Behind the story of Burden of Poof by Julie Anne Lindsey

Julie Anne Lindsey is an award-winning and bestselling author of mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published over forty novels since her debut in 2013 and currently writes series as herself, as well as under multiple pen names for Harlequin, Kensington, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. Burden of Poof is the first in the Bonnie and Clyde mystery series.

The beginnings of Burden of Poof

“My idea for the new Bonnie & Clyde mysteries came to me when I realized I often call my cats ‘partners in crime.’ Sometimes when I see them with my kids, I wonder what they’re all up to. And the idea of a woman in need of a friend, and a homeless kitty in need of a human began to percolate. I loved the idea of naming them Bonnie & Clyde for the humorous contrast, the implied together-to-the-end bond, and the idea we should all have someone who’s always there for us. Even if we aren’t the same species.”

Julie said she then pieced together her favorite aspects of the cozy mystery genre and designed a series she wanted to read. “I placed Bonnie & Clyde in a quirky, small town (Bliss). Put the town in the deep south (Georgia). Added a community of folks who love one another, even if they get a little nosy, persnickety or rude from time to time. And I tossed a handsome sheriff, because I like that trope in this genre. I crafted red herrings to keep my witty cozy readers guessing and a heaping helping of hijinks just for fun. Now, I’m feeling great about this brand new start, and I’m hoping readers will too.”

Calling herself a mild-mannered introvert with a nurturing soul, Julie said she wrote Burden of Poof to give readers a way to escape. “I know a lot about the busyness and stress of life, and I know firsthand how much a good book can help people escape, recharge and reset. As a reader, I choose books I can disappear into, ones that will take me somewhere else for a little while, make me feel seen, loved and included. I also like to laugh. So, writing cozy mysteries has been my way of paying forward the incredible gift so many of my favorite authors have given me. I write to make folks smile and breathe easier. I write to create fictional worlds, families and friends, where everyone can belong. I write to reduce reader loneliness. To be an encouragement. And to deliver big, smiling hugs in a time when we just can’t get enough of those.”

From stay-at-home mom to full-time writer

While Julie writes full time, ten years ago, that career was nothing more than a dream. “I was a stay at home mom with three small kids. A toddler, a preschooler and a homeschooled kindergartener. (Can you say b-a-n-a-n-a-s?) I was losing myself to sleep deprivation and the demands of my new family, and it didn’t feel as lovely or romantic as I’d imagined it would. I picked up my first novel in a decade for an escape—and everything changed.

“When I put that book down, I felt lighter than I had in too long, and I knew I wanted to do the same thing for someone else who needed a break. I’ve been trying ever since. Today, I’ve welcomed the publication of 2 short stories, 3 novellas and 42 novels. I’ve worked with eight publishers, connected with my dream literary agent and currently writes series for Harlequin and Kensington as myself, for Sourcebooks as Bree Baker, and for Crooked Lane as both Jacqueline Frost and Julie Chase. Not long ago, the longest thing I’d ever written was a grocery list, and today I’ve made writing my career. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Pushing boundaries

Julie’s decision to write the Bonnie & Clyde mysteries came about during the pandemic. She said the long months of being shut in and not knowing what was ahead caused her to push the boundaries of her comfort zone. “It was suddenly crystal clear that everything could change in a heartbeat, and that was when I decided I would be my own publisher for this series. I wouldn’t pitch it to another publisher or talk to my agent about it. I would learn everything I could about the industry from a business standpoint, including how to find and hire quality illustrators, professional editors and audio actresses, market effectively, and navigate interactions with online retailers. And I’ve done it all.”

Julie now describes herself as an author who is growing, learning and enjoying the process. She describes her journey as ani indie author as terrifying and nerve-racking, yet thrilling and incredibly satisfying. 

In search of fresh places to write about

Julie feels that for her to write effectively about a setting, she needs to visit. She likes to choose a location for the book, then fictionalize it. “I give it a fictional name, so readers who love the real place won’t be upset by the changes I make in the stories. But before I start writing, I spend time in those towns. I visit. I sit. I people watch. Eat the local food, chat with vendors, visitors, area librarians and residents trying to walk their dog in peace before I interrupt with my questions. I try to understand the local culture. I want to experience the general vibe and pace of the town. I need to feel the air on my skin. Then, I put all that in my little thinking cap, and I noodle on it for a while, because when I write about those places, I want to take readers there with me. I want them to hear the local accents, the birds and the wind in the trees. To smell the salt, smoke or aroma of fresh cut grass in the air. And to do that best, I have to go there.”

You can download a free prequel to the series now, and see where it all began in When Bonnie Met Clyde, available https://outbound.julieannelindsey.com/g9UWwY7815kgbDCo. 

Learn more about Julie at julieannelindsey.com. Did you like this interview? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.