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Live Chat with Debut Author
Julie Lawson Timmer

Live Blog Live Chat with Julie Lawson Timmer, FIVE DAYS LEFT

Live Chat with Julie Lawson Timmer, FIVE DAYS LEFT

(09/10/2014)

  

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3:47	Nora - EarlyWord:  We will begin our live online chat with Julie Lawson Timmer, author of FIVE DAYS LEFT in about 15 minutes. Wednesday September 10, 2014 3:47 Nora - EarlyWord

3:49	Nora - EarlyWord:  Meanwhile, here’s the cover of the book, just published by Amy Einhorn Books (a division of Penguin/Putnam) yesterday. Wednesday September 10, 2014 3:49 Nora - EarlyWord

3:49	Nora - EarlyWord Wednesday September 10, 2014 3:49

3:50	Nora - EarlyWord:  Julie a special video for First Flights participants: Wednesday September 10, 2014 3:50 Nora - EarlyWord

3:50	Nora - EarlyWordNora - EarlyWord Wednesday September 10, 2014 3:50

3:54	Nora - EarlyWord:  I see chat some participants gathering! Wednesday September 10, 2014 3:54 Nora - EarlyWord

3:54	Nora - EarlyWord:  You can send your questions through at any time. They'll go into a queue, and we'll submit as many of them as we can to Julie before the end of the chat. Wednesday September 10, 2014 3:54 Nora - EarlyWord

4:00	Nora - EarlyWord:  Julie has joined us -- say hi to the group, Julie. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:00 Nora - EarlyWord

4:01	Julie Timmer:  Hi everyone! Thrilled to be here. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:01 Julie Timmer

4:01	Nora - EarlyWord:  If any of you out there want to say hi, now's the time. Otherwise, i'll just start asking questions. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:01 Nora - EarlyWord

4:01	[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ]  Hi Julie! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:01 Dominique

4:01	Julie Timmer:  Hi Dominique! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:01 Julie Timmer

4:02

Nora - EarlyWord:  Julie, your novel is about a woman named Mara, who has Huntington’s disease (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). She is planning to spare her family the devastation of having to deal with her slow decline by committing suicide. That’s her five days left. In addition, there is another character, Scott, who has his own five-day countdown. She and Scott are connected through an online forum. What made you decide to include that character? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:02 Nora - EarlyWord

4:02	[Comment From LilyLily: ]  Hi Julie! Loved the book. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:02 Lily

4:03	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Hi, Julie. Hi, Nora. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:03 Guest

4:03	Julie Timmer:  Just a note - Lou Gehrigs is ALS Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:03 Julie Timmer

4:03	Julie Timmer:  Hi Lily! Thanks! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:03 Julie Timmer

4:03	Julie Timmer:  I added Scott because I wanted Mara to have an online community ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:03 Julie Timmer

4:04	Julie Timmer:  ... and when I conceived of the online group, Scott's character sort of "appeared" to me and I loved him. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:04 Julie Timmer

4:04	[Comment From RebeccaRebecca: ]  I am the "guest" who said hi. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:04 Rebecca

4:04	[Comment From MishyFishMishyFish: ]  Hi from a fellow Michignite (NOT gander) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:04 MishyFish

4:04	Julie Timmer:  Hi Rebecca! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:04 Julie Timmer

4:04	Julie Timmer:  Hi Mishy! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:04 Julie Timmer

4:05	Julie Timmer:  Michignite is a good name. Sounds powerful. :) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:05 Julie Timmer

4:05	Nora - EarlyWord:  Tell us more about you're wanting to develop an online community for our character. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:05 Nora - EarlyWord

4:05	Julie Timmer:  I'm actually a member of an online group myself ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:05 Julie Timmer

4:05	Julie Timmer:  And have been for several years. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:05 Julie Timmer

4:05	Julie Timmer:  And it's really amazing how we consider each other to be "friends" although we haven't met or exchanged names ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:05 Julie Timmer

4:06	Julie Timmer:  I am so intrigued by online relationships, and wanted to explore that in a book... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:06 Julie Timmer

4:06	Julie Timmer:  ... and an online group is a good place to HIDE that you have HD. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:06 Julie Timmer

4:06	[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ]  do you use this group for therapy as well as to vent about life in general? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:06 Dominique

4:06	Julie Timmer:  Not really therapy -- more venting, trading work/family balance tips, etc Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:06 Julie Timmer

4:07	Julie Timmer:  Yesterday we discussed (in our group) car buying, housing and racial profiling. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:07 Julie Timmer

4:07	Julie Timmer:  We get off topic a lot! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:07 Julie Timmer

4:08	Julie Timmer:  It's intriguing to me that some of us in the online group might be presenting a different "self" than exists IRL (in real life). Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:08 Julie Timmer

4:08

Nora - EarlyWord:  Here's a question we got in advance: You said your character is a tribute to your friend who died of cancer and that she handled it with immense grace. One of the things I loved about Mara’s character was that she didn’t handle her disease with grace. She felt very human and believable. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:08 Nora - EarlyWord

4:08	Julie Timmer:  Thanks for the comment about liking Mara ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:08 Julie Timmer

4:08	Julie Timmer:  I didn't want her to be too peaceful about her fate ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:08 Julie Timmer

4:09	Julie Timmer:  ... because I sure wouldn't be, if that were my fate. I'd be livid. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:09 Julie Timmer

4:09

[Comment From TracyTracy: ]  Julie and I emailed a few weeks ago (Hi Julie!) about Laurie, Scott's wife. She was pretty strong in her feelings about not adopting Little Man, only to change her mind later. I'd come to respect her decision, and I worried for their marriage if she did it just to please him! Julie, do you mind sharing some of what you told me about why she did that? I found her an extremely interesting character. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:09 Tracy

4:09	Julie Timmer:  Hi Tracy! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:09 Julie Timmer

4:10	Julie Timmer:  I thought Laurie would never feel truly peaceful, knowing Scott was so miserable ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:10 Julie Timmer

4:10	Julie Timmer:  I'm a stepmom and often make decisions that I feel are best for my husband and his kids, even if I have to catch up emotionally later ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:10 Julie Timmer

4:10	Julie Timmer:  In my head, I know I should agree to what he wants. I thought Laurie would have the same feelings ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:10 Julie Timmer

4:11	Julie Timmer:  ... about wanting her husband to be happy, and feel complete, even if she would have to catch up emotionally later. Sometimes we do this for ppl we love. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:11 Julie Timmer

4:11	[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ]  did you initially mean for scott and mara to only meet online or for them to become friends in real life? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:11 Dominique

4:12	Julie Timmer:  Dominique - in an early draft, they did meet online ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:12 Julie Timmer

4:12	Julie Timmer:  But Amy (my editor) believed--and I agreed--that the reality of online groups is that most of the members don't meet ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:12 Julie Timmer

4:12	Julie Timmer:  ... and that it would paint a more realistic picture if they never met, and Scott couldn't locate her later Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:12 Julie Timmer

4:13	Julie Timmer:  In my online group, members drop off sometimes and we have no idea why Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:13 Julie Timmer

4:13	[Comment From Rebecca (Narrator)Rebecca (Narrator): ]  (Just in case any more Rebeccas show up.) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:13 Rebecca (Narrator)

4:13	Julie Timmer:  Hi Rebecca! LOVED your reading of the book! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:13 Julie Timmer

4:13	[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ]  that makes sense. thank you! if they did meet makes it more realistic! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:13 Dominique

4:13	Nora - EarlyWord:  Hi Rebecca -- you probably know the book as well as anyone does! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:13 Nora - EarlyWord

4:14

[Comment From Jennifer W.Jennifer W.: ]  Hi Julie-I can't decide: was Mara brave & noble hiding from her husband how progressive her disease had become & making the decision to end her life on her own or was it a selfish decision that wasn't hers alone to make? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:14 Jennifer W.

4:14	[Comment From Rebecca (Narrator)Rebecca (Narrator): ]  Thanks, Julie! That means a lot. I hoped I got the tone. (I just went with how I felt it.) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:14 Rebecca (Narrator)

4:14	Julie Timmer:  Jennifer W - such a great question. Not sure there's an answer! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:14 Julie Timmer

4:14	Julie Timmer:  Rebecca - you and Kirby both nailed it. Sooooo good. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:14 Julie Timmer

4:15	Julie Timmer:  Rebecca - I particularly liked how you did Neerja. I loved her even more after hearing you read. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:15 Julie Timmer

4:15	[Comment From Rebecca (Narrator)Rebecca (Narrator): ]  Narrators do have an intense relationship with the books we do, Nora. And Julie, I can't wait to hear it. Kirby is one of my favorites and always so hooked in. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:15 Rebecca (Narrator)

4:15	[Comment From Kirby (The Narrator that is not Rebecca)Kirby (The Narrator that is not Rebecca): ]  Thanks, Julie. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:15 Kirby (The Narrator that is not Rebecca)

4:15	Julie Timmer:  Kirby - so glad you're here! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:15 Julie Timmer

4:15	[Comment From Rebecca (Narrator)Rebecca (Narrator): ]  I love Neerja, too! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:15 Rebecca (Narrator)

4:15	Nora - EarlyWord:  You touched on the editing process earlier. What was that like? Did you go back and forth often? Did the book change substantially? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:15 Nora - EarlyWord

4:16	Julie Timmer:  Editing: I sold the book on a Tuesday night ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:16 Julie Timmer

4:16	Julie Timmer:  ... and by Thurs AM, I had a 7-page, single spaced letter from Amy re: changes! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:16 Julie Timmer

4:16	Julie Timmer:  The general plot didn't change but I added characters, etc. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:16 Julie Timmer

4:16	Nora - EarlyWord:  Wow! And some people say editors don't really edit anymore! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:16 Nora - EarlyWord

4:17	Julie Timmer:  I've heard Amy Einhorn is "the last real editor in NYC." Not sure if she's the last, but she definitely edits!! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:17 Julie Timmer

4:17	Julie Timmer:  Kirby - I want to say how much I loved how you read. Thanks so much to both of you. Terrific! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:17 Julie Timmer

4:17	Nora - EarlyWord:  Did you know her reputation in advance? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:17 Nora - EarlyWord

4:18	Julie Timmer:  I did know Amy's rep in advance and was thrilled when she was interested in the book. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:18 Julie Timmer

4:18	Julie Timmer:  For weeks after it sold, my husband and I would shriek, "AMY EINHORN!" at each other at random times. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:18 Julie Timmer

4:18	[Comment From KirbyKirby: ]  Thanks. Was it hard to accept editing suggestions? Do you have to let part of your ego go? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:18 Kirby

4:18	Julie Timmer:  Kirby - as a lawyer, I've had my writing ripped to shreds for 2 decades! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:18 Julie Timmer

4:19	[Comment From MishyFishMishyFish: ]  What made you want to write a novel? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:19 MishyFish

4:19	Julie Timmer:  So for me, it wasn't hard to hear when something didn't work. I've been hearing that for years. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:19 Julie Timmer

4:19	Julie Timmer:  Mishy - I've always wanted to write a novel ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:19 Julie Timmer

4:19	Julie Timmer:  ... and decided I didn't want to look back one day and regret that I'd never tried it. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:19 Julie Timmer

4:20	Julie Timmer:  So I made a promise to myself that I'd have a draft done by my next birthday, 3 mos away. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:20 Julie Timmer

4:20	Nora - EarlyWord:  How did you go about starting the novel? Did you join a writing group? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:20 Nora - EarlyWord

4:20	Julie Timmer:  On the way to my bday dinner w/ my family, we stopped at Kinko's to print off the draft. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:20 Julie Timmer

4:20	Julie Timmer:  Nora - no writing group for me ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:20 Julie Timmer

4:20	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  Wow! That's incredibe. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:20 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:20	Julie Timmer:  I wrote FDL from 4-6am each morning Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:20 Julie Timmer

4:21	Julie Timmer:  ... and no one else is up at that time! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:21 Julie Timmer

4:21	Nora - EarlyWord:  How did you go about finding an agent (and, did you know that needed to be the first step?) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:21 Nora - EarlyWord

4:21	Julie Timmer:  Agent finding: lots of queries. LOTS. As in, over 100. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:21 Julie Timmer

4:22	Julie Timmer:  I used a great site called Query Tracker that lists agents Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:22 Julie Timmer

4:22	Nora - EarlyWord:  Sounds like the lesson is not to give up! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:22 Nora - EarlyWord

4:22	[Comment From KirbyKirby: ]  How were you able to tap into Scott so well? You really captured the feelings and insecurities of a young husband/father. And I know you are niether. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:22 Kirby

4:22	Julie Timmer:  Nora - yes! I thought the lesson to my kids would be that I tried, and failed, but failed graciously. No bitterness, no blaming others ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:22 Julie Timmer

4:22	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  This is incredibly inspiring. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:22 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:22	Julie Timmer:  When I finally got an agent, I couldn't believe it. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:22 Julie Timmer

4:23	Julie Timmer:  Thanks Rebecca Who Is Not Kirby! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:23 Julie Timmer

4:23	Nora - EarlyWord:  There's so many important issues to discuss in your book. One I am particularly fascinated with is that kids have a stronger bond to their biological parents. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:23 Nora - EarlyWord

4:23	Julie Timmer:  Nora - yes. This is a tough one for me b/c I'm a mom and a stepmom ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:23 Julie Timmer

4:23	Julie Timmer:  I'm not an adoptive mom and I realize there's a difference... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:23 Julie Timmer

4:24	Julie Timmer:  I'm not sure if I agree w/ Mara's assessment ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:24 Julie Timmer

4:24	Julie Timmer:  ... but I think she was rationalizing, as she needed to do. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:24 Julie Timmer

4:24	Julie Timmer:  Kirby - the launch party was last night ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:24 Julie Timmer

4:25	Julie Timmer:  ... and the biggest laugh was when I told them that when you came across ;) in the book, you said, "Winking smiling face." They loved that! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:25 Julie Timmer

4:25	Julie Timmer:  So you have many fans in Ann Arbor! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:25 Julie Timmer

4:25	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  In the end, Little Man ending up with Scott and Laurie is a counterpoint to that idea, yes? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:25 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:25	Julie Timmer:  Rebecca - yes, it sure is. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:25 Julie Timmer

4:25	[Comment From KirbyKirby: ]  ;) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:25 Kirby

4:25	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  Kirby's good for a laugh, even in absentia. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:25 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:26	Julie Timmer:  Haha. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:26 Julie Timmer

4:26	Nora - EarlyWord:  Did writing the novel help you deal with the death of your friend? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:26 Nora - EarlyWord

4:26	Julie Timmer:  Nora - you know what? It did NOT... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:26 Julie Timmer

4:26	Nora - EarlyWord:  I suspected that! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:26 Nora - EarlyWord

4:26	Julie Timmer:  I am just as enraged as I was back then. About her, and about another friend who, at the same time, was diagnosed w/ ALS. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:26 Julie Timmer

4:27	Nora - EarlyWord:  How did you go about picking HD as the disease for your character? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:27 Nora - EarlyWord

4:27	Julie Timmer:  Nora - b/c of those friends of mine, I didn't want to write about cancer or ALS ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:27 Julie Timmer

4:28	Julie Timmer:  ... so I Googled something stupid like, "Incurable, fatal diseases that aren't cancer or ALS." And got an answer: HD. Which I knew nothing about. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:28 Julie Timmer

4:28	[Comment From TracyTracy: ]  I'm curious about the choice for Mara and her family to be Indian. Was there a deliberate message there, or just an interest in a diverse protagonist and family. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:28 Tracy

4:28	Julie Timmer:  Tracy - it's weird, but when I started writing notes about Mara, she just appeared to me as Indian ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:28 Julie Timmer

4:29	Julie Timmer:  ... and I saw her being adopted from there, and going over to adopt her own baby .... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:29 Julie Timmer

4:29	Julie Timmer:  I couldn't have changed her culture if I'd wanted to. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:29 Julie Timmer

4:29	[Comment From Jennifer W.Jennifer W.: ]  Did anything about Scott or Mara surprise you? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:29 Jennifer W.

4:29	Julie Timmer:  Jennifer W - interesting question! ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:29 Julie Timmer

4:29	Julie Timmer:  I guess Mara's being Indian surprised me, now that I think of it. It just happened. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:29 Julie Timmer

4:30	Julie Timmer:  And Scott appeared as a middle school teacher, which was surprising I think. I thought at first he'd be a lawyer. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:30 Julie Timmer

4:30	Julie Timmer:  But I guess he had more sense than that. Winking smiling face. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:30 Julie Timmer

4:31	[Comment From KirbyKirby: ]  haha! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:31 Kirby

4:31	Nora - EarlyWord:  The book has sold into several other countries. Did you pop a champagne cork for each (hope you had caviar when you heard about the Russian). Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:31 Nora - EarlyWord

4:31	Julie Timmer:  Nora - no, but I should have! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:31 Julie Timmer

4:31	Julie Timmer:  It's not too late, I guess. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:31 Julie Timmer

4:32	Nora - EarlyWord:  I'm fascinated by different cover treatments. the U.K. cove is quite different (coming up) ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:32 Nora - EarlyWord

4:32	Julie Timmer:  Nora - true about different covers. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:32 Julie Timmer

4:32	Nora - EarlyWord Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:32

4:32	Julie Timmer:  In the UK, they love those "call out phrases" - here, it's "Is it enough time to say goodbye?" Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:32 Julie Timmer

4:32	Julie Timmer:  All the books have those, and authors have little say. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:32 Julie Timmer

4:33	Nora - EarlyWord:  Makes it a bit more sentimental. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:33 Nora - EarlyWord

4:33	Julie Timmer:  But I like that UK cover. Love little Lakshmi. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:33 Julie Timmer

4:33	Julie Timmer:  Nora - yes, but I feel bad for Scott! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:33 Julie Timmer

4:33	Nora - EarlyWord:  What does the blue ribbon on the U.S. cover symbolize? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:33 Nora - EarlyWord

4:34	[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ]  the UK cover is so moving!!! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:34 Dominique

4:34	Julie Timmer:  HD has a blue ribbon Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:34 Julie Timmer

4:34	Julie Timmer:  I like it too, Dominique! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:34 Julie Timmer

4:34	Nora - EarlyWord:  Speaking of the U.K. cover -- you and your family were featured in the Daily Mail! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:34 Nora - EarlyWord

4:34	Julie Timmer:  US cover - I see the blue ribbon as an artistic rendering of a DNA coil. Fitting, since HD is a stutter in DNA. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:34 Julie Timmer

4:34	Julie Timmer:  Nora - that was a fun thing for the kids, to see themselves in the paper. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:34 Julie Timmer

4:35	Nora - EarlyWord:  Gives you creed as a celebrity! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:35 Nora - EarlyWord

4:35	Julie Timmer:  Ha, Nora - not sure about that! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:35 Julie Timmer

4:35	Nora - EarlyWord:  I see that the Penguin Field reps picked it – what does that mean? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:35 Nora - EarlyWord

4:35	Julie Timmer:  Nora - what an honor to have the field reps pick it! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:35 Julie Timmer

4:36	Julie Timmer:  It means it'll get some nice placement in stores. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:36 Julie Timmer

4:36	[Comment From Reads Books for a LivingReads Books for a Living: ]  I read that Daily Mail piece -- I thought you gave great step parenting advice! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:36 Reads Books for a Living

4:37	Julie Timmer:  Reads Books - thank you! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:37 Julie Timmer

4:37	Julie Timmer:  We have made plenty of mistakes, too Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:37 Julie Timmer

4:37	Julie Timmer:  But hopefully more good decisions than bad. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:37 Julie Timmer

4:37	Julie Timmer:  Maybe the kids will write an article one day ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:37 Julie Timmer

4:38	Nora - EarlyWord:  I want to go back to Kirby's comment about how you created the relationship between Curtis & Scott. Love how you incorporated sports; made it seem very real. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:38 Nora - EarlyWord

4:39	Julie Timmer:  Thanks, Nora. I live with some bleed-maize-and-blue Michigan fans ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:39 Julie Timmer

4:39	Julie Timmer:  ... and they had PLENTY to say about those sections of the book! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:39 Julie Timmer

4:39	Nora - EarlyWord:  I know the type! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:39 Nora - EarlyWord

4:39	Julie Timmer:  Talking about my husband and son here. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:39 Julie Timmer

4:39	Nora - EarlyWord:  Did you share the book with your family as you wrote it? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:39 Nora - EarlyWord

4:39	Julie Timmer:  I actually had a friend's husband try to convince me to send Bray to Michigan State instead of MIchigan ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:39 Julie Timmer

4:40	Julie Timmer:  Nora - I did not. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:40 Julie Timmer

4:40	Julie Timmer:  My poor husband - I'd ask him all these questions about the characters and the plot but wouldn't let him read it. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:40 Julie Timmer

4:41	Nora - EarlyWord:  What strength of character! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:41 Nora - EarlyWord

4:41	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  Have you practiced family law? Is that part of your connection to the foster/guardianship story? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:41 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:41	Julie Timmer:  When I was finished, I had him read it, but not while I was writing Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:41 Julie Timmer

4:41	Julie Timmer:  We call my husband The Plot Doctor b/c he's so good at advising about character motivation, plot, etc Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:41 Julie Timmer

4:41	Julie Timmer:  ... whether he's read the book or not. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:41 Julie Timmer

4:42	[Comment From Reads Books for a LivingReads Books for a Living: ]  How does it feel to read reviews of the book? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:42 Reads Books for a Living

4:42	Julie Timmer:  Reads Books - it's been so nice to see some of the reviews. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:42 Julie Timmer

4:43	Julie Timmer:  But I avoid many -- not sure I want to hear ALL of the opinions at this point ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:43 Julie Timmer

4:43	Julie Timmer:  Some of them can be snarky. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:43 Julie Timmer

4:43	Nora - EarlyWord:  Rebecca -- my apologies -- I tried to post your last comment, but it disappeared. Please try it again. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:43 Nora - EarlyWord

4:43	Nora - EarlyWord:  You mentioned in your bio that you are at work on another book. Guess you really have the writing bug! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:43 Nora - EarlyWord

4:43	Julie Timmer:  Nora - I appear to! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:43 Julie Timmer

4:44	Julie Timmer:  But 4am isn't as attractive anymore! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:44 Julie Timmer

4:44	Julie Timmer:  I'm trying to figure out how to write at more "normal" times. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:44 Julie Timmer

4:44	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  Have you practiced family law? Is that your connection to the guardianship story? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:44 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:44	Julie Timmer:  I want to say that in our family, we talk about Rebecca and Kirby as though they're family members. We are big fans! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:44 Julie Timmer

4:45	Julie Timmer:  Rebecca - no, I was a litigator and am now in house, so a lot of contracts etc Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:45 Julie Timmer

4:45	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  Blushy smiley face. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:45 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:45

Nora - EarlyWord:  I like how you incorporated today's technology into the book. Many of the authors in this program set their books in an earlier period because they wanted to avoid that – thinking it’s difficult to create tension when someone can just Google something, or get an instant response to an email. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:45 Nora - EarlyWord

4:45	Julie Timmer:  I had to call some family lawyer pals for advice on those sections Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:45 Julie Timmer

4:45	Julie Timmer:  Rebecca - ha! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:45 Julie Timmer

4:45	Julie Timmer:  Nora - tech is such a part of my life ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:45 Julie Timmer

4:46	Julie Timmer:  I text my kids, I communicate w/ my husband via Outlook calendar, we are all on FB and Twitter etc Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:46 Julie Timmer

4:46	[Comment From KirbyKirby: ]  What an honor! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:46 Kirby

4:47	Julie Timmer:  Nora - couldn't imagine my life w/o tech, and since I write contemporary stories, I can't avoid it (and don't want to). Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:47 Julie Timmer

4:47	Nora - EarlyWord:  Since we've heard so much about the audio, you can listen to a sample here -- http://www.booksontape.com/... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:47 Nora - EarlyWord

4:47	Julie Timmer:  Oh, yes -- listen to Rebecca and Kirby! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:47 Julie Timmer

4:48	Nora - EarlyWord:  Are you now using social media to promote the book (I mean, besides here)? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:48 Nora - EarlyWord

4:48	Julie Timmer:  Like Neerja (who I love more now b/c of Rebecca), I love Scott more now b/c of Kirby. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:48 Julie Timmer

4:48	Julie Timmer:  Nora - I'm not much into promoting my book... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:48 Julie Timmer

4:49	Julie Timmer:  ... but I chat w/ ppl on Twitter, etc and have made great friends that way ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:49 Julie Timmer

4:49	Julie Timmer:  ... I leave the selling up to my publisher though ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:49 Julie Timmer

4:49	Julie Timmer:  I get a little cringe-y thinking about the "Buy my book!" tweets. Can't do it. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:49 Julie Timmer

4:50	Nora - EarlyWord:  We should tell people, however, that you are willing to talk with reading groups via SKYPE. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:50 Nora - EarlyWord

4:51	Julie Timmer:  Oh, absolutely, Nora. Love talking to people, just not yelling at them via Twitter. :) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:51 Julie Timmer

4:51	Julie Timmer:  I'd be thrilled to chat to book groups via Skype or phone. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:51 Julie Timmer

4:51	Julie Timmer:  And ppl can contact me via my website to line that up. www.julielawsontimmer.com Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:51 Julie Timmer

4:52	[Comment From Boston LibrarianBoston Librarian: ]  Are you doing any touring for the book? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:52 Boston Librarian

4:52	Julie Timmer:  Boston - a little ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:52 Julie Timmer

4:52	Julie Timmer:  My editor doesn't "tour" debut authors but ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:52 Julie Timmer

4:52	Julie Timmer:  ... if bookstores or other groups request, my publisher will send me Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:52 Julie Timmer

4:53	Nora - EarlyWord:  How did it feel to say good bye to your characters? Was that difficult? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:53 Nora - EarlyWord

4:53	Julie Timmer:  ... I'm going to a few more stores in Michigan (maybe about 5) and one in LA Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:53 Julie Timmer

4:53	Julie Timmer:  Nora - yes, it was tough to stop thinking about Scott and Mara all the time. And Tom and Harry. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:53 Julie Timmer

4:53	[Comment From MishyFishMishyFish: ]  Michigan has some great indies. Which ones will you be going to? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:53 MishyFish

4:53	Julie Timmer:  Also, initially, flightpath, who's a minor character, was going to be bigger ... Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:53 Julie Timmer

4:54	Julie Timmer:  Mishy - Nicola's last night; Literati; Saturn; Horizon. Hopefully more. Love indies. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:54 Julie Timmer

4:54	Nora - EarlyWord:  And don't forget Bray -- loved that guy! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:54 Nora - EarlyWord

4:54	Julie Timmer:  I really did love Bray. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:54 Julie Timmer

4:54	Julie Timmer:  Such a great guy. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:54 Julie Timmer

4:54	Julie Timmer:  Another character Kirby totally brought to life. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:54 Julie Timmer

4:54	[Comment From MishyFishMishyFish: ]  Hope to catch you at one of those stores! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:54 MishyFish

4:54	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  Perhaps we can all meet in person in LA? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:54 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:55	Julie Timmer:  Mishy - would love it! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:55 Julie Timmer

4:55	[Comment From Jennifer W.Jennifer W.: ]  Was it a hard to resist the impulse to write Mara's daughter into the last scene, maybe finding, reading or reacting the letter and just leave it as a letter left behind? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:55 Jennifer W.

4:55	Julie Timmer:  Rebecca - would love to! 9/18 Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:55 Julie Timmer

4:55	Julie Timmer:  Jen W - I didn't think about that. Guess I knew it'd be too tough on such a young girl. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:55 Julie Timmer

4:56	Nora - EarlyWord:  So sorry to say, our time is almost over. Any final questions for Julie? Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:56 Nora - EarlyWord

4:56	Julie Timmer:  Thanks sooooo much for having me! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:56 Julie Timmer

4:56	Julie Timmer:  So nice to chat with all of you today. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:56 Julie Timmer

4:57	Julie Timmer:  (will still answer - just wanted to get that in while I could) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:57 Julie Timmer

4:57	[Comment From KirbyKirby: ]  Great job! I look forward to many more great books from you! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:57 Kirby

4:57	[Comment From Jennifer W.Jennifer W.: ]  Thanks for taking out the time to answer our questions; thanks as always, Nora, for hosting. Best of luck with the book, Julie. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:57 Jennifer W.

4:57	Julie Timmer:  Kirby - thanks! I'll write 'em and you two read 'em! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:57 Julie Timmer

4:57	[Comment From DominiqueDominique: ]  thank you for such an amazing book, Julie! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:57 Dominique

4:57	Julie Timmer:  Thanks for the great questions, and for taking the time to chat w/ me. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:57 Julie Timmer

4:57	[Comment From Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby): ]  Yes! Looking forward to what comes next, and congratulations on this one! I'll try to make it on 9/18. :) Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:57 Rebecca (The Narrator that is not Kirby)

4:57	[Comment From LilyLily: ]  This is a great book for book groups. So much to discuss! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:57 Lily

4:58	Julie Timmer:  Thanks Lily! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:58 Julie Timmer

4:58	Nora - EarlyWord:  By the way, Julie, Dominique has told everyone in the known universe that they have to read your book. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:58 Nora - EarlyWord

4:58	Julie Timmer:  Reb - the event is 9/19, actually. Sorry. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:58 Julie Timmer

4:58	Julie Timmer:  Dominique is THE marketing guru Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:58 Julie Timmer

4:58	Julie Timmer:  She's awesome Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:58 Julie Timmer

4:59	Nora - EarlyWord:  That's it for today's chat. Thanks, everyone, for joining. And thanks, especially to you, Julie. Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:59 Nora - EarlyWord

4:59	Julie Timmer:  Thanks Nora, and everyone else! Wednesday September 10, 2014 4:59 Julie Timmer

5:00	Nora - EarlyWord:  First Flights members -- our next book is Unbecoming by Rebecca Scherm. You will be getting it shortly. And if you are not a member, you can sign up on EarlyWord. Wednesday September 10, 2014 5:00 Nora - EarlyWord

 

 

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