“The Sapphire Sailor’s Tale” by Julia Lovely
“I would say there are pieces of me in every single one of the characters. So the Navy part, it was really fun because I was able to incorporate things into her [Cordelia] experience that you probably wouldn’t talk about if you hadn’t been in the Navy. For me it was really fun to reflect back on my time in the Navy and talk about the things that were challenging, but all the things that were kind of silly… and fun.”
Julia Lovely’s journey to publish her debut is just as captivating as her book. As an indie author, she’s navigated the complexities of self-publishing with creativity, passion, and determination. Before publishing though, she was a U.S. Navy Sailor and new mom (now with a toddler), both of which contributed to the adventurous escape she’s crafted and this significant milestone.
In this episode of Narratives & Nightcaps, Julia shares insight into her creative process—its challenges and rewards, her focus on relatable characters in a fantastical world, and the stories still on the horizon.
The narrative: about The Sapphire Sailor’s Tale
When a U.S. Navy ship sails through the Bermuda Triangle, one sailor experiences the lore like no other.
Cordelia is on her first deployment when the sailors have a swim call on open waters, but Cordelia doesn’t make it back onboard. Pulled under and confident she’s going to drown, Cordelia is transported to the realm of Anathera. In the fractured fae world, Cordelia faces magic, monsters, and dragons. Having allies is a means to survival, and Cordelia leans on Leo and his court to try to learn about Anathera and any possibility of returning home.
But Leo’s court has its secrets, and Anathera is a cursed land. As she discovers her own powers, Cordelia strives to understand a prophecy, save the world she’s been thrown into, and learn who she can truly trust.
The nightcap
Like her books, both as an author and avid reader, Julia Lovely likes a little spice. It’s just one of the reasons she’s pairing The Sapphire Sailor’s Tale with with a Recess Zero Proof Ginger Lime “Mule.”
When you set sail with Cordelia and venture into a new world, this mocktail is the perfect traveling companion, ready to go in a can. Plus, the zesty lime mirrors our confident, strong FMC who will make you laugh with her inner monologue as she navigates uncharted waters and territories. Andddd the “little hit of caffeine” provides the boost we love to match fast-paced romantasy stories.
In the episode
Get to know Julia in this episode of Narratives & Nightcaps. We chat about:
Julia’s personal love for fantasy romance, how it added the spark back in her life and helped her find strength
As a Navy veteran and with Cordelia (FMC) being a Sailor, Julie tells us about the experiences that inspired parts of her story and the pre-publication security review she had to complete
Her decision to self-publish and some of the biggest challenges she faced (hint: you have to decide what is authentic to you as an author)
Much like Cordelia’s character arc in The Sapphire Sailor’s Tale, Julie’s personal story is one of strength, courage, and self-discovery. Whether you listen to the episode or grab a copy of this fantasy romance book (or both), you’ll find an escape, adventure, and humor that perfectly reflects a new voice—one we are excited to hear from even more and continue to explore the world she’s created.
Listen to the full author interview on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Purchase your copy here.
Set sail with Julia!