Interview with Juna Jinsei

Author of Essence of Neverland

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I’m an army brat, so I traveled extensively as a youth with my family. I currently reside in St. Petersburg, Florida.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was born in Heidelberg, Germany. By the time I was 16, I had moved 26 times within the United States and Europe. I met a Venezuelan student in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida while in college and moved to Caracas. After living there ten years, we moved to Japan for three years before returning to Florida to raise our two children close to family.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

After I completed my Masters in Metaphysical Sciences and Ph. D. in Pastoral Counseling Psychology, I taught metaphysical classes, worked seminars, gave weekend workshops, and counseled victims of trauma. Those I counseled were the elderly trying to overcome past traumas, abused women, and children with extreme self-esteem issues. My first book was written to share my philosophical and healing journey with others. It offers a wide array of metaphysical therapy techniques from around the world. I used it frequently in my classes and workshops. Many of my students called it their healing bible, and they encouraged me to write more. My second and third book was dedicated to them and others seeking self-transformation. My fourth was to bring awareness to the importance of community, environment, and sustainability. The fifth was created in an effort to bring hope and dignity to abused women. The sixth was to raise awareness and allow people to reach their higher self on a daily basis. The seventh was to bring joy into the workplace and school environment where many feel like victims of forced drudgery and mundane slavery. The eighth revealed the wisdom of the ages to help raise the consciousness and aspirations of humanity. The last three were written to empower young people. Although I write to entertain and express my creativity, the purpose of all my books is to improve the human condition.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

True stories, poems, affirmations, and fiction that empower readers to build their self-esteem and gain control over their lives, wrapped in philosophical wisdom, and sugar-coated with adventure, compassion, and hope.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

People who read the nonfiction books would be those seeking to improve their lives and/or the lives of others. People who read the fiction would be those who like an entertaining adventure with unpredictable twists and turns, until reaching a satisfying, and sometimes an unexpected, conclusion.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I was surprised that so many people really liked my books and have continued to encourage me to keep writing.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

I would have told myself to learn more about current marketing techniques.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I’d like to reach all those who are suffering needlessly around the world, so I can lift their spirits and help resolve their problems by giving them a peek into a world of positive attitudes with a renewed perspective.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The greatest challenge for me has been marketing. Technology continues to multiply exponentially, along with social media. It is impossible to investigate all the marketing avenues and dedicate the time necessary to promote my books properly. It’s not nearly as much fun as self-expression.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a. I love being creative in every way possible, so I not only write the manuscript, I also have designed the interiors, created illustrations, placed photos, and designed the book covers for all the books except Essence of Neverland. The front book cover and interior illustrations for that book were created by my good friend, Lamont Russ, who is an extremely talented artist.
b. I self-publish so I can have the flexibility to use my creativity to the fullest.
c. I also self-publish to get on the fast track to the most viable marketing available for book distribution.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a. My life is so busy that sometimes it is difficult to find the time to write.
b. I’m a bit impatient when it comes to publishing. Once I’ve completed a book, I’m ready to start working on the next one.
c. I’m too busy for book promotion, and don’t know enough about successful marketing methods. Honestly, I’d rather be writing, painting, teaching, sharing thoughts, and laughing with others.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I’ve written a book every year since 2008. I already have drafted an outline and timeline for the next manuscript. I’m hoping to complete it in 2020.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I have always self-published with Outskirts Press because they allow me the most flexibility to be creative and in control of my work. I am planning to go the traditional route for my next book though.