Interview with Julie Hackman - Author of 'A Scottish Lighthouse Escape'.
Interview with Julie Hackman - Author of 'A Scottish Lighthouse Escape'.
Release date of novel: July 30th, 2025
INTERVIEW
Was there a specific moment or image that sparked the initial inspiration for A Scottish Lighthouse Escape?
I thought about a romance author falling out of love with writing romance and then I saw a painting of a lighthouse online and the idea started to form from there!
Give us an overview of A Scottish Lighthouse Escape in a short paragraph.
It's about two people who feel let down by life and who find one another and realize that what has happened to them, isn't their fault.
What are some things readers might not know about the novel just from reading it?
I think what dedication and hard work goes into being a lighthouse keeper! I read up a lot about it and it takes a lot of diligence and organization. It sounds a romantic job, but there's a lot to it!
What is your favourite line or passage in A Scottish Lighthouse Escape (without giving anything away)?
I had real fun writing the scenes where Rosie and Mitch are holed up together, because of the elements. The close proximity they are thrown into, together with the bubbling chemistry and tension, was really enjoyable to create and there is a lot of flirting and teasing going on!
Do you think being a romance author helped with developing the character of Rosie Winters? Tell us a little about her.
Oh definitely! I think there's a lot of Rosie in me! She can be impulsive, she's trusting, she's affectionate and she's emotional and I can relate to that. She's always wanted to write romance and has been book obsessed since she was small - ditto!
Name three characteristics of Mitch that you particularly like as his creator?
He's brave, even though at times he doesn't think he is; he's selfless and puts others first and he has a dry sense of humor.
Mitch’s comment that a lighthouse is ‘a powerful beacon that illuminates a path through darkness and uncertainty, towards the light’ reflects not only its most obvious purpose for ships but also is symbolic of the characters’ lives and development. How so?
The lighthouse is kind of a beacon for both Mitch and Rosie. It pulls them together, shows them the way towards each other and lets them see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Were there any alternate endings to A Scottish Lighthouse Escape you considered before you decided on what it became?
No, I didn't have any other ending planned! I knew how it was going to go. I think happy ever afters and epilogues are so satisfying, not only for the author but also for the reader and poor Rosie had been though enough sadness!
Name three favorite books you read this year that you would highly recommend and why?
Oh that's a tough one! Long Story Short by Victoria Walters. I loved this! It's partly set in New York and I was there a few weeks ago, so I read a lot of it while there. It's a romcom set around publishing and I loved the two main characters. Just a page turner! The second one is It Always Snows on Mistletoe Square by Ali McNamara. A gorgeous, festive romantic read with characters who you feel become good friends and a lovely setting. The third one I would choose is actually another festive romance and that's The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida MacLaughlin. Can you tell I love Christmas?! This one has the most beautiful descriptions, grumpy/sunshine trope and such a heart-warming story. I didn't want it to end!
What are you working on now and please share a little about it?
I'm just finishing structural edits on my next book, which is out in February - Journey to the Scottish Highlands. It's a feel-good romance with a road trip in it and features a struggling actress....
Thanks Julie for all the great answers that give us more insight on your novel, interests and what is to come! I wish you more continuing success!
Thank you so much for your fabulous questions, Cindy!
Julie x
Visit Julie’s website, order her Scottish romance books (ebooks or paperback) and enjoy them when they arrive!
