20 Questions is a Q&A interview series with authors, musicians, and everyone in between, celebrating experiences both shared and individual in the messy game of being human.
“I personally think adults should spend more time in the realm of wonder. We’d all be a lot happier if we did.” Julie Wright was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She’s lived in Los Angeles, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don’t ask). She wrote her first book when she was 15. Since then, she’s written 23 novels and co-authored three. She is a two-time winner of the Whitney Award for Best Romance with her books Cross My Heart and Lies Jane Austen Told Me. The America Library Association (ALA) listed Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me in their top 10 best romances for 2020 and A Captain for Caroline Gray in their top 10 best romances for 2021. Her book Death Thieves was also a Whitney finalist. Her latest novel Swimming in a Sea of Stars hit shelves this summer, and Julie joined me on 20 Questions to tell me all about it.
What is the earliest memory you have of wanting to be a writer?
My earliest actual memory was in seventh grade in Mrs. Brown’s English class, when she told me I had talent. Since then, I have always wanted to be a writer in some format or another. I wanted to be an advertising agent, a lyricist, a poet, a screenwriter, a novelist. I just wanted to write, and I wasn’t much concerned about how or what for. I was just glad to find out that I had talent somewhere. But in spite of that being my first memory, I found an assignment in second grade where it asked what I wanted to be when I grow up. I wrote writer, so clearly I knew where I was going in life.
What time of day are you most inspired?
I find I do my best writing between the hours of 11pm and 1am. It’s when the house is at its most quiet.
Favorite book of all-time?
For adults, it is Pride and Prejudice. I have read it more times than I can count and never get tired of it. For kids, it is Oh the Places You’ll Go. Those are two books that seem to get better every time.
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
Sugar! It is so bad for the body and causes all kinds of inflammation and yet . . . I actually ate a candy bar before sitting down to answer these questions.
One movie that will always make you cry?
This is probably the lamest answer ever, but Moana always gets me. That scene where her grandmother dies and becomes a manta ray and guides her over the reef gets me every time. It’s probably because my grandma was my best friend and even though she passed away 34 years ago, there is not a day that I don’t miss her.
What’s the most challenging part of writing for you?
Distractions. Being distracted by the Internet, by my to-do list, by my want-to-do list. It takes a lot of discipline to force myself to sit in the chair and get it done.
The best book you’ve read in the last year?
Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham. It was thought-provoking and beautiful.
How would you characterize your new YA novel Swimming in a Sea of Stars?
This is a tough one, because I believe Swimming in a Sea of Stars hits a lot of points. It mirrors the lives of kids that could be the teens in your own neighborhood or school. I guess I would call it a story of friendship, connection, and hope.
The last series you binge-watched?
Castle. And in the spirit of full disclosure. It was my third time through.
As a writer and artist, what would you say is the best way to rest or decompress?
Nature is my favorite way to decompress. Getting some fresh air and exercise while enjoying the beauty and art that is nature helps to fill my well.
The best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Enjoy the moment even while chasing down the ever-moving line of success.
If you could have one writer, dead or alive, to compose your obituary, who would it be and why?
Douglas Adams. I think he could be funny and profound while making me look smart all at the same time.
Laptop or desktop?
Laptop. I don’t have a long enough attention span to stay in one place for very long.
What do you like best about writing for young adults?
YA literature bridges the gap between the wonder of childhood and the reality of adulthood in a way that allows room for both. I personally think adults should spend more time in the realm of wonder. We’d all be a lot happier if we did.
What’s your current read?
I am in the middle of reading the historical novel about Nancy Harkness, Love by Heather Moore. It is fascinating and I’ve learned a lot while reading it.
You’re stuck on a long flight. Which world-famous musician would you want sitting next to you and why?
Marie Fredriksson, because if she is sitting next to me then chances are good I am on my way to Sweden.
Favorite quote of all-time?
Shakespeare: “So shines a good deed in a weary world.”
One thing that kept you sane during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Ice cream and binge watching TV.
One song that you will never be sick of?
“It’s Good to be Alive” by Andy Grammar.
What can we expect to see next from you?
My next couple of books are actually almost out. I have one that comes out in November and another that comes out in March. They are both romances. For the young adult market, I am almost done writing a novel that has a similar vibe to Swimming in a Sea of Stars.
Follow Julie Wright on Instagram and find her latest novel Swimming in a Sea of Stars wherever books are sold.
Jeffrey Reads — reading just one more chapter since the crib 