Interview Julie Howard Author of Spirited Quest

Give a warm welcome to Julie Howard, Author of Spirited Quest a Deerbourne Inn Series tale. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Julie and her Spirited Quest!

What inspired this particular story?

I’d love to say this character haunted me until I wrote her story… and this is sort of what happened. A lot of writers can relate to how a character grabs hold of them (metaphorically, of course) and demands to be written into existence. That’s how it happened with the ghost in Spirited Quest. I just knew I had to create her and breathe life into her. Once I started writing, her story spilled out so easily that I felt I was writing a true story.

 Why did you choose the cover concept you did?

There are three main women in my story – Paige; her niece, Jillian; and the Lady of the Deerbourne. Each of these women have different motivations and goals through the story and this was a lot to tackle in a short book. The cover, though, gets to the heart of Spirited Quest. Jillian is a ghost-hunter and she seeks the Lady of the Deerbourne. Everything that happens in this mystery comes back to the relationship these two women establish across time. They needed to be on the cover.

What inspired you to write?

Ah, there’s nothing like a good book. I’ve always been a reader and early on, I knew I wanted to create stories too. To me, writing books was the most wonderful thing anyone could do. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that I can spend my time writing books. This is my dream job.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love to travel and explore. I’m fascinated by other cultures, religions, languages, foods, etc. I have a long list of places I’d like to visit and I’m always adding more!

Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your heroine’s bed?

Three things? She’s too much of a neatnik. But she doesn’t know an earring rolled under there two weeks ago…

 How about the hero’s bed?

Dust bunnies, an old credit card statement, and a couple pair of shoes.

 SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:

Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh> (See what did I tell you can’t use only one word – LOL)

Favorite movie: Anything based off one of Jane Austen books
Favorite book: The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck
Last book read: The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz
Favorite color: Green
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops, duh
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: All of the above
Pencil or pen: Pen

Favorite dessert: Chocolate anything

Favorite junk food: See above

Favorite thing to do to relax: Read

Paranormal or Historical: Tough one. Love both.

Favorite TV show: Currently, True Detective

A little about Spirited Quest:

Paige Norman believes in a tangible, explainable world. When her ghost-hunting niece comes for a visit, she tries not to scoff. But someone, or something, is stirring up trouble at the Deerbourne Inn and her niece, Jillian, is at the center of the mystery.

Paige is certain the handsome Aussie photographer is behind the unexplained disturbances, and she warns her niece to stay clear. Meanwhile, Jillian gets to know the otherworldly Lady of the Deerbourne, who foretells an encounter with “two men.” Then the pranks turn dangerous. Has her niece attracted a stalker or has she conjured an evil presence? Can the culprit be the man who has captured her heart?

A sneak peek between the pages of Spirited Quest!

He nodded a friendly greeting to her, his gaze grazing past to include others on the porch. “G’day, ma’am. G’day all.”

An Australian. Her heart skipped a beat. Oh, to be twenty-five, even thirty-five, again. His gaze settled on her niece, and as always happened to men where this girl was concerned, his jaw slackened, then tightened.

Next to her, Jillian grew still, lifting wide blue eyes to the newcomer. The moment passed. He was through the front door and into the lobby, and the door closed behind him.

“You’re in for some nice company this week,” Paige commented with a smile.

A frown flickered across her niece’s face. “I’ve seen him before.”

“You’ve met?”

“Not exactly. He appeared to me in a dream.” Jillian’s blue eyes were troubled as she gazed at the Inn’s front door. She lifted one hand and rubbed the back of her head, then gave a shiver. “There was blood and I was afraid.”

Buy Links:

Amazon, ibooks, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

About the Author:

Julie Howard is the author of “Crime and Paradise” and “Crime Times Two.” She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.

Author Links:

Website: http://juliemhoward.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18116047.Julie_Howard

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07D6CS4NQ

It was wonderful having you with us today.  Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Spirited Quest!

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