An Author’s Struggle with Purpose - Guest Post & Giveaway

Julie Anne Lindsey is taking over Cozy Up With Kathy today. Julie writes The Geek Girl Mystery series. A Geek Girl's Guide to Murder is the first book in the series and was just released August 31!

An Author’s Struggle with Purpose.

Over the years, I’ve tried my hand at a number of different genres. It’s no secret it hasn’t been easy for me to find my voice as an author. In fact, I struggle most days, with whether or not this job is for me. Don’t get me wrong. I *want* this to be for me, but deciding to become an author is kind of like deciding to be an actor or recording artist. As a Midwestern mother of three, the idea even more farfetched. The industry is already flooded with outstanding talent and unbelievable competition. If that’s not enough to scare a writer away, the ever changing industry should be. Every day is a surprise. Today’s worldwide phenomenon is tomorrow’s immediate rejection. It’s basically impossible and I should totally walk away. Then again, I’m a writer, which translates roughly to my own kind of bananas and nothing dissuades me. I just try harder. I’ve said it before. I think “Writer” should be listed on the DSM-IV as a personality disorder. The drive to write is overpowering. My reasons vary, but they are always stronger than logic and tougher than the daily rejection. No matter what, I want to write.

But what do I write? Where do I fit in? Who am I in this industry?

I remember trying on my mother’s wedding gown as a child and wondering if I’d ever fill it out properly and maybe, if I was really lucky, look beautiful as she did wearing it. Writing is like that for me. How else can I ever hope to share shelf space with my favorite authors? How can I ever compare? I’ve tried writing everything from paranormal to sweet romance in the hopes of reaching someone who needs a smile. I wanted to make a difference in someone’s day. I want to give them a moment of reprieve from whatever ails them. That’s why I write cozy mysteries. Cozies are upbeat, lighthearted little puzzles packed with old friends and new laughs. Do you need a smile? Come closer.

If you’re in the mood for a pick-me-up, I hope you’ll check out A Geek Girl’s Guide to Murder. More than that, I hope it will make you smile!

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A Geek Girl’s Guide to Murder, The Geek Girl Mysteries, book 1

IT manager Mia Connors is up to her tortoiseshell glasses in technical drama when a glitch in the Horseshoe Falls email system disrupts security and sends errant messages to residents of the gated community. The snafu's timing couldn't be worse—Renaissance Faire season is in full swing and Mia's family's business relies on her presence.

Mia doesn't have time to hunt down a computer hacker. Her best friend has disappeared, and she finds another of her friends murdered—in her office. When the hunky new head of Horseshoe Falls security identifies Mia as the prime suspect, her anxiety level registers on the Richter scale.

Eager to clear her name, Mia moves into action to locate her missing buddy and find out who killed their friend. But her quick tongue gets her into trouble with more than the new head of security. When Mia begins receiving threats, the killer makes it clear that he's closer than she'd ever imagined.

Amazon Barnes&Noble Carina Press iTunes Kobo

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About Julie:

Julie Anne Lindsey is a multi-genre author who writes the stories that keep her up at night. She’s a self-proclaimed nerd with a penchant for words and proclivity for fun. Julie lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three small children. Today, she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.

Julie also writes The Patience Price Mysteries series.

Learn About Julie at:

Julieannelindsey.com

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