Welcome back to Duck Chat!
Today we have former legal-eagle Julie James with us to talk about her sexy stories set within our judicial system. How I wish these fantasy men would wander through my depositions once in a while.
Julie is taking to heart the author/writer adage to write what you know. Her past law career is what she uses as a backdrop for her sexy romance novels. The U.S. legal system has never looked so good. In the last year and a half, she’s had three books published, all revolving around the ins and outs of courtrooms, law practices, police procedure, et al., and she talks to us about those three books today.
Julie is married and she lives with her family in Chicago. Be sure to leave a meaningful comment or a question for Julie and we’ll toss your name into the ring for a copy of her newest release, Something About You.
Now let’s chat!
DC: We’re so glad you could join us at TGTBTU today, Julie. Welcome! Would you tell those few readers who haven’t read your books yet a little something about yourself?
JJ: Thanks for having me here! Here’s the short-version: after graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law, I clerked for the United States Court of Appeals in Jacksonville, Florida. After that, I practiced law with one of the nation’s largest firms for several years until I began writing screenplays. After Hollywood producers optioned two of my scripts, I decided to leave the practice of law to write full-time. I now write contemporary romances for Berkley, and my third novel, Something About You, was just released on March 2nd.
DC: If you could retire any interview question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.
JJ: I’m very flattered when people ask, “Why do we have to wait so long for your next book?” because that means they obviously really enjoy what I write. But then of course it makes me wonder why I can’t write faster. 😉 I think part of that is just learning to be comfortable with my process. What works for other authors doesn’t necessarily work for me.
DC: I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions, or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?
JJ: Absolutely. When I get into a groove with a scene, particularly one with a lot of back and forth dialogue, I can “see” the scene in my head. Sometimes a character will say something particularly clever or funny, and I end up laughing while I type. Jason from Just the Sexiest Man Alive was a good example of that—that guy cracked me up the whole time I was writing him.
DC: Your books have been a huge success with romance readers. You do have a new release, but let’s talk about your previous books first, if that’s okay. Just the Sexiest Man Alive was your debut book and was a big hit. Would you give us a quick peek into Jason and Taylor’s story?
JJ: Sure. Taylor Donovan is a hot-shot associate at a large firm who is sent to Los Angeles to litigate a class action employment discrimination case. While she’s in L.A, her firm asks her to coach Jason Andrews, the biggest movie star in Hollywood (and three-time People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive), for a legal thriller he’s about to start filming. The problem is that Jason is, um, slightly full of himself. To put it mildly. And he can’t believe that Taylor is so wholly un-enamored with him. So he sets out to win her over and sparks fly. : )
DC: Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing? Who usually wins?
JJ: I wouldn’t say I “argue” with my characters. But there might be times when I write something I didn’t plan at first because I realize that it’s necessary to stay true to the character.
DC: What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?
JJ: The Internet! Checking email. But I’ve started limiting that—I set goals where I tell myself that I have to write a certain scene, or so many words, before I can check my email again.
DC: Practice Makes Perfect is your second book and sounds like a lot of fun when rivals become friends and lovers. Would you tell us about Payton and J.D.?
JJ: Payton and J.D. are associates at the same law firm, and for eight years they haven’t gotten along. But they play nice in public, because the one thing each of them wants more than anything is to make partner. So when their boss hits them with the surprising news that only one of them will make it, it becomes an all-out, battle-of-the-sexes war between them. But as they’re fighting it out for that partnership spot, they begin to suspect there may be a lot more simmering beneath the surface than they’d originally thought. . .
DC: Is there a genre you haven’t tackled but would like to try?
JJ: I never say never to anything, but right now I’m very happy writing contemporary romances.
DC: What advice would you give to your younger self?
JJ: Listen up, third-grade Julie: don’t tie yourself with a jump rope to Lisa Anderson and attempt to roller skate down that hill!! Because when she falls down, you will too, and YOU will have the broken arm to show for it.
DC: If you were a book, what would your blurb be?
JJ: Oh gosh, no clue. In fact, let’s just go with that—the blurb of the book about my life could be “No Clue.”
DC: What would be your “voice’s” tagline?
JJ: Hmm. . . I’d say: Smart, sexy, and fun. (I hope.)
DC: Your latest release is Something About You, which hit the shelves earlier this month. Jack and Cameron have a rocky past. Can give us some insight into their relationship?
JJ: Cameron is an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Three years prior to the beginning of the book, she worked with FBI Special Agent Jack Pallas on a case that turned out badly, and they both blamed each other. Heated words were exchanged, and Jack said some not-so-nice things about Cameron to the press—actions that got him shipped off to Nebraska. Now he’s back in Chicago, and the first case he’s assigned to is a high-profile murder investigation in which Cameron is the only eye witness. When it turns out that the killer might be after Cameron next, Jack is assigned to protect her. And you guessed it, high jinks ensue.
DC: What romance novel would you recommend our readers pick up during their next bookstore run? (Along with the latest Julie James, of course!)
JJ: I am currently making my way through Joss Ware’s new series, and Release by Beth Kery is on my nightstand as well. Prior to that, I read Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Kiss. All are books I highly recommend.
DC: If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?
JJ: I guess I’d still be a lawyer, which I genuinely enjoyed—just not as much as being an author. Nothing beats a job you can do in sweatpants. <g>
DC: What’s on the horizon for Julie James?
JJ: I’m currently finishing my fourth book, which is about a wealthy wine store owner who agrees to pose as the girlfriend of an undercover FBI agent (as part of a sting operation) in exchange for her twin brother’s release from prison. It’s a lighter, dialogue-driven contemporary romance with a small suspense subplot.
DC: Thank you so much for spending the day with us, Julie!
JJ: Thanks again for having me! For more information about me or my books, people can visit either my website or my blog.
I’ve just read and thoroughly enjoyed “Something About You.” A funny, sexy read. Thanks!
Hello! I recently discovered your books and can’t wait to read more. I still need to read Something About You, but then I won’t have anything else to read. Guess I can always do re-reads 😛 Thanks for the great reads! Will definitely recommend to my reading buddies!
Fantastic interview. Julie James would be a “new to me” author…but would love to read this book. As a paralegal by profession, I love books about attorneys and the legal field. I have read so many great reviews on this book…can’t wait to get my hands on it!!!
Great interview. You have definitely caught my attention. Would love to read your book.
What does your family think about your books?
Smart, sexy, & “laugh out loud” funny is exactly how I describe your books. BTW -don’t enter me.
Already have all your books. Great interview.
Hi Julie, great interview. Have to confess that I haven’t read one of your books so far, but I will definitely add them to my tbb list. They sound really good
I LOVE your books!! I agree with Mary G. Smart, sexy and laugh out loud funny! My husband always wonders what’s going on when I read one of yours, because I’m giggling like a school girl. Are you going to RWA in July? As far as your process: do you plot out the entire book or write as you go? Whatever it is, please keep doing it!!
Great interview! I keep looking for your books, but haven’t been able to find them yet. Definitely going to try one soon. ^^
Julie, I absolutely LOVED Practice Makes Perfect. Your witty dialogue was so engaging, I laughed and chuckled through the entire book.
I have one lawyerly question if it’s not too impertinent. What is the one piece of advice you would give to a 54 year old woman who was quite surprised to be served divorce papers today after 29 years of marriage. Actually, I guess the question should be, how do you find a great divorce attorney if you’ve never talked to lawyer in your life?
Hi everyone! Thanks for all your comments!
Lynne: Glad you enjoyed “Something About You”!
Gail: that’s so nice to hear. And thanks for recommending the books to others! 🙂
Kara: always nice to meet someone else in the legal profession. If you do pick up one of my books, I hope it passes the test. 😉
Mary G: Aw, you’re too kind. Thanks for dropping by to say hello.
Danny: Thanks! Hope you enjoy the books.
Angela: Yay! Too funny about your husband–that’s such a nice compliment to hear. Yes, I am going to RWA in July–hope to see you at the signing! As far as my process goes… I usually write a 20 page (or so) outline before beginning to write. I do that to make sure I have enough of a story for a complete book. But then, once I begin writing, I don’t really look at the outline, if it all. I have enough of the backbone of the story in my head at that point, and I want to have the freedom to change things around as I get into the book.
Melissa–oh no! Hope you find the books soon!
SeaGrace– Oh no! If this person surprised today with the divorce papers is you, I’m so sorry to hear that. Wow. Divorce cases obviously can get very personal, so my suggestion would be to ask around among friends and family–either someone you know has gone through a divorce, or someone they know has. Hopefully, you can get a recommendation from someone of a good divorce attorney. Best of luck with all that.
Hi Julie, I enjoyed your first two books and hope that some day someone is smart enough to realize what great movies they would make.
I haven’t come across many romances with a backdrop in the judicial system. Am thoroughly intrigued.
i am so looking forward to Something about You since I have read some raving reviews.
Liked Practice makes Perfect.
Congratulations on the great work!
Do you think lawyer characters should be expected to have snappier dialogue since words are so integral to law?
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book and I would love to read it.
Thanks, Maureen! Oh, don’t I wish that, too… 😉
JessW: That’s a really good question. . . “should” be expected? Hmm… trust me, I’ve met a lot of dull lawyers in my day. 😉 But I agree that it works well to have lawyer characters who are verbally expressive. Particularly trial lawyers.
Little Lamb and Linda: Thanks for dropping by!
Hi Julie. Great interview. I love your books. Something About You sounds amazing. Love the cover.
Julie,
I just finished “Something About You,” and loved, loved, loved it! “Practice Makes Perfect,” is now at the top of my TBR pile. Thanks for taking the time to do this great interview. (Please do not include me in the drawing for the book. Someone else should have a chance to enjoy the awesomeness! 🙂 )
Hello! Great interview! I really love the cover of Someting About You, it makes me wanna grab the book and read it 🙂
Hi Julie,
Wanted you to know i was visiting in D.C. this past week (from McDonough, GA) and picked up your book at Barnes & Noble. Read it in two days and loved it. It was the first time I’d read you and I thoroughly enjoyed Something About You. I will definitely be getting Just The Sexist Man Alive.
Also wanted you to know that I did a review of your book that will be posted on Petit Fours and Hot Tamales Blog ( http://www.petitfoursandhottamales.com ) this coming Sunday.
Take care and have a great day,
Sandy Elzie
I have read your 3 books. Please write more. You are the Best of the Best. Great reads!