Featured Author: Julia Rachel Barrett

Today we are featuring author Julia Rachel Barrett, a woman whose list of romance works published in 2010 is impressive, to say the least. So we thank her for taking a break from writing long enough to share her thoughts with us!

Thank you for taking time to join us on the blog, Julia. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a registered nurse and a writer of both fiction and nonfiction.  I’m fortunate enough to be married to my childhood sweetheart.  We have three children, a very large German shepherd puppy, two cats and two birds.

Tell us about your works:

I have a number of books in publication. 

Captured, a work of Science Fiction Romance and an EPIC finalist was released 1/6/10 by Siren. 

My Everything, a work of Romantic Suspense, released 2/12/10 by Cobblestone Press. 

Beauty and the Feast, a Contemporary Romance and an EPIC finalist, released 3/16/10 by Resplendence Publishing. 

Daughters of Persephone, Book One Exile, Book Two Return, a work of Science Fiction Romance, released 7/21/10 by Resplendence. 

Daughters of Persephone, Book Three Reborn, Book Four Red Demon, released 9/8/10 by Resplendence. 

Anytime Darlin’, a work of Romantic Suspense, was released 8/19/10 by Siren. 

One Four All, a Science Fiction Menage, was released 9/22/10 by Siren. 

Come Back to Me, a work of Romantic Suspense, was released 11/24/10 by Evernight Publishing.  

 

I have an upcoming release – Pushing Her Boundaries, a Contemporary Romance to be released by Siren in April 2011.

What is Pushing Her Boundaries about?   

Pushing Her Boundaries is my fictionalized version of real life events.  It’s about two people at cross-purposes who must work together when they are lost in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern Minnesota.

What inspired you to write this particular story?   

Pushing Her Boundaries was inspired by a trip my husband and I took to the Boundary Waters last summer.  Our guides provided us with substandard equipment, got us lost in the wilderness, and we ran out of food.

One look at your roster of stories lets the reader know you're quite the prolific writer. How do you do it? What kind of structure do you hold yourself to as a writer?  

I was just thinking about that.  I don't know how I do it.  Lately, my writing life has been very unstructured because I have lots and lots going on in my personal life.  There are days when I get 3000 words written and other days when I get 100 words written.  Today is a 100 word day.  I do try to reserve at least three hours for writing, usually at night, but I don't beat myself up if I can't.  There's a lesson in that - don't beat yourself up if you have a bad day.

Genre-wise, you offer a lot of variety for the reader. How difficult is it for you to switch gears between the unique demands of each particular genre?  

It's not difficult for me to write in several genres, but I'm told it's difficult for my readers.  Some readers expect, or at least so I'm told by editors, to get the same sort of story from a writer every single time.  This is an issue I struggle with because I have many interests.  I love romantic suspense, but I also love a good contemporary.  My very favorite genre is fantasy.  I write about what intrigues me at the time, or I'll start a story that appeals to me on the spur of the moment, regardless of genre.

Is there a particular genre you haven't tackled yet that you're eager to take on some time in the future?  

I haven't yet published a paranormal.  I'm actually working on one as we speak!

How long have you been writing? Have you been at this for a while, or is this a new journey?   

I’ve been writing since I was a kid, mostly poetry, which morphed into articles for medical and nursing journals and finally romantic fiction.

What tools have you used in your journey to improve your writing? 

The tool I rely on the most?  Reading.  I’m a voracious reader. 

Are you a solitary writer, or do you utilize critique groups?   

I’m a solitary writer.  Nobody reads my work before I send it off to a publisher.

How much of yourself is present in your writing? 

I’m present in every book, as is my husband and any number of people we know.  I don’t include all of me, just bits and pieces.

Tell us a little about you, the reader. What authors/genres do you love and why?   

I’m a big fan of Romantic-Suspense.  Linda Howard is my very favorite author in that genre.  Otherwise, I read a lot of nonfiction and science fiction and fantasy.

Name one character in any book that you would like to share a cup of coffee with. What would you discuss? 

Oh my gosh, I have no idea!  I’ve never even thought about that.  I guess rather than share a cup of coffee with a character, I’d like to share a cup of coffee with nonfiction authors Laurence Gonzales and Jon Krakauer.

What advice would you offer to new authors just starting down the path towards publication? 

I would never discourage anyone, but I will say - don't quit your day job.  While there might be many opportunities, there isn't as much money to be made in publishing as you might think.  Start slow.  Try your hand at a short story, polish your work until it shines, and then begin submitting to reputable publishing houses.  Keep an eye out - there are always calls for short stories.  My honest advice?  Learn how to be a good editor.  Write what you know.  Keep it simple.

Thanks again, Laura for stopping by the blog. Readers, mark your calendars for the release of Pushing her Boundaries, and make sure you check out the rest of Julia's works! For more information, visit her websites at  http://juliarachelbarrett.net and http://sevennightwriters.blogspot.com/

And now, it's time for the icing on the cake: Giveaway! 

Julia has generously offered to give away a pdf copy of one of her  back-list stories to a randomly selected commenter. Just leave a comment on this post, and make sure we have your email address to contact you if you are chosen as the winner. 

Winner will be chosen Sunday, February 20th. Good luck!