Julie Anne Lindsey is the author of more than twenty published novels. When she’s not making up stories, she’s shuttling her three busy kids around Northeastern Ohio or reading a good book. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to take over the world. Julie is represented by Jill Marsal at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and is a member of the International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America. Learn more about Julie at julieannelindsey.com
How did you get started writing and publishing books?
I read Twilight after my third child was born, and it provided an escape I needed deeply at that time. When I saw the author on Oprah saying she was just a stay-at-home mom who had an idea and wrote it down, I was inspired. I wanted to do for someone else what her book had done for me. I’ve been trying ever since.
What is your writing style like? Are you an organized plotter, or do you just see where things take you as a pantser?
I’m a dedicated outliner. In fact, I give presentations on the topic as often as possible. Without a solid map to keep me on track through every project, I’d go insane, and I’d never make my deadlines. Writing a novel every 6-8 weeks leaves no time to waste, so outlines have become my very best friends.
You have three children. How do you work your writing amid your family schedule?
I always put my kids and family first. It’s not always easy to do, but I know my kids won’t be young forever, and I’ll miss them desperately when they’re gone. So, for now, I make sure I’m wherever they need me to be, doing whatever they need me to do. Hopefully making memories with them that will outlive me by decades. I write when the house is still and everyone is either asleep or at school. Of course, that means I’m exhausted, but it is absolutely worth the small sacrifice to have a career I love and kids who know they are the most important thing to me.
You write both romance and cozy mysteries. Do you find each genre different to write?
Absolutely. The two genres I’m focusing on now (romantic suspense and cozy mystery) are very different. The tone, the content, presentation, all of it. So it’s a bit of a challenge to switch back and forth between them while keeping the nuances and details straight. But I enjoy writing both very much so that’s just the price I’m willing to pay. ?
You wrote Twelve Slays of Christmas, which takes place in Mistletoe, Maine, under the name of Jacqueline Frost. There, the White family hold 12 days of Reindeer Games. What are some of your favorite games listed in the book, and where did you get the ideas for them?
I just make it all up! It’s true. I think about what kinds of things would be fun or wacky thing to do at an organized Christmas party. Then, I let Holly and her crew do all of them. My kids do a lot of them too, like decorating gingerbread homes, building big Frostys, holiday bingo, and of course the snowball roll. I’ve seen all three of my kids wipe out trying to win at that game. Hey! I had to have someone try it out for me, didn’t I?
You write a series called Kitty Couture under the name of Julie Chase. Can you tell us something about that?
My Kitty Couture Mysteries are set in my favorite city on earth, New Orleans. My heroine is from a wealthy family there, but has struck out on her own, using a fashion degree to make custom designs for pets. When she’s wrongly accused of murder, she decides to clear her name, and it all goes sideways from there, as these things normally do. I’ve had an amazing time writing these books because I get to “revisit” New Orleans with each new story. It’s a beautiful, wonderful, magical place to be, full of the most fascinating history, architecture and people I’ve ever met. If you’d like to visit New Orleans without having to actually go to New Orleans, maybe give one of these books a try.
You are known as a fan of animals. What pets do you have?
Currently, we only have 1 beta fish named Sunshine. We nursed him back to health after a battle with fin rot, and he is doing fantastic right now. We’re going to adopt a kitten this summer. The kids are looking forward to visiting the local shelters and rescues until they find one who speaks to all their hearts. I think it’s more likely they will discover ALL the kitties speak to their hearts!
What authors or books most influenced your writing career?
There are so many. I’m not sure where to start, but I can say with assurance, I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of writing humor or mysteries if it hadn’t been for Janet Evanovich. I’ve been reading her Stephanie Plum novels for years and have no intention of stopping anytime soon!
Find Julie online:
Julie Chase website: http://juliechasebooks.com/
Julie Anne Lindsey website: http://julieannelindsey.com/
Julie Anne Lindsey Facebook page
Julie Chase Facebook page
Julie Anne Lindsey twitter: @JulieALindsey
