Dreaming Up a Story: An Interview with Novelist Julie Pollitt
One of the things I love most about writers is how much of what we love and appreciate in the world comes into our work. Today, I hope you’ll see that in the work of Julie Pollitt. Enjoy!
Former outlaw turned rancher, Ian Bidwell, spent most of his life ransacking the dreams of others, until he met Christ. He severs ties from his overbearing uncle, a man desperate for Tess’s land, and offers to help her.
As the two work together to run the ranch, Tess questions his loyalties. Will Tess learn the power of trust and allow Ian back in to her heart? Will Ian learn forgiveness in this sweeping love story set on the American Frontier?
Find out if love will prevail in this Christian historical romance.
I grew up in Colorado and have always had a love of history, especially Colorado history. I love the history of how Denver was settled and the stories of the adventurous men and women that came west to start a new life. I always wanted to write a book about the settling of Denver, so it was brewing in my mind for many years before I put it on paper.
I hope people will take away the fact that God is ever present in our lives, even when it seems all is lost. He is always there, in the midst of any circumstance.
2.What stories, themes, motivations do you find yourself drawn to in your work and in the works you read?
I love to read about mail-order brides and stories of the west. It fascinates me. I get very excited when I see a book about Montana, Colorado, or Wyoming. The openness and ruggedness of the land draws me in every time.
3. What do you do when you’re not writing?
I am running my two boys all over creation. I also volunteer at the elementary school each week and I’m on the PTA, so we stay pretty busy.
4. What made you believe you could write a book? How did you dispel doubt as you wrote?
I still have doubt! When there is a story bursting to come out, you just have to write it and you can only hope that people will like it. When I was in elementary school, we had an author visit our class. She had her entire book printed out on printer paper, before it went to the printer, and I was immediately fascinated with the process. I think I’ve wanted to be a writer since that day!
5. Describe the first 2-3 steps of your process in writing your book.
I am a mess when writing a book. I try to plot the book, but get sidetracked halfway through. I will sit down and start writing, and when I hit a bump, I go back and plot a little more. Once I finish the book, I go back and make changes, adding the finishing touches.
6. How do you balance what will sell with what you want to say?
I’m not sure I have tried to balance it. I write what I would like to say and hope it sells. I’ve received a couple reviews that said I was too preachy, but I’ve also seen where readers have highlighted parts of the book where I’ve stated how much God is in the mix. That keeps me writing.
7. Which is more difficult – drafting or revising? Why?
Drafting by a long shot. I don’t see myself as a super creative person, so the writing part is tough. I actually love to sit down and revise. I feel more creative in that process.
8.What is your favorite part about being a writer?
Dreaming up a story. I love the possibilities. As writers we can write about anything, and it’s exciting to know that.
9. What are a few of your favorite books of all time?
Some of my favorite books include When Calls The Heart by Janette Oke, Love Finds You In Treasure Island, Florida by Debby Mayne, and Where Heaven Begins by Rosanne Bittner.
10.How did you learn to write?
I took many English and journalism classes in college. I also worked for a small newspaper in the Four Corners area of Colorado. I covered the big events as well as the small. It was a great experience.
11. What’s the best writing advice you ever received?
Sit down and write. Get it done. Go back and revise.
