Chapter 24 visiting author

Catherine Farke, Publisher of Romantic Times Magazine, made a telephone interview with historical novel innovator︱Julie Garwood has 18 best-selling books on the New York Times list, with a total sales volume of nearly 20 million copies. Julie Garwood continues to use her talent to write a novel This wonderful book challenges the self and the publishing system. Whether she's writing medieval or Regency stories, genres that gloomy paperback pundits claim are hard sells, Jolie has attracted millions of readers.Coupled with her screenplays and novelettes, Jolie has launched an astonishingly accomplished writing career.

A few years ago, Hexuan Company filmed Rose into the movie Rose Mountain Villa, which was broadcast on TV in 1997 and became a sensation. Le's list. Since then, readers and viewers have been writing to CBS clamoring for a sequel.Hexuan Company recently announced that it will shoot a sequel, and the most unexpected surprise is that the script of the sequel will be written by Julie herself for the first time. Julie and I got married in the early 1980s, when it was not easy to get a foothold in the romance world.We had an open and honest conversation during a recent phone chat. I bet you all thought we were talking about movies and books from the start.

actually not. We spoke first of the fragility of life, for several of our fellow romances were either in heaven or seriously ill. We then talked about how important it is to live life to the fullest while we have the time and the opportunity, and that led to a conversation not about men and marriage, but about the real things we're looking for today: travel, hunting for good books, and collecting antiques. Then we started planning our September itinerary, planning a few days of serious treasure hunting in Toronto before the next bibliophile convention.We want to visit all the bookstores and flea markets in Toronto.

Julie especially enjoys visiting Toronto's large underground malls.She loves Canadian romance fans, and there were hundreds of them at her last Toronto autograph session. After agreeing that at our age, it's nice to be single and independent, we were ready to talk about books. Like all women, emotional discussions always come first. You will be interested to know that Julie's current writing schedule includes two screenplays, one of which is the sequel that He Xuan was mentioned earlier, and the other is a movie that teenagers will watch. You all know Julie as an accomplished author of young adult books.Her first published book was Emily in 1986.What about the girl published under Chase's pseudonym? .

My Los Angeles attorney is very enthusiastic about He Xuan's case.Julie said.I wanted to do more than just adapt the book into a movie script, I wanted to write the script.But writing screenplays is a sideline because I still love books and fiction.she said firmly and affectionately. But some books are like watching a movie while they are being written.she hastily added.Their pace is faster. I prefer to write novels, because novels can describe characters more deeply, and I like long-winded narratives, which may have something to do with my Irish heritage.She admitted with a thin Irish accent.

The script has a lot of dialogue and direction, but you have to be very bossy.She continued on with demure demeanor.I love writing cutaways and alignments here. Why a novel?She whispered as if whispering.I want to know everyone's thoughts and reactions; I would never want to switch to just writing screenplays. Julie clearly loves her job.Divorced for several years and living alone in a house she bought in Kansas four years ago, she is perfectly content to be self-reliant and single. I don't think I will ever remarry.she revealed.I just love being myself and writing so much.She currently works eight hours a day at a desk.

Then she talked about her wonderful children.Daughter Elizabeth studied at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.She is stunningly beautiful.Mom said.I don't know how she became like this, with blond hair and green eyes, slender and slender.It must be related to aerobic exercise. Son Brian is about to have an MBA and a law degree.Last year he worked at Capitol Hill in Washington and interned at a law firm.I don't know which way he will go in the end, but I'm sure he will be very promising.she said proudly. No, I didn't ask Brian if he had seen Monica.Luwinski.Julie can see through gossip lovers at a glance, just like the heroines in her books.

And Gary is Julie's pride and joy; a bright and creative senior who can do whatever he wants. Then I talked to Julie about her new book. The Ransom is a long book, nearly five hundred pages.Even Linda said it was heavyweight.Julie explains. By Linda I mean Linda Marlowe, romance editor emeritus at PocketBooks, who edits all authors whose names begin with J. I love the story of Ransom.Its background is set in 1208, and the heroine must complete the task and return to England within a certain period of time in order to rescue her uncle who was taken hostage.I always like to make a story suspenseful.

King John is also in the book, and in the prologue he is the prince.The church wanted to excommunicate him, which was not uncommon at the time.She comes with instructions.There are many interesting historical things in the book.I love love stories, some of them even make me laugh while writing them. There are two samurai in this book, Shinresi and Boo Body, and I love these two guys who are full of jokes. Aspiring writers, use this extemporaneous summary as a model to learn from.Don't you want to condense a five hundred page novel into a few short sentences like Garwood? When is the book coming out?I asked.I'm hooked and can't wait to see it.

Catherine, you always know this before I do.she says. Really?I said it in a thoughtful but dubious tone.I'm just the publisher of Romantic Times Magazine.Fortunately, reviewers are well aware of the details of these new book release dates. I am not kidding.Julie added.I thought Ransom was coming out in December, but Romantic Times called and told me it was slated for a March release, but went on sale in February.You also know that the schedule depends on which authors the Pocket Press has a book to publish in a given month; each publisher changes the schedule back and forth.So as long as they know, I don't worry about that kind of thing.she said wisely.

So you must be busy writing your next book right now?I ask because I understand romance writers have deadlines. I'm writing my next book, but the title hasn't been decided yet.I usually don't think of the title until I'm halfway through the story. But this book is about a big family, eight children, six boys and two girls, and their father is a judge.The hero is one of those eight children. Julie knew this sibling relationship well.She always credits her accomplishments to being raised in a large Irish family. The Irish are great storytellers and love to paint every situation in detail.Julie said.And I'm the sixth of seven children, so I discovered at an early age that self-expression had to be quick, forceful, and imaginative.My mother said I was creative, and the nuns called me mischievous. This upbringing allows Jolie to create characters from any historical period that still identify with readers as real people. My goal is to make every book better and increase the difficulty to push myself.So my next book will be modern.As much as I love writing historical romances, I've found that this story can only be written in a contemporary setting. Julie has recently gotten the best compliments readers can give an author.The reader wrote: You create a new genre, you add modern voice and humor to historical romance. She must be a new reader.I said.There is never a shortage of humor in your books. Almost not.she laughed.Years ago, when the editor persuaded me to delete the humor in the book on the grounds that it was not good for sales, you told me not to worry about that, and you said that my humor must sell for money. I will always remember that conversation.It was one of the first meetings of the Romantic era, at the Roosevelt Hotel.You're right, the Gentle Warrior from 1985 did sell well. Believe it or not, there was a time when Julie worried that she would never have a successful career.You may find it difficult to understand, but dear readers, in the mid-80s, Jolie's first two historical romances, Gentle Warrior and Angel and Wolf, published by Tapestry Press, were mainly obtained only by Romantic Times and Youxin Bookstore. Thanks to her appreciation, we spare no effort to promote her book.Reader loyalty and word of mouth finally brought Julie to the attention of Pocket Press, and the rest is publishing history. Readers have always played an important role in Julie's social circle.She mentioned that she would invite two reader friends to go to Toronto with her for a crazy shopping trip.I knew they would love that city and those shops as much as I did. While some romance authors find fame and fortune a mental burden, Jolie is one of the happiest authors in the romance world.Her hard days are over. I think not being able to smile is a sign that you are broken.The Irish laugh at a wake, and that salute is the best send-off. When I write gloomy stories, it's best to have a joke in them.I don't like characters who don't have a sense of humor. Ireland plays an important role in Julie's travel plans.She was accompanied by her three older sisters and daughter, who were visiting counties Kirk and Clay, the birthplaces of their late parents. By the way, as this article went to press, Pocket Press announced that "Ransom" would soon become Jolie's nineteenth New York Times bestseller. As the Irish Prayer says: The breeze backs her, the sun shines on her face. Want to talk to Julie.Garwood contacts can be written to: Reproduced by Pocket Press. Interview with Julie Garwood in the reception room of Berne & Noble Online Bookstore, talk about "Ransom" Time: February 16, 1999, 7:00 pm EST Host (Master for short): Good night, Julie Garwood!Welcome to the reception room for the third time.Nice to have you chatting with us about Ransom.How are you tonight? Julie Garwood (referred to as Zhu): Very good!I am very happy to chat with you online. Libeth, Pennsylvania: Dear Ms. Garwood, The best gift I ever received on Valentine's Day is your new book, Ransom.I started watching that night and finished it around four o'clock in the morning.Likewise, I wish I could meet the characters in the book, laugh and cry with them.Actually I only have one question, er, well, two.Where did you get the inspiration to draw such lifelike characters, castles and lands that make readers feel like they are there?Does it put a lot of pressure on you to go beyond the previous book every time? Zhu: My rich imagination and love of history are my sources of inspiration.There is no particular inspiration for this story. Too many readers have fallen in love with the two supporting characters in The Secret Promise. I have been asked to write their stories, and I always pay attention to the voices of readers.I always knew I would write their stories, I just didn't know when.I have always only competed with myself.I think it is very important for a writer to go beyond himself and strive for perfection.That's always been my goal.I always feel that if I can rewrite a book, I can write it better.It worries me that I'm never satisfied with the results.Really, I was worried that I would disappoint my readers, so I'm relieved that Ransom has been well-received. Richmond Hannah: How did you, as a writer, come up with the medieval setting for your romance?Was that your favorite period to write about? Ju: I majored in history, and I fell in love with that period when I took courses in ancient history and medieval history.I love everything to do with the feudal system, where everyone's status is fixed at birth.As a daydreamer, I secretly wondered what would happen to people who did not fit into that system, and it was those people's stories that I wanted to write.Yes, that was my favorite period to write about. Heather, MA: I must tell you that I finished Ransom in one day.I can't put it down.The same goes for secret promises.Now that Ian and Birdie have stories, is there any possibility for you to write Lacey and Reki's story? Zhu: It's interesting to say that I have received countless letters from readers asking me to write their stories.I guarantee you'll see it, but can't tell you when. Deborah, NY: When you write fiction, do you write the story for the character, or do you design the character for the story, or both? Zhu: Every story is different.Certain book plots determine how characters react, such as when spring comes.In Ransom, I wanted to strike a balance between the two, but if I had to choose, it should be the characters that drive the plot.Most of my books are like that. Sarah, New York City: I found you in a supporting role in The Secret Promise as the main character of Ransom.What was so difficult about continuing a character's life in a different book?Will Liane and Liting's story extend beyond Ransom? Ju: It's like a family reunion reminiscing about old times. It will be interesting to see how they are doing now.Yes, you'll see these characters in other stories.What I want to prove is that the rain and the sun will meet after making a promise, and this is the essence of a love story. Lily: What's your favorite book?Written by?Why like? Where did the inspiration for writing Ransom come from?What was going on in your life while writing Ransom? (Not obligatory to answer, but can you?) Thanks. Ju: My favorite books remind me of meaningful times in my life.There are so many good books, the first one that made me interested in reading was Nancy.The Complete Works of Drew.To Kill Mockingbird is always my favorite.It was the first book that had an impact on me, touching and thought provoking.The other is Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, because it was the first Shakespeare play I read, and it made me realize the beauty of language for the first time.Last but not least the Dr. Suzie books because they remind me of my children when they were kids.I was working on Ransom in my family's study, with books stacked from floor to ceiling.I have a ladder with wheels that allows me to reach the books on the ceiling.There is a wooded area behind the house where I can enjoy the greenery and the changing seasons.The more lively life is, the happier I am.I can't work in silence.When I was a child, I would do my homework at the dinner table with my sister and brother. There was always noise around me, so I learned how to shut out the noise.In a banquet I might write a great plot.When I'm alone in the house, I turn the TV on blaring. DeRay, Nebraska: I'm writing a report on the history of American literature about novels made into films.Have any of your books been or will be made into films? Zhu: Hexuan Company bought the copyright of Rose and made it into the movie Rose Villa.I also adapted another book into a screenplay and wrote part of the screenplay.The rights to the script have been bought, and it's not known if it will be made into a movie, but it's not based on any of my books. Jolie, Arkansas: It's an honor to speak with you.I've been trying to get my husband to read your book, what percentage of your fiction readers are male? Ju: I can't tell you the percentage, but I get a lot of letters from male readers.Interestingly, they always explain why they read my book in their letters.The reason is always the war scene.That made me want to write back and ask: what war scene?I guess they also like history.Most of my readers are women. Brenda, MA: Do you have any plans to write a sequel to the wedding in the near future, about Kun Lang and Faith?If you haven't been then I highly recommend Scotland Tours.You must experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands for yourself. Zhu: I really want to write the story of Kun Lang, but I don't know when it will be.I would love to visit Scotland. A reader in California: Hello, Julie.Remember the guy from The King's Reward who was supposed to marry the heroine?I heard that you plan to write a sequel with him as the main character.Are the rumors true?Thanks. Ju: I currently have no plans to write his story. Northern California Barbie: I've read and loved every single one of your books.The only problem is, I run out of books to read when I finish them all.I want to know who your favorite author is, so that I can have someone else's book to read when I don't have yours. Zhu: I like reading books, but I don't read historical romances when I write historical romances.The reading club I joined is just beginning to read the sacred secrets of the Yaya Women's Association. I can recommend friends to you, but I don't want to have any regrets.So trust your booksellers, if they understand romance, they will definitely have good book recommendations. Alice in Northern California: Can you write the story of Lacey and Reki?Or Kun Lang and Faith in the wedding?Those would be two great stories! Zhu: I agree.They are all on my writing list. Emanda, Indiana: I'm seventeen years old, love all of your work, and wonder what your next book is about.Medieval romances are my favorite and I hope the next book is a Thing Rathy and Corregiste story.If it's not convenient to reveal the content, then let us know when it will be released, hopefully soon.When will you be in the Chicago area?I would love to meet you. Zhu: I am a member of the Art Institute of Chicago and go there often.We had to keep asking Burn Noble to do book signings for me there.I can't tell you when the next book will come out because I'm not broke.But I can tell you it's a modern romance.Surprised?I'm considered the least likely author of a modern romance, but this story compelled me to.The story only works if it's set in modern times.I love the characters in the book, which is very important.I really hope you take a look and let me know what you think. Paulina, MD: I noticed that most of your stories are about young couples.At least the heroines are all young.I am your old reader, an older reader.Would you consider writing a book about older couples?You touch on it a little bit in Presents, but I'm thinking of a whole book featuring older couples.Maybe Leanne's uncle? Zhu: That's a great idea.I feel a little frustrated because I want to write a book where the main character's age and appearance are unknown so the reader can imagine for themselves, but I think a story with a mature older woman as the main character would be a great idea. Jolie, Arkansas: Have you ever considered, like dealing with secret promises, continuing a family story from one generation to the next, all the way into the nineteenth century? Ju: I haven't considered it, but I think it would be a good idea.That depends on when I think of a story that fits those characters. Jervi, Missouri: How did you ever want to write stories about the Middle Ages? Ju: I always knew I was going to write about Birdie and Lacey, at least one of them.Since there are so many reader requests, I decided to write it now.I love everything medieval.If I could time travel, I would definitely go back to the Middle Ages and have my modern heroes and heroines meet these people.That must be fun. MARY KANSAS CITY: Ms. Garwood, hello.I absolutely love the humor and personality you bring to the characters in your book.Have you ever considered writing a sitcom TV series? Zhu: Wow!It must be fun being on a writing team for a TV series, but I have a soft spot for novels. Leon, Georgia: What do you like to do in your free time, when you're not writing another great romance? Zhu: Thank you for your compliment.After the internet chat was over, I was going to do yoga and it was a pain.I wasn't in such bad shape before, but I was determined to get back fit.I love watching movies, and I often go to fundraisers.Also, I'm always free to have lunch with people. Jolie, Arkansas: Hi, Julie.I want to start by saying that you are the only reason I started watching Romance in the first place.I love every one of your books.I also have a rich imagination and love to come up with stories.But when I conceive, what I conceive are often fragments one by one.Is it the same when you write stories?Or are you writing on a schedule?I'd love to see Jetty's story in The King's Reward.I know you have a lot of books to write, but I hope you will consider my request. Ju: Jetty also holds a special place in my heart.I always know the whole story when I think of a plot.I don't know how to describe the process, only that it's not fragmented.I never write the synopsis first, because anything can happen in an episode, and it's better if it happens naturally.Every episode has to move the story forward, and sometimes I have to go back and delete episodes that don't help move the story forward.I do have some quirks.From the time I started writing a book, I would write three different endings for each book, but the last one I sent was always the first ending I wrote. Susan Penn: I love every one of your books, including Ransom.It always excites me to see you come out with a new book because it guarantees at least one fun-filled day for me.I often hear from authors that the story is everything during the writing of a book.Is that the same for you when you're writing a book, or is it really hard work getting the story out there? Ju: Yes, the story and the characters sometimes dominate.It sounds weird, but I guess that's what it means to be really invested.But I keep rewriting all the time.I asked my agent when it would be easier.She replied that when that day comes, it means that you are not serious about trying your best.Even though writing often makes me gnash my teeth and yank my hair out, I still enjoy it.Sounds unreasonable, right? Lindsay, WA: The last time you were in the Internet parlor, you mentioned that you were writing a book called Hollyoaks.When will it be launched?soon? Zhu: That's the book I'm currently writing. Holly Oaks is just a temporary title, and the real title won't be known until the book is finished.I don't know when the book will be out, I'll have to ask my publisher, PocketBooks.I love this story.There's a mystery in it, but that's not a surprise.There's always a bit of suspense in my books. Ma Yi, Northern California: Which writer's group did you choose to join?Are their comments helpful to work in progress? Ju: I think it's important to belong to a community of writers.There is a large organization of romance writers called the Romance Writers of America.It's important for a number of reasons, you get an energy from these gatherings, and with the latest marketing news, it's a strong support group.I'm a local chapter member, so it doesn't matter if you're new to the game or a seasoned veteran.We can all benefit from it. Host: How will you celebrate New Year's Eve 1999? Ju: I haven't decided yet, but it's going to be exciting. Rachel California: What were your goals when you first started writing?Ever imagined that one day you'd be on the New York Times bestseller list and sell thousands of books?You started out under a pseudonym, or Julie.Garwood is your real name? Zhu: Julie.Garwood is my real name.My goal at the beginning was to write a children's book, so I could go into the classroom and talk to schoolchildren about the importance of reading. Another reason was that I wanted to be a writer.Majoring in history in college made me decide to write medieval stories.I didn't belong to any writing group at the time, and didn't even know that what I was writing was called historical romance.The children's book was republished by Pocket Press and it was called A Girl Named Summer.It wasn't my goal to be on the New York Times bestseller list, because I didn't even know romance could make the New York Times bestseller list.It's nice to be on the leaderboard, but that's not what gets me up at 5:30 a.m. to sit at my typewriter.Writing is the real motivation.I think luck has a lot to do with it. Host: Who is the female historical figure you most admire?Why? Ju: I just started reading about Queen Elizabeth because I wanted to see that movie.There are many female historical figures that I admire.I like women who are strong and smart, overcome all odds, and succeed.For example, President Roosevelt's wife Elena and former Israeli Prime Minister Gerda.Meir. Host: What progress do you think women will make in the next century? Zhu: The true equality of equal pay for equal work.Women's skills and abilities will be recognized.Women's presidential nominations aren't controversial either, at least I hope so. Host: Which three books written by women have had the greatest impact on your life?Why? Zhu: Earlier I mentioned Nancy.You laughed when I saw Drew, but that was the first set of books I read where the main character was so clever that all the puzzles were solved.My current reading is The Sacred Secret of the Yaya Women's Association.There is a special bond between women, so that book resonated with many book clubs, because it has a deep interpretation of that special bond.When I buy a novel, I don’t look at whether the author is a man or a woman. The content is the decisive factor.Being of Irish descent, ANGELA' SASHES have always been my favourite. Paulina, MD: You use more than one writing style.A desire for rebellion, for example, is very different from a gift.Your style seems to have changed a bit again when you wrote Ransom.Is this a deliberate arrangement?Or just reflect an evolutionary process?Do you consciously control this process? Zhu: The answer is that I have been working hard to improve.I wrestled with multiple perspectives for a while, because I was easily distracted.I love knowing what everyone is thinking.I think I've become more natural, and hopefully better. Jolie, Arkansas: I have no problem, just want to say that I can only read your book.I tried books by other authors, but put them on the shelf after reading the first three chapters, and ended up giving them all away.You are the best. Zhu: Thank you for your praise, but don't give up other writers.There are plenty of people who are better than me, but I admit it makes me happy to hear you say that. Lisa, Mississippi: Why did you decide to write that modern romance?Is it a reader request, or do you think you need to change something?Is that book still about Jack in Hollyoaks, Iowa?Another question, do you often surf the Internet? Zhu: I have a computer, but I don't know how to use it. I have to learn it soon.I wrote that modern romance not because I wanted to change my taste, but because the story I wanted to tell had to happen in modern times.I have changed the hero's name, but the content of the story has not changed.I really like these characters in the book, and I hope you will too. Lindsay, WA: The Quest Brothers in Roses are impressive, will you be writing more about them? Ju: Well, the Modern Romance I'm writing has a character who carries around an heirloom compass, so I guess I'm writing that. Regina, Kansas: Julie, do you have as much fun writing your books as we do reading them? Ju: I really, really love writing books, even when things aren't going well.I am very lucky.Sometimes I laugh as I write, but strangely enough, readers write in and tell me that the episodes they find funny are always different from the episodes I find funny.real. Christine California: Hello, Julie.I have read many of your books and they always make me reluctant to put them down when it is time to go to bed.I haven't read your new book, Ransom, but am looking forward to it.I would like to know if you write regularly every day, or are your working hours more flexible?Thanks. Ju: I like working every day.I usually start writing around 5:30, but I get burned out by 3:00 in the afternoon.Not writing for too long makes me fidget like ants on a hot pan. Northern California Barbie: I just want to say that my sister and I are avid readers of yours.We'll talk on the phone after reading your book and chat about our favorite parts.Not long ago I bought a girl named Summer for my daughter and she loves it.I am sure she will be a loyal reader of yours when she is old enough to read your other books. Zhu: I'm so happy.Ask your daughter to write to me, and I will certainly answer. Deborah, NY: In your Scottish novels it always seems that the English woman falls in love with the Scottish warrior.Why not write a novel about a Scottish girl falling in love with an English nobleman, and let's see how she adapts to English culture? Ju: I had that intention when I was writing Rachel in Ransom, but then decided she should marry Rachel.So stories like that are still on my to-do list. Host: Thank you, Julie.Garwood.I wish Ransom a great success.Finally, is there anything you want to say to the online readers? Zhu: Thank you for your encouragement and advice.I'm always like a nervous mother when a new book comes out, and today's talk was a big motivator for me.Thank you guys, thank you very much. I would also like to thank Ms. Tang Yuhui from Kaohsiung for downloading this wonderful interview for us.