As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Julie Conrad talks about the latest release in her Sarah Jane Raymond trilogy, Swansong, and what inspired her story.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author Julie Conrad about her life and career, the Sarah Jane Raymond book trilogy, and what inspired her third installment, Swansong.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
Hello, my name is Julie Conrad and I live in Cheshire with my husband and Pomeranian dogs. I love the outdoors, fitness, gardening, supporting animal charities, painting and of course writing fiction.
 I studied for a BA(Hons) Social Science and a CQSW. Social work qualification in London where I lived for five years, I worked as a social worker at three London boroughs. I moved back to the North West of England where I continued my career in the Greater Manchester area.
The last eight years prior to retirement I was a Regulatory Inspector for what is now the CQC. My studies, training and work involved psychology and psychotherapy, which have always been of interest to me and still are.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I knew I wanted to write a book in my early twenties. I wrote a little but had to focus on my degree and career to earn a living.
When did you take a step to start writing?
In 1990 I decided to write a book. I wrote two novels, High Places and Demons. My ambition was to be a published author. These two novels were put in a box for thirty years. There was no option to self-publish in the 1990s.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
At the beginning of lockdown I decided that this was the opportunity to work on the two manuscripts and have them published, having lay dormant for thirty years.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
My latest novel is the final book in my Sarah Jane Raymond trilogy. It has taken eighteen months to write all three books, Sarah Jane Raymond 1 subtitled Georgette.
SJR 2, subtitled A New Life, and my new book SJR 3, Swansong. On average it has taken six months to write and publish each novel.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Swansong?
I had an overwhelming need to continue Sarah’s journey, she was a complex woman who had drawn me into her world as she has done my readers. I enjoy writing psychological thriller/dramas. Getting into the characters mind set. As this was the third book in a trilogy the character’s personality traits had been established, the reader already on a journey with a woman whose need to control at all cost.
People set out in life with hopes and dreams, some achieve them, however, the reality of the dream is not always as it is expected.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Swansong?
The biggest challenge writing this book was considering how the reader would respond to the main character, Sarah’s ruthlessness, and psychological cruelty towards her young daughter, and other siblings in her charge.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist? Â
The inspiration behind my protagonist is naivety of youth. Rose tinted glasses inspired the main character, Sarah. A teenagers dream and fantasy of being swept off her feet by Mr Right. Sarah gets the dream man and lifestyle with the promise of happy ever after, but the reality is very different.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
The inspiration behind the antagonist is parental hope and expectation invested their children. Georgette, the first born, is a disappointment to both parents due to her unattractiveness and lack of ability.
What is the inciting incident of Swansong?
The inciting incident in the book occurs in book one, where Sarah is subjected to a life changing experience. Georgette becomes Sarah’s scapegoat of everything that is wrong in Sarah’s life, she is the embodiment of Sarah’s fears and desperation.
What is the main conflict of Swansong?
The conflict in the book rests with the two sides of Sarah’s personality, Jeckle and Hyde character.
Did you plot Swansong in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I never plan or plot prior to starting a novel. I begin by writing about a character, usually female and the story develops. Once in the creative zone I marvel at where all my ideas come from.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Swansong need?
I employ a freelance copy editor to edit the manuscript. After which I line edit myself.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Anyone wanting to write a story, I would suggest they just start writing, either long hand or on a laptop. Don’t worry about spelling or gramma at this stage, simply get into the story.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you are planning to write?
I am currently 43000 words into a new book, very different from SJR, but it is about people, their lives and how change and circumstances effect their journey.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment?
I am very proud of my accomplishment to write six books since the end of 2019. I feel this was my time to be creative and become the author I always wanted to be. It has been worth the wait to be given the time and opportunity to both write and self-publish.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
All my books are available at Amazon, Apple and all other online book retailers and to order at any bookstore.
My website is www.julieconrad.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/Julieconradnovelist
https://instagram.com/julie_conrad_novelist
PIXEL TWEAKS
www.pixeltweakspublications.com
My book list is as follows: High Places, and the sequel, Justice. Demons, Sarah Jane Raymond trilogy. SJR 1 Georgette. SJR 2 A new life. SJR 3 Swansong.
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.