- Can you give us a basic
summary of Discovering the Long Way Home?
Marilyn Aldreman is the 13-year old daughter of dovorced movie stars. While her parents continue to ignore her in
favour of their careers, Marilyn concocts a plan to garner their attention. She runs away and hides out in rural New
Mexico. There, she meets a variety of youths with colourful pasts. She learns to understand who she is and what
she wants. She finally finds the home and family she longs for in the most unexpected of places.
- How long did it take you to write from start to finish?
This novel took about two years of writing and editing.
- Did you do any research while writing? If so, what kind?
The only formal research that my book required was some basic fact-checking, such as road names, geographic
locations, school types, and so on. The heart of my book, though, is about human relationships. I observe
relationships around me and in society. I also use humous or heartfelt anecdotes from those around me or my own
experiences, and incorporate that into some of my charcacters' actions.
- Are there any authors or books who inspired you as
a writer?
Every book I read enriches me! I write for the joy of it. However, since I like to write stories
about ordinary people trying to make sense of everyday situations, I'm inspired by other writers who have been successful
in that genre. I'm thinking about Lucy Maud Montgomery, Jan Karon, Martha Findley, Jean Little. They remind me
that you don't have to write about wizards, vampires, Presidents, or dragons to touch someone with your writing.
- Do you keep a strict writing schedule?
Not at the moment. I have young children, including a one-year-old, so their needs come first.
That being said, there are certain times of the day when I can grab my pen and paper and jot down a few paragraphs.
At that time, I have to be disciplined and take the opportunity to write instead of playing Sudoku or something else.
- Who is your target audience?
I write for myself. I write for people who enjoy reading the same types of things that I do!
I write for people who are comfortable reading about Christianity and doubt, morality and mistakes, love and loss. My
stories will hopefully appeal to teens and adults who are open to exploring emotionally charged material.
- What are some of your favorite books?
Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Findley changed my life. I love The Cosmic Trilogy and
The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien,
and most of Shakespeare's comedies are also on my list of favourites.
- What would you like your readers to know about you?
I would really like them to know that I am interested in what they have to say. I love hearing feedback
about my work, good or bad. I created my website, www.julielarosebooks.com , as a place where my readers can interact with me. I have also created character profiles there, including illustrations,
for those who are looking for more.
- What are you working on now?
I am deep into the sequel for Discovering the Long Way Home. I also have several chapters
written on three other novels. One is a Christian mystery about angels and a special young boy. One is a story
about a family going through tremendous loss. The third is the ultimate love story. That's my baby: I've been
working on it for years and I'm taking my time with it! I also have some short stories that I hope to put on Amazon
Shorts soon (one is already there). I also write articles for various publications.
- Any tips for aspiring writers?
I'm still new to the
publishing business, so I don't know how much useful advice I can give in that department. All I know is write because
you love it. Don't write just to make a bestseller, because you'll be crushed if it flops. If you craft your work
in a way that you love reading it over and over again, it will never dissapoint you, no matter what level of professional
success it achieves.
As mentioned above,
for more information, please see Julie's website at www.julielarosebooks.com.
