A Labour of Love
In 2015, I first had the idea for a novel, my first work of fiction after publishing an autobiography. I drafted 25,000 words while working full time as an English teacher, but eventually I set the manuscript aside because of time constraints.
In 2020, I felt a strong, divine pull to return to writing. At the start of 2021, I made the difficult decision to retire from teaching and commit fully to learning the craft of writing and to complete the story that had stayed close to my heart. The characters had become real to me, and I wanted to see their journeys fully realised.
Over the following years, I studied and workshopped at the Australian Writers’ Centre, rewriting the novel while preserving its original heart and, most importantly, the voice of its main character. The book is now in the pitching stage. Stay tuned for what comes next for this labour of love.
See below for plot hints and beta reader reviews.
A collage of plot hints!
What Beta Readers Are Saying About This Story
“Julie is a gifted wordsmith. She has the ability to paint pictures with words and bring characters to life in a way that makes you feel like you truly know them. This book will keep you fully engaged from beginning to end and leave you sad that it’s finished, longing for more. Julie’s writing draws you into the lives of the characters in such a beautiful way. I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know what was next—and still do!”
— S Wilks
“Fiction rarely captures my attention, but Julie’s novel completely transformed my reading experience. Her masterful writing weaves together richly detailed characters and vivid settings that transported me directly into the heart of the story. From the opening pages, I found myself absorbed in the characters’ journeys, unable to set the book aside as each chapter built toward new discoveries.
The emotional depth of Julie’s writing is remarkable—I found myself laughing aloud at the funny moments and moved to tears during the more touching scenes. Her ability to craft authentic, relatable emotions made every scene resonate deeply. This is the work of a truly exceptional storyteller whose writing doesn’t just entertain—it uplifts and inspires, leaving readers eager for her next creation.”
— A Payet
“Two young women separated by centuries, united by heartbreak. Written with heart and warmth, Julie's book speaks of love lost and found, and what it is to discover one's true self. Be ready for an adventure, and to fall in love with this brilliant debut. ”
— V Vernon