Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Kusma

Hi Julie , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I began my journey as an author after completing my Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness. My studies included alternative medicine and meditative practices, which played into my love of metaphysics and cosmology. I continued my studies, completing a Master of Science in Health Education and a Master of Arts in English, Creative Writing, Fiction. At this point, I melded my learning into one singular point of focus— how we as humans develop defense mechanisms and cognitive distortions that alter our perceptions of ourselves and those around us. My solo work touches on the Jungian shadow, our perspectives, and with the goal of empowerment. I do this through speculative fiction genres, in particular, supernatural and paranormal, and the use of irony to deliver the meaning in each story. Yet my collaborative work with my husband, author and poet Derek R. King, is primarily educational, inspirational, and enlightening with books like our recent release of “Kintsugi: Affirmations to Heal Our World,” and previous releases including “Honey: Words to Heal and Mend,” “with love the Universe,” “Buddha’s Garden: Allowing and Non-Attachment Haiku,” “Holoi’ ikepili: Words to Release and Cleanse,” “Nectar: Words of Self-Love and Care,” “Tranquil Seas: Still Yourself and Be,” “Even Only Besides,” and “(K)no(w)where: Manifestation Made Easy,” each drawing on ancient knowledge such at kintsugi, ho’oponopono, zen philosophy, and 18th and 19th-century spiritual teachings.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

For me, the writing flows easily, and the ideas seem to come from an endless fount, but marketing is quite the elusive beast at times. Ever-changing algorithms don’t do social media users any favors, as this creates the need to relearn and revamp methodologies. Not to mention, each genre has different expectations and different locations where they are best targeted, and being a multi-genre author increases the marketing work needing to be done.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I suppose I’m best known for my speculative fiction solo work and my use of irony and twist endings in my novels “Stuck That Way & Other Quandaries,” “The Many Worlds of Mr. A. Skouandy & Other Stories from Oakwood Sanatorium,” The Ipswich Chronicles: Book One, “The Crooked Crone & Other Mystifications,” book Two “We Three: Search for Source,” and my YA novel “Authentically Dead.” Each shares different aspects of the human experience and exposes our often misguided defense mechanisms and cognitive distortions blurring our perceptions.

My pride in these books stems from the opportunity they provide to expand readers’ understanding of the human condition. Whether through my solo works or collaborative projects, I am dedicated to sharing methods of removing the distorted layers in our subconscious mind that hinder our happiness and pleasure in life. This commitment is evident in works like “Honey: Words to Heal and Mend,” “Nectar: Words of Self-Love and Care,” and “(K)no(w)where: Manifestation Made Easy.”

As far as what sets me apart, I think it is my ability to deliver so many books in a short space of time, each targeting our perception of life, and doing so in a variety of genres.

What makes you happy?

My happiness comes from the freedom I have to create whatever I choose every day and the confidence to do it in the way that I think is best suited for that specific project. I just create, and I feel lucky to have Derek as my partner, who shares my passion for creating. It’s what we love to do, and we enjoy every moment of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://julie-kusma.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/juliekusma
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliekusma
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JulieKusmaAuthor
• Other: https://author.to/JulieKusma