#WOTR26 Author Interviews

Julie Navickas

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Julie Navickas, a contemporary romance author represented by Chip Rice of WordLink, Inc. I write what I like to think of as heart wrenching, second chance love stories—full of humility, humor, and heroism. My Trading Heartbeats and Clumsy Little Hearts trilogies have earned a Literary Global Book Award, five first place BookFest honors, as well as finalist nods from the American Writing Awards and the Clarion Award.

When I’m not immersed in fictional worlds, I teach writing courses in the School of Communication at Illinois State University and work in corporate communications at COUNTRY Financial. I hold master’s degrees in organizational communication and English studies, plus a bachelor’s in public relations.

 

How did you hear about this event?  How many years have you attended?

2026 will be my third year at Writers on the River!

 

What genres do you write?

Contemporary Romance

 

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

I’d have to say Finding Love. It’s relatable, relevant, and raw in a way that feels very true to life. The story doesn’t shy away from vulnerability—it digs into the complexities of love, trust, and second chances in a way that I think so many readers could see themselves reflected in. It may not be my flashiest title, but it’s one that carries an emotional honesty I’m really proud of, and I’d love for more people to experience that connection.

 

What is one fun fact about you?  It can be anything like food allergy, fear of something, weird way you broke a bone…….

I’m ambidextrous! I’m predominantly right-handed, but I shoot pool, play shuffleboard, and mini-golf left-handed. I can even bat left-handed. It’s a quirky little trait that tends to surprise people—and occasionally gives me an advantage in a friendly game.

 

What are your social links?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieNavickas
X: https://twitter.com/JulieNavickas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julienavickas/
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/julienavickas.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julienavickas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienavickas/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julienavickas

 

What are your buy links?