12.22.2015

#HolidayBookBash Author Interview #7 with Julie Reece

Today I'm so happy to have YA author Julie Reece on the blog answering some questions. Two of her books, The Artisans (book 1) and Crux, are featured in the giveaway. Welcome, Julie!

Author Name: Julie Reece
Book Title: The Paladins (The Artisans 2)
Release Date (if not already released) April 2016
Publisher: Month9Books
Genre: YA Southern Gothic


Back Cover Copy (BCC) or Blurb:

The Artisan curse is broken. Souls trapped in a mysterious otherworld called The Void are finally released. Now, Raven Weathersby, Gideon Maddox, and Cole Wynter can finally move on with their lives...or so they thought. If the ancient magic is truly dead, then why are mystical fires plaguing Gideon at every turn? What accounts for Raven’s frightening visions of her dead mother? And who is the beautiful, tortured girl haunting Cole’s dreams?

Last year, a group of lonely teens sacrificed secrets, battled the supernatural, and faced their own demons to set one another free. Yet six months later, the heart of evil still beats within The Void. And the trio is forced to face the horrific truth: that their only way out is to go back in.

The Paladins completes this eerie YA Southern Gothic where loyalties are tested, love is challenged, and evil seeks them on the ultimate battlegrounds—in their minds, their souls, and their hearts.


Where can readers find you?

When did you first know that you wanted to become a writer?
I've always loved reading, and writing short stories. When my girls were tiny, I'd read to them and do all the character voices. I LOVE storytelling. My girls got a little older, and after reading the latest YA book, we'd sit together and talk about it. What we liked, what we didn't ... without meaning to, we basically formed our own mini book club. From there we'd talk about plots and characters and ended up plotting out whole stories of our own. I had no clue what I was doing, but I loved the ideas so much, and was having so much fun, I wrote my first book. It sucked, but I kept writing and learning, and over time, I got better. :)

In your words, what is your book about?
 
Ah, so hard because I don't want to give anything away... here's an idea, though.
Book one is an unconventional romance between Gideon and Raven, and the mystery surrounding them is set in a haunted house with unexplained, paranormal events and a creepy vibe throughout. Near the end, a curse surrounding Gideon and his home is broken—or so they think. However, book two is more straight-up Gothic horror as strange things are happening again. And this time, to defeat the evil following them, they'll have to enlist the help of friends, travel to a place no one knew existed, and fight the magic at its source.

What is the hardest part about being an author?
 
Most artists are plagued with self doubt and insecurity. Authors are no different. At least, I'm not. Publishing is really hard work that is often accompanied with rejection, rewriting, waiting, rejection, and trying again. I second guess myself sometimes. There are moments when it's hard to trust your own voice and instincts, or stay true to your vision. As a writer with multiple learning disabilities, I've had more than a few people tell me to give up, it's not worth the time and sacrifice. But it is. I'm glad I didn't listen. 

What is your favorite part?
 
Readers. I love meeting them and talking about the books we love. I especially appreciate the ones who write to say that they enjoyed my stories. Tell me what they liked or that they related to something in the book enough to recommend it to a friend. With so many books to choose from, it makes my whole day to know someone took a chance on my story, dared a peek inside my crazy brain, and ended up having fun spending time with my characters.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time (when not writing)?
 
Read, and eat yummy foods that I don't have to cook. I love animals and riding my horse. I'm a movie fanatic and binge watch TV shows on Netflix. I like to paint and draw. Play tactical laser tag, and hike, and kayak with my husband (who is my hero). I'm lucky. I love my family, and doing anything and nothing with that bunch is my favorite in the world.
What book are you reading now? 
A Magic Dark and Bright (The Asylum Saga #1) by Jenny Adams Perinovic ... so good you guys!

What are some of your favorite books of 2015?
Gretel and the Dark, Eliza Granville, Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo, The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West, Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road, #1) by Katie McGarry, I could easily keep going ...


What was your favorite book as a child?

The complete works of Hans Christian Anderson, Grimm Fairy Tales, and Rudyard Kipling. I'm a fairy tale fiend!

Describe your hero in three words.
Stubborn, passionate, wounded.

What are you working on now?
 
I'm in the submissions process for my first YA contemporary romance. Woot! Since I've written mostly YA fantasy, this was a big departure for me, but I'm really excited about the story.  

Thank you so much, Julie, for joining us today!


Reminder, #HOLIDAYBOOKBASH runs from 12/19/15 - midnight EST 12/24/15. 

Each day will feature interviews from amazing authors, 
as well as your chance to enter to win the GRAND PRIZE PACK. 

*You can enter daily with each author interview, so be sure to check back each day of #HolidayBookBash! *

ENTER NOW TO WIN the GRAND PRIZE PACK!

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