Interview & Giveaway! Julie Klassen ~ Author of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Julie!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 

Thanks, I'm happy to be here. I am from Illinois originally and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in advertising. I worked in marketing and then as an editor for Bethany House Publishers for many years before becoming a full-time writer. I live in Minnesota with my husband of 21 years, our two sons, a cat named Mojo, and a herd of dust bunnies.

What inspired The Maid of Fairbourne Hall?

I’ve wanted to write a book like this for some time, first of all, because the books I write are set at a time and place (early 1800s England) where live-in servants were common. Second, because I really enjoy programs like Upstairs Downstairs and Downton Abbey which portray the lives of servants as well as those they serve.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?

Readers I meet in person are often surprised to discover I’m tall (5’10”). I must look smaller in photographs!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have enjoyed writing stories since the second grade, according to a faded report card. And throughout school and college I took many literature and writing courses. But it wasn’t until later, after working in advertising, then as an editor, that I got serious about writing and completed my first novel.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Perhaps that I “cast” my characters, choosing actors or models for each main character before I write a new book. This helps me to see my characters as “real” people, to differentiate them from other characters, even to begin “hearing” their voices. (Yes, my husband is worried--I’m hearing voices in my head. And they all have English accents. :))

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is my 5^th book to date, and I am working on a 6^th. My first published novel (Lady of Milkweed Manor) will always be special to me, but otherwise, I seem to have a new favorite each time a new book releases. It’s the honeymoon phase, I suppose.

What would you say is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

The best part is the fulfillment of knowing I’m doing what God wired me to do--and for His glory. Being an author is a lifelong dream come true! But it is probably the hardest work I’ve ever done.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I enjoy watching period dramas, going out to dinner with friends, watching my sons play basketball, and traveling with my husband.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

My husband and I would like to visit Ireland and/or Scotland one of these days.

  

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

My favorite hymn is Great is Thy Faithfulness. And I loved the mini-series based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, North and South.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

“For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” --Ephesians 2:10

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?

Yes, I am working on my next stand-alone Regency-era novel, called The Tutor’s Daughter. More details will be shared at my Facebook party on March 15^th. Hope to see you there.

Thanks so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

I enjoy connecting with readers. Please feel free to send me an email through my website (www.julieklassen.com) or to find me at “Author Julie Klassen” on Facebook. Thanks--and thanks for having me here.

Book Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! You can read my review here. This giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada only. 


The mandatory entry is to leave a blog post comment on this post. Also, for those who leave comments as anonymous, would you please leave your name in the comment (so I can match it with Rafflecopter)? Thanks! :)

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