Sometimes an old screenplay hidden in a filing cabinet change your life. For romance author Julie Navickas, that’s exactly what happened.
In this episode Julie talks about her journey from strategic communications professional to published romance novelist, the lessons she learned as a first-time author, and why persistence, not overnight success, is the real secret to building a writing career.
Julie shares how a graduate school screenwriting assignment eventually became her first romance novel after she rediscovered the script during the pandemic. Six years later, she’s published six novels, built a loyal readership, launched her own podcast, and signed with a literary agent as she pursues traditional publishing.
Whether you’re writing romance or any other genre, this conversation is packed with practical advice about critique partners, developmental editing, publishing options, networking, and author marketing.
In This Episode
From Screenplay to Six Published Novels
Julie explains how an old graduate school screenplay sparked her fiction career years later and why giving herself permission to write creatively changed everything.
The Importance of Beta Readers
Before seeking publication, Julie relied on beta readers and critique partners to strengthen her manuscript.
She discusses:
- Finding critique partners through Facebook groups
- Why honest feedback matters
- Building long-term writing friendships
- Learning from writers in your own genre
Why Developmental Editing Is Worth Every Penny
Julie credits her developmental editor with dramatically improving her first novel.
She explains how the editing process helped her:
- Strengthen character development
- Deepen emotional impact
- Eliminate plot holes
- Shift from describing actions to revealing emotions
- Develop her unique writing voice
Small Press Before Traditional Publishing
Rather than finding immediate success with literary agents, Julie chose to work with a small independent publisher.
She shares:
- Why small press publishing fit early in her career
- How each published book improved her craft
- Eventually signing with a literary agent after years of growth
- The value of patience throughout the publishing journey
Why Romance Readers Love Happy Endings
Julie discusses what truly defines a romance novel and explains why every romance requires either a “happily ever after” or “happily for now.”
She also shares some of her favorite romance tropes, including:
- Second chance romance
- Love triangles
- Emotional healing after heartbreak
Is Your Story Really a Romance?
Julie offers helpful advice for writers trying to determine whether they’re writing romance or another genre.
Her key question:
Is the relationship the primary focus of the story or simply one element of a larger plot?
That distinction can help authors better position their work for readers and publishers.
Building an Author Platform
Julie discusses the many ways she connects with readers, including:
- Hosting the Just Write Julie podcast
- Blogging
- Monthly email newsletters
- Writing conferences
- Networking events
- Social media engagement
Julie’s Best Advice for Writers
Success doesn’t happen overnight.
Julie encourages writers to focus on consistent daily progress instead of instant results.
Whether it’s writing a scene, editing a chapter, promoting a book, or growing your audience, every small step moves your career forward.
As she puts it:
Pressure and persistence over time lead to success.
Key Takeaways
- Great books are built through revision and honest feedback.
- Beta readers and critique partners become lifelong writing allies.
- Developmental editing helps transform good stories into great ones.
- Small press publishing is an excellent path for emerging authors.
- Romance novels require emotional satisfaction and a happy ending.
- Author success comes through consistent effort, not overnight breakthroughs.
Memorable Quote
“The only way to be successful in this industry is pressure and persistence over time.” — Julie Navickas
About Julie Navickas
Julie Navickas is the author of six contemporary romance novels and host of the Just Write Julie podcast, where she interviews authors and publishing professionals. She is represented by WordLink Literary Agency and continues to grow her career while inspiring fellow writers through education, networking, and storytelling.
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