Annie's Book Stop of Worcester

 

Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester is happy to shine our Friday spotlight on debut author Julie Summers. Julie decided to write a memoir in the hope that it will help people. She is a survivor who turned her life around and is now helping others.

 

When asked how she wanted to be introduced, she said she would like to be introduced as a “survivor of my life. A Happy survivor!”

 

My first question to you, Julie, is, how can we follow your work and share your awesomeness?

 

You can follow my work by visiting my website, https://offmykneesthebook.com

 

 

 

For readers unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you write?  What can readers expect from your book?

 

I would expect readers to see a clear-eyed memoir that faces sexual abuse, drug addiction, incarceration, and the suicide of my only child.

 

 

 

What kind of research went into writing From Skid Row to Sunset Boulevard?  What is your favorite research story? What cool facts and findings didn’t make it into the book, but you loved discovering?

 

The research was my life. I lived through every event and learned the hard lessons.

 

 

 

What was the inspiration for From Skid Row to Sunset Boulevard?

 

My inspiration came from people who knew of the books contents before it was finished. They encouraged me.

 

 

 

What was the biggest challenge in writing and putting out From Skid Row to Sunset Boulevard?  How did you overcome that challenge?

 

The biggest challenge was me. I had to face myself. I overcame that challenge through introspection and prayer.

 

 

 

What character did you love or hate the most while writing? And why?

 

I loved the main characters. My mother, my son, and a man named Aris Anagnos who lifted me into a world I could only dream of.  I did not hate anyone.

 

 

 

 

 

What was the biggest challenge in writing and putting out [newest release/spotlighted release]?  How did you overcome that challenge?

 

The biggest challenge was me. I had to face myself. I overcame that challenge through introspection and prayer.

 

 

 

What character did you love or hate the most while writing? And why?

 

I loved the main characters. My mother, my son, and a man named Aris Anagnos who lifted me into a world I could only dream of.  I did not hate anyone.

 

 

 

What is your favorite part of being a writer?  Of the whole writing and publishing process?  What do you think has been your greatest lesson in the journey thus far?

 

My favorite part was finding out I can write!  My greatest lesson was to just do it.

 

 

 

What piece of advice would you want to share with other writers?

 

I would encourage other writers to join local groups to share their writing. I did not do this due to Covid. I would also encourage them to join their local writing associations.

 

 

 

What question do you wish interviewers would ask you, and what would the answer be?

 

I would like interviewers to ask about those parts of the book they are interested in. My answers would follow.

 

 

 

What is/are your passions when you’re not writing? How do you make time for your non-writing hobbies/things you love?

 

My passion when not writing is working on solving the homeless problem in Los Angeles through the organization I am involved with-People Assisting The Homeless (PATH)

 

 

 

What are some of your writing-related hobbies, crafts, addictions?

 

Writing related hobbies are reading other books.

 

 

 

What does your writing space look like? What do you need to have around you while writing or editing?

 

My writing space is a nice room where I live. It has views of the surrounding trees and greenery.

 

 

 

What is one thing that most people don’t realize about you?

 

I am always underestimated.

 

 

 

What has been your favorite adventure during your writing career?

 

I did most of the writing during covid, there was no physical adventure. during writing it. 

 

 

 

While you’re writing, do you prefer music, silence, other? Please elaborate!

 

Perfect silence.

 

 

 

Writers very often have furry or feathered or otherwise non-human companions to “help” them through their work.  Do you? What do you have? How do they “help” (or, “not-help”) with your writing?

 

Although I dog sit for friends’ dogs, I do not have a pet at this time.

 

 

 

What do you consider the most challenging part of the writing process? And how do you overcome that?

 

The most challenging part is the first step. Writing.

 

 

 

Are there any groups, clubs, or organizations that you would recommend to other writers that have helped you in your career?

 

Yes, the Writers and Publishers Network. Kathleen Kaiser, and Pedernales Publishing, Jose Ramirez

 

 

 

Thanks very much for taking the time to answer our questions, Julie. And good luck with your book.