I was recently browsing through some reviews for one of my books. I don’t remember which book but I think I needed the link to it for some promo reason, so I was on Audible to get that. And I scrolled down and read the top review—it was a good one. Then kept scrolling—which I almost never do. I will read a few reviews when the book first launches, but mostly I just don’t care about reviews.
But this review caught my eye because it had a headline that said something like “Red Flag Book!” with five red flags at the top of the review. It made me pause because I haven’t seen the trigger warnings phrased this way before. So I was curious. Also, it kinda made sense to me. Much more sense than trigger warnings do. I didn’t read most of it. Just the first paragraph. But I got the gist of it and it was this – whatever book this was, it wasn’t this listener’s cup of tea. But the really interesting thing was that she still gave the book 3 stars.
Which I totally appreciate for several reasons. Number one being – she didn’t one-star it. And that’s how I knew it was real. Because I don’t write one-star books. Three-star, OK. Even I can admit I’ve written some three-star books. This book wasn’t one of those (in my mind) because if it was, I wouldn’t have been wasting money on a promo and that’s why I was there getting a link.
I’m pretty sure this reviewer got through the whole book because her review was long. And I don’t think it was nasty – I think the purpose of her review was to sincerely warn people of all the “red flags”.
Which I also appreciate.
But anyway, this post isn’t about the review or the reviewer – it just got me thinking about ‘red-flag’ books. Because I like this term. I think ‘red-flag’ is an accurate description of what people are getting in to when they pick up one of my stories.
With very few exceptions, if you open up one of my books, at some point you are going to be uncomfortable. How that plays out is different for everyone so there’s no point in defining ‘uncomfortable’.
If you’re looking for a fun, safe, romantic romp through a fantasy life of “everyday” characters – JA Huss is not for you. That’s not what I’m interested in – that’s not the kind of life I have lived, or live now – and that’s not the kind of book I write.
And if people don’t like that, that’s fine. Whoever this reviewer was I know one thing about her automatically – she’s a thinker. Not only that, she’s a critical thinker. Because she was both able to appreciate the book, story, writing style (whatever) and still object to it. In other words… she didn’t accuse me of anything. She just read the story and gave an opinion.
Most people who hate my books want to accuse me of something. Promoting this ‘forbidden thing’, or that ‘forbidden thing’, or what have you. They think I am the characters. They think that I agree with everything my characters say or do. They are unable to separate me from the fiction I write.
Someone once asked me if I’ve ever killed anyone. And I was like… WTAF? I mean, maybe people go around asking Stephen King if he’s ever tortured anyone, or Cormac McCarthy if he’s ever cooked babies over a campfire—but I really don’t think it’s ‘a thing’.
It’s. Fiction.
I once even had a person change my blurb before promoting a book because they were… offended, I guess? I dunno. But if you’re offended by the blurb, just stop. This story isn’t for you. But don’t go change my words, for fuck sake. You don’t have to like my words but the very least you can do is leave them the fuck alone. Choosing a different word than the one that might ‘offend’ doesn’t change anything. The story is the story.
If I offend you, well… I don’t know what to say about that. It’s really not my problem. I don’t go forcing my books on people. None of it is ‘assigned reading’. Everyone is responsible for the choices they make. So anyone who is offended by my books – why are you reading them? Just move on and find something you prefer.
Because I write Red-flag Books.
Yep. I really like that term. I’m glad I saw it. And the reason I write red-flag books is because somewhere out there is a person who relates. And I have no other way to reach these people other than these stories. And they need these books.
Believe it or not some people work through their trauma by relating to fictional characters who are going through a similar situation. And since my books all have a happy ending, when the reader gets to the end the character has worked through many issues and problems. And perhaps, those of you out there who think I write ‘porn’ might consider the alternative idea that I write therapy.
I once had a reader tell me she was in a horrible accident and had to learn to read all over again and she did that reading MY books. I had a lot of people message me on Facebook after I wrote the book 18 to thank me for giving them a story they could relate to. So many messages from readers who not only ‘get’ my stories, but learn from them.
Readers, authors, and others in this world of books have a hard time relating to me because I just refuse to follow the leader. I refuse to fit in. I refuse to play the games. And they don’t believe me, or anyone else, who claims they don’t want to be ‘in the group’ because they can’t even begin to conceive what it might be like to traverse the world as an outsider.
It scares the fuck out of them.
And all that is fine with me. We’re all here to walk our own path. I’m not going to interfere with anyone’s destiny as long as they don’t interfere with mine–but I prefer the outside. I don’t want to belong.
“Belonging” is the antithesis of everything I believe in.
I don’t care about ‘the group’. I don’t want to be ‘in the group’. I’m happy here on the outside. Some people get this immediately because they are like me. Happy to be on the edge of things watching all the ‘belongers’ from a distance. For me, it’s an exercise in human nature. I’m fascinated by the people who run the rat race to get that BMW, or the designer purse, or the fancy kitchen.
I don’t ‘get’ it. Like at all. But I find it fascinating.
I do like stability. Of course, I do. But it’s so unrealistic. If I thought there was a chance in hell of achieving “stability” in this life I’d give it a go. But fitting in and being safe doesn’t get you stability. It gets you… well. I don’t actually know what it gets you. Some kind of satisfaction, I guess. Otherwise people wouldn’t do it. But it’s certainly not stability. And if you think it is, you should really be more honest with yourself.
There is no stability. Every moment brings change and change is the definition of unstable. But we all deal with this instability in our own way. Some of us just embrace it. Some of us hide from it. Some of us work through it in a safe way—gaming, or movies, or books. Or a less safe way like mountain climbing, or jumping out of airplanes, or choosing to be a soldier, cop, or firefighter.
I embrace life on the outside because that’s just how I learn. I watch. I listen. I think. I take a really long time to make up my mind about people, or news, or happenings. And I reserve the right to change my opinion about all of it any time I want without having to explain my reasoning.
I cannot be influenced, I cannot be bought, and I cannot be shamed. Because I have been walking through this life embracing the worst-case scenario since I was a child. And when it’s over—well, at least I’ll be able to say it was a helluva ride.
The reason I write Red-Flag Books is because I learn from the mistakes of my characters. It gives me new perspectives, and alternative viewpoints, and lets me see inside the head of assholes and heroes alike.
But I also get to learn their lessons, and overcome their challenges, and rejoice in their wins.
Maybe it’s just me, but I want to do these things in a big way, not a small one. So if I’m gonna spend one third of every day working on a story, then I’m gonna go all in and write something bright fuckin’ RED.
(And anyone who wants to come along for the ride is welcome. It’s a whole lot cheaper than therapy.)
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50 Responses
Hi. What a wonderful email. I am behind you every step of the way. What works for you keep it up. To hell with all the others
Keep them red and real, Julie. Your books always give me a lot to think on. Thank you
I really liked this email and I think I want to be you when I have another life lol! I am 72 and had a very conservative upbringing which carried over into my married life. I enjoy your books because they show me snipits of what I could have had if I had strayed outside my boundaries. You keep me thinking and reaching for new experiences so I thank you for your characters and your great imagination.
Same!! At 59 I wish I could go back and do things over, being a little braver and true to myself, instead of trying to please others.
Maybe that’s why I love Julie’s books so much.
I 100% agree with you Julie. I’ve learned so much by listening to your books. I will say I listen to other authors while I am waiting on your next book, but only with your stories do I sit and smile while going on your journies. Some times it’s a hard one, but who has really ever had it easy? Keep doing you, I love what you do and throughly enjoy what you share with us about your personal life on your farm. Thank you for sharing the of your stories!!
Thank you for being you! I can honestly say this is one email that I read from top to bottom and then read again. Keep being you!
I’m 61 and I agree with Trudy 100%. There are so many snippets from your books that make me think and make me grow. Keep being RED, Julie. The post was well thought out. Stay true. That’s what my dad always said!
I appreciate your “red flag” books and your “red flag” perspective on life! No one wants a beige flag, book or life. Thank you for using your wonderful mind to bring us the brightest of books! Let the Red Flags Fly!
Thanks for the great email! I totally agree. Really love your Red books, looking forward to the next.
I love your books, your EOBS and your crazy mind. You are amazing and anyone who doesn’t see it is not open-minded. Again–what you write is fiction and people need to remember that. Keeping doing what you do because there are more of us than there are of them.
THIS. Is exactly why I freaking love you and all of your red books. Keep doing you boo, I love it!!
Interesting. I find that i never recommend a book before I know what that person has read before. That said, I read a lot and have loved your books. If the reader is looking for a “good feel” then read a comedy. If you get offended by sex scenes, ménage’s, or other, there are plenty of clean reads out there. To berate anyone for what they write is ludicrous. Stop reading. That’s your prerogative every time. Are there genres I don’t read. Sure. I know me. Read what you like, find authors you like, find the trope that you like. It’s all out there folks.
I love your books! I’m also not interested in belonging. As a psychotherapist I try to help others who don’t belong by letting them know it’s ok to be themselves
Red is my favorite color ❤️❤️
Your books are awesome and I look forward to each and everyone of them.
Keep being you Julie!!
Before your books, I didn’t know I Love Red Flags, especially yours & your way of thinking. I feel I’m NOW in my comfort zone..thank you. (76 & wish I discovered you sooner, my “spice of life” would have benefited ❤️
I love your eloquent little tirade here. The irony for me is that I read your books, and those of other authors like you, because it’s an escape from the real horrors of the world. Fuckheads shooting up little children in their grade schools? Red Flag. Radical fucktards mowing down innocent folks attending parades? Red flag. Douchebag politicians asserting their will over our reproductive organs, and trying to drag us back into the stone age? HUGE red flag right there. Now I pick up one of your stories, or a nice sexy alien abduction romance or something and get lost in it, and all this other bullshit fades to the background. And as OPPOSED to real life (most of the time, anyway), whoever does the “red flag” bad shit in the book usually learns a lesson, grows, makes up for their wrongdoing, or gets put in the ground. Vastly better than reality, where good people often get hurt or killed, and the evil little fuckers get to live on without suffering the consequences for the harm they’ve inflicted. I’ll take your red flags any day, Julie.
Damn you couldn’t have said it any better!!! You go girl!!!
Right Fucking On Julie!
I love when you are fired up, Miss Independent!
Your books challenge me to think outside the norm and see maybe the norm doesn’t exist? The norm sure isn’t interesting. Being uncomfortable is okay. After working in HR 29 years I can certainly appreciate “different” and definitely not having to follow the rules. You do you cuz it works for you and I think you are pretty damn okay.
Too bad we live on opposite sides of the US. I would invite myself to your farm with carrots to feed and visit your animals unless you would greet me with a shotgun.
You’re okay and I love your EOBS. The secretary in me loves that you don’t proofread it. You rebel!
Long live Ford & Five…Fucking Five.
Keep on writing these awesome red flag books because obviously you have a ton of people who love your work, me most definitely included!
I’m tired of books where girl meets boy, they fall in love, they have a disagreement, they break up, they get back together, HEA.
I want books that challenge me, even if I have to think about them a little more.
I can’t think of a book of yours that’s a 3 star. But I appreciate her thoughtfulness, really thinking about it instead of just giving it a one star, not for me, review.
I’ve read over 750 books in a little over two years (I’ve even got a spreadsheet going to keep track), so I’ve obviously come across different types of writers. Some I’ve discovered by reading their book because it was part of a series and others like yourself, I was lucky enough to stumble upon by seeing a book cover that caught my attention and got hooked. I make a point to read all the books for each author, no matter how predictable their writing might be. I do however love books like the ones that you write because they not only keep me engaged in the story, but they really do make me think through the different situations you write about. It’s ok to think outside of the box and make people a little uncomfortable with certain subjects, because isn’t that the reason people read books, so that they are challenged and are wanting something different. I can remember every single storyline for each of your books and to me that means that you kept me engaged throughout the series, which is pretty remarkable since I can barely remember what I had for breakfast. So thank you for not giving a crap what the critics say and keep up the great work because the last thing we need is another person telling us what we should or shouldn’t like. I am dying to dive back into whatever you release next because I’m so overdue for one of your storylines.
Don’t ever change your writing style! Your “red flag” books is what drew me to you! for every 1 person who doesn’t appreciate your writing style, are 10 people who are obbsessed! I have read every single book you have written and its like a drug for me…. I can’t get enough!
I love your books!!!! Don’t ever change!!! I think the whole trigger warning shit is so over done!!! If your that thin skinned maybe you shouldn’t read books! All good writers take you out of your comfort zone and make you uneasy at one time or another.
And if I was you I wouldn’t give a shit about reviews either!😉💋
This speaks to me so much. I get so tired of others saying what should or shouldn’t be in books, or what needs a warning or whatever else. They always want to speak for and judge others for what they read/write like they know the one true right way. That kind of judgment got to me when I was younger, like there was something wrong with me for gravitating toward certain books/content as a SA/grooming survivor, and I had many therapists go over psychologically why it made sense and there was nothing wrong with it. And now on an almost daily basis see comments and reviews blasting books/authors for content that no SA survivor should have to see, and asking readers like me if I am warped or whatever. Not every survivor heals or needs the same things! Anyway, I have FEELINGS about this, obviously, LOL, but reading IS my therapy, and it works very well. And like you said, WAY cheaper. 🙂
I just adore you! You are real and that is rare in this world today!
I just started rereading all your books starting with Rook and Ronin. I find myself doing this once a year and go through every flipping book you have written. I love them and love all the characters as if they are all a group of friends! Never stop! I have always lived in Colorado and I feel like I could run in to these book friends at any time!
Truthfully I don’t read your books for the warm fuzzies. I know you are going to write some type of mind bending thriller that I’m going to try to figure out the plot and I’ll fail but the journey is still enjoyable. I read your books because I like the way you deliver the story and yes sometimes I’m uncomfortable and nervous about what’s happening next but that means I’m invested. Keep
doing you!
I love your books because they invoke emotion. Sometimes anger, sadness, arousal or whatever. ..I am in awe of authors who can write a story that makes me feel!!! Like really FEEL any emotion from just words. I have read….(ok, listened) to books that have made me feel, think and wonder about the content well after finishing. I now know what “book hangover ” means now. In my opinion, if anyone feels anything……any intense feelings after reading (listening) to a book, the author has done a good job in getting us to react outside of our comfort zone. Life is not cookies and cupcakes.
I love your way of telling stories.
I’m an audible listener…so most times before I buy I’ll read the comments, and when there are “RED FLAG” comments my credit card starts sweating! I’ll admit, I’m one that likes stability in my life, but I also know there is no such thing! Life is unstable! I love your books and stories…keep doing you Julia!
Keep on doing “your thing”. It’s refreshing, thought provoking, and fills a void. I love your books!
Thank you for sharing your perspectives that came to mind as you read the Red Flag review – I agree that I learn stuff from the experiences and reactions of the characters in your books. Their ‘aha’ moments of self awareness usually present a different framing of a situation or series of events. And I learn as they learn. It’s pretty cool, actually.
Your comments about ‘belonging’ brought to mind something I read not too long ago by Dr. Brene Brown. I think she believes that experiencing a sense of belonging is very important to human beings, but I think her definition is different from yours.
I found a link that summarizes this….
She defines belonging as “being part of something bigger but also having the courage to stand alone, and to belong to yourself above all else.” In that case, belonging is actually the opposite of fitting in! Fitting in means that we are changing ourselves to make other people like us.
Here is one link if you want to explore this any further – I am sure Brene Brown has more on the topic in her podcasts and definitely in her books.
https://lewishowes.com/podcast/r-brene-brown-create-true-belonging-and-heal-the-world/
My mind is always trying to connect dots and this was going thru my head as I read your blog post commentary on belonging…. in conclusion, I am sure that you have no interest in fitting in!
yes, Brene is brilliant. I like her take on life as well. Also, I love being part of this world I have cultivated with the readers. So I do like to belong to that. 🙂
Julie, I love your writing no matter what the book and then with whatever the story they all have something good to say! I like the character development the trouble they get into and what they overcome! I’m so glad that I fell into your red flag books 😉
I feel the color red really does describe a level of the Huss/Cross world’s
Taken from livescience.com
‘Red has a range of symbolic meanings through many different cultures, including life, health, vigor, war, courage, anger, love and religious fervor. The common thread is that all these require passion.’
Julie delivers on this. If all I read were sunshine and butterfly kisses, well I wouldn’t be open minded.
Thank you for writing red.
I appreciate reviewers that don’t just give one star because they didn’t like it…or it *gasp* offended them. If I give one star, you can bet your ass they needed to hire a damn editor (or maybe fire the editor they have). When I find a good author, I never read the 1-2 star reviews because that’s where the trolls are hanging out.
I loved Eighteen. I’ve read it probably 3 or 4 times. While the story didn’t follow my experiences, there was so much in it that spoke to me. Life is messy. I get tired of reading books where every step the character takes is predictable, and everyone is happy the whole way through. Are there people that live like that? God, it must be exhausting to be friends with those people.
Thank you for being real with us.
To many more red flag books!!! Keep touching people with your magic. We need it. Thank you for being different. Thank you for thinking outside of the box. Thank you for being you!! You are admired and loved!
Very well put…I um am dealing with old issues and new issues that are pushing me into a bad head space. I have actually started rereading/listening to one of my favorite books of yours Damaged Gods; I relate to Pie, and that group interaction makes me happy.
So that is my go to place, to “get away” from the “sh!t” in my life. So I thank you for your writing because it helps me escape even if it’s just for a couple of hours.
I live for the Red Flag. It keeps me guessing, makes me uncomfortable and makes me think about things that are not part of my normal life. Your books have seen me through some difficult times. You do you, which is brilliant!
YES! This is exactly it. Red flags. Therapy. You nailed this. You are so smart. I want to be you when I grow up (though I think I saw once you’re a couple years younger than me LOL). Seriously, though, will you ever be offering writers’ workshops online? To me, you’re the Queen of all things writing and self-publishing, and I would love to learn from who I consider to be the very best.
And that’s why I read them. So many folks are terrified of being uncomfortable. Other authors who dabble in dark romance fetishize discomfort making it two dimensional or feed the dark threads into the dangerous myth that “all he needs is a good woman.” What I love about your antiheroes is that you don’t polish them, you don’t make excuses for them, you don’t even always redeem them, and yet your books are about redemption on a deeper level, about growth and change and finding inner stability amidst constant change. Thank you so much for your work.
Awesome, wish I had your words of wisdom 40 years ago….love your stories even why ghe break my heart and I ugly cry…I love how you have not changed since I started reading you about 5 1/2 years ago. Go Julie !!
I have many of your books and love most of them. I have a taste for the darker, steamer and twister stories that leave my brain buzzing. If I have a complaint it is that the endings are often a bit too romantic and cosy. I realise I’m probably in the minority on this being that I don’t score highly on the romantic scale. Anyway Julie my message is please keep writing and stirring my thinking
Thank you for your words of wisdom. ❤️
Please don’t change! You are one of my all time favorite romance authors, I’ve noticed a new trend affecting most all of my other (previous) favorite authors. All of their recent books have suddenly taken all the sex scenes out of them. All of which are ongoing series that previously were very steamy from the onset of the series. It’s not just about the sex, they now lack the passion, intimacy and chemistry between the characters, we’ve come to love and expect. It’s as if they’ve been rewritten to take out all the explicit material, then added filler to replace the word count. They seem to contain a lot of repetition and mundane text that was not there previously. The first thing I noticed was they weren’t holding my attention, like before. I was struggling to get through them, whereas I used to hang on their every word, and had a hard time putting them down. Please don’t change your writing style to follow suit.
I agree 100% and I feel the same way as you. Great post, Julie. Please give Blue a hug and kiss for me. 🥰
You are spot on, Julie!! Your books and other books like yours, the dark romance genre, are therapy for me. These books, YOUR BOOKS, have helped make me functional from the living hell that I survived. I have never felt like I belonged in this life, there was a time where every minute, every day it was a super huge struggle just to take my next breath.
These people have absolutely no clue or idea how much of an impact someone’s words can have.
Well guess what, I will be more than happy to tell everyone that WITH OUT YOUR BOOKS, I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY, I WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED. You and your books have done more than give someone an escape….they have literally saved a life. YOU, have saved a life.
So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. THANK YOU
Good on you hussy my sediments to the t if you don’t like it don’t read and leave your comments to your self there are plenty of us out there that carn’t wait for your next book
I LOVE this! I LOVE reading red-flag books! Thanks for being your authentic self and telling it like it is!