And the Story Continues Here...

As my memoir has officially been released in paper/hardcover and e-books, I will wrap up this blog with a link to the book behind the blog as well as pictures from the release party.  I cannot thank everyone enough for all of the great support.  Get your copy of the story here: 

 http://amzn.com/1943226083

     I grew up in Deer River, MN - a one-stoplight town of 903 people. Two weeks after I graduated high school way back in the old days (1997) when everything was in black and white, I enlisted in the Navy in a combat aircrew position that had just been opened up to women. At first we were mistaken by tiny hairless men. Quite a few people told me I was crazy and I would be back home before I knew it. Some of the old WWII veterans patted my shoulder, and nodded, wishing me luck. My dad, fearing my safety, begged me not to go. Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into - which probably was best that way. I just knew I didn’t want to fail.

     Spoiler alert - I didn’t go off and become a war hero. I didn’t save the world. I didn’t win the Noble Peace Prize or even receive the perfect attendance award (I was runner-up); however, I did serve my country, met some lifelong friends, flew over 1300 hours in a war-fighting machine, kicked some submarine ass, and learned a few lessons (the hard way). This book is a compilation of short stories and those lessons learned.

     If you are looking for Steinbeck or Dickens, you probably should put this book back on the shelf and keep looking. However, if you are looking for random entertaining stories that begin with conjunctions, contain cheesy metaphors, and improper sentence structure- well this, my friend, may be the book for you. You may laugh. You may cry. You may want to dance on a barstool next time the opportunity arises. I’m not a writer, I’m a story teller. And this is my story.

I will continue keep my site updated at www.juliamaki.com and will be available to answer questions/comments to the best of my abilities here:  capturingthestory@gmail.com

I hope it inspires, informs, and entertains you.  Always remember- there isn't anything you cannot do!  Dreams come true every day.  Who's not to say today is YOUR day?!

I have the most amazing friends!

My Mom

With Anna, my BFF

The VP-8 guys

My old SS-1 "Rugged"

With friend and fellow military blogger, Dog Tags And Heels

And don't forget- I have books for the little readers out there. 

No, not this book.

These ones:

All my best. ~J.

The E-Books Have Arrived!

The E-Books have arrived!  Well in the virtual, mystical world known simply as “Amazon.”  The paperbacks will be released January 12, 2016.  What a perfect way to bring in the new year!  

What They Don’t Teach You in Deer River is just in time to be your perfect holiday travel companion on your e-reader- for those long car rides or delayed flights.  And it is also perfect for those nights spent by the fire sipping eggnog.

My dream has come true.  I finally published my novel- and it only took me 13 years!!  So now I can officially say now that my life is literally an open book.   At least a portion of it anyways.  After reading this book you just may know way more than you ever wanted to know about me!

Ooh, and one more thing: [disclaimer] This is a book about Navy sailors.  Some words may be descriptive- and not just amazing adjectives.  (Though there are some pretty fabulous adjectives.) Some stories may involve strippers.  (But only the nice strippers, of course.)  If you are easily offended, you may want to skip this one and read the ‘G’ version:  My Mom Hunts Submarines. 

And so it goes…

I grew up in Deer River, MN- a one-stoplight town of 903 people.  Two weeks after I graduated high school  way back in the old days (1997) when everything was in black and white, I enlisted in the Navy in a combat aircrew position that had just been opened up to women.  At first we were mistaken by tiny hairless men.  Quite a few people told me I was crazy and I would be back home before I knew it.  Some of the old WWII veterans patted my shoulder, and nodded, wishing me luck.  My dad, fearing my safety, begged me not to go.  Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into- which probably was best that way.  I just knew I didn’t want to fail.

Spoiler alert- I didn’t go off and become a war hero.  I didn’t save the world.  I didn’t win the Noble Peace Prize or even receive the perfect attendance award.  (I was runner-up) However; I did serve my country, met some lifelong friends, flew over 1300 hours in a war-fighting machine, kicked some submarine ass, and learned a few lessons (the hard way).  This book is a compilation of short stories and those lessons learned.

If you are looking for Steinbeck or Dickens, you probably should put this book back on the shelf and keep looking.  However, if you are looking for random entertaining stories that begin with conjunctions, contain cheesy metaphors, and improper sentence structure- well this, my friend, may be the book for you.  You may laugh.  You may cry.  You may want to dance on a barstool next time the opportunity arises.  I’m not a writer, I’m a story teller.  And this is my story.

Get your copy here:

http://smile.amazon.com/What-They-Dont-Teach-River-ebook/dp/B019EWS7LS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450362994&sr=8-1&keywords=julia+maki

The Photo Shoot.

There are three things in life that really bring out my awkward side. 

1.      Silence. I feel the need to fill it. 

2.      Elevator rides- usually because of the silence. 

3.      Having my picture taken.  I was not blessed with the photogenic attribute.  Not even a little.  

 

I write because I love to tell stories and I’m not a good public speaker.  I write because I’m not photogenic.  So it really threw me for a loop when I was “strongly recommend” to provide a picture and bio for my book and the publishing website.  Ugggh. 

 

I begged my sister to help me out, as she is building her photography company.  (Studio 308) We both knew it wasn’t going to be easy.  One does not simply sit for a picture, and not get awkward.  I felt the need to talk back to the camera, hoping it would project a ‘friendlier’ face.  “Hello!  Oh, I would love to have lunch with you!  Chipotle?  How did you know?  I agree, hormone-free range chicken is the way to go!”  Talking to the camera did not end up helping.  In the end, I just ended up with more awkward pictures.

 

You can imagine my relief when the idea for my book cover photo shoot this past Saturday was to be ‘shot’ from behind.  Oh thank god, we don’t have to work with my face.  Anna, my other photographer and best friend was also relieved- as she knows all too well that I am “photo-challenged.” http://annaliseriley.zenfolio.com/

 

So this past Saturday, four of my good friends that I served with in the Navy and I lined up in flight suits at parade rest.  We looked on as if we were gazing out into space at the great unknown- imagining this secret aircraft to be photo-shopped in the future as flying by.  As we stood there, it was silent.  And we were being photographed.  Naturally, I could not just stay silent.

 

“Thank you so much for coming today," I began chatting as Anna clicked on.  "I really appreciate your help on an early Saturday morning.  So how’s everything?  How are the kids?  Any plans for Halloween?  You must be retiring soon!  What are your plans after retirement?  I can’t believe it’s been that long…”  This went on and on- for as long as the photo shoot did.  Then we would move to another place to find better lighting, and the mostly one-way conversation began all over again. 

 

Finally, when it was all done, I believe everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.  It was over.  We got the shot.  And I could finally stop talking. 

 

“Happy Halloween!!”  I called out and waved as the grown men drove away.  Yes, I’m so awkward.  But in the end, thanks to an amazing photographer, we nailed the shot.  So awkward or not, my cover for my novel is done!  Whoo-hoo!  We are so close to the final printing phase I can taste it.  And I could not be more excited and/or in disbelief that this moment is so near. 

 

I cannot release the book cover just yet, as it is not quite complete.  However I'll post my not-as-awkward photo that we ended up using for the bio.  (found at https://tactical16.com/)  I labeled it in the "Not Horrible" folder.  And thank you Liz and Anna for putting up with me always.

 

 

Photo Credits Studio 308
https://www.facebook.com/studio308photo/?fref=ts

 

A Funny Thing Happened...

This morning I thought to check Amazon to see if my new book, Still My Dad (due to release Nov 25) had been listed yet.  I was delighted to discover that it was!  However, upon further reading- I realized they had posted the wrong description.  It was an entirely different book! 

Perhaps its the ex-sailor in me, but when reading this description, I couldn't help but think it sounded like some kinky 'adult' book.  I nearly spit my coffee all over my keyboard chuckling over this.

Tell me, am I crazy or does this crack you up too?

http://www.amazon.com/Still-My-Dad-Julia-Maki/dp/1629020249/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382531440&sr=8-2&keywords=still+my+dad

I'm not sure if it will hurt sales- or possibly help sales!  All I know is before I can get in touch with my Marketing Director, I must put it out there that this is not what my book is about.  For a proper description, one may refer to Barnes and Nobles.  Ha ha ha!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/still-my-dad-julia-a-maki/1116961164?ean=9781629020242

Have a great Wednesday everyone!  Don't forget to order your copy of Still My Dad.  And if I make the best sellers list I shall buy everyone a beer!  Of course you will have to come to Maryland to get it.  :)

Liz & Me

So this one day, I met a woman of inspiration.  You may have heard her name before.  Elizabeth Gilbert.  She wrote this little book called Eat Pray Love.  I think it maybe sold a few copies in a few countries...went on to become a Hollywood blockbuster staring an academy award winning actress.

I just happen to be checking her website last week (investigating author websites ideas) and randomly discovered that she was going to be at a synagogue here in DC to do a book signing/reading.  I jumped at the opportunity and dragged my very pregnant sister (the crazy one) along with me.  We arrived right as the doors opened and patiently waited an hour in our fabulous 4th row seats to listen to Liz.  And when she finally began, it was amazing.  She was not only full of great advice, but she was funny, witty, and kind.  And she said a few swear words which made me like her even more.

At one point, she looked at me square in the eyes and told me it was time to get off my procrastinating ass and write something already.  Dummy.  Or in some words along those lines.  And perhaps it wasn't specifically directed to me- but it was the resounding message that filled the holy air of the hundred year-old synagogue that night.

It is true that I had come up with every excuse possible in my head.  I can't write right now, I need to clean the house.  I need to do laundry.  I need to go to work.  I'm too tired to think.  The kids need me.  I should drink wine with my friends.  I should spend hours on facebook and randomly check my email because at the end of the day that always makes me feel so accomplished.  Not quite.

So (standby- I'm going to make this about everyone now instead of just me) if writing (or whatever your true passion is) is what makes you feel complete, why do we procrastinate doing it?  Why do we put off the hard work, the challenging stuff, the painful exercise even when we feel so great afterward?   

Is it just because we are lazy?  Because we have to think too hard?

Or is it because we feel like we've already failed so it's not worth the effort.  Have a candy bar because that's easier and much more comforting.  Watch TV because it loves you back.  It's mindless and easy.

I have literally been procrastinating for so long now because I have gotten to a point where people (a very small amount I might add) are actually reading what I have to say.  Before I was writing for myself.  Somewhere in there I got an audience and it freaked me out and I began trying to think of what they want to hear vs why I started writing in the first place.  I've begun to throw ideas aside and listen to the voice that tells me over and over it's not good enough anymore.  So much that it has backed me into a corner where I lie in the fetal position every night and do nothing but rock back and forth.  Okay, I'm being a little over dramatic now.  But that's what it feels like as I DVR every new show that has come out this fall and spend every free second screening them and eating nachos- because I 'have' to watch these shows.

Well, Liz told me it's time to get up and do something- something that's been burning a hole inside of me.  The muse nagging and haunting my waking moments.  Put myself out there- even if the world hates it.

Enough already.  Time to write.  Time to exercise.  Time to jump off that cliff- to stop making excuses and put ourselves out there.  We will never please everyone- we must accept that.  The time has come... well, after one more quick episode of New Girl, that is.  But then- then it will be time!! 

The Artist Manifesto

For:  Those that love to create.
From:  A fabulous writer and teacher that asked us to share, Jeff Goins:  http://goinswriter.com/artist/

The Artist Manifesto

This is it. NO TURNING BACK. No excuses, no delays. Time to sit down and focus. To show up and create. To paint and play and craft. To DREAM and vision-cast.


To make all things new.


This is beauty in action. Life in full swing. THIS IS ART.


There are no ringside seats or sick days. Everyone must play. No second chances. You only get one shot. All you have is today.


THE TIME IS NOW. To inspire wonder and awe. To speak up in a world fast asleep at the wheel.


We’re counting on you. To be creative. To AWAKEN our souls with beauty. To use your heart and hands to bring meaning back into the universe.


Because without you we are all lost.


Life makes no sense without prophets and poets.


We need you to DO THE WORK and honor your call. To tap into the Muse and find your voice.


We cannot do this alone. We have lost the child-within. That part of us content to stare at clouds — at home with magic and mystery. We need your help to find her. So that we can dance and laugh and sing. So that we can BE WHOLE once again.


WILL YOU GUIDE US?

All Hands on Deck Disclosure

Oh happy day!  My 2^nd book is about to go to marketing!!

Written for military children of deploying parents.

And perhaps it’s the former sailor in me, but after I proofread the copy the publishers sent to me in its completed book form, my mind couldn’t help but wander after reading this sentence…

“There are times when we go very long

stretches without hearing from my dad at all.

I always wonder what he could be doing out

there on the ocean for so long...”

And then it occurred to me.

I can only hope I’m not contributing to subconsciously ill-shaping our country’s youth.

Perhaps there should be a disclosure.  Though it's too late to place on the book itself- please spread my warning and exercise extreme caution when reading this seemingly harmless book to your children.

I Wish You Would've Written Star Wars.

(photo courtesy of sxc.hu)  

 

“A squeaky wheel gets oiled!”  I’ve heard that line now a dozen times in the past two weeks from everyone including family, friends, and marketing representative.  And so, I got squeaky and set up a meeting.  I met with the only bookstore owner within a 50-mile radius- the only bookstore that hadn’t shut down yet as a result of our haggard economy.

I told her I was local and vainly hoped that would be enough.  The truth was, I really didn’t know what I was doing.  It was all new.  I was simply proud of making it up to 187,420 for a day on the Amazon Bestsellers list. I was “moving on up” even if it was at the speed of Molasses.



The silver-haired store owner sat across the table from me.  She picked up my book and inspected it. Then she gently sat it back down on the table and patted the top of it.  I held my breath, waiting. 

“Honestly," she began. "I’d really wished you would’ve written Star Wars.  I can sell Star Wars.”  Hmmm.  I wasn't quite sure what to say to that. I wished I would’ve written Star Wars too?! 

But alas, my book was not Star Wars.



She was a sweet, little grandma.  She was kind, but set in her ways.  And because of her age, she could get away with telling me I sucked without batting an eyelash.  I couldn’t argue with a grandma. Come to think of it, I'm sure many people wouldn't have a problem telling someone they are not good enough.

 

I patiently listened to her for an hour about why she liked the books that she did. Then, for reasons I'll never know, I somehow convinced her to give me a shot.  I'd host a signing in her store, because really, what did she have to lose?



Reluctantly, she agreed- though suggested I write a pop-up book next time, or something of more value.

The day came and I was stunned at the outpouring of people.  I was elated- especially when I realized there were others there besides just my friends and family (as they would have kindly supported me if I had written a story about moldy cheese). I sold more books than I expected.  But even better than that- I met people that genuinely liked my book.  Other veterans (especially women veterans) thanked me for writing a book about them- as there were not other books like it.

That day I realized I would never be George Lucas.  I may never even be a best seller.  (I mean, I can still hope!) However, I wrote a story I felt passionate about.  I had a message I felt compelled to tell.  In the aftermath of the first signing I promised myself I would remember the joy that creating a story brings to me.  I would hope to always remember why I’m really writing.

*This piece was written as a prompt from Write on Edge:  "Write about a time you compared yourself, unfavorably, with someone else."

Believe That Anything is Possible

It's a good day!