From YA to Adult Fiction: Julia Tufts on Writing, Rejection & Creative Reinvention

In this episode of **Beyond the Plot**, I chat with author **Julia Tufts** about her unconventional journey from childhood writing, to television and teaching, and eventually back to fiction. Julia shares how exhaustion, boredom and becoming a parent unexpectedly led her back to writing — and how joining a local writing group helped her rebuild her confidence and take her creative ambitions seriously. From **SCBWI and an MA in Writing for Children** to querying agents, going on submission and navigating rejection, Julia offers an honest look at what it really takes to build a writing career. She talks openly about the manuscripts that ended up in the “drawer,” the lessons hidden inside rejection, and the importance of continuing to write even when the publishing journey feels uncertain. The conversation also explores Julia’s move from **YA into adult fiction**, the inspiration behind *45 Things to Do Before You’re 45*, and how writing something funny, honest and joyful helped her reconnect with her voice. Julia also discusses publishing with **Audible and a smaller press**, the changing publishing landscape, the future of books and reading, and why writer communities and genuine connection with readers matter so much. If you’re a writer navigating rejection, considering a creative reinvention, thinking about changing genres, or simply wondering whether it’s ever too late to return to the work you love, this episode is for you. In this episode; - Julia’s early love of writing and her journey through TV and teaching - How becoming a parent helped bring her back to fiction - Joining a writing group and finding confidence as a writer - The role **SCBWI** played in understanding the publishing industry - Studying for an MA in Writing for Children - The realities of querying agents and going on submission - Dealing with rejection and the emotional ups and downs of publishing - Why some manuscripts end up in the “drawer” — and why they still matter - Julia’s transition from **YA to adult fiction** - The inspiration behind *45 Things to Do Before You’re 45* - Writing about midlife, identity and perimenopause - Publishing with Audible and a smaller press - The changing landscape of publishing and books - Finding your voice by writing for joy - The importance of writer communities, creativity and reader connection **Julia Tufts** is an author whose writing journey has taken her through television, teaching, YA fiction and adult fiction. Her work explores creativity, identity, relationships and the messy, funny realities of life — with a particular focus on finding your voice and making space for creativity at every stage of life. - *Hexed* - *Twice Hexed* - *45 Things to Do Before You’re 45* - *Nesting for Beginners*