As we move into the late summer weeks, Julianne Hough is busy. Currently in production on The bride, Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, the highly anticipated film will see her starring alongside Christian Bale, Annette Bening and Penelope Cruz. To add to the to-do list, Hough released a new song last Friday and is gearing up for her exciting debut as a writer with the release of her novel-thriller. Everything we never knew is out tomorrow. It’s clear that this fictional novel, loosely based on Hough’s life, excites her.
What was the hardest part about completing this book?
I wrote this in 2020 when the pandemic started, so I had time and energy to focus, but it was also during the biggest transformation of my life. My world was starting to fall apart. As much as I was stretching myself and having all this creativity and flow to share my personal story, it was also one of the hardest times of my life. I like to call it my “death hole shit pit” era. When I was in the middle of writing, I had to stop and keep going because I felt like I was out of tune with how I was feeling and my writing. I had to take a break, and when I came back to it in 2022, I re-read it and thought, “This is really good, I need to finish writing this.” Now I’m just so excited for it to come out.
What do you think readers will like most about it?
I think readers will enjoy going on a supernatural journey of self-discovery and exploration that is not intimidating but inviting. I think it will spark a new curiosity about spirituality, unravel patterns and systems we have built to protect ourselves, and they will be excited to discover their true selves. I think readers will gain glimpses of really deep understanding and be able to go within in a way that feels adventurous and fun, and feel the joy of transformation rather than the fear of change.
You have conquered many industries – are there any you would still like to enter?
I’ve been in many different industries! I love lifestyle in general; I love being part of something that has the same common thread of identity, self-discovery, empathy, love, and allowing people to express themselves as fully as possible. I started with dancing, then moved on to music, acting, entrepreneurship, wellness, beauty, fashion – all of which are about authentic self-expression. That common thread can be in any industry and there are opportunities for it everywhere.
What does your current wellness and fitness routine look like?
My wellness routine is a bit hectic and chaotic right now since I have a busy book tour and other projects going on, but I’m very consistent about walking my dog twice a day in my neighborhood. Not only is it hilly and a good workout, but it’s also based on connection; I have so many amazing neighbors in this area that it’s great for my mental and emotional health to connect with amazing people every day. I also drink my favorite lemon water in the morning, sometimes a celery juice for nutrients and detoxification, and always eat my veggies and proteins. Exercise is essential for me – as long as I’m moving my body and feel like my energy is flowing, it keeps me motivated and inspired.
What do you do to relax?
I love water. I take a bath, go to the swimming pool, take a nice shower, go to the steam room or sauna, dive into cold water – anything that makes me sweat or relaxes me. I also love meditation, sound baths, playing music, reading a book or just relaxing and doing nothing.
As a performer and actress, you have to wear a lot of makeup. What do you swear by to keep your skin healthy?
I’ve worn so much makeup throughout my career, starting when I was about eight years old. I feel like I’ve done more of a “make-under” than a “makeover” over the last few years to keep my skin healthy and clear. I change my products every now and then just to add variety and so my skin doesn’t get used to one thing, but I definitely have a nightly routine with different products that I swap out. I love Oak Essentials, I think it’s really beautiful, beautiful, clean beauty.
What are you most looking forward to when summer ends?
I’m most looking forward to the end of the summer because that’s when the book comes out and I’ll be releasing my music, a project that came from me as an artist and not just a performer. It really came from within me and it’s so exciting to finish it. It makes me proud to have achieved something that I thought up and worked on for four years. Also, Dancing with the stars is just around the corner, so I’m really excited to be back on the show with my dance family. I’ll probably start new projects too!
