WRITER
STORYTELLER
TEACHER
Julie Hartley
Welcome to my website! I’m a novelist, poet, creative writing teacher, editor, retreat leader and parrot owner. Here, you’ll find details of my books, including my two historical novels, set in England during World War 2 and released by Bookouture. You’ll also find information on this website about my annual creative writing retreats in Mexico and Costa Rica, and my creative writing classes for adults and teens. Check out my blog, too, for writing prompts and techniques, tales of travel and musings on a creative life. Oh – and there are a few stories about the parrot, too.
The Promise She Made is Out Now!
It’s September 1940, and with the Blitz underway 18-year-old Ruby is determined to protect her little sister from the bombs – after all, she promised as much to their mother, just before she died. So, Ruby books passage for them both on the SS City of Benares, to safety in Canada. However, her plan backfires when the Nazis torpedo the ship as it crosses the Atlantic Ocean. Ruby is injured, and eight-year-old Eliza is reported ‘lost at sea’.
Back in England, Ruby sets about rebuilding her life, determined to plough all her energy into the defeat of Nazi Germany. She trains as a spy and prepares to parachute into Occupied France. But then, she stumbles on a letter that changes everything. It seems her sister may not be dead, after all.
The Promise She Made is available on Kindle and in paperback through most online stores or by following this link: https://geni.us/ThePromiseSheMade
The Magical Appeal of Britain’s Ancient Woodlands
When I began to write Her Secret Soldier, an ancient forest seemed the perfect location in which to set the story. I thought of gnarled oak trees and fairy rings. Babbling brooks and moss-covered stones. Sunlight slanting down on mysterious [...]
Her Secret Soldier – From Concept to Publication
Sometimes published writers can inadvertently give the impression that their journey to publication was easier than it actually was. The truth is that finding an agent and a publisher is tough - and I mean for ALL writers. You need a [...]
Ten Terrific Historical Fiction Authors to Check Out Now!
One thing about writing historical fiction is that you read a lot of it! In the countdown to the Publication Day of Her Secret Soldier on 12 September, I’ve been re-reading some of my favourites. Here’s a list: Ellen Keith [...]