Featured Interview With Author JuJu (AKA Julie Lomax)
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I find that I am a curious. I also find I don't have enough time to look, read, question and solve all those things I find so very interesting. I believe most people will read through the newspaper in about an hour and start their day…not me. I start the paper, and then see something that perks my interest…this, then, leads me down many search corridors and I find myself hours later, still delving and scanning through google, safari, etc. There's probably a name for that, but I don't care. My children are the same way. When we call to talk to each other, we literally could be on the phone for hours, sharing what we know now, what we've getting into and where we think this is going to go.
I feel fortunate to have acquired a loving dog named JuJu, who stays at my side and often reminds me to stop what I am doing to take her outside, feed her and reward her with treats. She lovingly waits while I solve my quordle each morning before going on our morning walk around the neighborhood. I didn't teach her anything but I find that she is incredibly smart. She knows when to eat, sleep and go to bed. She has managed to teach me and often rescues me to eat, sleep and go to bed.
Because I love this dog so much, I started using her name as the author writing children's stories. It's more or less a sweet way of honoring this loveable creature who puts up with me, day in and day out. She does on a positive note, love children and will roll around in the grass and inch her way toward any anxious child who holds out their hand wanting to pet a dog. Her small kisses and nuzzle are tender to touch, and she manages to keep her temperament around even the rowdiest of children in the neighborhood. I think this dog of mine has an old soul. How lucky I am.
I was raised in the country, in Mississippi. I think that speaks volumes. My backyard abutted the national wildlife reserve. My backyard was full of animals, tree and ponds. I learned how to call back to the wild cats, and whipoorwills, build forts, build fires, swim, hike and find water using sticks and rods. I now live in Tennessee. I know, not much of a change-but before making that final move, I did travel around the world during my previous career which is a whole other story.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I would say that the writing came early. I remember being inspired by a contest one of my English teachers attempted in ninth grade. I was nominated by the class as the best story, and so, the seed was planted. Later, in High School I became invested in the school paper and served on the staff. I read a lot then, both fiction and nonfiction. And to this day, appreciate both. I would add, that comic books do not get enough attention. For children with reading difficulties, like myself, helped tremendously bolstering my confidence and interest in reading.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have several favorites, which is unfair to say, when asked who is your favorite. There were so many. I remembered the first time I cried, reading a story written by Somerset Maugham's, "Of Human Bondage." I made a mental note then, that I wanted to write with emotions as well. Another favorite was O'Henry. I liked his short stories, because one, they were short and I could get one packed in prior to going to bed and secondly, they often left one with food for thought. Agatha Christie is another author I enjoyed. Because her mysteries and solving cases intrigued me, I made another mental note to have mystery and hooks in my story lines. I can think of several more, but I think if I rank ordered, I would have to include Poe. His stories often did not tell the name of his characters, and you only knew them through their actions and descriptions. I loved that.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
"The Costly Wish" is out now and I have been promoting it, as the follow on story will come out this year and they sort of run together. I took three main characters and weaved them through seven chapters. Each chapter serves as a stand alone story, with at least one of the three in that chapter. Yes, Yes. I kill off several. That's the beauty of murder and mayhem. At points in the story, I am hoping readers experience enjoyment, intrigue and worry for the characters. At times you may cheer for the victim as well as the villain. I hope I get feedback from more readers, and see if they pick up on that.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
JuJu (AKA Julie Lomax)’s Website
JuJu (AKA Julie Lomax) Twitter Account
To discover a new awesome author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and you want to find new readers come submit your book to our Awesome Book Promotion service.
