New Romance Author Julie Pollitt

Since February is the month of love, I thought I'd present a couple of my close friends who are newly published romance writers. First up is Julie Pollitt. We've been pals for more than a dozen years, and I'm so happy that her career is finally taking off!

Why do you write romance stories?

I've always loved a good romance. I can't get enough of stories like Pride and Prejudice, the love stories in Downton Abbey, and any good old-fashioned love story. 

What inspired you to write the book Finding Kate?

I grew up in Denver, Colorado and have always loved the west. As a teen, I loved researching the history of the area. The fact that Native Americans roamed the same area I grew up in always fascinated me. There is so much history in Colorado, from gold mining days to Titanic's Molly Brown, right there in Denver. I was six-years-old when we moved to Denver and my parents made sure we skied and camped year-round, and it gave me such a love for nature and the Rocky Mountain area. I moved to the Four Corners region in my mid twenties and lived the small town life. It changed me. I enjoyed the people and the calmer way of life.

I love everything Colorado and I wanted to convey the beauty and peace of the area. Mesa Verde is a wonderful, historical place that brings people in from all over the world. Wildlife is everywhere and people love it. My character Kate is from Chicago and moves to the Four Corners area to revive a small town newspaper and win back the man she thought she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. I love the idea of a complete life change. It brings out the best in us and allows us to see that change can be a good thing. So, coming out of her comfort zone changed her life.

Who is your real-life hero and why?

I would say my mother. Before she passed away, almost two years ago, I never realized how much patience she had with us. As I raise my two boys I realize just how much more patience she had than I do. She always knew the right thing to say and how to comfort us. 

What are you favorite themes in fiction?

Just about anything historical. I love everything about the frontier. Stories about the beginnings of Alaska, Montana, or Colorado get me super excited. 

What settings do you like in fiction? Why?

I love to read about the frontier. There is something so exciting about discovering new land. People left everything they knew to start a new life, knowing the dangers and the harsh reality of what lay ahead. 

I've also started to find myself interested in the American Revolution. I should have paid much more attention in school! (I'm sure if my dad is reading this he is agreeing to that statement!) I've enjoyed several stories that I've read in that setting and time.

What do you want readers to come away with after reading Finding Kate?

I want people to know that no matter how life hits us, we can walk away with the comfort that Christ is there and ready to walk us through. He never promised an easy path, but he did promise to be by our side. I hope readers will see that Kate is a fish out of water, but she is able to learn to embrace the unknown, and trust God through it all.

Do you have more books coming out? If so, when can we expect them? 

I do. I am working on a short story now and it should be out in February.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog today! I've enjoyed it so much!

Order on Amazon:
Finding Kate

About Julie:

Author Julie Pollitt grew up in Denver, Colorado at the base of the Rocky Mountains. She quickly fell in love with the history of Denver and the frontier. Throughout her life she traveled all over the country and the world, but always loved coming back to Colorado.

For many years Julie worked for a pipeline construction company handling payroll in the field. She loved her coworkers and had the opportunity to work in many different states. It was on one of the jobs where she met her husband, John.

Julie now lives in Southwestern Florida with her husband and two boys. She spends a great deal of time volunteering at her church and the school her boys attend. Julie is most content when she is hanging out with her family, writing, or drinking a Starbucks. Although she does miss the snow and loves breaking out a sweater when the weather turns cold.

Julie worked as an editor at a small town newspaper in Southwest Colorado, in the Four Corners region. She has seen her work published in the Cortez Newspapers, USA Today, and eHow. She has also published several devotions. 

Find out more at http://juliepollitt.com.