AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Julie Hanson

NAME: Julie Hanson

Q: Where are you from (City, State)?
A:  I live in Grafton, Wisconsin

Q: How long have you been writing?
A:  I’ve been writing for several years, but never had time to really dedicate myself to it until I retired.

Q: Who/What inspired you to begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?
A:  My grandchildren inspired me.  Reading stories to them when they were small was so enjoyable that I wanted to be a children’s book author.  Creating is in my soul.  I was a crafter for many years but writing for children has been my dream. 

Q: What genre(s) do you write? Why?
A:  Children’s Picture Books.  I love the stories and illustrations. 

Q: Are your books self-published or traditionally published? Why did you choose your publishing preference?
A:  I’m self published.  It’s hard to get traditional publishers to accept the work of unpublished authors.   I also wanted to do my own illustrations.

Q: Are you a full-time author? If not, do you plan to be?
A:   I consider myself a full time Author & illustrator.  I spent many hours writing and illustrating.

Q: How many books have you published?
A:  Coralie The Cotton Candy Angel is my first book.

Q: When did you publish your first book?
A:  I hope to within a month or sooner.

Q: How did it feel when your first book was published?
A:  I’m already excited!  I’ve been approved by CreateSpace.

Q: How did you celebrate the publishing of your first book?
A:  I plan to just relax, enjoy my accomplishment and have a glass of wine.

Q: Who are your books mostly dedicated to?
A:  Coralie The Cotton Candy Angel is dedicated to my grandchildren.  I also composed a dedication poem in my book to my grandson, who we lost in a tragic auto accident in 2017.

Q: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
A:  Planning the perfect blunders for the main character to solve.  It’s a challenge but sure is fun!

Q: Do you write every single day?
A:  Yes, when I was writing the book.  Then I illustrated every day for hours.  I learned Photoshop too, which threw a wrench into the timeline.

Q: Do you have any writing rituals or routines?
A:   No.  Every time I sit down, the pen is picked up.  I’m thinking 24/7 of character names and ideas.

Q: How long on average does it take you to write a book?
A:  I can’t say yet. For the Cotton Candy Angel, I started it years ago.  Then I put it down and picked it up several times.  Finally when I retired, I had time to dive in.

Q: Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last?
A:  Absolutely! Sometimes they lasted for weeks. 

Q: Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?
A:  I just read more children’s books.

Q: What will be your next book release?
A:   Not sure. But I definitely will be writing and illustrating more books.

Q: What are some of your goals outside of being an author?
A:  Just to be happy, healthy and enjoy life.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
A: Well, I’m 70 years old and an aspiring author myself. So I would say to never give up on your dream.