Tena StetlerAuthor of Paranormal Romance/Suspense & Cozy Mysteries With Magic Spark!

Oct 4th Interview Julie Howard Author of Wild Crime Series

Give a warm welcome to Julie Howard author of Crime and Paradise, first book in the Wild Crime series (99 cent Sale for ebook October 5th) and her new release October 8th, Crimes Times Two, second  in the series!

Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Julie and her  Wild  Crime Series.   

Julie, how long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. When I was in college and realized I soon needed to earn a living, I majored in journalism and had a pretty great career in newspapers. My goal has always been to write fiction, but my career and raising a family took priority for a while. So, while I’ve always been a professional writer, I didn’t become a novelist until very recently.

If writing is your first passion, what is your second?

I love to travel. I especially enjoy going to places that are completely different from where I live – culturally, in cuisine and language, and with a far different history. I’m fascinated by how alike and distinctive we all are.

Do you see yourself in your characters?

Most definitely. Each of my characters – good or evil – has a tiny piece of me in them. I think that helps me humanize them and sympathize even with the worst of them. I figure if I can’t relate to them, the reader won’t be able to either.

What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?

I have a couple of “secrets.” The first is to not suffer alone. I belong to a couple of writing groups and I’m always inspired by the creativity and enthusiasm of other writers. We all encourage one another and often, that’s all that’s needed.

My second secret is to write something completely difference, either in genre or in length. I love writing flash fiction, or stories of less than a thousand words. I’ve had a number pieces published and have them listed on my website. They get my mind working in different ways, sort of like stretching my muscles before exercising.

What do you want your readers to take away from your books?

That fear is a weapon we often turn on ourselves. The main character in my Wild Crime series is a young abused woman. In the beginning, she’s fearful and so stuck in her life that she can’t see any way out of her situation (other than to kill her husband). Through the story, she learns to face her fears and, in doing so, grows stronger.

SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:

Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh> 

 Favorite movie: Bandits
Favorite book: The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck
Last book read: Housegirl by Michael Donkor
Favorite color: Sea green
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops!
Coffee or tea: Coffee, all day long.
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: All three. Just give me a book.
Pencil or pen: Fine point pen.

Favorite dessert: Anything chocolate

Favorite junk food: See above

Favorite thing to do to relax: Read, of course

Champagne or gin: Tequila!

Paranormal or Historical: Historical

Wonder Woman or Top Model: Wonder woman. Lasso those bad guys!

Favorite TV show: Peaky Blinders

Hot or cold: Chilly enough for a fireplace

I’d die if I don’t have: A good book to read

See told you an author can’t answer anything with one word. LOL

Tell us a little about your new release Crime Times Two, coming October 8, available for preorder now!

Meredith knows three things: First, the man in the library begged her to help him. Second, he was afraid of his wife. Third, now he’s dead.

While the evidence first points to a natural death, Meredith is certain there’s more to discover. People are tight-lipped in this small mountain village, and the man’s wife isn’t talking either. Then a second death occurs, with remarkable similarities. It’s time to talk about murder.

As a slow-burning relationship heats up in her own life, Meredith struggles with concepts of love and hate, belief and suspicion, and absolution and guilt. Nothing is clear cut…

She must decide: Is guilt, like evil, something you can choose to believe in?

How about a sneak peek between the pages of Crime Times Two?

Of course, Tena.

Jowls quivered under the man’s weak chin, and Meredith noted the stained and frayed shirt of someone who spent a lot of time alone in dark rooms, sending out a better version of himself into the virtual world. His eyes were anxious and beseeching at her as though she should have a clear understanding of him and his life.

Somehow, over the past hour and a half they’d been sitting next to each other – him playing video games and sharing his life story and her ignoring him the best she could – she had become his confessor and friend.

Meredith gave him what she hoped was an impartial-though-quasi-friendly smile. She reached for her purse and papers and rose from her chair. “Well. Nice talking with you.”

The man was lost in his own train of thought and seemed only slightly aware that Meredith was leaving.

He shook his head, morose.

“To make a long story short,” he summed up, “I think my wife is trying to kill me.”

Available at Amazon.

And the first book Crime and Paradise goes on sale for 99 cents  Friday October 5th.

The story follows a young abused woman who ends up in a remote Idaho town. When her husband is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect. The local sheriff develops an interest in her beyond the investigation, and together they uncover some unsavory secrets in their small town.

On Sale for 99 cents October 5th at Amazon.

About the author:

Julie Howard is the author of the Wild Crime 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 founder of the Boise chapter of Shut Up & Write. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.

Connect with Julie on social media.

http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor

.It was wonderful having you with us today.  Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with your sale on Crime and Paradise Friday October 5th and your new release Crime Times Two available for pre-order now. 

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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Coming of Age, Crime and Paradise, Crime Times Two, Julie Howard, Mystery/Suspense by Tena Stetler with 11 comments.