Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Read lots! I don’t think you can be a good writer if you aren’t a good reader. Read anything and everything and over time, you’ll learn to see what works, what doesn’t and how you can improve your own writing skills.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Oh I hear from my readers all the time and I absolutely love it! I’ve had so many beautiful comments, ranging from things like, ‘I could imagine myself involved in the story; and ‘It was playing in a film in my head’ to ‘I’ve fallen for the hero!’, ‘Your settings become a character in their own right’ and ‘You’ve made me love reading again.’ This is why we writers sit and slave over a hot keyboard most days and it makes it all worthwhile! Readers, please keep contacting me, because on not so good writing days, they are just what I need!
Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
When I’m writing my first draft and tweaking/polishing, I play music I find it really helps me focus. The lyrics can be inspiring too. I love Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Ghost, Kate Bush, Bastille, Donna Summer.. quite an eclectic mix! If I’m involved in heavy editing though, I tend to prefer it quieter, so I can concentrate, but usually my music is blasting out!
Do you prefer e-books, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?
I have to admit that I’m a bit old-fashioned and I love printed books! It’s the feel of them, the whisper of the pages and the gorgeous artwork on the covers. I always have a paperback on the go and a stack of them to be read by my bed.
Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
I have a five year old Romanian rescue pup called Cooper and I take him out three times a day. It actually seems to help me, walking him. If I’m struggling with a plot or think I’m not getting great ideas that day, being out with him clears my head and usually gets the creative juices flowing again. He often sits by my chair while I’m writing and snoozes, which is lovely too!
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
Once I’ve finished writing a book and fired it off to my agent for her feedback and comments, I like to take a bit of a breather, before thinking about the next novel! When I have a book published, I usually go and buy myself something snazzy, like a new handbag, earrings or bracelet as a little to treat to myself.
How do you come up with character names for your stories?
I try to come up with their appearance first and then that sometimes steers me in a particular name direction. Or I’ll read or hear a first name or surname I really like and think ‘Oh, I’ll use that!’ or I’ll jot it down and use it for another character in another book.
How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
My agent, the brilliant Selwa Anthony, told me right back at the beginning when she signed me eight years ago, that I was to ignore the bad reviews and only take notice of the good ones. She said dwelling or festering over the negative reviews, doesn’t do any good or achieve anything and she’s absolutely right. My advice to any other writers out there, is to do just that – don’t read them! Some people just get a kick out of being nasty, so don’t indulge them. They are more to be pitied than anything.
How do you use social media as an author?
I tend to use X, Instagram, Facebook and occasionally Tik-Tok, to promote my books and also other authors. I also like to thank the readers and blogging community whenever I can, who are so supportive. It can be a bit time consuming but you do need some sort of social media platform nowadays and it’s an excellent way to stay in contact with the book community.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
I love scene setting and world building, so that’s always fun, but I did also really enjoy creating the chemistry and growing spark between Rosie and Mitch. Their one-liners to one another and them both trying to fight their attraction for each other, was so enjoyable and I could see them in my mind’s eye, stealing prolonged looks at one another, but refusing to acknowledge it!
Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance.
As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. She admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags.
She has an adopted Romanian rescue dog called Cooper and when not reading or writing, loves working out, taking Cooper on long walks, music and watching romcoms. A Scottish Lighthouse Escape is Julie’s thirteenth novel.
Website – Julie Shackman Author
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