Welcome to 20 questions with an author! Every month, I’ll feature an author and ask them 20 interview questions. This month’s featured author is Julie Sunne.
Julie is the author of two books, Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days (B&H Publishing, 2024) and Everyday Praise: Walking in Greater Peace (self-published, 2016).
Her books can be found on Amazon and her website, juliesunne.com.
Now on to the Q&A with Julie.
20 Questions With Author Julie Sunne
General Writing Questions
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started writing clean fiction?
I write Christian nonfiction, mostly devotional or Christian living/inspirational. The Lord brought me through many things, including multiple miscarriages and children with disabilities, and my oldest son urged me to begin sharing what God was teaching me to encourage others. He set up a blog for me, and the next year I was pitching books to publishers.
What inspired you to write your latest book?
Concern for my daughter’s future (she has intellectual disabilities and is functionally nonverbal and will never be capable of living alone) can consume me when I take my eyes off of the God of all hope and place it on that situation, so I wrote this book as a reminder to me that God is enough for all of my problems. He is sufficient and is the possible in my impossibilities. I’ve found that as we get to know the Lord more intimately, we begin to trust Him more deeply.
Can you describe your writing process? Do you follow a particular routine?
I am trying to establish a routine, but currently I’m still trying to discern how to do that given the unexpected things that often pop up in my days. Generally, I write when I find a distraction-free time, often later at night when everyone is asleep. I’m hoping to change that because it’s becoming more difficult as I age to write my best at that time.
How do you handle writer’s block or creative slumps?
I sit down and write. Just the process of writing, even if most of what is produced during that time needs to be thrown out, pushes us past the block/slump.
What do you hope readers take away from your books?
That God is sufficient for all of their challenges. In Him always lies hope.
Publishing and Industry Questions
What has been your experience with publishing (traditional, self-publishing, or hybrid)?
I self-published my first devotional and traditionally published my latest book.
How do you market your books and reach your target audience?
I’ve found success in doing a podcast tour and certain in-person events.
Can you share any tips on finding a good editor or proofreader for clean fiction?
With any genre, having your manuscript edited and proofread well is critical. I would say asking for referrals from established authors is a great way to find competent editors/proofreaders.
Fun Questions
Do you have any quirky writing habits or rituals?
I’m sorry, not really.
What’s the most unusual place you’ve found inspiration for a story?
In Thailand in a train station.
Do you have any pets, and do they keep you company while you write?
We have a cat, but she lives in our barn, so no. As much as I love dogs and cats, I’m afraid I would be distracted by a pet keeping me company.
What’s one book you think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime?
The Bible of course (read it daily!); The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard by Kara Tippetts
If you weren’t a writer, what other profession would you love to try?
A counselor.
Thank you, Julie, for a fun interview!
Be sure to check out Julie’s books and her website for inspirational posts. While you’re there, you can grab her ebook, 25 Spotlight Bible Verses, which I love!
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Would you like to be a featured author, too? If so, email me at diligentanalyzer@michellemillerproofreading.com with “Questions With an Author” in the subject line. I’ll send you a link to a Google doc with the questions and feature you on my blog! I can’t wait to hear from you!
