Meet and Greet is a regular feature on my blog. Be forewarned…Unlike the typical interview, these brief questions will get to the true heart of my guests…or at least the heart of what’s in their kitchen. Grab a latte (or other beverage of your choice), find a comfy chair, and prepare to make a new friend.
I’m so excited to welcome Julie Klassen as my first guest of 2013. Julie and I got to know each other at our agency retreat last fall, but the truth is I fell in love with her books before then. Let’s just say the London Olympics inspired me to read all her books within a two-week time span. Yes, they were that good. To learn how you can win a copy of her latest release, keep reading. (The cover is gorgeous, by the way!)
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for excellence in Christian Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. You can reach her through her website www.julieklassen.com.
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Welcome, Julie! I have the teapot ready, so let’s chat…
Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?
Beyond basic words like writer, wife, and mom, I would go with: creative, moody, capable, messy, born-again, giving, and graceful.
Either/Or Questions:
1) Hike in the woods or Tour a museum?
I enjoy museums that help me research my books, but otherwise, I’d take a walk in the woods any day. There’s something soothing to my soul about being among trees, and walking on crunchy leaves or a pine-needle path.
2) Chicken noodle soup or Chili?
Chili, unless I have a sore throat (I’m a big believer in the salty, medicinal goodness of chicken noodle soup). My Mom made the best chili–spicy and comforting. Mine isn’t up to her standards, but still a favorite on a chilly day–and there are lots of those here in Minnesota.
3) High heels or Cute flats?
I usually choose comfort over fashion. I like slide-on, cushy, comfy shoes for dashes to the store or to pick up the kids. But if I’m dressing up, I need a little heel to feel elegant.
4) Full steam ahead or Life in the slow lane?
In general, I am a laid back, type B person—except when I have a deadline looming. Then–look out!
5) Martha Stewart wannabe or Let someone else decorate?
Definitely NOT Martha Stewart. We still have the framed “cats wearing cowboy hats” print that my husband had hanging over the mantel when I married him. Decorating, crafts, etc. are not my thing. But I admire others who have the eye for it—and the talent.
6) English countryside or French Riviera?
Do you have to ask??? English countryside all the way. :) Granted I’ve never been to the French Riviera, but neither have I any desire to go there. I am, however, already dreaming about returning to beautiful England.
7) Snowy winter or Dog days of summer?
I would choose spring or fall, given the choice. But of the two, I’d have to go with winter. I’m not a fan of sweltering. And I don’t mind snowy days so much now that I work from home and don’t have to tackle winter driving as often.
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Fun answers, Julie. And I agree…I’d rather be cooped up inside because of snow rather than sweltering heat. We’ve had lots of beautiful snow to enjoy here lately. My hubby and kids made a family of snowmen last weekend, but they’re starting to melt. (The snowmen…not the hubby and kids. 
) Without snow, who has the excuse to enjoy a cup of tea and a bowl of chili, right?
Thanks so much for being my guest today. It was an honor to have you.
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Determined to help her father when his boarding school fails, Emma Smallwood accompanies him into Cornwall to the manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Emma hears someone playing the pianoforte at night, but finds the music room empty. Then someone begins sneaking into her room, leaving behind strange mementoes. When the suspicious acts escalate into danger, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?
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Blog Readers: Let’s talk…Did you get to enjoy a white Christmas this year? What’s your favorite wintertime activity? Or more importantly, what’s your favorite wintertime snack after you come in from the cold? 
*Giveaway Details: Julie has offered to give away a copy of The Tutor’s Daughter! All you have to do is leave a comment. (For extra entries, you can Tweet or share this post on Facebook…I’ll add an extra entry for each. Just make sure to mention it in your comment.) Winner will be announced in next Monday’s post. Good luck!
**The winner of last week’s Amazon giveaway is Michelle Lim! I’ll contact you this week with details.
