I have not had the privilege of meeting author Julie Klassen in person. But I am a great admirer of her writing and loved both of her recent releases, The Lady of Milkweed Manor and The Apothecary’s Daughter. She is an author whose work I will watch for with pleasure!

Besides writing, Julie Klassen also works as a fiction editor for Bethany House Publishers. Her first novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor, was a finalist for a Christy Award. Julie graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Advertising. She enjoys traveling (though not as often as she’d like), hiking, camping, scrapbooking, and watching BBC dramas. She and her husband have two sons, ages 11 and 8, and live near St. Paul, Minnesnowta.

Boy, can I relate! It’s snowing here as I type this.

Julie’s latest book, The Apothecary’s Daughter is a Regency Romance which released from Bethany House in January 2009.

Here’s the blurb:

Lilly Haswell remembers everything—whether she wants to, or not….

As Lilly toils in her father’s apothecary shop, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother’s disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond—of travel and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for—the truth of the past and a love for the future?

Blending romance, family drama, and fascinating historical detail, The Apothecary’s Daughter is a novel to savor and share.

Jill’s comment – I absolutely loved this book! Historical fiction at its best. Don’t miss it!

You can find The Apothecary’s Daughter at these online bookstores:
Amazon and CBD, and Barnes & Noble.

I asked Julie to tell us about herself and her writing ~

Jill: When and how did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Julie: I’ve known since I was quite young. My second grade report card says: Julie’s poems and stories show great potential. If only I had gotten serious about writing while I could still call myself young! :)

Jill: We have this in common as well…though I dare say you are younger than I am. :)

Can you share with me some of the highlights of your writing journey – something particularly memorable or humorous?

Julie: In my day job, I have the privilege of working as an editor for Bethany House Publishers. When I (secretly) wrote my first novel, Bethany House was my first choice to publish it. Since I work with the people who would be reviewing the manuscript, I submitted it under a pseudonym so that if it was accepted, it would be done so objectively. Of course, this would also allow me to show my face at work if it was rejected! Thankfully, they liked it. Whew.

Jill: Tell me a bit about what you write now and what you hope/plan to write in the future. Do you have a favorite genre?

Julie: I am currently writing historical fiction set in early 19th century England. My novels are sometimes classified as Regency Romance, because they follow many, but not all, of the conventions of a “novel of manners.” I love the romance and restrained passion of Jane Austen’s era and plan to stay within it for my next few books as well.

Jill: Historical fiction is my favorite genre. :)

Do you consider your writing the work God has given you to do for a lifetime or for a season of your life? If you could pursue anything else, what would it be?

Julie: I feel as though God has wired me to be a creative writer and it is so satisfying and exciting to write stories that—hopefully—glorify him and delight readers. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.

Jill: I understand the feeling.

Are there people in your life who encouraged you, who are responsible for you becoming a published author?

Julie: My Mom has always been my biggest fan. I also had some great English teachers who encouraged me. But interestingly enough, it was my husband’s layoff that finally pushed me to finish and submit my first novel (Lady of Milkweed Manor). Desperate times really do inspire desperate measures!

Jill: Can you share one struggle that entered your life as a result of writing and how God helped you to overcome it, to make you more like Christ?

Julie: I am still learning to balance my roles as child of God, wife, mother, employee, writer, friend, etc. What am I learning?–If it’s not for Him, it’s not worth anything.

Jill: Likewise, is there a particular joy in this writing business/ministry that God has used to remind you that He is, in fact, using your words to His glory?

Julie: God is the first and ultimate creator/author. He has created millions of “lifelike” characters and inspiring life stories. That He allows me to reflect or emulate a tiny splinter of His awesome creativity and word-power…now that is joy. I am still floored that He can use a flawed person like me to encourage others.

Jill: Has writing opened opportunities for you to give your testimony and witness for Christ or minister to fellow believers? If so, can you give one example?

Julie: Hopefully the books themselves witness and minister to people in subtle ways. I have received emails and reviews from nonbelievers who seem surprised they so enjoyed a Christian novel. But the majority of emails I receive are from believers who have been touched or challenged in some way. These never fail to surprise, humble, and inspire me.

Jill: I heartily agree.

If you want to learn more about author Julie Klassen, visit her website.

Thanks Julie, for joining us this month on Spotlight!