Born in Crescent City, California, Julia Templeton grew up playing on the stumps of redwood trees and enjoying small town life. Julia was swept off her feet by her brother’s best friend — he had a bad boy reputation, but they’ve been married for 27 years and raised two children. After reading her first romance novel nearly thirty years ago, Julia decided to pen her own and got her start with short stories in confession magazines. Since then, Julia has written countless novels under the pen names J.A. Templeton and Anastasia Black. Julia lives in Northwest Washington with her husband, who has even posed for the cover of one of her novels, Surrender to Love. You can find Julia on Facebook and Twitter.
MTAR: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Julia Templeton: I’ve been writing for over twenty years now, and I’ve spent the majority of that time writing mostly historical romance. For the past three years I’ve been focusing my attention on young adult and new adult romances, but I love all genres of romance! On the personal front—I’m married to my high-school sweetheart, have two grown children, and three (and one on the way!) grandchildren.
MTAR: What inspired you to write your first book?
Julia Templeton: I read my first historical romance when I was nineteen, and I fell in love with the genre. A few years later I started writing my own story.
MTAR: Which book do you recommend for a reader that is new to your writing?
Julia Templeton: The Deepest Cut (writing as J.A. Templeton). I’m incredibly proud of that book. It’s deeply personal and the story just poured from me.
MTAR: Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
Julia Templeton: I’m currently writing Ryder’s Redemption, the follow-up novel to my mature YA/New Adult romance Thin White Line. I’ve been living with the character of Ryder since 1998, which is when I wrote the original version of Thin White Line. Ryder is one of those characters that readers love to hate, and I think those type of characters are some of the funnest to write.
MTAR: What was your favorite chapter (or scene) to write in The Deepest Cut and why?
Julia Templeton: That’s a tough question. I have a few favorite scenes, but one that stands out is the scene between Riley and Shane—where they talk about Riley’s cutting and the guilt she’s carried around about her mom’s death. That scene is a huge turning point for Riley’s character in that she’s able to come clean to her brother and get their relationship back on track.
MTAR: Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
Julia Templeton: Yes! I’m seriously considering writing Maddy’s (The MacKinnon’s younger cousin) story (when she’s a bit older). I want her to be in high-school or possibly first year of university. That way she’s had more time to hone her psychic gifts. Characters from The MacKinnon Curse series could have page time as well, so I think it would be fun.
MTAR: What has been the best compliment?
Julia Templeton: That my books have helped people. I’ve received a lot of email from people who cut, and I love that they could relate, and celebrated the fact that a main character had the affliction and worked through it to heal.
MTAR: Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers who wish to self publish?
Julia Templeton: Write, write, write. Get the words on the page, and then get a great critique partner (or two) who you trust to tell you the truth about your story.
MTAR: What would your fans be surprised to know about you?
Julia Templeton: I’m also a psychic medium, which means I can speak to spirits who have crossed over (and earthbound spirits as well).
MTAR: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Julia Templeton: Editing, for sure. I love the process of sitting down and writing. Getting the words on the page isn’t the issue for me. It’s the editing process, and the re-reading, and adding, and editing again. I used to enjoy it. Not so much anymore. Thank goodness I have great critique partners and editors to help!
MTAR: Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Julia Templeton: Thanks to all my readers who have followed me through the years, and the new readers who take the time to email me. Your notes and support give me inspiration, and in this solitary life of writing, it’s nice to know that people connect with what you’re doing. That’s icing on the cake!