Eswatini: A Place to Know in the World

Eswatini. You may know it as Swaziland. Or you may not know it at all. It got on my radar yesterday when a reader wrote me: “Thank you soo much Julie. Was able to download 5 books, currently reading The Temporary Bride and am loving it. Thank you soo much… read more

Billionaire Boltholes: More on New Zealand

During the pandemic lockdown I’m reposting earlier blogs if they have more relevance now than when I first posted them. This one involves billionaire boltholes. Billionaire Boltholes: Present Billionaires from around the world have their escapes in New Zealand. Here’s a video on this real estate phenomenon from May 4,… read more

Good Scenes Have Three Elements

I’m in the midst of writing Money for Nothing, the second book in my Buy Me Love Shapeshifter Series. The current scene I’m writing is giving me trouble. I need to step back and ask the question: What elements do good scenes have? So, it’s back to basics. Good Scenes… read more

Writing During Quarantine: One Tip

You get a sense of what I’m going to say about writing during quarantine by looking at my title. When it comes to offering tips, I usually come up with a list of 3, 5, 7 or 10. Here I am offering one. That’s right. One measly tip. In these… read more

Testimonials: The Decameron Special

On March 24, near the start of the global lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, I had a brainstorm. I realized that I needed to make all my romance novels available for free on all platforms. Why? Stories are what keep us going, especially during dark times. In the past… read more

Writing Vision: Centering Your Saltshaker

This blog on writing vision was originally posted on September 28, 2015. In this period of pandemic I’m updating previously posted blogs if they are more relevant now than when I first posted them. The person I speak about, below, is Danny Meyer, a New York City restaurateur. He blew… read more

Mood Boosting: Read a Romance

In January, 2015 the Wall Street Journal ran a front page article on the rise of professional cuddlers. These people might charge $1/minute to spoon. No skin-to-skin contact occurs. The cuddlers and their clients keep their clothes on. Their customers say that cuddling lessens anxiety and increases a sense of… read more