Author Interview with Julie Lence

Julie Lence is clearly an author with dedication to her craft and a real love for Western historical romance novels, which both of hers are.  Luck of the Draw was Julie Lence’s first book with Asylett Press.  Her second book, Lady Luck, will be released soon.  I was privileged to have the chance to interview Julie and learn more about her writing process and where she gets her inspiration.  You can buy Julie’s first book and stay updated about the release of the second by clicking here: Asylett Press

You can also visit her personal website (which has a great Western theme — perfect for her style!): Julie Lence

Read the interview and see her book information by clicking Read More!

CulturePopped: How long have you been writing and what got you started?

Julie Lence: I started writing in the early 90’s. I always liked to write in school, but Judith McNaught’s Double Standards is what really got me going. I thought, if she and others could do it, so could I.  Boy, was I wrong. She made it look easy, but the truth is, writing is hard work. It takes dedication, perseverance and years of practice.

CP: Tell us a bit about the inspiration for Luck of the Draw.

JL: Well, I’ve always loved Western movies and horses. The first two stories I wrote were contemporary and completely worthless. After reading a bunch of western romances, I decided to write one. I knew I wanted a ranch, a barn dance, a brawl and a feisty heroine and temperamental cowboy. Other than that, I had no idea in what order events would occur and how the Hero/Heroin would meet.

CP: Is Western historical the only genre you write, or just your favorite?

JL: Western historical is my favorite and currently what I write. I have written a comtemporaty western but it needs work, so I reserve that one for the future.

CP: Which authors have inspired you?

JL: Judith McNaught, Johanna Lindsey and recently, Linda Lael Miller.

CP: What are the ingredients for a “good” book in your opinion?

JL: Characters you really love and care about, and a plot that keeps you entertained.

CP: Do you have any funny/interesting stories to share about your experiences as a writer?

JL: Funny and interesting–no. I’m really very boring. But going back to the first question, I was pretty conceited to think I could turn out a good story on my first attempt. I knew nothing about the writing and publishing business. Thank goodness for my writing group, PPRW. Through them I learned many, many useful things, including POV. Back then, I had no clue and wanted to write the story my way–another conceited way of thinking.

Luck of the Draw–Out Now from Asylett Press

Royce Weston has little use for the opposite sex,
until Paige Morgan deals him a hand he can’t refuse.

Royce Weston knows firsthand women are exceptional liars, especially the one who cheated him at the poker table and then wormed her way into his family’s good graces by claiming amnesia. Since Paige didn’t heed his advice to leave town, he reasons a bit of “friendly” persuasion is needed to send her packing from Wooded Acres. But when she matches him trick for trick and has his ranch hands jumping to please her, Royce knows he’s met his match. A simpering miss she is not. Sassy and daring; if only she’d give him a reason to trust her.

Paige knows Royce wants her gone, but she’s convinced he knows something about her past. Until he tells her, she isn’t going anywhere. Matching wits with him isn’t all that hard, especially when she discovers there’s more to him than bark and brawn. If she tames this rough and tough cowboy, she’ll enjoy a reward better than any poker ante. And any girl will tell you, it’s not how she play the cards, it’s the Luck of the Draw that counts.

Lady Luck–Coming Soon from Asylett Press

Handsome, rugged cowboy Lucas Weston is living proof of the damage a woman can cause. Determined to keep another miss from running stampede over his heart, Lucas has garnered the reputation of a man who favors flirting and wild times between the sheets. When he’s roped into taking to the trail to escort Missy Morgan back to her home in San Francisco, Lucas isn’t too pleased until he discovers she uses her poker-playing, whiskey-swilling ways to hide her own fears. What those fears might be, he doesn’t know. But he’s going to find out. Drawn to her from the start, Missy represents the opportunity for the life fate cheated him seven years ago.

Missy Morgan has lived by a rigid set of rules for so long she knows no other way. Life hasn’t always been kind. Fate has dealt her more losing hands than she cares to remember. But she has Lady Luck and her family. For them she’ll remain strong, until a handsome cowboy enters her life and challenges the way she lives. Against her will, she’s drawn to Lucas’ blue eyes and honesty. Would it be so terrible if she put her trust in him? The odds say yes, but something else says no. And what about that horrible night? It’s hung over her head for so long only a fool would gamble on Lucas’ goodness. And she’s not a fool. Or is she?