Julie Ryan McGue Interview Published on: 12, Jul 2023
What was your favorite activity to do with your family?
When I was a child, my favorite activity was riding bikes with my twin sister or ice skating at the park across the street from our family home. In raising our four children, my husband and I loved to take them downhill skiing and snowboarding in Big Sky, Montana. Montana’s tagline is: The Last Best Place. I really feel that to be true and I think fans of the series Yellowstone are intrigued with Montana, too.
What was your favorite book or movie when you were a child?My favorite books were the Nancy Drew Mystery series. I read them all many times and still own a few of my favorites like The Hidden Staircase. Favorite movie was The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music.
Did you have a favorite toy or activity when you were a child?Barbie dolls! My twin sister and I had them all: Barbie, Ken, Midge, Allan, Skipper, Francie
Do you remember the first book you picked up to read? What was it about?Probably Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat. I still own a copy and read it to my grandkids.
What inspired you to write a memoir, and how did you decide on the specific events or experiences to include?The story for my memoir presented itself. It begins and ends with the events surrounding a breast biopsy which led my twin sister and I deciding to launch an adoption search for family background and medical history.
How did you approach the task of crafting a compelling narrative out of real-life events while writing your memoir, Twice a Daughter?I enrolled in writing classes at the University of Chicago, Graham School in downtown Chicago. Concurrently, I took an online course from Brooke Warner (She Writes Press Publisher) and Linda Joy Myers (Founder, National Association of Memoir Writers) called “Write Your Memoir in Six Months.” Those courses led to crafting my memoir to read like fiction. Linda Joy Myers helped edit the final draft and Brooke Warner offered to publish it.
Memoirs often involve difficult or painful experiences. How did you navigate the emotional challenges of revisiting those experiences while writing, and what advice would you give to others who are struggling to write about their own difficult experiences?I attacked the writing of difficult experiences from the lens that no one would read it. That helped me get over the first hurdle: fear of what others would think. Next, I went through the draft with the eye of “I am going to publish this, so how do I make it the best it can be?” Lots of critique groups and instructors helped me hone the story and deepen the narrative. I jumped around when tackling the experiences. This technique allowed me to handle the tough plot points when I was ready.
Your memoir has won awards and critical acclaim. How has that affected you as a writer, and what opportunities and challenges have come with that recognition?The awards are wonderful affirmation, but the reader reviews and feedback are what pleases me most. Keeping up with requests for Book Club appearances, continuing with marketing and publicity while writing a second and third book is tough. Good time management has been the key.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to write their own memoir, whether they aspire to be an award-winning writer or simply want to share their story with loved ones?Write your story as if no one will read it then go back and edit. Sign up for writer feedback groups and learn to listen, i.e. leave your ego at the door.
How do you research and gather information for your blog posts on your weekly blog, “That Girl This Life?"I like to write about moments. Moments in family life, society, human interest, etc. I gather those ideas in a notebook and peruse it regularly for a topic that hits me just right on a given week. In crafting the piece, I try to offer personal stories or anecdotes that pose a lesson or a unique point of view for my readers to consider.
Can you tell us about your background and experience in the field of psychology?I studied psychology in college and business in postgraduate work. Psychology serves me well as a memoirist; studying people and striving to understand their wants and needs has always fascinated me. My business degree (Marketing) has been extremely useful in the business of being a writer and promoting my work.
Do you agree that, along with talent, sometimes a writer needs a little luck to be successful?Absolutely. My first book was picked up by She Writes Press because the publisher was teaching a class in which I was enrolled. I follow up on all leads and many of those have panned out. You just never know where something is going to lead.
What is the one thing you feel has helped you shape into a writer?I’m curious and very observant. Attention to detail comes easily to me and that is a good part of what makes good writing.
What are you currently working on?I have a collection of essays that will come out in November 2023 called Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship (Muse Literary, Chicago). This manuscript arose from many of my favorite blog posts, columns, and published pieces. My second memoir, a prequel to Twice a Daughter, tentatively titled American Family, a memoir is still being edited but is set for publication in October 2024 by She Writes Press.
How has AllAuthor helped you to promote your books? How has been your experience working with us?I love the weekly banner mockups. They make promoting books so easy and professional looking. The writer network is beneficial and checking out story lines and book covers is necessary work to spot trends. Thank you!
