MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JULIA CLARKE!

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?
Hi, I’m Julia Clarke! I write contemporary romance, and I plan to release my first paranormal romance later this year.
Can you tell me about your Series?
For the past few years, I’ve been co-authoring a slow-burn contemporary reverse harem series with just a touch of intrigue. If you’re interested in exploring a world where the main character is surrounded by a group of amazing guys, each of whom could easily be her dream guy on his own, check out The Stardust Series.

Phoenix: http://amzn.to/2unW1EK
Draco: http://amzn.to/2usHzuE
Pyxis: http://amzn.to/2tfZENr
Chamaeleon: http://amzn.to/2tuk8gg
Vega: http://amzn.to/2uxRQ9S

Polaris: Book Five of The Stardust Series releases April 20, 2018! Available for preorder now.
https://www.books2read.com/Polaris
“We want you to choose all of us.”
Unsure how to react to Knox’s simple but life-changing declaration, Haley focuses all her energy on the guys and her Zenith training, hoping the rest will fall into place. Still, as her love for Knox, Theo, Chase, Liam, and Jackson deepens, she worries their connection won’t be enough.
When an unexpected encounter magnifies her fears, she realizes she’ll have to make a choice after all. Will Haley find a way to accept her unconventional relationship with Team Jaguar, or will she risk losing them forever?
Phoenix: Book One of The Stardust Series
All Haley Jones wants for her eighteenth birthday is answers. Thanks to an overprotective dad and a secluded existence in the Sierra Nevada wilderness, Haley has never experienced a typical life. Her dad claims there’s a good reason for their isolation, but he refuses to tell her why, delaying her questions with the promise of answers when she turns eighteen. That day has finally arrived, but the explanation raises more questions than answers. And when Haley wishes for the chance to explore the world, she finds that the old adage rings true—be careful what you wish for.
How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?
Phoenix: Book One of The Stardust Series was my first foray into being a published author, my first attempt at writing reverse harem romance. My co-author and I were bored at work and joked about what we would do if we had a harem. Now, three years later, we’re releasing the final book in the series.

Do you have a favorite book out of this series?
As far as The Stardust Series goes, I’d have to say that the final book in the series is my favorite. Polaris is the conclusion of Haley’s story, and I really poured my heart into this book more than any other. After spending three years with these characters, I learned so much about writing and about myself, and it was bittersweet to say goodbye.
What kind of research did you do for this book?
For The Stardust Series, tons! Everything from the setting (we even went so far as to visit Santa Cruz, California, although that wasn’t until after the first book had been published) to self-defense techniques, to various injuries that arise. We tried to be very true to life, while still allowing readers to escape reality.
We also did a fair bit of research into constellations and their meanings. Each of the books is named after a constellation, and we wanted the names to tie into the story somehow.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?
Do I have to pick just one? Honestly, I love all the characters, but Haley is my favorite. As the first character I had the privilege of writing, she will always hold a special place in my heart. She’s genuine and smart, and despite all the challenges she’s faced with, she always handles herself with dignity and grace. Haley is someone I admire, and to some extent, envy.
What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?
My schedule varies quite a bit, but I generally spend the bulk of my day writing, handling administrative tasks such as website updates or preparing a newsletter, and interacting with readers. I’m an early bird, but there’s never enough time in the day, and with a busy toddler on the loose, flexibility is key!
I write in my bedroom/office at home. My desk is a small table that I decorated with a mosaic design, and I have a salt lamp that gives a nice warm glow. Recently, I’ve started setting a daily writing goal, and it’s nice to watch the word count grow.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Expressing the scenery, the characters, the emotions as vividly as I imagine them.
Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?
Paranormal romance and contemporary sports romance.
Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?
I do! I’m currently writing a novella titled, Charms of Attraction. It will be released August 21, 2018 as part of Realms and Rebels: A Paranormal and Fantasy Reverse Harem Collection. You can read more about it on my website: https://www.authorjuliaclarke.com/r-r-box-set
(A treat for all #iBooks readers: pre-order this collection of paranormal & fantasy #reverseharem stories for only 99c: https://books2read.com/u/bzaGdD?store=apple #amreading #PNR #fantasy #preorder #99cents)

Where did you get the inspiration/idea for your story?
For Charms of Attraction, I was drawn to the idea of a character who isn’t perfect, who harbors secrets and feels crushed by loneliness. She’s beautiful but believes she’s unlovable. She has powers yet feels powerless. She’s this dichotomy, and she will have to overcome her fears if she has any chance at love.
What’s the best thing about being an author?
I find that writing, at least for me, is like the challenge of assembling a puzzle. You accept that, eventually, all the pieces will fall into place, but it’s the process of getting there that can be so much fun (and at times, so frustrating).
Apart from the actual process of writing, I have to say the readers are the best thing about being an author. Having a reader tell you how much the story meant to them, or how it helped them through a difficult time, is the greatest feeling.
Where can your fans find you and follow??
I always love connecting with readers, and you can find me at any of the links listed below.

Website: https://www.authorjuliaclarke.com
Newsletter: https://www.authorjuliaclarke.com/newslettersignup
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2AcI1AY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliaClarke/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/juliaclarkesweethearts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliaclarke_author/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14241525.Julia_Clarke
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julia-clarke

Thank you, Amy! It’s been a pleasure.