Julieann Dove

Verified Standard (Annual) Account

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I live on a little farm in Virginia, where the only animals I have are three dogs...Margie, the big mouth, Russell, the little gentleman, and Po, the trouble maker! Oh, and there are chickens. Lots of chickens! I love to cook, collect house plants, create quilts, and write books!!

When and why did you start writing books?

I began writing books in elementary school! Of course they were only a few pages in length and had stick figures on each page, but I think I still have that first edition somewhere. I seriously began writing seven years ago. I'd forgotten my passion underneath a mound of bookkeeping pages of client's accounts. Three months off work and my first book was near completion! I signed on with a boutique agency and the rest came along very slowly!

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I only began writing as my main career very recently. Before that, I owned a business that kept me tied to daily tasks and obligations. They say do something you love and you'll never work a day in your life. It's true! I will never work again, as I write all the stories stored in my mind.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Amy is my all time favorite. She is myself. When you know your subject, it's easy to write about it. That's what makes Amy so enjoyable to write. I plan on writing a fourth book. I miss that girl!

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

I haven't found my most difficult book to write. I always have moments of lull, where nothing is happening in the book and my fingers are bored. But that's a sign that I have to get out and breathe, shop, and take a break. Sometimes it takes a few weeks, but I re-energize and get back to it!

Who is your favourite author and book?

Hands down, I love the classics. English class in high school was the time I fell in love with reading. Emily Bronte's, Wuthering Heights lingered on my mind long after the pages were read and devoured. The weight of angst, longing, and captivity resonated with me. The sampling of all the notable authors I read was food to my soul. Some I liked, some I didn't like. But they all needed to be read and studied. Thank you to my English teacher, Ms. Sydnor for introducing all of the classics to me!

What book are you reading right now?

Believe it or not, I read a lot of non-fiction books. Currently I'm reading Tiny Habits, by BJ Fogg. It is assisting me in clearing my mind, and allowing me space to be more productive. As in writing...and reading!

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Oh my...what a great question. The first book I wrote, I was driving down the road and saw a utility truck. I imagined where it was going. Then I imagined the driver working outside of a house where a widow was inside, trying to get through another day and failing at it. I imagined him bumping into her at a diner and seeing the sadness in her eyes. Then finding her passed out. And it spiraled into a book! My first one. I get inspiration everywhere!!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love planting things. It drives my little boy crazy! He says he doesn't understand why there are so many plants in the house. I enjoy taking care of them and watching them grow. In the summer, my craziness heads outdoors and becomes much more colorful.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes! I have two new books in the works. I have a young adult that will release later this year. And I'm working on another sweet romance for early next year. Beginning a new story is so exciting. This time I'm trying my hand at outlining. I usually prefer meandering through the pages, not knowing where they will lead me!