Centauri Arts has been operating in Bloor West Village for the past eleven years, offering film production, creative writing, acting, and fine art classes to youth ages eleven to eighteen. The face of the company is Julie Hartley, co-founder/entrepreneur, author, freelance editor, and a Bloor West Village local.
Julie has written various publications; “Deboning a Dragon,” The Finding Place, and Her Secret Soldier, her most recent release. It details the romance of a young British woman and an undercover German spy during the Second World War, specifically Operation Lena (September 1940), which you can learn more about from Julie’s blog.
We sat down with Julie to learn a little more about her journey and her new novel!
What are Julie’s favorite things about Bloor West Village?
Julie loves just how community-oriented Bloor West Village is. She loves having the ability to walk into shops and businesses, and recognise employees, shop-owners, and customers. She believes these small interactions with others enrich her day most, especially since she mostly works alone.
How did Bloor West Village inspire Julie while writing ‘Her Secret Soldier’?
The diversity of Bloor West Village gave Julie the most inspiration while writing her book. Many of the people in the village have immigrated to the area from other countries; this heavily influenced characters from the novel. One of the characters, Evelyn, emigrates to Canada after the war; Julie thinks she was influenced by many of the local people she has met.
How did exposure to all the arts represented at Centauri help Julie write her Novel?
Julie has been teaching creative writing at Centauri Arts for many years, and also works as a freelance editor. Julie says “the more you learn about writing, the better you get at it, so I’m sure this has had an impact on my writing career.”
If you would like to learn more about Centauri Arts, Julie, or where to purchase her latest novel, please contact her at:
Phone: +1416 766 7124
Email: info@centauriarts.com
Address: 2323 Bloor St W #218A
Interview by Ruby Slonim
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