Quest paranormal mystery series. She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. She is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and editor of the Potato Soup Journal.
Social Media Links
Website: http://juliemhoward.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JulieMHoward
Follow her on Instagram: @authorjuliehoward