Interview

Hi Juliet and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

I have 3 proposals I’m waiting to hear back from my editor on. Two are the sequels to my May Blaze, LET IT RIDE about that hero’s Air Force fighter pilot buddies, McCabe, Hughes and Grady. And the third is a stand alone story about a reclusive Alaskan bush pilot and a feisty travel show host. Trying to prove she’s more than a pretty face, she who braves the frozen tundra to nab an exclusive interview with a local hero who saved tourists after a crash.

When you begin a new project, what is the very first thing you do?

I research as much as I can about the story (like Air Force fighter pilots or Alaska and its Inuit people), then I map out my plot points, and then I fill out a character interview for the hero and the heroine. 

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

 

I’d have to say writing the love scenes.) To me, the sex between the hero and heroine is always compelling. Sex brings the couple together in the most intimate way, usually exposing emotions they wouldn’t normally show, and it also creates new and interesting conflicts. Sex is a threshold crossed, a point of no return for the characters. It takes them in a new direction and there’s no going back.

 

Do you have a set routine that you follow when you write? Have a
favorite CD playing in the background or a particular beverage by your side?

 

Yes, I usually have a song or two or three that are the “soundtrack” for each project, and listen to them before I write to put me in the story. I’m an Iced tea person. Need the caffeine. And, ok, I admit, I have a secret stash of chocolate candy bars I pull out if I’m desperate.

 

A new writer comes to you and says: Help! What is the one thing I need to do to get published? How do you answer this question?

 

I have a Top Ten list, actually. It’s on my web site here: http://juliet.name2host.com/getpubbed.html

 

Assuming you have some! - what do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies or collections you are passionate about?

 

I love to cook and I’m a movie-holic. But my favorite pastime is reading romance.

 

When you want to watch a movie, do you prefer going to the theatre or do you like to be all comfy and cozy at home?

 

I prefer the theater. At home, my kids interrupt. And some movie just HAE to be seen on the big screen. Like last years’ AUSTRALIA! The scenery was gorgeous! And I’m not just talking about Hugh Jackman shirtless. ;)

 

Name the one item in your closet that is a constant favorite, the one
that always gets worn even though you might have something newer or better?

 

Um… I only have pajamas I feel that way about. What’s the perk of being a writer? Not having to get dressed to go to work. J

 

How did you and your husband meet?

 

We met through a church single’s group. Several churches singles’ groups got together to attend the concert of one of my favorite Contemporary Christian singers at that time. Twenty-Mumble years ago) Hubby was one of a large group. But somehow he ended up riding with me. I get car sick if I don’t drive, he gets lost when he does, we’re a match made in heaven. He sat next to me and we talked all evening. Turned out we had mutual friends and a LOT in common.

 

Who fell for whom first?

 

Hmm…I have no idea. I THINK probably he fell for me first because he asked me to marry him after we’d only known each other 3 months and I was shocked. I’d been in an abusive relationship before him so I was all for taking it slow, but then, he’d only been divorced about a year and I knew he’d been hurt by his ex, so…

You know, now that I think of it, it’s amazing either one of us were willing to commit after such a short time together. But I guess we both just knew this was something different. Something special. For us, the previous bad relationships only purified what we DID want in the next one.

 

What is the best way to spend a quiet evening at home?

 

Mmm, curled up in my recliner with a good romance novel in my hands and several uninterrupted hours to read.

 

How do you describe Juliet Burns? 

 

I’m an extrovert. I’ll tell you all about myself in 5 minutes. I love to sing and cook and I love kids and I believe in the power of LOVE. I think if we make the important decisions in our life with love, then we can’t go wrong. 

 

How does Juliet Burn’s husband describe her?

 

Well, he’s not a talker at all, very shy, and when I asked him if he could answer this question he said he would need more time to think on it. But I’ll tell you the best compliment he ever gave me. (Warning: Mr. Romantic he is NOT) He said he knew with me he would never be bored. I’m very open with my emotions and I think he likes that he doesn’t have to guess or wonder how I’m feeling or what’s wrong. I’m sure to tell him exactly how I’m feeling all the time. I guess that can be exhausting, but it’s definitely NOT boring.

 

MORE FUN…

 

Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on your life?

 

My mother. She’s the strongest woman I know and I’ve learned all the big important lessons on living my life from her.

 

Whom will you pass this “influence” on to?

 

To my three kids, with any luck.

 

What does this romance writer wear at night?

 

Nothing—of course.

Are you a shower person, a bath person, or a little bit of both?

 

I’m both. I love to soak in a tub full of Vanilla honey scented bubble bath, but I like to be already clean when I do, so I shower first, then soak afterward every once in a while if I have time.

 

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question:  what is your favorite comfort food?

 

Chocolate candy bars, specifically Hershey’s w/ almonds, or Snickers, or Almond Joy.

 

Thank you, Juliet, for spending time with us!  It has been fun!  Continued success with you writing.

 

By Brooke Wills

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

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