Julia’s Latest Posts

Obviously I have a rich and detailed fantasy life. The amazing thing to me was I was able to set aside my imaginative writing and musings for the school year and only allow myself to write during the summers for so many years. Now that I am officially retired from teaching, I write all the…

Shawn and I had just finished eating dinner. A favorite of ours, boneless ribs broiled then slow cooked in the crockpot with BBQ sauce until they are falling apart-gooey and sticky, along with mac and cheese and pickles.  Feeling over stuffed and lazy I answered the phone. Our neighbor, friend and landlord had trapped a…

I am rereading Thea Harrison’s Elder Races Series. Has anyone else read her stuff. She does an amazing job of blending the fantasy and our current world. She is an amazing author, builds fine, strong characters and blends, myths, legends and her own special brand of fantasy with a healthy dollop of passion and history.…

Yesterday we heard a funny noise, but it stopped. Today Shawn was sitting on the porch smoking when looking at the truck he noticed that one wheel was not straight. The mechanic is on his way with a tow truck to decide if it is drivable. As convenient as vehicles are, I sometimes wish I…

We are getting ready to go to Denver for the big RWA, Romance Writers of America, conference. A common practice is to exchange cards with real contact info among other authors, editors, and publishers. These cards have  more information than you give a fan or reader which has the website url, in my case JuliaSchmeelk.com.…

Most people are fans of the dystopian story, one that paints a world in one way twisted so badly that it highlights a weakness in society, whether it is the mob mentality of Lord of the Flies or the corrupting influence of technology and inattention of Ferinheight 451, the purpose of dystopian lit is to…

One of the hardest things that we found about relocating is finding new stomping grounds. You have to find a new coffee house, a new lunch place, a favorite table at the library. There is a spot that has pie and ice cream and another that is good for pastry and cake. Chances are there…

We were watching a movie, mostly in an attempt to keep my inner bitch contained while we wait. I am not the best at waiting, especially when things are running behind. At the moment we are waiting on my editor, the arrival of the modem, the working internet to finalize arrangements for a trip, results…