Writer Behind the Words

I am so happy to introduce this next author to you all. Julia is another one of my local ACFW pals here in the Ozarks and every time I see her she welcomes me with a sweet smile and a kind word. Keep reading to learn more about her writing journey…

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Julia Kay Jett graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a bachelor of arts in English. She resides in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband and two teenage sons. She is a member of ACFW and was a semi-finalist in the 2016 ACFW Genesis Contest. Along with writing novels, she dabbles in poetry and is a contributor to a local newspaper.
Contact Information: www.juliakayjett.com

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Welcome to the blog, Julia! I’m so excited to have you join us today!

So tell us… When did you first start writing?

I began my first novel in the third grade about a girl who climbed on a roof to tell her dad to come inside because supper was ready. However, she slipped on the ladder, fell, and was paralyzed. I never finished this story but dabbled in poetry and short stories throughout high school. At eighteen, I began writing a different novel, but again, never finished it. I wrote another novel in my thirties, this time finishing it, but after sending it to some friends for critiquing, I learned how little I knew about writing! This propelled me back to school to earn a degree in English.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on rewrites for a women’s fiction piece that contains romantic suspense elements. It’s a story within-a story that I’m co-authoring with a historical fiction writer, Ruth Tredway. This contemporary novel has a historical thread woven throughout the novel. I’m also jotting down some preliminary thoughts for a first draft of my next work in progress.

That sounds so neat! I didn’t know you were writing a story with Ruth. (Another local ACFW pal) How fun! Can you tell us about one of your favorite characters you’ve written so far?

I would say the antagonist in my novel Plain Lies, who has a split personality.

What’s something you love about your home state?

Home state questions stump me. I grew up in Ohio (18 years) with flat stretches of farmland and white winters that I loved. I married my husband and spent about 10 years in Oklahoma, rich in Native American history. Then we lived in Pennsylvania for 6 years with beautiful mountain views. However, I’ve spent the last 14 years raising our four children in Missouri, which is very much, “home” to me. I love the four seasons, the memories we’ve created, the friendships we cherish, and the many moments that built our faith. While not perfect, I’ve come to love Missouri.

What’s one of your favorite books?

Another really hard question. I’m a veracious reader. My favorite book this year has been Kristen Hannah’s, The Nightingale.

What is one of your favorite Scripture verses?

2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Can you share with us a special moment from your writing journey so far?

I received a rejection letter early in the process of trying to find an agent and it was the most honest, and thoughtful ‘no’ a person could get. I appreciated the agent taking the time to go above and beyond for a gal like me with stars in her eyes.

What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of writing?

I would say getting my work into the hands of readers.

Name a few authors who inspire you.

Kristen Hannah. Nicole Baart. Tosca Lee. Jodi Piccoult. Karen White.

Can you share a word of advice to other writers out there on the road to publication?

My best advice is to listen to advice from the professionals you admire so you can learn about the craft and business of writing, but listen with your head and not your heart.

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Julia. I’m so excited to read your work! 🙂 Have a blessed 2016!

Let’s spread the love, reading friends! You can help encourage and support Julia’s writing by connecting with her at the site below.

Website: www.juliakayjett.com

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READERS, Julia has a question for you…

“What genre would be your first pick if you were to buy a book today? (i.e. suspense, romance, science fiction, historical, etc.)”

She’d love to hear from you in the COMMENTS below. 😉

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