Heart of Romance: Interview with Author JULIA BADE

1.) Tell us about your book.
The Feria opens in the summer, just before the U.S. enters WWII. Soledad, our heroine, is ready to start a life of her own, beating great odds and earning her place at Stanford in the fall. Life couldn’t be more perfect when she falls hopelessly in love with Xavier, a boy she meets at the feria (Mexican fair). But her love for him will be forsaken when her father marries her off in hopes that this contract marriage with a reputable banker will save the family’s failing fortune. The books spans over two decades following the life of Soledad, watching her conceal a shocking secret from that special summer with Xavier, and reuniting dramatically with him in a less than comfortable situation.

2.) Do you have a writing routine? Where do you usually do your writing?
I wish I had a writing routine, or better yet, a schedule!! My writing routine is to write late at night when the work of the day is done and my little darlings are all asleep… but I do have to say that once in a while I toss other obligations aside, and I’ll literally write from like 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.! In between, the kids and I will have a little picnic, or they’ll play outside while I write. So although I’m engrossed in my writing, I’m still maintaining my children’s best interests! And my best writing spot is in my bed, no matter what time of the day I embark on a writing adventure.

3.) Why do you write in the genre/sub-genre that you do? Any plans in the future to write in a different one? Gosh! I feel overly inspired by love and romance. Once I wrote my first one, I was hooked! I don’t have one set sub-genre. The Feria is historical, but I’m in the middle of a paranormal and have written two contemporaries. The stories just keep coming and I just can’t stop until they’re out of my head! I also dabble in children’s books that I write with my boys. Right now we’ve got an excellent little series about a little boy and his zombie BFF.

4.) How do you stay motivated when writer’s block hits or your muse won’t cooperate?
I always look at the finished product, even when that vision is sitting in the back of my mind. The feeling when you’ve completed your manuscript is inexplicable. And then you go and edit it and tear it apart and re-write it, and you’ll get to have that moment all over again. Ha!

5.) What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?
*zzzzzz* This gal is BORING! Sadly, nothing strange to report. Oftentimes, though, I’ll people watch or eavesdrop on dialogue for writing purposes.

6.) Describe yourself in three words.
Tired. Mommy. Writing-Addicted.

7.) What do you like to do in your leisure time?
Write. I could write all day if life permitted it! Otherwise, it’s all about the family!

8.) Tell us about your current release in a couple of sentences.

First love is beautiful until it's stolen...

Opening in the summer of 1941, we find Soledad, a smart, educated young Mexican-American with big plans to start college in the fall. Then one night at the fair in Mexico (the feria), her heart is stolen. Life is now bliss, but when her father's agricultural empire is threatened, he'll betray Soledad in an act meant to save the family’s fortune.

Brutally torn from her true love, Xavier, Soledad’s existence is thrown into uncertainty. Stuck in a contract marriage, she struggles but finally manages to put her life back together until... two decades and a daughter later... fate intervenes.

THE FERIA is a daring love story dancing on both sides of the border, intricately written around Mexican and American cultures and the great uncertainty that comes with love.

9.) Can you tell us a little about your next project?

Oooh! I’d love to!! My new Paranormal Romance entangles humans, angels of light and darkness, and the Greek gods.

When two angels fight over a woman’s soul, only one can win.

Jacob, an angel of light, has fallen in love with Dr. Dalia Vida, a professor of Romance Languages whose class has become his most favorite haunt. Her soul calls out to him in a way he can't resist. There’s a connection that reminds him of something he once had, something so powerful that he’s never been able to heal from the loss. But when his discouraged dabbling with humans nearly gets Dalia killed, he’ll now have to fight off his counterpart, the Angel of Death, who wants the woman, or the soul, rather, that is rightfully his. But there’s a secret within Dalia, one she doesn’t even realize. And once both angels discover it, there will be hell, or shall we say Hades to pay.

A few quickies!

1) Leather pants or blue jeans?
Blue jeans! Especially if they have holes in the knees!

2) A night out or a night in?
Always a night in. Some of my most romantic dates have involved a spectacular dinner and quiet time with the hubster after the little ones are out cold!

3) Boxers or Briefs?
Briefs!

4) Coke or Pepsi?
Coke.

5) What is your favorite genre of music?
I’m a lover of all genres for sure!

6) What is your favorite meal?

My sister’s lasagna! I guard that recipe with my life!