Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Author Interview - Julie Klassen - Part I

Today, I'm excited to have Author, Julie Klassen, with us. Julie's books, Lady of Milkweed Manor and The Apothecary's Daughter, are set in the English Regency Period.

1. Welcome, Julie. I loved your book, The Apothecary's Daughter. Where do you get your story ideas?

Thank you! My first novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor, featured a young woman, who finds herself in an unexpected profession-working as a wet nurse. For that book, much of my research dealt with medical practices of the day, including the unfamiliar profession of the apothecary. When contemplating a second novel, my editor encouraged me to think of another "unusual profession" for a woman to have. That led to the main character of this book, Lilly Haswell, who finds herself doing the work of an apothecary, at a time when it was illegal for women to do so.

2. Do you see the Regency period as a regular niche or do you plan to branch out to other timeframes?

Good question! Publishers wisely advise new authors to establish a certain genre or niche, so that readers will know what to expect. It would not work well for me to jump from Regency to Westerns to Sci Fi! So, for the next few books at least, I plan to remain within this basic time period. I chose it because it is when Jane Austen published her novels, which I greatly enjoy. In the future, I can see myself perhaps moving up to the Victorian period, and potentially to American-based historicals as well. Time will tell.

Next Wednesday, Julie will answer questions on her writing process and dealing with writer's block. You won't want to miss Part II of this interview.

What genre is your current WIP? Have you thought of subsequent novels you'd like to write?

22 comments:

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

I love Regency books and am so glad to see CBA start publishing more of them.

My WIP is a medieval, which is really not "sellable" in today's Christian market, but it is the book of my heart, so that is what I did. I'm going to try a contemporary next. (I can switch genres all I want since I'm not published! lol)

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

I'll be here!

I'm in women's fiction. Right now I"m happy where I am. :0)

Jody Hedlund said...

Hi Julie! :-) Susan, I just got to meet Julie on my trip last week at Bethany House. And she is one very classy lady!

Karen Lange said...

I just started The Silent Governess so this is doubly interesting. I'm enjoying the book and want to read her others. I was engaged from page one!

Thanks Susan, for sharing this.
Blessings,
Karen

Carla Gade said...

Great interview, Susan and Julie. I'm reading The Silent Governess right now and love every word. I love historical fiction in this time period. I write in the 19th century, typically. Although I know that can encompass many areas. My WIP's are often regency or victorian period, however, I was asked to write a western (1875)for a project and am currently working on that. To my suprise I'm enjoying it very much. I am a little concerned, since this is for my first proposal, about establishing myself as a writer of westerns, as my other projects are very important to me.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sherrinda -

I'm becoming a huge fan of historicals. Yesterday, I won Julie's newest book, "The Governess," over at Christina Banks' blog.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

I'm learning to appreciate many genres. My first series has been called, "Futuristic Fiction" and "Sci-Fi." We all know how tough those areas are to sell.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jody -

How cool that you got to meet her! I'd love to meet the many authors I've intereviewed. Maybe one of these years I'll get to the ACFW Conference.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

I'd like to go back and read her first book. I started with, "The Apothecary's Daughter."

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carla -

I haven't seen any Victorian era novels. Regency is picking up steam in the marketplace. Who knows, it might give Amish Fiction some competition.

Some writers use a pen name if they switch genres. Of course, that means building a separate platform, which could be mind boggling.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Eileen Astels Watson said...

I look forward to next Wednesday's post, Susan and Julie!

Now I have to consult my dictionary because I have no idea what a wet nurse is or an apothecary. I am so naive, it isn't funny!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Eileen -

Let see: An apothecary was something like a pharmacist, but he actually treated people.

A wet nurse provides milk for another woman's baby.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jessica Nelson said...

How weird would it be to be a wet nurse if you didn't have your own kids yet??? LOL! I can't even imagine.
Those are very cool professions that I haven't seen much of.
Thanks for the interview!

My wip is contemporary and I'll probably stick with cont. for the next few years.

Carla Gade said...

Susan, Please email me at carlagade [at] gmail [dot] com :)

Unknown said...

Great interview Julie and Susan. I've always heard the same thing about sticking to one genre, but I've often wondered how often authors get the itch to branch out. Julie thanks for answering that question, and I look forward to reading more of your interview.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

I can't imagine it myself. Remember the Eygptian princess hired Moses' mother to nurse him? At least, he was her child.

One of these days, I might be persuaded to write a romance. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carla -

Will do. :)

Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sharon -

I guess it's natural to get the "itch" for genres you enjoy reading. It happens to me. :)

Blessings,
Susan

myletterstoemily said...

i can't wait to read her book, because i love novels
set in that time period, too...another austen junkie!

i am looking forward to hearing about her writing
process. i can't seem to find any kind of schedule,
completely rudderless!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi MyLetterstoEmily -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. If this is your first time here, I post on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Occasionally, I throw in an extra post.

I think every writer experiences difficulty getting into the groove. Perhaps Julie's interview will give you some ideas.

Blessings,
Susan :)

karen said...

Greetings! I came across your blog via another friend of mine here in blogging land. I am not an author, nor even have a clue as to how to begin writing a book of fiction - but I am very humbled to be given a gift of writing poetry, as Father God has given me words of comfort, or encouragement to share with others on my blogsite, or in my own town.. I love to write of the things I hear from my Jesus - so totally awesome to thing our Lord Jesus gives us things to pen!
I am interested in your blog, as to the various things I have just read here about writing, ect.. I can chuckle to myself here, thinking how much I dislike grammar in school, or english for that matter - yet creative writing, I just jumped into with both hands, and feet - because in my youth, writing was what kept me alive for much of my childhood, and preteen years.. God was good to give me the heart to write, when I had a mouth that would not speak because of being hurt so much.. But, He is a great Provider of blessings now as an adult, and His singing songs of delight over me , lead me to pen so many poems, or poetry in song ( which is what I call the poems that speak musically to my soul ).. Anyway, thank you so much for your blog - it has enlightened my interests in writing, and how it can be done..
Blessings to you !
karen
http://www.karensthreadsofhope.blogspot.com

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen (Threads of Hope) -

I'm glad you discovered my blog and hope you'll enjoy your visits here.

While I've dabbled in poetry, it's not my forte. I started out as a non-fiction writer. While I still write devotionals and submit to anthologies, my main focus is fiction.

I look forward to getting to know you better. I'm also on Facebook.

Blessings,
Susan :)