Tell us about yourself.:
Hi! I'm Julie! I'm a Law & Order: Special Victims Unit junkie; children's books literacy advocate, Author, spouse to a retired air force airman, and mama, who is simply making it through the day by the grace of caffeine and Jesus. I live in leggings and LOVE wearing dresses with sneakers! I have a degree in broadcast journalism and criminal justice from the University of Maryland in College Park. After college, I went on to work in television, specializing in crime TV, and then advanced to investigations for the federal government. My most favorite job has been being a mommy and Conversations With Colton are my favorite! I live in Oklahoma with my husband, son, and dog.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in Maryland and I have to say that had a significant impact on my work. The state has a rich history, diverse population, and unique geography that can inspire creativity and shape one's perspective. For instance, the Chesapeake Bay and its surroundings can inspire stories of adventure, romance, and mystery. Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C., also influenced my work, as politics and policy often come into play in the nation's capital.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I believe every writer has unique writing habits, that they follow to help them stay productive and creative.

Mine is: I prefer to write at night. I'm more productive and enjoy a quieter more peaceful environment when writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can! Nothing inspires an author like reading someone else's words. It's super common to hit roadblocks and get writer's block when you are immersing yourself in books!

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I've ever received is to keep a pad of paper and pencil on my nightstand. You never know what ideas you may have in the middle of the night or while dreaming.

What are you reading now?
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

What’s your biggest weakness?
Chocolate and Reality TV 😂

What is your favorite book of all time?
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. It was the inspiration behind my son's name!

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy spending my time with my family, reading and walking Rocky our family dog.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
My favorite series growing up was Nancy Drew. I wish I had fond childhood memories of enjoying books before middle school, but I don’t. I don’t have any memories where I enjoyed reading before the Nancy Drew series. I know my parents read bedtime stories to me.

I read when it was required in school, but I didn’t love books, until I “met” Nancy and the gang.

For those you don’t know, Nancy Drew is a fictional teenage amateur detective in an extended series of mystery books by Carolyn Keene. Nancy Drew’s intelligence, courage, and independence made her a popular role model for many generations of young readers. I may have been her #1 fan. I was obsessed with her investigative skills and loved the idea of solving mysteries. In hindsight, I believe she inspired me more than I realized at the time, but I owe Carolyn Keene the world because she is was sparked my LOVE of books.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
I write inspirational non-fiction. After suffering a miscarriage and a cancer diagnosis, finding out I was pregnant was an incredible miracle. But what happened next put my faith to the test, more so than the previous trials. How do you keep having faith when you are caught in a "storm?" Conversations with Colton will explore just that! Colton survived despite what doctors said, and conversations with him have made all the fear, faith, and doubt that got to this moment 100 percent worth it.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a coffee table book filled with life lessons from an 8-year-old. It will be filled with fun, comedic conversations, from a miracle baby's views on life.

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
social media! I love Facebook and connecting with old friends and new ones!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to finish my 2nd book and start a children's book one day.

How well do you work under pressure?
My best work comes from having a firm deadline.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I like to write as I talk. Connecting with my readers and allowing them into my world leaves them feeling like we are sitting at my favorite table at Starbucks having a conversation.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Be on the lookout and try not to miss them, the tiny miracles, because they are what will give you hope for the future.

Julie Catania-Shady’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Amazon Profile
Goodreads Profile

Julie Catania-Shady’s Social Media Links
Facebook Page
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube Account