In winter 2023, Julie was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer but faced it with grace and wit, famously keeping her heels on during treatment. This challenge inspired her debut women's suspense novel, The Accidental Sisterhood, described by bestselling New York Times author Jenna Blum as "witty and unexpected."
Now cancer-free, Julie celebrates survival and transformation. Her message of resilience resonated at the Moffitt Cancer Center's 2024 National Board of Directors Meeting, where she shared her survivor story. Living in St. Petersburg, Florida, she finds inspiration in her son Luke, embracing life's accidents with an open heart and the power of sisterhood. Stilettos optional!
From LoveBooks2119 on Goodreads: "This book resonates with anyone who has experienced illness or the joys and struggles of friendships/relationships. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community and support in navigating life's toughest challenges."
What would you tell the debut novelist version of yourself?
- Be prepared to wake up at 2:00 a.m. and write or text yourself thoughts you have!
If The Accidental Sisterhood was made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
I love this question and dream about it daily—we're waiting for the call! I'd also be happy to see it as a streaming series since I'm working on Book Two as we speak!
Jules Malone: Rachel McAdams
Sean Conners: Ryan Gosling. I love his chemistry with Rachael in The Notebook!
Jude Conners: Nicole Kidman
Jessica Wright: Margo Robbie
Jazmine Reynolds: Zendaya
Bagels (the dog): Bagels
What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
I am an avid and eclectic reader, and I highly recommend two of my latest reads.
The Personal Librarian is an insightful perspective into the true story of Belle da Costa Greene, who had to conceal her African American identity while creating J.P. Morgan's legendary library collection. In contrast, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a captivating exploration of fame, identity, and forbidden love, told through the complex life of a fictional Hollywood icon.
If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?
Having Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, or Nicole Kidman—love her accent—would be sublime!
What is something you are thankful for?
Breast cancer: I know it may not be the expected answer, but it has brought me unexpected gifts, including...
- Pursuing A Dream: It gave me the courage and the determination to pursue a dream, which was writing The Accidental Sisterhood.
- Embracing—Celebrating the present: An appreciation of every day -embracing it and staying present, grateful for the people, opportunities, and things in my life in the here and now.
- Embracing a passion: having a platform to connect and help others going through challenging times with hope, positivity, humor and the power of sisterhood.
Thanks to Julie for chatting with us and providing a free copy of the book for one lucky winner!
How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.
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12 comments:
My friend Edi
A friend for many years, Ruth. I too had stage one breast cancer.
My dear friend Chrisy.
My best friend, Carol.
Noone at the moment. I was close to my brother's partner. She was like a sister-in-law to me, even though they weren't actually married. However, in the last two years she has become quite distant and I don't feel as close to her as I did before.
A friend I have known and of since we were about 9-10 yrs old and then I was her boss for a few years.
I have a few others but this is one of them.
My friend Cory.
friend
My friend Maureen is like a sister to me.
My friend Bella
My dear friend Joyce
My friend Debbie
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