HA: Why did you choose to work with Heart Ally Books?

JW: I’ve known Deleyna for years through a literature forum called Litforum.com. I’ve attended writers’ conferences with her, where I saw firsthand how hard she works for her clients. I also took a website-building class she taught, and the result is my beautiful, if slightly old-lady-looking, website. Working with her opened my eyes to how much thought goes into the behind-the-scenes details of presenting a writer effectively. She’s quite remarkable. Plus, she’s a talented author herself and truly understands what writers go through.

HA: Awww... we've known each other a long time, that's for sure! What was the most surprising experience you had while becoming an author the first time?

JW: I was a sports journalist (Quarter Horse racing) for twenty-three years, so I knew a thing or two about writing appealing pieces. Even so, nothing prepares you for how the publishing world actually works. I was amazed at how quickly things can shift overnight. A writer needs someone in their corner who keeps a finger on the pulse of the industry. Frankly, I don’t care enough, nor do I have the time, to pore over every nuance of publishing.

HA: Do you have a favorite or least favorite part of being an author?

JW: I love bringing stories to life. I’m a people watcher. I see someone and entire stories about them pop into my head. My head is pretty full!

My least favorite part?

Publishing. I don’t understand all the aspects of it and, luckily, with Deleyna, I don’t have to. I shelved The Rain Crow because I didn’t think the story would sell. Deleyna convinced me to let her have it, and I’ve been amazed at everything that has gone into this release. I would never have known any of this on my own.

HA: I love this book! I'm so happy you've let us share it with the world. What is the story behind The Rain Crow? I know it was inspired by real events.

JW: I once wrote for a gaming company called Raincrow. The CEO, Travis, was one of the most talented writers I know. He’d created a beautiful foundation for a vampire game that began in the American Civil War, built around a heart-rending story about the main character. I was tasked with researching historical figures who might intersect with or inspire characters in that world. While researching, I came across Hetty Cary, an absolutely amazing and gorgeous Southern woman. Her story broke my heart. She kept walking around in my head, and I couldn’t get her out.

I told Travis about her. He said, “She wants you to write a story about her. Do it. Write a book.”

I couldn’t write her exact story because I would have had to change too many real details to make it fit a novel—chief among them, her love story. So I used her as inspiration. Many events in The Rain Crow are based on things Hetty actually did, but I didn’t give my main character, Lorena, Hetty’s ultimate tragedy.

HA: What is your top recommendation for new authors wanting to learn the craft?

JW: Read, a lot. Diana Gabaldon says every author’s secrets about writing are right there on the page if you pay attention. Hemingway wrote and then read to reset his mind.

Write daily and make it a habit. I keep an antique brass hourglass on my desk that’s actually a thirty-minute glass. I sit down, tip the glass, and start writing. At the end of thirty minutes, I’m usually on a roll and tip it again. Like Hemingway, though, I don’t empty the well. I stop while I still know what’s going to happen next so I’m never staring at a blank page the next day.

HA: Thanks, Julie! Folks: check out The Rain Crow. You're in for a treat!