Julie Ann James
lives in Sarasota, Florida. Her passion for words came at an early age and has
inspired her to plant seeds literally all over the globe. She is the founder of
the Peppertree Press book publishing company and The Pepper Tree Literary Magazine, an avid public speaker, a
published children’s author and novelist.
Questionnaire:
Thanks
for letting us interrogate you! Can you
give us a go-for-the-gut answer as to why you wanted to be an author?
A
writer since I was ten years old, it seemed only natural that I would continue
writing as an adult. I started out like most writers submitting short stories
to magazines, hoping for that byline and then venturing off into creating
children’s book stories for early childhood level. After becoming a publisher,
I was surrounded by amazing talented writers and challenged myself to write a
novel. My first book, Haunted Echoes
was a paranormal mystery and from that book forward, I was hooked. I am in the
process of writing my third novel and the fourth is swirling around in my head,
getting ready to put pen to paper.
Tell
us (we won’t tell promise!) is it all it’s cracked up to be? I mean what are the perks and what are the demands?
There
is nothing like turning an idea into a creative masterpiece. Yes, it is
completely worth it to write, publish and promote my books. I cannot imagine
not writing. Since I sit on both sides
of the desk as a writer and a publisher, I so get and understand the desires
that writers want and expect. Expectations do run high at times and keeping
yourself grounded in this writing experience is so important.
Which
route did you take – traditional or self-published – and can you give us the
nitty gritty low down on what’s that like?
I
have always wanted to be a writer since I was ten years old. I didn’t actually
start writing seriously until after my children were in middle school. All I
really wanted is to get a byline and not necessarily be paid for it. I submitted
many short stories for parenting magazines and then switched gears and started
writing children’s books. I can recall
my first published piece which means that was my first byline. I received a
check for $25.00 and because I was so excited, never cashed it. I later submitted many children’s stories to
what I refer to as the “Big Houses” most of their offices are in New York, and they filled my mailbox with
those dreaded rejection letters. I later
found a self-publishing company online and published two books with them.
I
have learned so much in all these years, especially after self-publishing. With that said, during this process I decided
to start my own publishing company and offer the personal touch that writers so
deserve. I have learned that you don’t have to be traditionally published to
become a successful author as long as you love writing, work hard and get the
word out, literally. It is important to
keep yourself grounded and keep your expectations in check at all times.
Tell us for
real what your family feels about you spending so much time getting your book
written, polished, edited, formatted, published, what have you?
I am very
fortunate that my family and friends are so supportive with my writing and the
writing process. They are amazing sounding boards for when my creative juices
are flowing and know when to keep quiet and exit the room when I don’t respond
right away to their questions. They know I am in the writing mode and to not
bother me. Since I am a night owl, I write when everything is quiet anyway so
it is just me and my characters in the room.
This
is for pet lovers. If you don’t own a
pet, skip this question, but do your pets actually get their food on time or do
they have to wait until you type just one more word?
My
Abby Girl is a 5 year old Aussie and she herds me to the treat counter no
matter what my urgency is, so with that said she rules! I would not be able to write unless her belly
is full.
In
writing your book, how did you deal with the phone ringing, your family needing
dinner or your boss calling you saying you’re late?
Again,
since I write at night it really doesn’t interfere with my family life or my work
schedule. When I write, the television
is on softly as background noise and my fingers are flying on the keyboard.
How
about the social networks? Which ones do
you believe help and which ones do you wish you could avoid?
Of
course there are amazing blogs out there that are fun to send out messages to
fellow writers and readers. There is the infamous Facebook that is great for
creating events for my books. I can recall stalking my own event daily just to
see how many people were going to come and get a signed copy of my book.
Book
sales. Don’t you just love them (or lack
of?)? How are you making the sales
happen for you?
I
have just hired an amazing book publicist (Maryglenn McCombs) and she is doing
a remarkable job sending out press releases and promoting my book, Irish Jewel.
What
is one thing you’d like to jump on the rooftop and scream about?
I
would love to share with the world that my press releases went out today on St.
Patrick’s Day and I am extremely excited to see the results.
Okay,
too much sugar for you today! Here’s a
nice cup of Chamomile tea and come on over and sit under the cabana and watch
the waves roll in. Now…can you tell us
what you love about being a published author and how all those things above
doesn’t matter because it’s all part of the whole scheme of things and you
wouldn’t have it any other way?
I
love being creative all the times. I
suppose you can say that I wear many creative hats, and writing is my greatest
love. I cannot imagine not writing on a daily basis and wish I had more time to
do so..
