On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Julie Conrad discusses her new book, To Everything There Is A Season in which three disparate women become unexpectedly intertwined through a series of white lies and unusual events.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Julie Conrad about her life and career, the inspiration for her new book, To Everything There Is A Season, and her creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am a retired social worker and regulatory inspector. I am married and we have two Pomeranian dogs. I love the outdoors, walking, fitness, using a gym. I like to travel taking the dogs with us. My passion is writing and painting with acrylics. I love to read anything historical and esoteric. My greatest love is for all animals, especially my dogs both past and present.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I first wanted to write a book in 1989-1990. I wrote two draft manuscripts, High Places and Demons, both novels. These were put in a box for thirty years until 2019.
When did you take a step to start writing?
2019 was the time I decided to re work High Places and self-publish the book, it was well received so I wrote a sequel entitled, Justice.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
My first published novel, High Places was in draft form but needed a lot of work, it took about eighteen months to complete and self-publish.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
My current novel, ‘To Everything There is a Season.’ which is due for release 27th May 2025 published by Collective Ink imprint Round fire, took from first idea to release just over two years.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write To Everything There Is A Season?
The idea behind writing ‘To Everything There is a Season,’ came from pondering on the saying, ‘Every dog has its day.’ Which was the original title of the book. I asked myself, does everything and everyone have their day?
Life is complex, some people are more fortunate than others in many ways, health, support, background.
My story is about the lives of three women of different ages and backgrounds whose paths cross by chance. I began with Ivy Moon, spinster, left alone following the death of her elderly mother. Ivy uncovers an unforgivable, betrayal following her mother’s passing. I was interested to see how Ivy would deal with the double grief of her mother’s death and her mother’s betrayal, and years of a wasted life.
What were your biggest challenges with writing To Everything There Is A Season?
The greatest challenge writing the book was taking this sad story of Ivy Moon and merging her into a thriller. This is where the other characters come into play.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
The inspiration for the protagonist, came from a letter to an agony aunt on a radio programme, the empathy I felt for the bereft woman stayed with me for decades.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
The antagonist is inspired by the many set backs people face in life, be it emotional, financial, the list is endless.
What is the inciting incident of To Everything There Is A Season?
The inciting incident in the life of Ivy Moon turns out to be more than the death of her mother, what Ivy discovers irrevocably changes her perception of not only the present but her past.
What is the main conflict of To Everything There Is A Season?
The conflict in my book is how to deal with the challenges that a revelation or radical change in ones’ life can be processed and managed.
Did you plot To Everything There Is A Season in advance, or fly by the seing did your book need?
I never plot or plan a beginning, middle and end. I simply start to write about a character, as they develop and take on life, I introduce other characters. The original character does not always remain the central character. When I write I lose myself in my imagination. I never know in advance what will happen or how it will end.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Everything There Is A Season need?
I always send my manuscript to a professional, freelance copy editor. It is crucial to ensure that the finished manuscript is copy edited to a high standard.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
I would advice anyone wanting to write a story to simply start writing. If writing fiction allow your imagination to work freely. Get the story down, you can tidy up, revise and edit the work later. If you send your manuscript to publishers and receive rejections, don’t be disheartened. Publishers are businesses who are looking for work they consider profitable and marketable. It doesn’t mean your work is not good.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
My next book is entitled ‘Walk the Crooked Path.’ I am 81000 words into the manuscript. It is contemporary fiction/thriller.
I have self-published six novels, High Places, sequel Justice. Demons. Sarah Jane Raymond trilogy. Sarah Jane Raymond, book one sub-titled Georgette. Book two sub-titled Charlotte. Book three sub-titled Joanna. My latest book To Everything There is a Season is published by Collective Ink imprint Round fire.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am very proud of my achievements. I have good five-star reviews on Amazon. I am building a readership who have read all my books. It is worth all the effort to see your books in print and available as e-books. If you enjoy writing books and others enjoy reading them, it is a job well done.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4mmuPgA
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3YOq7yd
Facebook. Julieconradnovelist
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