Ask the Author: Julia Buckley
Answered Questions (29)
Julia Buckley
Hello, Zermeena!
I'm sorry to be late with my answer. I'm so glad you like the Hungarian Tea House series. As it happens, I will be publishing a fourth book in the next month or so. Watch my website or Julia Buckley Mystery Novels on Facebook for updates! :) My web address is www.juliabuckley.com
I'm sorry to be late with my answer. I'm so glad you like the Hungarian Tea House series. As it happens, I will be publishing a fourth book in the next month or so. Watch my website or Julia Buckley Mystery Novels on Facebook for updates! :) My web address is www.juliabuckley.com
Julia Buckley
Hi Hillary! I apologize for my late response – I have not checked this page in a while. You have asked this question at an auspicious time, because I just completed a draft of Hungarian tea House number four. It will be an edits for a couple of months, but I hope to release it early in 2025. Thanks so much for reading the series! 🩷
Julia Buckley
Hello, Jane! I am still in the midst of finishing a writers apprentice novel, but after that I do plan to write a third dinner and a murder mystery set at Christmas time. Thanks so much for reading the series! 🩷
Julia Buckley
Hi, Kayla!
Happy New Year. I'm not sure what you mean by this question, unless you're referencing my last answer, in which I said I like to go into a novel knowing just the basics.
In that case, the basics would be a setting, a crime, some suspects, and a vague sense of culprit and motive. However, because it is a loose structure, i am not committed to any one detail, and I often change things along the way, including whodunnit. :)
Happy New Year. I'm not sure what you mean by this question, unless you're referencing my last answer, in which I said I like to go into a novel knowing just the basics.
In that case, the basics would be a setting, a crime, some suspects, and a vague sense of culprit and motive. However, because it is a loose structure, i am not committed to any one detail, and I often change things along the way, including whodunnit. :)
Julia Buckley
Dear Kayla,
It is true that I tend to be more of a "pantser" than a "plotter." But I do have to submit detailed synopses to my publisher in order to have a proposal accepted, so even if I sometimes want to go into a story knowing just the basics and then construct as I go along, I have also sat down and plotted out a whole book, as well. I will admit, though, that even if I turn in a detailed synopsis, I do not always follow that synopsis. For me (and every writer is different) much of what feels authentic in my writing comes out in the moment of creation. I've even had characters pop up out of nowhere because I had a sudden idea that took a plot in a different direction. These digressions tend to have been some of my best ideas, which is why I do believe in the magic of going with the writing flow.
There is no one way to write, and I've tried a variety of things--first vs third person, past vs present tense, outline vs surprise myself as I go. The best type of writing for you is whatever feels the most authentic to you.
You can always try to begin something in two ways. First, just take a basic premise and sort of free-write an intro paragraph or a first chapter. Next, take a different premise and outline a whole idea, THEN write an intro. Which felt more natural? Which elicited the best writing?
Let me know if this is hoelpful.
Happy New Year!
Julia
It is true that I tend to be more of a "pantser" than a "plotter." But I do have to submit detailed synopses to my publisher in order to have a proposal accepted, so even if I sometimes want to go into a story knowing just the basics and then construct as I go along, I have also sat down and plotted out a whole book, as well. I will admit, though, that even if I turn in a detailed synopsis, I do not always follow that synopsis. For me (and every writer is different) much of what feels authentic in my writing comes out in the moment of creation. I've even had characters pop up out of nowhere because I had a sudden idea that took a plot in a different direction. These digressions tend to have been some of my best ideas, which is why I do believe in the magic of going with the writing flow.
There is no one way to write, and I've tried a variety of things--first vs third person, past vs present tense, outline vs surprise myself as I go. The best type of writing for you is whatever feels the most authentic to you.
You can always try to begin something in two ways. First, just take a basic premise and sort of free-write an intro paragraph or a first chapter. Next, take a different premise and outline a whole idea, THEN write an intro. Which felt more natural? Which elicited the best writing?
Let me know if this is hoelpful.
Happy New Year!
Julia
Julia Buckley
Hello, Kim! I'm so sorry to be late with this answer. I am glad you discovered teh Writer's Apprentice series. It is perhaps my favorite.
While Berkley has not renewed the series, I am now able to publish the books myself, and I am putting finishing touches on Book Six, Death Through a Dark Green Glass. Look for it by the end of the year (I hope).
Also, have you discovered the Writer's Apprentice short story called "A Dark and Silent Night?" It's not a full novel, but kind of a fun read for the holidays.
The only bad news is that I don't currently have a way to create an audiobook for Book Six. Do you have the option oof reading either print or online versions?
Thank you again!
Julia
While Berkley has not renewed the series, I am now able to publish the books myself, and I am putting finishing touches on Book Six, Death Through a Dark Green Glass. Look for it by the end of the year (I hope).
Also, have you discovered the Writer's Apprentice short story called "A Dark and Silent Night?" It's not a full novel, but kind of a fun read for the holidays.
The only bad news is that I don't currently have a way to create an audiobook for Book Six. Do you have the option oof reading either print or online versions?
Thank you again!
Julia
Julia Buckley
Dear Catherine,
I am so sorry to be late with my answer. I wish GR would send me e-mails when I have a pending question.
Anyway, I am thrilled that you like the Hungarian Tea House novels. It seems to have a sort of cult following now (rather than the worldwide audience authors dream of). :) As I said to Kimberly above, I will have to wait on my publisher's reversal of rights since they do not plan to continue the series as far as I know.
I am so sorry to be late with my answer. I wish GR would send me e-mails when I have a pending question.
Anyway, I am thrilled that you like the Hungarian Tea House novels. It seems to have a sort of cult following now (rather than the worldwide audience authors dream of). :) As I said to Kimberly above, I will have to wait on my publisher's reversal of rights since they do not plan to continue the series as far as I know.
Julia Buckley
Hi, Kimberly!
Long time no see! I am so glad you ended up liking Hana and the gang. I do not think Penguin will be renewing the series (modest sales only). I might write more when I one day get the rights back, as I just did with the Undercover Dish series. But for now, there is nothing on the horizon. I do have a good idea for Book Four, but have not started writing.
Long time no see! I am so glad you ended up liking Hana and the gang. I do not think Penguin will be renewing the series (modest sales only). I might write more when I one day get the rights back, as I just did with the Undercover Dish series. But for now, there is nothing on the horizon. I do have a good idea for Book Four, but have not started writing.
Julia Buckley
Hi, Alexis! Thank you for reading; I'm so glad you like my books. My most recent series is written under the name Veronica Bond--have you discovered those? The first is called Death in Castle Dark, and the second comes out in July. I also recently published a fourth Undercover Dish mystery called A Fatal Fettuccine. I'm looking into some new projects after that, so stay tuned!
Julia Buckley
Hi, Miriam--I'm sorry to answer this so late! I answered the Teddy question below; I seem to have reversed the questions. In regard to the Hungarian Teahouse series, Death on the Night of Lost Lizards is the newest title, and the fate of the series now depends upon sales. I will update readers on my Facebook page and my website (and newsletter) about any decisions.
Julia Buckley
Dear Miriam,
I am so sorry for the lateness of my response. I did not see these questions earlier. I love Teddy, too, and I fully intended to write a sequel, but I never did. Contractual obligations forced me to write other things, and as Teddy was a book I self-published, I had to put it on the back burner. I had actually begun the second book, which was called Dark Matter, but it is far from complete. If I ever manage to finish it I will certainly post on my website, my Facebook page, and my newsletter. Thank you so much for reading! It's one of my favorite novels.
I am so sorry for the lateness of my response. I did not see these questions earlier. I love Teddy, too, and I fully intended to write a sequel, but I never did. Contractual obligations forced me to write other things, and as Teddy was a book I self-published, I had to put it on the back burner. I had actually begun the second book, which was called Dark Matter, but it is far from complete. If I ever manage to finish it I will certainly post on my website, my Facebook page, and my newsletter. Thank you so much for reading! It's one of my favorite novels.
Julia Buckley
HI, Nann!
Thanks so much for reading my books. I'm so glad you liked Butterfly! A book of my heart, for sure.
DEATH WITH A DARK RED ROSE comes out this month, and the new Hungarian Tea House mystery, DEATH OF A WANDERING WOLF, comes out in June. After that there will be one more Hungarian book that I know of, called DEATH ON THE NIGHT OF TWIN LIZARDS. Then I'll be in limbo for a time waiting to hear if any series are extended or perhaps pursuing new series ideas. I'll definitely post as soon as I know, both on my website (www.juliabuckley.com) and my Facebook page (Julia Buckley Mystery Novels). Fingers crossed that at least one of the series will be extended!
Julia
Thanks so much for reading my books. I'm so glad you liked Butterfly! A book of my heart, for sure.
DEATH WITH A DARK RED ROSE comes out this month, and the new Hungarian Tea House mystery, DEATH OF A WANDERING WOLF, comes out in June. After that there will be one more Hungarian book that I know of, called DEATH ON THE NIGHT OF TWIN LIZARDS. Then I'll be in limbo for a time waiting to hear if any series are extended or perhaps pursuing new series ideas. I'll definitely post as soon as I know, both on my website (www.juliabuckley.com) and my Facebook page (Julia Buckley Mystery Novels). Fingers crossed that at least one of the series will be extended!
Julia
Julia Buckley
I would go to St. Petersburg, Russia in 1866; I would walk across the bridges over the labyrinth of canals until I came to the apartment building where Praskovya Pavlovna is the landlady. I would make my way to the hot and stuffy attic and visit Dostoevsky's Rodion Raskolnikov BEFORE he commits murder. I would assure him that he is a good person but that his theory is flawed, and that he should talk things over with his friend, Razumikhin. I would bring him money and encourage him to use his brilliant mind to think of a way to make that money last, and to secure his future in a positive way so that he can help the many people who suffer in the streets.
Julia Buckley
Thank you so much, Annie!
Julia Buckley
HI, Annie!
Yes, that was intentional. It was meant to be a cliffhanger until Lena shares the information with her fellow investigators. :)
Julia
Yes, that was intentional. It was meant to be a cliffhanger until Lena shares the information with her fellow investigators. :)
Julia
Julia Buckley
Hi, Deborah! Right now there is one more scheduled, called DEATH WITH A DARK RED ROSE. The series has not been renewed beyond that one. If the sales are good there is a chance it could be, but we won't know that for a while.
Julia Buckley
Hi, Kat!
I apologize for my late answer. I don't seem to get notifications about these questions, and I don't always see this page. Please forgive me!!
What genre do you want to write in? I will message you for more info.
Julia
I apologize for my late answer. I don't seem to get notifications about these questions, and I don't always see this page. Please forgive me!!
What genre do you want to write in? I will message you for more info.
Julia
Julia Buckley
Lizz, thank you for your feedback on Covered Dish. I really love Lilah, Jay and Mick and would love to keep writing their story. I don't have a fourth book completed, but will let you know if I end up publishing anything new. You can sign up for newsletters on my website to be sure you're included in all new publication announcements.
Thanks for contacting me!
Thanks for contacting me!
Julia Buckley
I'm so sorry, Lizz--I only just saw this question!
I'm glad you like the Writer's Apprentice series. I enjoy writing it and just completed number four.
The Covered Dish mystery series was not renewed by Berkley, so if I do write a fourth book I would have to find other avenues for publication. I'll try to keep readers updated on my website and on Facebook.
The good news is that I am currently in talks to start a new series with a similar tone to the Covered Dish books--more on that soon!
I'm glad you like the Writer's Apprentice series. I enjoy writing it and just completed number four.
The Covered Dish mystery series was not renewed by Berkley, so if I do write a fourth book I would have to find other avenues for publication. I'll try to keep readers updated on my website and on Facebook.
The good news is that I am currently in talks to start a new series with a similar tone to the Covered Dish books--more on that soon!
Julia Buckley
What a great question! I have all sorts of mysteries from my past, from "what ever happened to so-and-so" to "who murdered that person in our neighborhood?" There have been several unsolved murders in various places that I've lived.
One mystery that stands out to me now goes back to a time when I was a child--probably eight or nine years old--and I was in my front parkway, right next to the street, petting my dog. A man pulled up, got out of his car, and started talking to me, telling me he was a dog lover, and asking what sort of dog was this. He probably only spoke to me for a few minutes, but it retrospect it felt like a long time. He might have just loved dogs, and my dog was pretty--a mix of beagle, shepherd and Norwegian elk hound--but I keep wondering if he had darker intentions in suddenly pulling over and talking to a little girl on her own.
Luckily, when I looked back at my house, I saw my mother's face in the window, watching us. And I'm sure he did, too. Eventually he went back to his car and drove away.
Now it seems to me that could be the start of a thriller.
One mystery that stands out to me now goes back to a time when I was a child--probably eight or nine years old--and I was in my front parkway, right next to the street, petting my dog. A man pulled up, got out of his car, and started talking to me, telling me he was a dog lover, and asking what sort of dog was this. He probably only spoke to me for a few minutes, but it retrospect it felt like a long time. He might have just loved dogs, and my dog was pretty--a mix of beagle, shepherd and Norwegian elk hound--but I keep wondering if he had darker intentions in suddenly pulling over and talking to a little girl on her own.
Luckily, when I looked back at my house, I saw my mother's face in the window, watching us. And I'm sure he did, too. Eventually he went back to his car and drove away.
Now it seems to me that could be the start of a thriller.
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