We chat with Julie Tieu, an exciting new and diverse voice in contemporary romance, about her hilarious and sexy new novel Circling Back To You, which follows colleagues who decide to take their relationship outside the office.
Hi, Julie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Julie! I write contemporary romance that is sweet and funny with a dash of drama. I spend too much time thinking about what my characters are eating because I am a foodie myself. If you want to know what I’m reading or eating these days, follow me on Twitter @julietieu and Instagram @julietieuwrites.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I loved reading and writing at an early age. In third grade, I recall an assignment where I said I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I was lucky to have several teachers who encouraged me to write, but as I grew older, I started to lose interest in the books I had to read for school. I also didn’t know how I could become an author, so I chalked it up to a childhood dream. It wasn’t until I started reading romance that I fell back in love with reading and I wanted to try my hand at writing.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
I grew up reading The Babysitter’s Club and Ramona. I don’t remember much beyond that because that was a long time ago! The one that made me want to become an author was The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. It wasn’t the first romance book I ever read, but it was the first one that had a family that felt similar to mine. I didn’t know how much that representation meant to me until I read it. The one I can’t stop thinking about is Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic by Lauren Ho. The way it depicted pregnancy and how it affects your relationships with your friends and family was so relatable and funny. The romance was also well done. The tension was chef’s kiss.
Your new novel, Circling Back to You, is out July 12th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
This is hard! How’s this: Pining coworkers go on a trip.
I know that’s technically six words, but they’re short words!
What can readers expect?
It is a coworkers to friends to lovers story about Matt and Cadence, two ambitious real estate professionals who must go on a business trip to salvage a deal. The trip takes them to LA near their hometowns where they deal with different family dynamics. Matt’s family wants him to settle down. Cadence’s family is extranged and grieving the death of her mom. Being in close proximity to each other helps them see a new side of each other and they must learn how to take their chemistry out of the office and into the real world.
Where did the inspiration for Circling Back to You come from?
Conceptually, I took inspiration from office romcoms such as Two Weeks Notice and couples like Jim and Pam from The Office. There’s already a natural tension in the workplace because there are roles and boundaries in each profession that creates obstacles for a romance. I also took inspiration from The Road Trip episode of Parks and Recreation. It is one of my favorite episodes of TV. Getting out of the office changes the vibes and gets characters to let their guard down a bit.
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
The biggest challenge was writing this during quarantine. It was a chaotic time, having to work from home while taking care of my kids. I would not have been able to finish this book without my husband taking over childcare and cleaning the house during this time. My parents also took me in and fed me while I wrote at their house. It truly takes a village to get a book written.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing the banter between Matt and Cadence. Cadence is straightlaced and keeps to herself. Matt is a ball of sunshine. Finding their chemistry was a lot of fun.
What helps to motivate you when it comes to writing?
A deadline!
What’s next for you?
I am working on my next project, which is about a florist who has the double duty of bridesmaid when her three best friends get married in the same summer.
Lastly, do you have any 2022 book recommendations for our readers?
So many! Some of my recent faves include:
- LUCIE YI IS NOT A ROMANTIC by Lauren Ho
- LEASE ON LOVE by Falon Ballard
- THE FORTUNES OF JADED WOMEN by Carolyn Huynh
- LOVE IN THE TIME OF SERIAL KILLERS by Alicia Thompson
- THE MAKE-UP TEST by Jenny Howe
