A chat with Juliet Madison

Do dreams inspire your writing? What did you last dream about?
Sometimes I may get a dream that triggers some sort of idea, even if it’s just an emotion or a particular atmosphere or setting. I used to jot down my dreams but I haven’t done that in a while. Maybe I should get back into it! I can’t even think what I last dreamt about, it’s so hard to grasp the memories sometimes! But there have been dreams I’ve had that were very vivid and memorable. I actually dreamt that I got a publishing contract the night before I did get one, so that was pretty cool!

When did you first start writing? And when were you first published?
I’ve always written in some form, I loved making up stories as a kid. But I started writing seriously in October 2009, and got my first offer of publication in October 2012, so three years later. My debut novel, a romantic comedy called FAST FORWARD was published in February 2013.

What is it about this genre that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres? If so, which?
I write books that fit into the categories of romantic comedy, chick lit, women’s fiction, and romance. I love stories about women’s lives and relationships, and those that have a positive message and uplifting ending. I like to read books that entertain me and leave me with a smile on my face. I mostly read these genres, but also like thrillers and mysteries, and YA.

What's the title of your latest book? Can you tell us about it?
My new novel THE JANUARY WISH has been released this month, it’s romantic women’s fiction set in a small coastal town, and perfect for fans of Susan Wiggs, Susan Mallery, and Sherryl Woods. Here’s the blurb:
When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrin’s Bay Wishing Festival, it's the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparation…of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences.
A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia's small coastal town with secrets that can't be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia's well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities.
They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.

What inspired you to write it?
I wanted to start a series set in a small town, and the idea first came to me through the title as that is what I thought of first! Then a vision, like a movie, came to me in my mind of a woman about to board a plane at the airport who sees someone from her past. Will she try to catch up to them or let them go so she can catch her plane? These questions helped inspire the story and I came up with a wish that this character had made not long before.

Is it part of a series?
Yes, it’s the first book in my Tarrin’s Bay series, and the second book, FEBRUARY OR FOREVER will be released straight after, on 1st February. The books can be read in any order.

Have you ever spotted anyone reading your books anywhere?
As they are ebooks, no, I haven’t! E-readers make it harder to snoop on others’ reading habits, but I would love to see that one day!

Who designs your covers?

The fabulous designers at Harlequin Australia.

If your latest book was made into a film, who would you cast?
Ooh, tricky! Being an Australian book with an Australian small town setting, Aussie actors would be best, but if we were talking Hollywood I would probably say Debra Messing as Sylvia (because, the hair). As for the character of Mark, I have no idea so feel free to give me ideas... someone who looks like this: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/203576845627991975/

What's your favourite Chick Lit book that made it to the big screen?
You know, I must confess that I don’t think I’ve read a chick lit book before it became a movie. So I’ll just say that I would really look forward to 29 by Adena Halpern becoming a movie (I think I heard something about it?), as I think it would be a lot of fun.

What were the last two books you read?
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty, and One Sweet Christmas by Darlene Fredette. Both great reads.

Name one female author who you think deserves to be better known.
My fellow author from Escape Publishing, Sarah Belle. She writes romantic comedy with a dash of magic, and her debut novel HINDSIGHT was fabulous.

Where do you write?
In bed, mostly! It’s comfy and I’m away from distractions like TV, my son’s Xbox gaming, and my computer with internet. I write on a small portable word processor as it helps me write fast.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A dancer and an artist, and I did both, among other things. Until I discovered writing, that is ;)

In the movie of your life, who would play you?
Claire Danes or Kate Winslet. I’ll let them decide. ;)

Speed Round...
Top drink to make you tipsy? Daiquiri
Shopaholic or shopadon't? Shopaholic
Sky high heels or closer to the ground? Closer to the ground as high heels are a safety hazard for me! (Though they look nice)
E.L. James or Jilly Cooper? Jilly Cooper
Cry baby or tough cookie? Both – emotional, but resilient.
Exotic beach or enchanted forest? Ooh, ever since I read Enid Blyton’s books as a kid I’ve wanted to visit an Enchanted Forest so I’ll have to say that one! Plus I live near the beach so I can go there anytime ;)

Juliet Madison is a naturopath-turned-author with a background in dance, art, internet marketing and perfume sales (yes, she was one of those annoying people in department stores who spray you with perfume). Nowadays she prefers to indulge her propensity for multiple careers by living vicariously through her characters. She likes to put these characters into extraordinary situations and take them on a challenging journey to discover their true passion and inner strength, weaving in some laughs, tears, romance and sometimes a touch of magic along the way.
Living near the beach on the beautiful south coast of New South Wales, Australia, Juliet spends her time running her internet business, raising her son, writing as often as she can, and doing her best to avoid housework.
Visit Juliet online at her website, blog, facebook, Goodreads, and twitter.
Buy THE JANUARY WISH from all good ebook retailers:

Amazon - Amazon UK - Amazon Aus - iTunes/iBookstore - Kobo - B&N/Nook - GooglePlay - BigW ebooks - Booktopia - JB HiFi - ebooks.com - All Romance ebooks

WIN! Enter via Rafflecopter below to win a $25 Amazon gift voucher and a coastal photographic print of the setting of the Tarrin’s Bay series. Competition is open worldwide and the winner will be drawn at the beginning of February.
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