Author Spotlight: Julie Moffett

Today on Reade and Write I’m excited to welcome Julie Moffett, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person last summer at the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival. I ran into her again at the Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Weekend in April of this year, and I’ll see her again soon in Suffolk! She’s a dynamo, as I’m sure you’ll agree, and a thoroughly wonderful person. She’s here today to talk about her newest release, No Stone Unturned. After the interview, keep reading for a special contest from Julie!

Tell me about your new book.

My newest book is called No Stone Unturned and it’s Book #11 in my geeky Lexi Carmichael Mystery Series. The book released last January. Here is the short blurb for the book:

Getting engaged is supposed to be a fun, exciting time in a girl’s life. But things are never that easy for Slash and me. Instead, someone is threatening to expose Slash’s past–a past so secret, even I know very little about it.

Before I can get used the weight of Nonna’s antique ring on my finger, he’s on his way to Rome…and we’re farther apart than we’ve ever been. Still, I have no intention of sitting at home and letting him take on the Vatican by himself.

With a little expert-level hacking, I learn Slash is keeping secrets from me. Big ones. Dangerous ones. In fact, the more I dig into Slash’s past, the more I discover things about him I never knew — things that eventually pit us against each other.

From Rome to the Amalfi coast to the highest levels of the Vatican, we both race to discover the truth. No matter what I find, we’re officially a team now, so I won’t let him face this alone. Even if I don’t know if our relationship can survive it.

Ooh. Sounds great. Who is the audience for the book?

Anyone who likes mysteries, especially those set in Italy since No Stone Unturned is set there. I love to feature locations from around the globe in every book.

Tell me about the setting in Italy—how did you choose it, what kind of research did you have to do, why did you choose it?

The setting was determined long ago as part of the story arc, and it takes mostly in Italy, and at the Vatican, especially.

What was the hardest thing about writing the book?

Since a lot of the book takes place at the Vatican, I read a LOT about how the church works, Catholic history and Vatican intrigue. It was fascinating!

If your book were made into a movie, who would you like to see playing the main characters?

Gah! I have no idea. I like to ask my readers and see who they come up with!

You’ve obviously written other books. 

Yes! I published my first book in 1993, so I’ve been around a loooong time. I’ve published over 21 books and written a lot more of which are hidden in the proverbial “drawer.”

Are you in one or more critique groups or partnerships?

My family, my brother, sister, mother, niece and father are my critique group and they are really the only ones I let read in draft other than my editor. They do a great job!

Do you write every day?

It depends. I have a full-time job and I’m a single mom, so writing time sometimes get tight. But I try to write every day.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite genres?

I have so many favorite authors it is hard to choose just a few! I am a voracious reader across almost every genre, so a good book—no matter the author—will make me happy!

Where would you like to go more than anywhere else on earth?

Egypt and the pyramids! It’s next up on my bucket list!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t give up. If writing is your dream, stick with it. It’s easy to quit, and hard to persevere, but it’s worth it!

What is your favorite movie and why?

“Star Wars, A New Hope.” Because I was transfixed by the story and completely electrified by Princess Leia. She was so strong, take-charge and cool, that I absolutely loved it!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Take a leap of faith in yourself.

Describe yourself in three words.

Optimistic, kind, creative.

Is there anything I haven’t asked that you wanted me to?

Nope.

Where can readers connect with you?

We have a ton of fun in my Facebook readers group here. I do a lot of giveaways, we love to talk books, movies and mysteries, and we are really supportive of each other. Come join us!

You can also find me on other social media platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie_moffett/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieMoffettAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JMoffettAuthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julie-moffett

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Moffett/e/B001HMQMHU/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/190485.Julie_Moffett

Where can readers find your books?

My books are sold on just about every online platform, but you can find all the links on my website: https://www.juliemoffett.com/

Julie, thank you so much for visiting Reade and Write today!

Readers, Julie has a special treat for you. She’s giving away two ecopies of Book 2.5 in her Lexi Carmichael series, No Money Down. All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment below. Good luck! I’ll randomly choose a winner Wednesday morning at 8:00 Eastern.   

Thank you so much, Amy!! ox

Until next time, 

Amy