Julia Sutton

Julia Sutton is an artist and author of 11 books from East Anglia. In 2016, she published her debut novel, A Sea Of Straw. Now, she lives and writes full-time.

Julia Sutton, born in East Anglia, has had a varied career, including roles as a bar staff member, sales assistant, secretary, teaching assistant, and dinner lady. She retired in 2019 to focus on writing, a decision she thoroughly enjoys. Recently, she completed a Master's in Creative Writing through The Open University.

Julia's love for reading began in childhood, and she dedicates at least one to two hours daily to it. She enjoys various genres, including classics, thrillers, horror, fantasy, and romance.

Her inspiration to write her first book came during an illness in 2009, which led to the creation of The Lake of Lilies, subsequently published by Next Chapter.

Her debut novel, A Sea Of Straw (2016), is set in the 1960s and tells the story of Jody, her daughter Anna, and Zé. The narrative moves between an unhappy marriage in Northern England and a quest for love in Portugal while uncovering the harsh realities of Europe's longest-running dictatorship. Amanda Hodgkinson, author of 22 Britannia Road, praised the book as "a beautifully written and elegiac story of love, politics, and the cruelties of war. An emotionally satisfying read, lyrical and powerful in its psychological depths."

Julia does not adhere to a specific style but enjoys writing dialogue and incorporating literary devices like similes. Her writing often draws from her own experiences, such as attending university and her mental health journey.

Julia resides in Wolverhampton, England, with her husband and a border collie dog. She has two grown-up children who have recently left home.

Photo credit: X @sparklyauthor