An Interview with Julie Klassen | Guest Post by Ellis van Iersel

In June, I – a Dutch reader – had the privilege to travel with Julie Klassen – an American author – to England with a bunch of Americans (and two Canadians;-)). It was a fantastic and inspiring experience! We visited a lot of places such as Agatha Christie’s summer house, manors, ancient churches, beautiful English villages, and Bath! Very special were our visits to Sidmouth, Painswick, and St. Enodoc Church: settings for Julie’s novels. Characters came alive when walking around these grounds. Questions popped up in my mind: where does Julie get her inspiration from? What research does she do? Why are all her novels situated in England? I got to ask Julie all these questions. Curious about the answers? Then please continue reading! 

Julie, tell me about your new novel that releases in December.

The Widow of Woodlark Cottage is about a young widow, Elizabeth Eaton, who resides with her late husband’s cold, critical family. When she learns her estranged father, a writer and naturalist, has died in a rented cottage on the North Devonshire coast, Elizabeth reluctantly agrees to travel there to claim his belongings. When she reaches Woodlark Cottage, she is told the nearby manor house is empty, yet she sees candlelight flickering within, giving Elizabeth reason to doubt her eyes—and her safety. Finding her father’s final manuscript nearly complete, Elizabeth decides to stay long enough to finish it. As she does, she meets two very different men, a charming seafarer who fills her head with local legends, and an aloof man of business with his own agenda. Strange incidents begin to occur, and Elizabeth must decide which man to trust when her life—and her heart—are in danger.

Why did you write this book?

I have long wanted to write a book in the spirit of the romantic  suspense novels of author Mary Stewart. I hope this novel accomplishes that. Mary Stewart’s books usually begin with a young woman embarking on an adventure, often to an unfamiliar or distant place. My heroine faces a similar journey. When my husband and I visited Woody Bay in North Devon, England, I fell in love with the beautiful, remote setting and hope readers will enjoy visiting it in the pages of this novel.

What was your biggest challenge when writing this novel?

It’s always challenging to maintain the romantic tension and the question of which man the heroine might choose, especially in a novel like this one about a young widow whose first experience with romance was not a happy one.

What research did you do for this specific novel?

I based Elizabeth’s parents on Victorian naturalist Philip Henry Gosse, and his wife, devotional writer Emily Gosse. So I read the biographies and works of both writers. I also read a book about the setting, Woody Bay, and others about Devonshire customs and folklore. Lastly, as I mentioned, my husband and I visited Woody Bay in person.

What do you aim to give readers when reading this novel?

An entertaining love story about second chances that glorifies God.

Why should I read this novel?

If you enjoy suspenseful romances, you may enjoy this book as well.

What does your writing routine look like?

Depends on the day. An author’s life contains not only writing, but also researching, plotting, marketing, editing, and more. But when deadlines approach, you will find me sitting for long hours with my laptop, writing away.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

As my career has progressed, I’ve become more of a plotter. It saves so much time.

How do you create characters that stick in the reader’s mind?

I hope I do. I “cast” my characters using images of actors in period dramas, and also “interview them” with a list of questions that helps me develop their personalities, habits, and quirks.

How long does it take you to write a story?

About 5-6 months, plus editing and proofreading.

Where and how do you find inspiration for your novels?

Research for one book often leads to ideas and inspiration for the next.

Are you using this trip to England to find inspiration for a new novel?

No. The trip is primarily an opportunity to spend time with travelers and introduce them to settings from my books and other favorite places in England. But if inspiration strikes as well, I will welcome it!

What do you aim to give readers through your writing?

My goal is to delight readers and glorify God.

Which author has inspired you?

So many! Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, Georgette Heyer, Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Stewart, and others.

What are you most proud of in your writing career so far?

I’m delighted that my books have reached people in multiple countries and languages. I’m so thankful that God has given me the desire of my heart and lets me keep doing this!

Why are all your novels situated in England?

I fell in love with England as a girl after I read The Secret Garden and later Jane Eyre.

Why are all your novels set in Regency England?

I fell in love with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. I admire the elegance and romance of the Regency period and thankfully many readers do as well.

Are you working on a new story at the moment? Sneak peek?

I’m finishing up final galleys for The Widow of Woodlark Cottage, which comes out in December in the U.S. I have started a new novel—a marriage of convenience romance–but it’s a bit early to describe the story. When I get home from this trip I will begin writing it in earnest.

You have published 23 books. How have you developed as a writer when you look back at your first novel Lady of Milkweed Manor (2008)?

I’ve continued to take classes and hopefully matured as a writer, plus I’ve learned to incorporate more of what God is teaching me in my own life, in hopefully meaningful, though fictional ways.

Thank you, Ellis. I enjoyed traveling with you!