J. H. Authors

One Woman. Three Names. Many Books.

Random Thoughts

Older sleuths

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As I noodle a new book, I’ve been thinking about the lens, or lenses, through which I’ll tell the story. This matters for a few reasons. I’ll be spending a lot of time with these characters. I don’t necessarily have to like them. In fact, I’m playing with an unlikable protagonist and having fun. But I do need to enjoy sending them on adventures and watching their reactions.

My last series, the Garden Squad series, featured several characters, but centered on Lilly Jayne, a 65-year-old master gardener. I enjoyed writing about someone who had lived a full life, who couldn’t run because of achy knees, and who didn’t care what people thought of her.

What if that woman were unlikeable, but rarely wrong? Efficient but a pill? Smart but a social outcast? Bored and therefore reckless?

Do you like older sleuths? I’m reading them more and more. Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, Deanna Rayborn’s Killers of a Certain Age. Wonderfully rounded characters full of life and adventure despite or, or because of, their age.

She isn’t fully formed yet, but a character is emerging, moving in. Her knees will be as creaky as mine. And she’ll be cranky. The rest is to be determined.

I write long, which isn’t working

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Writing a novel doesn’t mean that you can write a short story. I’ve learned this the hard way, several times.

I know many wonderful short story writers. A few friends have used short stories to help reboot their muse. I’ve tried, but every time I try and write a short story, I end up starting a novel. Nevertheless I persist. Partly because I like the challenge. Also because I’ve been asked to write for an anthology, and I need to turn something in.

When writing a short story there isn’t room for backstory, or secondary plots, or lots of characters. There’s room for a story, a complex story depending on the craft level of the writer.

Learning how to write a short story intrigues me as a way to develop my craft. But also as a way to explore new genres. I write mysteries. Maybe I could write a romance short story, or a thriller, or a caper? MAYBE horror, though it would be low key horror.

Short stories are also a great way to introduce readers to new characters. Or to fill in gaps between publishing in a series.

When you are a writer, you are always developing your craft. That’s never done. Will short stories be part of that craft development for me? Or a great way to start a new book? I’ve said yes to the anthology, so something’s going to be written.

The journey.

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I am a mystery writer. A reader of all sorts of books. An audio book fan. A theater lover. An arts administrator. A podcaster. A blogger.

That’s the professional me. There are, of course, other aspects of my life and my personality. I’ll discuss those here as well.

I’m also rebooting. So far I’ve published ten mysteries under three different names. I’ve several other books, two of which are pretty good. Others helped me learn.

The writing journey is what I can control. The publishing journey is a bit more out of my control. Nevertheless, I persist.

I hadn’t been blogging here for years, but now, in late March 2024, I’ve decided to start. Partly for myself, Partly for accountability. Partly to keep a record.

My name is Julie Hennrikus. I write as J.A. Hennrikus, Julia Henry, and Julianne Holmes. If necessary, I will write other another name for a new genre, a new series, a reboot. That’s the publishing part.

I’ve written two cozy series. I’ve written one traditional series. Now I’m interested in writing suspense mysteries, more stand alones. I’m musing a few new ideas, and am going to work on one. I’ll let you know how it’s going.

Creativity: Passion & Perfectionism

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As some of you know, I am a life coach. I’m going live in my Facebook group every Wednesday this month, talking about the theme of passion. In this first week, I’m talking about Passion and Perfectionism.

But why are you sharing this here, Julie, you may be asking. It’s because you all know me as a writer. Though I’ll be talking about my books, I also want to give you some glimpses behind the curtain into my writing life. For those of you on your own creative journey, I also want to offer support.

Do any of you struggle with perfectionism in your life?

Moving Forward

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Moving Forward Post

For a long time I kept up with my blog. Then I stopped, focussing on my Wicked Authors posts, and those I did for Killer Characters. But in 2021, I want to get back to sharing my thoughts with all of you. In this space, I’ll be sharing updates on my writing journey. The books, the ideas, the research, the promotion. I hope this is interesting to readers of my books, and helpful for writers on their own paths.

December 2020 Updates

During November’s NaNoWriMo, I wrote the first draft of Garden Squad #5, tentatively titled The Plot Thickets. The book is due in May. I’m thrilled to have gotten so many words written, and think a large part of that was due to the community of writers supporting each other.

I’ve also been noodling some new ideas, getting ready for a cover reveal of Book #4, and working on this website.

In my coaching/teaching life, I’m starting a monthly subscription called the Writing Journey. Monthly group coaching calls, write-ins, and goal setting exercises. I’m looking forward to launching it in January.

My friend Carolyn Wilkins and I also created a course called Inspiration Awakening that I’m excited for folks to learn more about. This course is about the mindset writers need to do their work.

I look forward to connecting more in 2021.