If you missed my first coffee klatch, you might not have heard the term coffee klatch. Here’s a recap…
Mid-morning, after the kid in the ‘hood got on the school bus, the moms would get together for coffee and socializing. They sometimes referred to this coffee break as a coffee klatch. The term “coffee klatch” comes from the German word, “kaffeeklatsch,” which translates to coffee (kaffee) + gossip (klatsch). It refers to a group of friends getting together over a cup of coffee, usually at someone’s house. The word “klatsch” has turned into “klatch” or even “clatch” over the years, and both are considered acceptable to use.
Coffee klatches were popular in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was common for women to stay home with the kids. Ladies would get together with neighbors, discussing the latest updates in everyone’s lives. For those of us who worked outside the home, enjoy your first {virtual} coffee klatch.
Grab your coffee or tea and meet author Julia Kelly.
Julia is the author of:
Meet Julia:
BJR: Name a real life hero and a fictional hero of yours. Has either influenced your character development?
I’m fortunate enough to have many wonderful men in my life who are all kind and deeply loyal. Those are both traits that I hope readers will find in all my heroes, no matter what book they read.
BJR: Name two of your favorite movies? Did those movies influence your chosen writing genre?
I love classic movies, so it’s difficult to choose just two. However, if I had to choose just two I would probably Casablanca and the film noir, Laura. Casablanca is an incredible deep dive into how to build compelling characters whose decisions drive the plot forward, while Laura is a great example of economical storytelling told in the form of a twisty mystery.
BJR: What is your favorite line from your book?
“I write this sitting in the kitchen sink.” (I Capture the Castleby Dodie Smith)
BJR: What is your favorite beverage and/or food that you consume while writing? Does it change based on the type of scene you’re writing?
I’m a dedicated tea drinker and usually have a cup of it close at hand while I’m writing. Occasionally I’ll have a glass of wine or a scotch instead if I’m writing at night.
BJR: Do you listen to music while writing, and if so, does the music influence the writing or do you choose the music based on where you see the story heading?
Normally I don’t listen to music while I’m writing. However, I do like a bit of white noise so I’ll often go sit in a coffee shop or other shared space if I’m working during the day. I find the change of scenery is really helpful if I’m stuck in the middle of a scene.
BJR: I know most authors say that their characters are totally fictional, but after getting to know some, I can see parts of them in their series’ main character. What parts of your life or personality did you give your main character?
I hope that readers always find a theme of female friendship in my books, and that is certainly drawn from real life. I am lucky enough to have several very close groups of female friends, and they’ve been with me through thick and thing—even now that some of us live on different continents. I also suspect that some friends and family would tell you that some of my mannerisms and in jokes make their way into my books.
BJR: What is the best thing someone has ever said about your work?
Not long ago a woman reached out to me to tell me that she’d read my book and enjoyed it because it reminded her of her time serving in the ATS during World War II. She said that it was the little details that brought her back. It was a huge compliment and a great reminder that all of the work I put into research is worth it.
BJR: When can fans expect your next novel?
The Whispers of Waris another story about loyalty and friendship set on the eve of World War II. It’s about three childhood friends—Nora, Hazel, and Marie—who’ve been with each other for every celebration and challenge. But when Germany invades Poland and tensions on the home front rise, German expat Marie is labeled an enemy alien, and the three friends find themselves fighting together to keep her free at any cost.
BJR: Where can your fans find you and follow?
The best thing to do is to sign-up for my newsletterwhere I send out book news, exclusive bonus content, and more. I’m easy to find on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. I also have a book recommendation podcast, called You’re Never Going to Read This which is available at yourenevergoingtoreadthis.com
Thank you to author Julia Kelly and Gallery Books for joining me for Book Junkie Reviews’ this coffee klatch! Check out Julia’s current release by clicking on the Goodreads links above.
Book Junkie Reviews 
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