Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi
My name’s Julie Ryan and I’m the author of the Greek Island Mystery series. My first book, Jenna’s Journey, was published on Amazon in September 2013 and this summer, my second book, Sophia’s Secret’ is due to be published. The books are all set on the same Greek Island but can be read independently as they each feature different characters. I’ve lived and worked in France, Greece, Thailand and Poland and love books set in other countries: I’m more of an armchair traveller these days.
I was born in Yorkshire but now live with my husband and young son in rural Gloucestershire. When I’m not writing or thinking up ideas for my books we enjoy travelling in our camper van, Harold, although usually within the UK but we have ventured as far as France in him.
I studied French Language and Literature at University before becoming a teacher for many years. I now work from home teaching English as Foreign Language.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Sophia’s Secret’, the second in the series. It was inspired by the time I spent in Greece during the 1980s. It’s a mix of romance, mystery and suspense, not quite chick-lit and not quite thriller.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have any particular quirks but I can’t write without coffee. Usually though if I get engrossed in the writing the coffee is cold by the time I come to drink it so I go and make another. Many times the same thing has happened again and I’ve even gone to heat it up in the microwave and found it there untouched the next day. Must be a kind of comfort thing!
What are you working on now?
I’m just doing the edits for the second book but at the same time I’m thrashing out ideas for the third in the series. I don’t want to give too much away at the moment. I’m also writing a Christmas novella which will be a total departure from my usual style and nothing to do with Greece.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think you need to try everything and see what works for you. I’ve managed to engage with a lovely writing community on Facebook and they have been very supportive. I have also built up a Twitter following since launching my first book. It’s tough to get known but I approach as many reviewers as I dare and reciprocate by reviewing on my own blog www.allthingsbookie.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You need to get your book into the best shape possible and that means either finding an editor and proofreader or relying on the goodwill of friends who have a good grammar knowledge. When you’ve read your own book at least ten times, a kind of word blindness sets in so I would definitely recommend beta readers. They have helped to improve my book and make it what it is. Finally, be prepared for hard work and don’t give up. There are thousands of new books coming onto the market every week yet at the same time, there are so many people who never finish their book or don’t do anything with it. If you don’t believe in yourself, then who else will?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write!
What are you reading now?
At the moment I’m reading ‘Slope of Love’ by Melissa Foster
What’s next for you as a writer?
A Hollywood film of my first book and a six figure contract for the series from a major publisher. Oh well, we can all dream! I really don’t know to be honest. It’s an adventure and I have an open mind to see where this journey will lead. In the beginning my goal was simply to write a book. Then my goal was to publish it on Amazon. Now it’s turned into a trilogy. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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?
First it would have to be a survival book because I’d be pretty useless at surviving on my own. For pleasure I’d take John Fowles’ The Magus, as it’s a book I can read and reread and find something new each time. I did think of taking ‘The Collected Works of Shakespeare’ so that I wouldn’t run out of something to read but that might be a bit heavy going!
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