Sarah Forgrave

Inspirational Author

in Interviews

Meet and Greet with Author Julie Klassen

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Tutor’s Daughter

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?

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? 🙂

*tea photo by Ivory Mix/CreativeMarket.com

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Bekah says

    We did enjoy a white Christmas…and I enjoyed it all the more because I was not the one who had to get out and shovel it this year! YAY FOR THAT! I love snow – but only looking out upon its beauty from inside. I am not a fan of dealing with it in driving and removal capacities. 🙂

  3. Melissa Tagg says

    I love Julie Klassen’s books and I second her vote for the English countryside. So beautiful. Although, I wouldn’t turn down a trip to France either. Or anywhere in Europe, really. 🙂

    We did have a white Christmas here, but we haven’t had much snow since. I love hot chocolate on a snowy day!

  4. Judy says

    We haven’t had much snow this year so far. However, we did have about an inch on the ground just in time for Christmas. My favorite winter time activity is walking. Have you ever just walked leisurely while snow is falling down? Some how and I don’t know why, this draws me closer to our God and tears always spring to my eyes. After my chilly walk I enjoy a cup of steaming Carmel Vanilla Latte…yummy!
    I haven’t read any of Julie’s books yet but I am looking forward to doing so.
    Blessings!
    Judy

  5. Beth K. Vogt says

    My family was thrilled to finally enjoy a white Christmas in Colorado — and I woke up to snow on the ground today too. Not enough to delay or cancel school for my daughter, though!
    I met Julie in Monterey at the Books and Such Retreat (waving to Julie)and have to say it was a highlight for me — she’s so down-to-earth!
    (Going to tweet this blog post now!)

  8. Lindsay Harrel says

    Hehe, you’re funny…white Christmas. What’s that? (I’m in Phoenix, remember?) Nope, I think it was about 60 here on Christmas. But this week, it’s been freakishly cold (in the 30s and 40s) and I’m freeeeeezing my rear off. Seriously. Brrr. I’m so afraid my pipes will burst too (it happened to a friend last night and I have no experience with this sort of thing…)

    I don’t even know what to eat as a snack other than the usual, but I am making chili tonight. 😉

  9. Debbie says

    We had a white Christmas here, followed by a January thaw where we lost all the snow and had almost 60 degrees on Saturday. Today it’s back to normal – 19 and snowing. Gotta love how fast the weather can change! For a snack after playing outside, nothing beats hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows!

  10. Melissa says

    We had snow predicted in KS for Christmas,..but we did not get any…
    I enjoyed reading the authors answers in this interview. =)

    This sounds like a very interesting book!

  13. amyc says

    We did not have a white Christmas. My favorite activity is just enjoying a nice fire in the fireplace with a good book. My favorite snack is hot chocolate with extra extra marshmallows.

  16. melanienbrashere says

    Great to meet you, Julie! I love Jane Austen as well, so I’ll have to read your work!

    Sarah, I think hot chocolate (with a shot of mint extract) is the best on cold days! And right now it’s Swiss chocolate (so cheap here…so dangerous. :)).

  17. Marissa says

    We did have a White Christmas this year!! For like the first time in 8 years!! I love snow AND Christmas so it was an awesome day! 🙂 My favorite wintertime activity is sledding, but I don’t do it too often anymore.

    I can’t wait to read any of Julie’s books!!

  18. Sarah Forgrave says

    Hi everyone! Thanks so much for stopping in yesterday. I’m delighted to discover fellow Julie Klassen fans and introduce her to future fans too.

    Hope you all have a great week! Stay warm if it’s cold in your neighborhood….and even if it’s not, a cup of hot chocolate is always appropriate in January. 🙂