Julianne Hough Says She Wrote Her Debut Novel as She Was Going Through the 'Biggest Transformation' of Her Life: 'My World Started Unraveling'

Julianne Hough went on an emotional journey while writing her debut novel.

Before the Dancing With the Stars alum released her thriller, Everything We Never Knew, she opened up about what was going on in her life during the creation of the book.

"I wrote this in 2020 when the pandemic started, so there was time and energy to focus, but it was also during the biggest transformation of my life. My world started unraveling," she explained in a recent interview. "As much as I was expanding and having all this creativity and flow to share my personal story, it was also one of the hardest times of my life."

In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, Hough's marriage to her ex-husband, Brooks Laich, took a turn for the worse. The two parted ways in November 2020 and finalized their divorce in 2022.

"I like to call it my 'death hole pit of s---' era. When I was in the middle of writing it, I had to stop and pick it back up because I felt like I was out of integrity with how I was feeling versus how I was writing. I needed to take a break, and once I came back to it in 2022, I re-read it and thought, 'This is really good, I need to finish this.' Now, I’m just so excited for it to come out," the Grease alum noted.

Hough wants her fans to reflect on their own lives as they open the tome. "I think the readers will enjoy going on a supernatural journey of self-discovery and exploration in a way that’s not intimidating but inviting," she said.

"I think it will open up a new sense of curiosity in spirituality, unravel patterns and systems we’ve built to protect us and be able to be excited about uncovering their most authentic selves," the professional dancer added. "I think readers will get insight into really deep understanding and be able to go inward in a way that feels adventurous and fun and be able to embrace the joy of transformation instead of the fear of change."

As the blonde beauty continues to dive into many different professions — from entertainment to lifestyle and becoming an author — she's been doing her best to take care of her own mental and physical health. "My wellness routine is a bit hectic and all over the place right now with a busy book tour and other projects coming out, but I am very consistent with taking my dog for walks twice a day around my neighborhood," she explained.

"Not only is it hilly and a good workout, but it’s based off of connection; I have so many amazing neighbors on that loop so it’s great for my mental and emotional health to connect with amazing people every day," the Footloose star revealed.

NewBeauty conducted the interview with Hough.