Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Flower of heaven is my debut novel but my second book. The first book was on financial planning which I co-authored called Wealth Building for Professionals in 2001. I had a lifetime career in the corporate and legal world and hold a BS, MBA, and PhD, all in business. I also served as an adjunct professor in finance and investments on the graduate level at several colleges and universities. I started Flower of Heaven at age 46 and have just completed it at age 71. I have begun the sequel and hope to have it done by year end.
The book is a recent winner for General Fiction in the 2013 New York Book Festival held on June 21, 2013 and was the Indie Book of the Day for March 19, 2013. It has a favorable Kirkus Review and a 4.6 rating on Amazon.com.
When I am not writing, I am an avid tennis player and golfer and run a highly successful investment club for professionals. I reside in Cumberland, RI with my wife of 50 years, Pauline. We have three grown children.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Flower of Heaven, an international thriller, is my debut novel and was inspired because of the many number of priests that I have known over the years. I have found that they make the same mistakes in life that we do; they just don’t expect to have to pay for these indiscretions thirty-five years later.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I write longhand, partly due to a hand ailment I’ve had for years, and partly because the words flow better for me as I begin to write rather than type. Once I’ve written several pages, I then type and refine them as I go along. At times, I can write almost an entire chapter, and at other time not a single sentence, although I don’t find that unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Grisham, David Baldacci, James Patterson and Stephen King.
What are you working on now?
I am currently much into writing the sequel to Flower of Heaven and hope to complete it by year end.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own. www.flowerofheaven.com, because I send out email newsletters to over 1200 contacts every other month with news updates, recent awards, etc. which encourages readers to spread the word. I am hoping that my recent involvement in Author marketing and several othe ebook sites will increase that exposure soon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, never give up on completing your manuscript. It took me 25 years to finish and I am ecstatic that I did. Perseverance does pay off. If you have a dream, go for it, I am.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If someone else can become a success in writing, so can I!
Constant exposure of my novel may turn out to be a movie offer someday and I will be ready if that ever happens.
Never give up, never!
What are you reading now?
Second Chance by Christina Paul and Boom by Jim Brown.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More award recognitions for my debut novel, you can never have enough.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Centennial by James Michener
Author Websites and Profiles
Julien Ayotte Website
Julien Ayotte Amazon Profile
Julien Ayotte’s Social Media Links
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