Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My pen name is a concoction of my name, Julie combined with my birth mother’s name, Jacqueline Lane. I didn’t find out much about her until after her death. A prolific writer of poetry and stories, she always wanted to be published. I chose my pen name to honor her. In two other books, not quite finished, I will be including her poetry. “Follow the Lilies” is my first published book, but I have a few others that are in the partially written or editing stage.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Follow the Lilies.” It was inspired by the scripture in Matthew about the lilies of the field who do not toil or spin but know that their Heavenly Father knows of their needs. The main character of my story has many difficult trials. She is a devout Christian woman and learns to do her very best and then rely on the Lord to help her with her needs that she herself cannot fulfill. She is not alone.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My career is in technical writing, and I eek out moments of time for my creative writing. My husband and I travel a lot for work. While I’m driving, I’m usually writing a story in my mind. Sometimes when I go to my computer to continue a story, I’m a bit shocked at how little I’ve written. I get confused as to whether I’ve put the story on paper or if it’s still in my mind!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really like Jerry Spinneli and Lisa Wingate. I’ve read so many books, that I really can’t pick out a few. Christine Kersey and Traci Hunter Abramson are my favorite LDS authors.
What are you working on now?
My next book is a young adult/teen coming of age book — “Anna’s MVP.” A young man, Jake, whose life consists of playing basketball and being popular loses his dad in a mining accident. He loses his mother, too, as her grief leaves her unable and unwilling to care for Jake and his sister. Overnight, he becomes both mother and father to Anna.
Another book I’m working on is “Return to Me.” The husband of a concert pianist and mother of three disappears when he travels to Mexico to investigate a fire at a posh resort. I can’t tell you much more, or I will give away the story, but let’s just say that fraud, amnesia and deception are woven throughout the story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I have found Facebook as the best website.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m a new author! Be aware that if you love to write, that writing is easy compared to marketing your book. I studied creative and technical writing in college and have gone to several writing workshops. Don’t let any one else’s success or their bragging about it intimidate you. Believe in yourself. Do your best.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I read this on Facebook from a 102 year old man who still drives — “Live every day so that every one who meets you will be happy they did.”
What are you reading now?
“She Is Not Invisible,” by Marcus Sedgwick. It is a YA book. I just read “Dear Mrs. Bird” which was a wonderful, sad, scary look into World War II London. Another great book is Jerry Spinneli’s “Star Girl.” I waffle back and forth between romance and YA, but I only like very clean books. I really like Traci Hunter Abramson’s FBI adventure romances.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m still working as a technical writer about five hours a day. I tell “true stories” to the government to win Federal Contracts, and we’ve done quite well. I spent years as a city Planning Commission Secretary and hope someday to write a romantic comedy/adventure based on that experience. I’m hoping to retire within two years and be able to write whenever I feel that incredible urge to put a story on paper.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible
The Book of Mormon
Too many others to choose from!
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