Chapters of Joy with Julie Olivia

Celebrating the people that write stories that bring us joy.

Welcome to my blog series Chapters of Joy! Every week we’ll dive into an interview with an author to get behind the scenes insight on the lives of the people that write stories that bring us so much joy.

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Pure rom-com magic. - B.K. Borison

Interview with Julie Olivia

We’re in that weird pocket of time where Fall is almost over and Winter is quickly approaching. Thanksgiving is next week and the leaves are almost gone here in Portland but I’m holding on to Fall for as long as I can, because it’s my favorite!

That leads me to shamelessly gush about one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this season; Julie Olivia’s new book If It Makes You Happy is the perfect cozy small-town romance read. If you haven’t heard of it yet, I highly recommend treating yourself to a copy or requesting a copy at your local library. {Check out my review here to read more about why I loved it} Fun fact - almost all of her books are currently available in Kindle Unlimited!

Thank you to Julie Olivia for participating in a fun interview for everyone to enjoy!!

On Writing

Can you share a bit about your writing routine? Do you have any rituals that help you get into the writing mood?

I’m a big morning writer! The day is best if I can wake up early, throw on a sweater, grab coffee, and immediately jump into my story. The only true ritual I have is that I need coffee (or a warm beverage) at my desk, and I absolutely cannot look at my phone. Even glancing at unanswered texts will rip me out of the story! I just have to go full-on hermit mode lol

What are some romance tropes you love, and are there any tropes you dislike or avoid in your writing?

I absolutely adore the friends-to-lovers trope and will fight for it until my dying breath! I also adore some more taboo tropes like ex-boyfriend’s dad and age gaps. There aren’t any I actively avoid or dislike. I used to avoid the ‘accidental pregnancy’ trope, but it’s been written so well over the last few years that I love it now!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an author so far?

I love hearing readers say that they felt seen through my writing, whether it be through a character or a setting they’re familiar with. I strive to write realistic characters and very lived-in settings, so anytime someone says something I feel so accomplished!

Getting to Know More

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Halloween. I loved trick-or-treating and spooky times so much.

How do you cheer yourself up after a difficult day?

Right now, I’m obsessed with two things: Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast and old clips of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. The humor is still hilarious and absolutely holds up.

All the Bookish Things

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting out?

Just keep writing! It’s gonna be bad sometimes, and that’s okay. My first drafts are, to this day, terrible! But you can’t edit words that aren’t written.

I love to ask you for recommendations. What’s a book you find yourself recommending again and again?

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams. I’m convinced it’s the perfect book.

If a reader hasn’t read your books yet, which one would you recommend they read first?

If It Makes You Happy! It’s a taste of everything I love writing.

Do you have more writing in the works or any books coming soon that should be on our radar?

Yes, I have two new romances releasing next year, so keep an eye out!

Favorites

• Comfort food: Mac and Cheese

• Coffee shop drink order: Black coffee. I’m very plain haha

• Cocktail or drink: Either a craft beer or a super fruity mocktail

• Season: Autumn

• Holiday: Halloween

• Color: Yellow

• Karaoke song: “Kiss from a Rose” - Seal

• Musician/type of music: I listen to a wide range! Right now, I’m on a 70s kick.

• Place to visit: I’m a theme park girl. I love Universal Studios and Dollywood!

Bookish Favorites

• Book or series as an adult: Six of Crows duology in my 20s, Fallen Men series in my 30s

• Auto-buy authors: Sarah Adams, BK Borison, Hannah Bonam-Young, Teagan Hunter, Giana Darling, Emily Henry, Kennedy Ryan, Leigh Bardugo

• Romance Tropes: Friends to lovers, opposite attract, marriage of convenience

• Indie Bookstores: Eagle Eye, Damsel, Court Street Books, Good Girl Books (Instagram links - check them out!)

Thank you so much for joining us!!

JULIE OLIVIA | AUTHOR

Author Bio: Julie Olivia is a USA Today bestselling author who writes cozy love stories filled with humor, spice, and friendships that feel like a warm hug. She is a roller coaster fan, avid romance reader, and rainy day enthusiast. Before writing romance novels, Julie moonlighted as an illustrator and worked in human resources. However, she decided writing about office romances where they break all the policies was far more enjoyable than enforcing them. Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.

Author Links

Instagram: instagram.com/julieoliviaauthor

TikTok: tiktok.com/@julieoliviaauthor

Sign up for the author’s newsletter over on her Website: julieoliviaauthor.com

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With joy from the stacks