Interview Julie Howard Author of Wild Crime
Happy holidays to all! Give a big welcome to Julie Howard, author of Wild Crime.Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see find out a little about Julie’s Wild Crime. Thanks for joining us!
Julie, how about a few questions?
I”m game. Shoot!
What inspired you to write?
I’ve always been an avid reader and am envious of every good author out there. I’ll read a great book and instantly wish I’d written it. Steinbeck, Austen, Eliot, Allende… and on and on… I’m reading Ruth Ware’s new mystery/suspense “The Turn of the Key” and David McCullough’s nonfiction “The Path Between the Seas” and wish I could be as good a writer. Anyway, reading wonderful authors inspires me to write and keep writing. I love a good story, whether it comes from me or someone else.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
I think there’s a little of me in all my characters, the good ones and bad ones. I have to inhabit all my characters in my mind in order to write them into life, so I have to imagine their motivations, hopes and darkest secrets. I do hope I’m more like my good characters though!
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
There is always hope, even when life feels impossibly difficult. If you just keep moving forward, there are options. Just keep trying, and then try some more. It’s okay to fail as long as you pick yourself up and give it another go.
Why do you write what you write? Contemporary, paranormal, suspense, etc.
I love puzzles and games of all sorts, especially crosswords and Scrabble. I view mysteries as a puzzle that I’m creating for my readers. I have to set up the goal (guessing the murderer, or solution) and then lay down logical clues so the reader can enjoy guessing and figuring out what happened. I get to be a puzzlemaster and writer at the same time. It’s great fun!
If writing is your first passion, what is your second?
I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and histories. My husband and I travel as much as we have time for, and still have a long list of places we’d like to visit. I can’t imagine ever being tired of seeing new places. So far, each place has been so unique and I’m amazed at the diversity and friendliness of people and places. What a fascinating world we live in.
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite book: The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck
Last book read: The Pioneers by David McCullough
Favorite color: Green
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops
Coffee or tea: Coffee!
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: Paperback
Pencil or pen: Pen
Favorite dessert: Cake
Favorite junk food: Anything chocolate
Favorite thing to do to relax: Read
Champagne or gin: Gin
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
Wonder Woman or Top Model: Top Model
Favorite TV show: The Crown
Hot or cold: Cold
I’d die if I don’t have: My family nearby
A little about Wild Crime:
“I’m a murderer. I’m a murderer. I’m a murderer.”
Those three repeated words discovered in an old letter propel Meredith Lowe in a cross-country pursuit to unveil her mother’s murky past. Danger stalks Meredith back to Hay City, Idaho as she peels apart the mystery: who is her father, and did her mother kill him? In finding the answer, will a growing love slip through her fingers?
Past merges with the present as the story races to its stunning conclusion.
Sneak peek between the pages of Wild Crime:
Her hair fell below her waist, ripped free of its ties and weighed down by the warm, lashing rain. The sky-blue dress, so carefully chosen for this night and tried on so many times in her bedroom, was ruined. One strap had torn from her shoulder and dangled down her back. Mud splattered the hem. Sweet Cantaloupe lipstick, a lovely coral that heightened the green in her eyes, was smeared like a bruise on one cheek. She ran.
The high school gym behind her, decorated in crepe paper and curtains, vibrated with electric guitars and teen-aged hormones. Couples gyrated on the dance floor and then disappeared into dark corners. It was late and the Spring Dance was in full throttle. No one would miss her for hours.
Before her, trees dripped moss, barely visible in the darkness. She envisioned the moss brushing her shoulders, low branches snagging in her hair, the possibility of snakes both at her feet and above; this made her hesitate. It would take one scream, one gasp, and he would find her.
My Review;
This is a well written book dealing with some difficult issues. After the death of her mother and estranged grandmother, Meredith is searching for a father she’d never known. But she discovers more than she is prepared to handle.
Sheriff Curtis is her romantic interest. He is understanding and supportive of her cross-country pursuit of the truth.
The characters are well rounded and evoke strong feeling while you read the book. It takes a talented author to pull that off and Julie did it with ease.
Overall a great read and one I recommend. 5 stars
Buy links:
Amazon:, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, Google, Kobo,
Author bio:
Julie Howard is the author of the Wild Crime series, and Spirited Quest. 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, editor of the Potato Soup Journal, and founder of the Boise chapter of Shut Up & Write. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.
Author links:
Website: http://juliemhoward.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116047.Julie_Howard
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Howard/e/B07D6CS4NQ/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julie-howard?list=author_books
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JulieMHoward
It was wonderful having you with us today. Loved the picture of you and your dog! Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Wild Crime!
Visits: 571
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Julie Howard, Mystery, Romance, Wild Crime by Tena Stetler with 9 comments.
Interview Julie Howard Author of Spirited Quest
Give a warm welcome to Julie Howard, Author of Spirited Quest a Deerbourne Inn Series tale. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Julie and her Spirited Quest!
What inspired this particular story?
I’d love to say this character haunted me until I wrote her story… and this is sort of what happened. A lot of writers can relate to how a character grabs hold of them (metaphorically, of course) and demands to be written into existence. That’s how it happened with the ghost in Spirited Quest. I just knew I had to create her and breathe life into her. Once I started writing, her story spilled out so easily that I felt I was writing a true story.
Why did you choose the cover concept you did?
There are three main women in my story – Paige; her niece, Jillian; and the Lady of the Deerbourne. Each of these women have different motivations and goals through the story and this was a lot to tackle in a short book. The cover, though, gets to the heart of Spirited Quest. Jillian is a ghost-hunter and she seeks the Lady of the Deerbourne. Everything that happens in this mystery comes back to the relationship these two women establish across time. They needed to be on the cover.
What inspired you to write?
Ah, there’s nothing like a good book. I’ve always been a reader and early on, I knew I wanted to create stories too. To me, writing books was the most wonderful thing anyone could do. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that I can spend my time writing books. This is my dream job.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love to travel and explore. I’m fascinated by other cultures, religions, languages, foods, etc. I have a long list of places I’d like to visit and I’m always adding more!
Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your heroine’s bed?
Three things? She’s too much of a neatnik. But she doesn’t know an earring rolled under there two weeks ago…
How about the hero’s bed?
Dust bunnies, an old credit card statement, and a couple pair of shoes.
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh> (See what did I tell you can’t use only one word – LOL)
Favorite movie: Anything based off one of Jane Austen books
Favorite book: The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck
Last book read: The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz
Favorite color: Green
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops, duh
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: All of the above
Pencil or pen: Pen
Favorite dessert: Chocolate anything
Favorite junk food: See above
Favorite thing to do to relax: Read
Paranormal or Historical: Tough one. Love both.
Favorite TV show: Currently, True Detective
A little about Spirited Quest:
Paige Norman believes in a tangible, explainable world. When her ghost-hunting niece comes for a visit, she tries not to scoff. But someone, or something, is stirring up trouble at the Deerbourne Inn and her niece, Jillian, is at the center of the mystery.
Paige is certain the handsome Aussie photographer is behind the unexplained disturbances, and she warns her niece to stay clear. Meanwhile, Jillian gets to know the otherworldly Lady of the Deerbourne, who foretells an encounter with “two men.” Then the pranks turn dangerous. Has her niece attracted a stalker or has she conjured an evil presence? Can the culprit be the man who has captured her heart?
A sneak peek between the pages of Spirited Quest!
He nodded a friendly greeting to her, his gaze grazing past to include others on the porch. “G’day, ma’am. G’day all.”
An Australian. Her heart skipped a beat. Oh, to be twenty-five, even thirty-five, again. His gaze settled on her niece, and as always happened to men where this girl was concerned, his jaw slackened, then tightened.
Next to her, Jillian grew still, lifting wide blue eyes to the newcomer. The moment passed. He was through the front door and into the lobby, and the door closed behind him.
“You’re in for some nice company this week,” Paige commented with a smile.
A frown flickered across her niece’s face. “I’ve seen him before.”
“You’ve met?”
“Not exactly. He appeared to me in a dream.” Jillian’s blue eyes were troubled as she gazed at the Inn’s front door. She lifted one hand and rubbed the back of her head, then gave a shiver. “There was blood and I was afraid.”
Buy Links:
Amazon, ibooks, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads
About the Author:
Julie Howard is the author of “Crime and Paradise” and “Crime Times Two.” She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.
Author Links:
Website: http://juliemhoward.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116047.Julie_Howard
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07D6CS4NQ
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Spirited Quest!
Visits: 328
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Ghost, Julie Howard, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Spirited Quest by Tena Stetler with 12 comments.
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.
Visits: 31
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.
