Interview With Author Julie Hoyle
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I had not planned on being a writer. However in 2007, I was on a train heading from London to Nottingham and I had nothing to read. I remembered having picked up a free magazine in ca;;ed Connections in a Mind-Body-Spirit bookstore, which I had stuffed into one of my bags. I pulled it out and began reading an article written by Barbara Brennen, a well known healer. In the article, Barbara detailed the importance of owning your creative energy and utilizing it purposefully. Something inside me clicked. I heard an inner voice say, “You can do this. You can write articles and essays that inspire people.” There was such urgency in the message I did not think twice. I had nothing to write on, so I borrowed a pencil, opened up a paper napkin and began drafting my first article. After tweaking and editing, I sent the article to the editor of Connections. A short while later, the editor wrote back saying he wanted to use the article. That was the start of my writing career. Since then I have been featured in twenty plus MBS magazines. I have also written five books, designed three guided journals, created several online courses and have been interviewed close to a hundred times on various podcasts as well as on YouTube channels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is, ‘’The Shadow Work Diaries, How the Darkness You fear Holds the Treasure You Seek.’ During the pandemic (when the Bahamas was on strict lockdown) I wrote a book dedicated to dealing with the shadow aspects of the personality (and the damage it can do if left unchecked) The title of that one is, Meeting the Shadow, Finding Your Self and and it was so well received, I decided to do a follow up. The Shadow Work Diaries has been a fantastic collaborative effort. I invited nine other writers to share their personal stories of what happened after they engaged with the energy of the shadow, especially with respect to their creative output. The results are incredible.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I keep it simple. I listen to my inner guidance and I go from there. I can write fairly quickly, which I think is a result of having written so many articles for Mind-Body-Spirit magazines. I would be given a word limit, a deadline, and a theme to work with. That was fantastic training to be able to pull an idea or an anecdote up in a rapid space of time and not languish too long in complacency or self-doubt.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Spiritual biographies are my go-to. One of my favorite books is Conscious Dreaming by Robert Moss. I also love anything that Sufi Master Llewelyn Vaughan Lee has written. Jan Frazier’s, When Fear Falls Away is beautiful too.
What are you working on now?
In the last two and a half years I have written and published three books, so I am on a bit of a writing hiatus. Instead, I am focusing more on the promotional side of things, which as a friend once said is like, “A hungry monster that always needs feeding.” Marketing usually goes on the back burner for me when I am writing a book, and it is time to meet the monster head on. After I am done with some of that (though you really can never be done) I plan to start on a short, permafree book, to help and guide creatives to tap into their intuitive guidance and utilize it!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram has been useful. Facebook too, I also send out a bi-monthly newsletter to subscribers, which is well received.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Just keep writing. Also, get the right marketing help. There is a lot of rubbish out there. However, if you do your research you can hit gold. I have found Publisher Rocket has been great. Viewing their free course on how to set up AMS (Amazon Marketing Services) promotions was really valuable. I would also say, create a good book cover. Hire someone if necessary. It does make a difference.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was not advice, it was a prompt. I have been a lucid dreamer since childhood. In November 2008, I had a lucid dream and in the dream, a Master Yogi walked up to me and asked, “When are you writing the book?” I was baffled. I asked, “What am I supposed to write about?” and she gave me a look that said, “Come on, don’t be a dummy.” Several weeks later, I started hearing the words as if they had been poured into my heart and mind, and I started writing them down. That was how the first book, “An Awakened Life, A Journey of Transformation,” came about.
What are you reading now?
I am reading articles and draft chapters of books written by friends and clients. I am often asked to review content before it goes out and I am busy with that. I also turn to, ‘The Autobiography of a Yogi,” by Paramahamsa Yogananda on a regular basis.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Recently, I have been learning a massive amount about marketing. I have subscribed to Nick Stephenson’s marketing course titled, “Your First 10K Readers,” and it has been great. It has made me realize just how much content I have already created, and how important it is to stand behind that, rather than falling into the habit of thinking I need to create something new again.
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 Face Before I Was Born, Llewelyn Vaughan Lee
Play of Consciousness by Swami Muktananda and
The Yoga of Jesus by Paramahamsa Yogananda
Author Websites and Profiles
Julie Hoyle Author Profile on Smashwords
Julie Hoyle’s Social Media Links