KB Chats with Julie James and our Obsession with Ryan Reynolds

First off there will be many hot pictures of Ryan Reynolds scattered all over this interview because of Julie and my current obsession with him...

excuse #1 for hot RR picture

Julie James is one of the few authors who brings such fun and skill at writing amazing contemporary romances. The moment I read her debut, Just the Sexiest Man Alive, I was amazed. And then when Practice Makes Perfect came out, I was floored. I had the pleasure of meeting Julie at RWA nationals this past summer and not only did we have some great conversations, but she gave Mho Fho some love also.

Julie and Mho having breakfast together

Not only are we addicted to coffee but also to the same type of men...

Excuse #2 for hot RR picture

KB: What made you decide to write contemporary romance?

Julie: I kind of stumbled into it, actually. I originally wrote my first novel, Just the Sexiest Man Alive, as a romantic comedy screenplay. The script was optioned by a Hollywood producer, but ultimately they didn't make the movie. So when the option expired, my film agent suggested that I turn the screenplay into a book. My initial reaction was, "Book? But that's, like, 300 pages." But I gave it a shot, and when I finished the book, my film agent hooked me up with a literary agent, and she got the book into Berkley's hands.

KB: I’ve never been to Chicago, although I'm very interested in coming for a visit. How would you describe this city to others who have never visited there before?

Julie: You should visit! Chicago is a great city. I guess I'd describe it as being somewhat like New York City, but with a Midwest influence. I think, despite its size, that it's a very welcoming, approachable city. What I love about living in the city itself is that I can pretty much walk everywhere--I often go days without getting into a car, particularly in warmer weather. For example, I live on a very residential street, yet within a two-block radius, there are three Starbucks, boutique clothing stores, a wine shop, incredible restaurants, and a Gymboree. All the essentials for a working mom. ;-)

KB: There are so many lawyers turned writers, especially those writing romance. How did you come up with the decision to give up law and write?

Julie: It was not an easy decision for me-- I really enjoyed being a trial lawyer. But after two of my screenplays were optioned, I started thinking, "Hmm. . . maybe I should give this writing thing a real shot." But still, I debated for almost a year. And it got to the point where I just felt like I needed to do it--that if I didn't pursue my writing ambitions, I'd look back one day and regret it.

KB: I'm always interested in knowing what the day in the life of an author is like. How is your writing schedule like? What would you recommend to those who want to start writing but don’t know how to or where to start?

Julie: I'll say this to anyone who is interested in writing-- do not follow my schedule. When I first started writing I was working full-time at my law firm, so I had to write at night. That habit has stuck with me to this day--I am such a nighttime person. Not a good thing to be with a toddler. So I generally do "business"-type work until about 11a.m. (answering email, promotional/publicity stuff), and then I begin writing. I write up until about 5 or 6p.m., then hang out with my son until he goes to sleep, and then I usually write for another hour before breaking and finally eating dinner around 9:00/9:30pm.

KB: Do you use critique partners or beta readers to give you input?

Julie: I don't use critique partners. As for beta readers, I used one for the first time with Something About You, and found it very helpful. My problem is that I really, really don't like anyone seeing my work until it's pretty polished. But often, I'm writing and revising up until my deadline. I need to figure that out so that I'm not handing over an entire book to my beta reader three days before it's due. As you're probably noticing, by no means do I have this writing-thing completely figured out. ;-)

KB: You have a background in writing screenplays. How is writing a screenplay different from writing a book?

Julie: Screenplays are much shorter obviously, generally only around 110 pages. That can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Screenplays have to be very, very streamlined, and I did sometimes feel like I had to cut good scenes, or that I couldn't develop characters as much as I wanted to. With books, there are no such limitations. But I'm really glad I started writing screenplays first--I think it helped give me an ear for dialogue. Watching movies and reading scripts are great tools for any writer looking to strengthen that skill.

KB: How do you do it all with being a wife, a mother and author? My head would be spinning every day!

Julie: This question cracks me up because just a couple weeks ago I sent Shiloh Walker an email saying, "Seriously, how the hell do you fit all this in?" Trust me, by no means do I have things all figured out. It is a lot to balance and, candidly, that's one of the reasons I don't write three books a year. And frankly, I'm not the fastest writer as it is. I work and re-work a scene several times before moving on. All that being said, I have noticed that my daily writing goals have increased with Book 4. I want to challenge myself, as long as it means I don't sacrifice quality.

KB: I think we are soul mates because you are a fan of actors, Cary Grant and Ryan Reynolds, like I am. What is it about these men that you adore? I guess it’s pretty obvious… ;)

Julie: Oh, we are so on the same page when it comes to men. And for anyone who doesn't think Ryan Reynolds is pretty darn hot, I present Exhibits A and B:

Excuse #3 for hot RR pictures

As for Cary Grant, the thing I like about him is that, with any scene he's in, he walks into a room and owns it. Very charismatic, very suave, yet still a gentleman. And he looks fantastic in a suit. I don't know too many men who can pull all that off.

The quintessential ladies' man

KB: When you come up with your characters, do you pick certain actors or actresses to play them, to help you visualize what they look like or how they will act?

Julie: I don't normally do that while writing the book, because I have the characters set in my head and I don't want anything to interfere with that. Once I'm done, however, I might think about what actor or actress I would cast in a certain part if I could pick anyone. The one exception to this was Cameron Lynde, my heroine in Something About You. I pictured her looking like Eva Green, who played Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale. Yep, I even borrowed the last name. ;-)

KB: What genre would you like to write for if given the chance?

Julie: I'm very happy writing contemporary romance. I did have fun incorporating a little suspense into Something About You, but it's just a subplot--the driving force that brings the hero and heroine together. Overall, however, I like writing lighter stuff and plan to keep going with that.

KB: If your life was made into a movie, what would the title be and what actress would play you in the movie?

Julie: Oh my goodness. . . seriously, I was tempted to just delete this question because I have no clue. Maybe that should be the title for my life story, "No Clue." Starring. . . hmm. . . I don't know, who do you think should play me, Ms. Katiebabs? (Ha--see how I just flipped it around like that?) ;-)

KB: I’ll play Ms. James! I think Jennifer Aniston or Sandra Bullock should play you. And if my life were made into a movie it would be over a 24 hour period and called the "Highs and Lows of an Eccentric Redhead". Kate Winslet would play me and my demon sheep Mho Fho and I would get into some wacky adventures. He would shift into a man who looks a much like this actor:

Excuse #4 for hot RR picture

Don't forget to buy your own copy of Something About You, now available everywhere!

and something to remember before you go...