Interview With Author Julee Balko
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an author who loves writing novels with complicated women characters. My debut novel, The Things We Keep, takes on grief, secrets, and family dysfunction. The Me List, my second novel, is full of snark and heart and brings to life an unlikely friendship between neighbors. My next book Square Hearts (comes out May 2026) is close to my heart because it represents a new kind of Women’s Fiction story with romance. The kind where the characters are older. The kind where the woman falls back in love with herself, too.
You can find me somewhere in the woods of Washington hiking with my husband. Or at home, enjoying my three daughters, rescue hound, and two cats who like to lock her out of the bathroom.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Me List. As a mother, freelance writer, and author, I find I don’t put myself at the top of my list very often. I always prioritize my kids’ joy and happiness. I wanted to write a book that inspired women to realize they deserve to prioritize their own self-growth.
My favorite thing about The Me List is that it’s been empowering readers to start their own Me Lists! There’s even a spot in the back of the book where you can write your own. I love that this book isn’t just a great story; it’s also inspiring readers to make changes in their own lives.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always have fresh radishes near me when I’m writing. I’m obsessed. And they aren’t messy. As a neurodivergent writer, I have hyper-focus, so sometimes I forget to move, breathe, and exist. It makes for very intense writing. Luckily, my dog and cats like to remind me to move.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read every book that is trending on BookTok, and it really keeps me inspired. I love to fall in love with the characters that readers are opening their hearts to. I can learn something about writing from any book, so I always have a stack next to my bed.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing Square Hearts. It’s about found family (the bond of unrelated friends coming together to form their own family) and how sometimes they can help you find yourself and maybe lose yourself as well. Lots of complicated relationships in this one. And a cat or two. (The Me List has an amazing rescue dog character, so it was only fair that my next book has a cat.)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m on a lot of different social media sites, so anytime I have an ebook promotion, I lose all my shyness and share that widely, and it really helps.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There are so many authors, but there’s only one YOU. Embrace what’s uniquely you and own it. Also, wear comfy shoes because the road to publishing is long and filled with self-doubt and potholes. But it only takes one reader to tell you that your book made a difference to them, and that makes the journey so very worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write with your heart.
My books are all heart. I let it lead the way, and the story follows.
What are you reading now?
Just finished My Friends by Backman. Gorgeous story and characters.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my fourth book, which has a fun take on marriage, lost loves, and romance books.
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?
A notebook to write, a poetry book to keep me inspired, and maybe Wuthering Heights to keep my passion alive.
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