Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am currently working on my fourth novel. My debut novel, Flower of Heaven, received four national book awards, a prestigious Kirkus review, and was rated by Bill Reynolds, Providence Journal columnist, as a “fast-paced global thriller that would make a great movie. The sequel, Dangerous Bloodlines, was published in 2014 and also received four national book awards and carries a 4.8 rating on Amazon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel, A Life Before, was released in late April, 2016, and already had over 21 reviews on Amazon and Barnes & Noble…and a 4.8 rating. Carol Davala, US Review of Books, states, “Ayotte delivers the perfect read. A smart, well-paced thriller. Megan Latta of Apex Reviews says “A Life Before is in the upper echelon of literary greatness. A masterfully crafted tale of intrigue and suspense. An absolute must read.
I was fascinated with the world of reincarnation and the millions of people who know nothing about the dangers of radon gas exposure. Combining the two in a meaningful way became the challenge. I am more than pleased with the outcome.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write longhand and then type each chapter afterwards. I have no outline, master plan, or vivid conclusion as I write. It just comes one word at a time and seems to all fall into place by the end of the book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like John Grishal, David Baldacci, Robert Ludlum, and James Patterson.
What are you working on now?
I am seven chapters into a fourth novel, another thriller. I hope to complete it by early spring, 2017. Not bad for a guy who wrote Flower of Heaven at age 71, and will be 75 when the new book is released.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Trying to get on BookBub is almost impossible, but I keep trying. In its place, I go to EBooksy, Awesome Gang, EReader News Today, and a few others to blitz the market. I also send out emails to a reader base of over 2000 email readers, use Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn whenever I can.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up hoping your book will make it big one day. All it takes is one break in this business, and who knows when or where that will happen. It may be after your fourth book, or your ninth…stay with it and keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write because you love to write, not because you think it will make you a rich man. The writing itself will make you rich, most of the financial success is out of your hands.
What are you reading now?
Jack 1939 by Francine Mathews
What’s next for you as a writer?
My goal is to get one or more of my books on the big screen, whether as a feature film or as a TV miniseries or movie made for television. I will never stop seeking this until I die. I hope the movie comes first!
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 Holy Bible
How to survive living on a desert island
How to build a boat from scratch
Author Websites and Profiles
Julien Ayotte Website
Julien Ayotte Amazon Profile
Julien Ayotte Author Profile on Smashwords
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Goodreads Profile
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