“For the second time, I have benefited from the dual talents of Dr. Julia Stroud. In the first novel that she edited, I was concerned about the credibility of complex family relationships as written. With her psychology knowledge and a few canny suggestions, Julia relieved my anxiety making me a happier, more confident author.
This time I presented Julia with an obese novel of 180,495 words that, with judicious cuts, we honed down to a reasonable 160,300. At the same time, her suggestions pointed the way for me to turn a colorless male character into a romantic lover. A surprise gift was Julia’s ability to add the French phrases that I needed to make his dialogue authentic – a problem I had not solved at that point.
In the process of writing a novel, one grows weary of revising. I get a kick out of Julia’s sense of humor and it lifted me out of that slough of despond. I look back on my experiences with Julia and smile at our mutual sense of achievement. I recommend both her editing and psychology skills.”
Jessie Irene Fernandes
Long Time Passing
“After decades of feature writing for newspapers, and teaching journalism, I decided to move to fiction. I enrolled in a creative writing program at a great university, planning to learn how to write short stories. Forced to do a course NOT in one’s chosen field as well, I chose the novel…came up with a story, got honors and even found an agent based on the first chapter and outline. I was hooked. But as I slogged through the writing and rewriting of a first draft, I realized it wasn’t working. It lacked tension – even the fast pace that I’d thought would come easily.
I was ready to quit. That’s when I was introduced to editor Dr. Julia Stroud. Being a psychologist as well as an editor, Julia is the first ‘teacher’ who has succeeded in showing me basic techniques in order for the author to “inhabit the characters”, to bring their motivations, inner struggles, fears etc. to life. Julia gives me practical tools, which allow me to effectively engage the reader, put him/her right into the action and keep them there.
Julia’s expertise as a psychologist also provides me with reality checks on the plot (i.e. believable human behavior). Finally, is also a true pleasure to do creative brainstormings with Julia during which she helps me to see elements of the plot that impede the story and those which deserve more time and space. Best of all, we often come up with great new ideas together. Working with Julia is wonderful! I am still at it.”
Brenda Zosky Proulx
Novel in progress
“As ironic as this may sound, it is difficult to put into words what a critical and positive difference Dr. Julia Stroud made to my writing projects. In the past, I have used various editors to correct my works, and the results, although good, were more technical in nature. However, Dr. Julia brought a whole new dimension to the process. She showed me how to bring my characters to life. Through her insights and coaching I was able to paint, in action and dialogue, realistic and congruous personalities that ring true on every level. Additionally, her editing for content and story flow moved these characters from two dimensional black and white words to multidimensional rainbows of scenes. I could not be happier with her work, and judging from the positive reviews from my readers, neither can they.
I heartily recommend Dr. Julia and can state without reservation that, no matter what level your work is on, she will make a dramatically positive difference in your writing.
Oh yes, there is another reason for my difficulty in wording this recommendation… Although I wish her the utmost success, I am secretly hoping she does not get too busy for my future projects.”
John O’Melveny Woods
Return to Treasure Island
The National Best Books 2010 Awards:
Finalist: Best New Fiction + Young Adult Fiction
Independent Publisher Book Awards 2010
Silver MEdal Winner – Juvenile.Young Adult Fiction
Winner – San Diego Book Awards 2011 – Young Adult Fiction
“I became acquainted with Julia when I wrote my first mystery, Sins of Silence, and have continued to rely on her expertise for each of the three novels I’ve written since. Her insights into character development, especially for determining motives and likely behavior leading to murder, have been invaluable. As a psychologist and writer herself, Julia understands not only character development but also what it takes to ensure that a story is structurally sound and publishable. Whether you are a beginning writer or have had several novels published, I highly recommend that you have Julia review your manuscript prior to submission to agents or editors. I’m convinced that her analysis and recommendations are what ultimately led to the publication of my stories.”
Valerie Wilcox
Sins of Silence, Sins of Betrayal, Sins of Deception, Celilo’s Shadow
“Julia Stroud combines her knowledge of psychology with editorial skills to provide a broad spectrum of assistance to writers, especially where character and a sense of place are strong elements. As a psychologist, Julia sensed my intention and pointed out places to strengthen the protagonist’s emotion and motivation, which added depth as well as tension to the scene. This worked with creating authentic secondary characters, as well. After each contact, Julia’s suggestions renewed my enthusiasm to what had become a tedious revision. I entered this experience with trepidation, but Julia’s approach to editing brought excitement and pleasure to polishing what I now consider my most successful effort.”
Jessie Irene Fernandes
Rough Ride on a High Horse
“Wary of “book doctors” and anyone claiming they could help me improve my manuscript for a price, I had never considered using a professional editor. However, Dr. Stroud was recommended to me by someone I greatly respect as a person and a writer. She explained that Dr. Stroud was a crucial key to her success.
I was just finishing a novel with an ensemble cast of quirky characters fighting through their own issues as well as trying to outwit a psychopath who was trying to kill them. It seemed obvious that a psychologist could be an asset, but I had the usual writer trepidations: would I like her, could I trust her, and what if she thought my novel was less than stellar?
All those apprehensions disappeared within five minutes of meeting her. I knew almost instantly that she held my best interests above anything else. Her face lit up when she spoke of the fun of working with writers and poring over manuscripts. From the beginning I was impressed with not only her suggestions of character arc and when to ramp up or tone down emotion, but also her ability to catch small subtle details crucial to the story. I gained a tremendous amount of confidence knowing my characters were acting in character, and by coming to know them better, I could sharpen their focus and create a more compelling story.
It’s hard to explain, but I felt like a five to ten percent improvement in my story would be huge. And that last five to ten percent is the hardest to achieve. Dr. Stroud has been instrumental in getting me there. I would recommend her to anyone, but especially experienced writers who just want to make the jump from basic TV to High-Def, and for writers who feel they’re so close but need just one more boost to get over the top, to break down the door.
Dr. Stroud’s insights into the psyche of characters as well as her impeccable editing skills are a rare and unique combination. And, best of all, she’s a joy to work with.”
R.A. Schwarz
Layover
“Dr. Julia Stroud, the founder of Shrinkwrite, brings a truly valuable and unique insight to each project she is involved with. In editing and bringing her services as a psychologist to The Seekers, she moved the novel from just being ordinary to extraordinary.
Dr. Stroud helped create the nuances and accurate voices of the characters, giving them a multi-dimensional and authentic quality not often found in action-adventure novels. As important were her impeccable line editing skills, which brought a level of professionalism that I have not seen in other traditional editors I have used in the past.
The contributions Dr. Julia Stroud made to The Seekers have helped bring the novel to life, and exceeded my vision for the project.”
John O’Melveny Woods
Lost Tomb of Alexander
“Working with some editors can be like having to murder your babies – killing off your favorite lines, scenes and over-written monologues.
Not so, working with Doctor Julia. I found it an invigorating, inspirational experience (and she is not even giving me a discount for saying this!)
Learning the “shrink stuff” behind your characters is fascinating. It makes your work more realistic, and credible.
While you may realize that all psychologists are manipulating you – her enthusiasm, encouragement and constructive criticism is like a booster- rocket to your writing.
Re-writing is never easy. At least Dr Julia makes it fun.”
Rob Brown
Author of THERAPIST: SHHH….Not One Word
A soon-to-be award-winning play
