Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an indie author of contemporary romance from around the world: novels, novellas and short stories. I indie published my debut novel, From Here to Nashville, in February 2015 and I have just published my second novel, The Vineyard in Alsace. A follow-up novella to From Here to Nashville is also in progress, as well as the next novel.
I blog regularly on my website, ‘My Indie Writing Life’ about my publication journey. You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook.
I am a proud member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, The Society of Authors and The Alliance of Independent Authors. If you would like to be the first to hear about my new releases and other news, you can also sign up to receive my occasional newsletters via my website.
When I am not writing, I work part-time for a charity as a communications officer, and freelance as a proofreader, web designer and supply teacher. I am married and live with my family in Bedfordshire in the UK.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘The Vineyard in Alsace’ and this book was inspired by my love of France, my experience of working for a mail-order wine merchant, and many visits to Alsace in France. I thought it would make a wonderful place to set a second chance contemporary romance.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I do! I wish I could say something really interesting here… I use Scrivener to do my writing in and I set myself a target for my session and then I get to it. I’m becoming more of a planner with each new book I write so that when I sit down, I really am ready to get going.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a romance author, I love a good romance. Shakespeare got me started with ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ One of my favourite modern books is ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ – it’s so poignant and yet so uplifting, much like ‘Me Before You.’ For a long time, as a teenager, all I read were Stephen King books! I still love him as a writer but I don’t read that genre much any more. I also love a good historical romance and I’m quite partial to a vampire romance too.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a novella sequel to my first book, ‘From Here to Nashville.’ This one tells the story of one of the characters who didn’t get their happy ending in the first book. I’m also working on my next full-length novel which is set in a restaurant in Devon. The novella is now being edited by my editor and the novel is being assessed at first draft stage. I hope that the novella will be published before Christmas and the novel next year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I am finding that Twitter and my Facebook page do the best job for me. I have also played around with ads on Amazon and Facebook but have not had great success there as yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The first thing I would say is to create a regular writing habit. If you are serious about writing, you need to be committed to it, even if you can only write 300 words a day because that will add up to a complete novel in about 9 months. The second thing, is to think about why you’re doing this. What do you want from your writing? If you want to keep it as a hobby, then that’s fine but if you want to make a living, then you have to start thinking about your goals. When I considered my goals, I knew I wanted to remain an indie author and not pursue a traditional contract for example.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have heard is that you can reinvent yourself at any point in your life. You can take charge and make things happen in the way you want them to.
What are you reading now?
I am beta reading 3 books for other indie authors! I’m not sure which book I will be reading next for pleasure but I have ‘NW’ by Zadie Smith lined up on my Kindle.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am continuing to build my career as an author, writing and releasing more books so that I can steadily build up my income and make writing my main job.
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?
Well, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ obviously. I’d also take ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ ‘Twilight’ and ‘Harry Potter – Complete Works (if I’m allowed!)’
Author Websites and Profiles
Julie Stock Website
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