OBS Staffer Annabell had the opportunity to read/review Haunted Echoes (read the review here.) and interview Julie Ann Howell.

Interview with author of Haunted Echoes, Julie Ann Howell. ~Annabell

Annabell: I loved reading Haunted Echoes. Wonderfully written old fashioned ghost story. Do you believe in ghosts?

Julie Ann Howell: Absolutely! I had my first ghostly experience at my office here in Sarasota. My office was built in 1925, complete with a tin roof, hardwood floors and crystal doorknobs. I was alone, working one afternoon and heard footsteps walking across those hardwood floors right behind me. Again, I was alone. I turned back around to work and actually felt a presence standing behind me. It was such a strange feeling and happened quite a few times. We ended up naming our ghost, Literary Louie. It seems to fit, but he scared us every time.
I am so pleased that you enjoyed my book. Thank you so much for writing your very positive review and for your honestly. The ending was fun wasn’t it?

Annabell: YES! Definitely! The ending was VERY surprising. I LOVED it! How did you come up with the concept for Haunted Echoes?

Julie Ann Howell: I just started typing and it came together. I knew I wanted to write a ghost story as the images were stirring around in my head for quite a while waiting to come to life onto paper. Well, in a matter of speaking of course…

Annabell: The suspense within the novel is well written. How do you approach suspense in your stories?

Julie Ann Howell: Thank you for that compliment, I appreciate it. My goal as a writer was to sit my readers down in their comfy chair, capture their attention right from the start not to get up again until they were finished. I think the suspense in my book is in the description. I love describing a room down to the smallest detail bringing the reader to the location so it feels like they are actually in the same room with my characters. Sort of like watching over their shoulders as the scene takes place.

Annabell: The Otter Cove Inn was beautifully described. I really wanted to go and visit, despite the whole haunted by an evil spirit bit. Did you base the Otter Cove in on a real place?

Julie Ann Howell: Otter Cove Inn is completely fiction from the description to the illustration on the book jacket. When I described it to my illustrator she nailed it spot on.

Annabell: I LOVED the ending! I was hoping you would be able to create a sequel to Haunted Echoes, will you?

Julie Ann Howell: Yes, the sequel is in my head stirring around. I have the opening scene ready to go onto paper. The working title: Whispers from Beyond. Let me know what you think of the title I would love your opinion. If you want to know what the opening scene is let me know and I will share it with you…

Annabell: Oooo, I really like the title Whispers From Beyond. Its mysterious and intriguing. And I would be HONORED to read the opening scene! Eeeep! Have you always been attracted to the world of paranormal and supernatural?

Julie Ann Howell: Haunted houses intrigue me. I suppose you can say that ghostly tales were instilled in me since I was a little girl, compliments of my great-grandma whose tales sort of followed me as a grown-up. I would love to have another encounter of a ghostly presence anytime –anywhere…

Annabell: What are some of your favorite authors to read? Have they help to influence your style of writing?

Julie Ann Howell: I read a lot of mysteries. James Patterson and Dean Koontz are my favorite. I am reading The Neighbor, right now, by Lisa Gardner. Reading helps me write, however, I rarely read ghostly tales. I think all writers have their own individual style and I try not to let others influence my individual writing style, as everyone’s is so unique. However, I learn from it.

Annabell: When you aren’t writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Julie Ann Howell: I am a full-time book publisher and I so enjoy meeting with authors and helping them turn their book into a masterpiece from start to finish. I am also a scrap-booker as it is my therapy. I argue with myself often, should I write or should I scrap-book? Such a dilemma since I love both so much.

Annabell: Are you working on a new project?

Julie Ann Howell: Yes, I am writing a book right now called Irish Jewel. It is a thriller and so not ghostly at all. It takes place in Ireland which I did get to travel to and it is when I was in Ireland that I came up with the idea. I was still writing Haunted Echoes at the time, but took notes for Irish Jewel while touring the countryside. I am still developing scenes and just finished up chapter 15. I am liking this manuscript, but I prefer writing ghost stories.

I am also writing a romance, yes a romance which is certainly a challenge to say the least. However, I love a challenge. Title: Out of the Blue

Annabell: You started off as a teacher then created your own literary magazine then your own publishing company. Amazing! Through all of your experience within life and within the publishing world, what advice can you give to new and aspiring authors to help lead them in the right direction?

Julie Ann Howell: I would say if you set out to do something then do it. I often hear people say that they want to start their own business, get published or go back to school. So, just do it and stop talking about it. We are here on this earth for such a short time and in order to make things happen it’s up to you, bottom line. So, write, keep yourself grounded and good things will come your way.