Ever since I met Julie Klassen as a fourteen-year-old, holding out my copy of The Apothecary’s Daughter for her to sign, I have admired her elegant professionalism and, of course, her wonderful way with words. 
Over the past five years, I have frequented her book signings (promptly devouring each new novel), chatted with her at a church Christmas dinner, and attended her lecture at a Minnesota Christian Writers Guild meeting. As an English major at Concordia University, St. Paul, I continue to pursue a dream I have held from childhood—to become an author like Julie someday.
In May, when my mom suggested I contact Julie and offer to intern for her this summer, I was hesitant. Wouldn’t that be intrusive? I would love it, but… I couldn’t dare. Could I?
Finally, my mom smiled and said, “I think you want it too much.” Why do moms always have to be right? 🙂 I wanted it so badly, I was afraid to ask. I gathered my courage and sent Julie a Facebook message saying I would be happy to write, edit, research, and do other related duties for her this summer, in exchange for the valuable experience. Soon, to my delight, I received a reply from Julie thanking me for my offer and asking if we could meet and talk it over. We met at a coffee shop and worked out the details of a writing internship, one she insisted would be paid.
That coffee shop became a familiar place this summer as Julie and I met there about once a week to discuss different projects. Julie ordered dark roast coffee and me Italian so
da. We visited over our laptop screens and a jumble of notes and books. My assignments included screening and recommending books for possible endorsements, researching historical topics for Julie’s next novel, corresponding with readers on email and Goodreads, and writing articles. I also helped brainstorm ideas for Julie’s future books, from the proposals and outlines to individual characters and scenes. She even gave me the opportunity to read and provide feedback for galley proofs of The Secret of Pembrooke Park (coming this November!)
As I prepare to study abroad at the University of Ireland, Galway this fall, and continue to write toward my own dreams, I recall the words of C.S. Lewis: “Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief.” Writing costs time, energy, and heart-baring honesty at the risk of rejection. It is a high price. But working with Julie reminds me of writing’s reward. There is a light in her eyes when she molds a character’s personality, sketches out a plot, or discovers a nugget of historical detail. There is great encouragement from readers and fellow authors. There is joy to be found in courageously pursuing God-given gifts.
Julie suggested to me that perhaps, inspired by my semester abroad, I could write a contemporary romance that takes place in Ireland…with any luck, it will be based on a true story! 🙂
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This sounds so amazing and fun, especially to aspiring authors!! 🙂
Thank you, Rachel! It was. Julie went above and beyond.
Oh wow! Wat a fantastic post! Dreams really do come true! This story itself could be ‘a book’!(lol)
Thank you, Angie. It was definitely a dream come true.
I’m so happy for both of you. Profitable for both!
Thank you, Meredith. She says it was a win-win, but I think I got the better end of the deal.
Awesome stuff here. How cool to intern with an author like Julie Klassen. But I have to admit to screaming out loud over you going to Ireland for the year. You definitely better wrte a book set there! There just aren’t enough books set in Ireland in my humble opinion. Can you tell I’m Irish? Well, Irish Canadian. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Kav! I’m fascinated with Irish culture and cannot wait to explore and write there. Thanks for your encouragement.
Wow! That is a far better summer job than any I had while in college. Good for you! Sounds wonderful!
Thank you, Courtney! Hopefully our experience will inspire other authors to do the same.
Anna, It sounds like you had a summer to remember. Have a safe journey to Ireland and enjoy your time abroad. God bless you in your endeavors.
Thanks so much, Dora.
That is so awesome! Quite an experience to get an internship like that! 🙂 Good luck with your studies!
Thank you, Kate! It was a great experience.
Anna,
Lovely work in writing this post; you clearly have the God-given gift of writing, too. I’m so proud of you for taking that risk to reach out to Julie (and impressed that you acknowledged your mom’s insight here). I’m sure you have been a tremendous help to Julie in her writing and correspondence over the past months, and what an amazing experience for you, too! Have an incredible time in Ireland – one of my favorite places on earth! You sound like a young woman with great plans and godly wisdom beyond your years. God bless you.
Your words have blessed both mother and daughter. Thank you so much, Sara.
Well-written, Anna. It was a pleasure meeting you on Sunday evening. Have a wonderful semester in Ireland. And I think the contemporary romance sounds like a great idea!
Thank you, Karen. It was a pleasure to meet you as well. I hope our paths cross in the near future!
I’m with Kav on your idea of writing a possible book in an Irish setting. I also come from an Irish background and adore visiting over there… in fact, we have only just returned home. It is so beautiful and I’m sure you will love Galway! Best of luck in your studies!:)
Thank you, Rosie! I would love to write a story inspired by such a beautiful place.
I’m so glad you took that risk, Anna. And what a great lesson for all of us! It wouldn’t surprise me to find your novels on the bookstore shelf some day.
Thank you so much, Brenda. It was nice to see you again on Sunday!
Anna, I enjoyed reading about your experience working with Julie this summer! What a priceless opportunity she extended! I burst into a huge smile when I read your last, adorable sentence in the blog! Have a fantastic time in Ireland! We will be keeping a lookout for your stories on the bookshelves!
Your words are so affirming. Thank you, Liz!
Anna, you were a perfect fit for Julie; both of you are just lovely! Best of luck in Ireland! Could I send you care packages while you’re away? 🙂
I appreciate the compliment, Heather. Thank you. Absolutely, I would love it! If you wanted to include a copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, I wouldn’t refuse!:)
Anna, you are precious!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us today, and how wonderful you’ve had the opportunity to work with Julie (yes, she is an amazing author!). Studying in Ireland sounds like a dream, and I hope all goes smoothly for you (including the contemporary romance—both in fiction AND real life). 😉
Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo
Thank you, Patti Jo. Blessings to you too.
How delightful and totally fabulous. I’m so glad you took the risk and ended up w/ both of you receiving treasure in hand. It was fun seeing you at the MN-NICE ACFW mtg. Sun. night. Wishing you a wonderful semester in Ireland and firmly believe we’ll be seeing more of you, even your own writing . . .
It was fun to see you too, Delores. I’m grateful for your encouragement.
And I heard you were a great help. What could be more fun for a future writer than doing research, reading galleys and interacting with readers? I wish those who’d love an internship like this could read this post and realize that you prepared for it for years by reading all of Julie’s books and meeting her at events. I know your connection with Julie grew organically but if it were a strategy I’d have to call it brilliant.
What a wonderful compliment! It means a lot coming from you.
Blessings Anna! Loved your post!
Thank you, Jen!
Beautifully written post, Anna! It was fun to meet you on Sunday night at the ACFW meeting. I’d say both you and Julie were blessed this year. 🙂 Praying for you as you journey to Ireland soon! What an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to read that contemporary romance. 😉
It was lovely to meet you too, Gabrielle. Thank you so much, and congratulations on your upcoming novellas.
Oh, Anna, what a wonderful opportunity you had to work with Julie Klassen! I love her books and can see why you would want to intern with her. You are so lovely and photogenic! Bethany House Publishers should use you as a model for one of Julie’s books.
Julie, if you are reading this I think you should do an online workshop that shows other authors how to guide an internship like this. I would imagine that the authors working on multiple projects could really benefit from an intern’s assistance.
Yes, Sylvia. I have read and enjoyed all the comments. Thanks for the workshop suggestion–I’ll give that some thought! Take care.
Sylvia, I am honored that you would say that. I like your idea! As a wonderful employer, Julie would be a great teacher. I am thankful for the risk she took on me.
I really enjoyed this article! That was sweet to take someone under your wing and maybe one day we will be reading her books also!
Thanks, Brenda! It was a win-win for us both.
What a blessing for both of you! Praying for your success in your writing career! Hugs to Julie!
I appreciate that so much, Carrie!