Julie 'JV' Stanley: Author, Poet, & Editor Paving Her Own Way With Literary Verbose

Welcome Kool World into the New Year 2014! We're returning back to RPRAI's Artists On The Come Up Series with the Latest Edition on respected Author & Poet (with a myriad of more to discover!) JV Stanley. For anyone who is reading our Artist Feature for the first time, having an actual writer is imperative to focus a spotlight on since 'writing' is a vehicle for many of us to express our full thoughts. Artistry allows us to have a voice through creative expression and just like art, it can be perceived 'one-sided' depending on how it is viewed. Therefore our purpose is to break the mold and enrich minds. In our meaningful and candid girl talk together we unearth the makings of the day-to-day life of your every-day writer: As a wife and mother in the balancing act of meeting needs & obligations of her family while finding time for herself, the challenges of staying committed to this "unconventional job" and never giving up on herself, describing how her work speaks to her through her voice AND as it speaks back to us, adding on the simple joys of life like her children, canning/jamming, 'walking across waterfalls' and  lastly the challenge that every writer and artist faces: Rejection and set-backs while finding the faith and inner-strength to never give up. Stanley revels in the thought that her time is coming and she has no intention of giving up now when she has come so far especially with motivation ringing in her ears of her biggest supporter & influencer, her father - "Do what you love, the money will come later". The BEST advice to receive from someone you love in a field that doesn't hurt to have as much backing and support as possible. Spend a moment of your time and become immersed in the poeticism and introspectively captivating philosophical story-telling of Ms. Stanley. You'll feel as though you've known her all your life as our next 'ARTIST ON THE RISE'.

Hi Julie, it's pleasure engaging with you!

The first time we really talked was a few weeks ago and from what I know so far about you and reading your work you are a respected poet and author. 
I had the opportunity to read your poem 
"The Mortician of Inevitable Immortality" and 
it really caught my eye. I knew I had to meet you after reading it because the content was good and worthwhile to read!

We must start where it all began to get the ball rolling of course! ;)

Where and when were you born?

I was born and raised in Lower Michigan on the twenty-sixth day of October in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty at old-o-clock.  (laughs) I realize I’m not that old, but sometimes I feel old.  
Ah the nasty 30's! You're only 4 years older than me, and I refuse to feel "old" lol. If I'm keeping it young and sexy then you must as well JV ;)

Where do you currently reside?

During my senior year in high school, I immigrated to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where I  morphed from city girl to country girl.  I ended up graduating up here and fell in love with the area.  My mom and stepfather moved and I decided to stick around.  I used to work as a dealer at the casino in Baraga and I remember a number of times before I’d go to work, I’d walk on waterfalls.  Yes, you heard me correctly. 
Adventurer! I was like huh?!? Did she really say "waterfalls". The bible mentions Jesus Christ turning water to wine and walking on water, so I guess you're the modern-day version The Waterfall Walker, wow. Perhaps you can add to this unique skill you possess with explaining how you're actually walking across waterfalls. If there's a bridge involved then you aint that great lol. 
My favorite pastime is walking on waterfalls.  Immediately following said adventure, I’d mosey on into work with my pant legs soaked to the knees and no one was the wiser. 

How many people can do that before work?   The Upper Peninsula is gorgeous, albeit, brutally frigid during the winter months.  It’s a bit of a common joke up here that we only have two seasons: winter and construction. 
Without a doubt, who can literally say before work they walk on waterfalls lol. An adrenaline rush to say the least! Before work I'm usually running behind with time not being my best friend. 

I live about forty-five minutes to an hour west of Marquette.  Michiganders have a tendency of calculating distance by how long it takes to get to one’s destination.  The Upper Peninsula is its own little world-tranquil, serene, almost like living in a completely different country.  Those born in the U.P. call themselves ‘Yoopers’ and have delicately nicknamed those residing under the bridge…yes, you guessed it.  Trolls.  I’ve lived up here since 1999, so at this point I consider myself more of a ‘Trooper’ than a ‘Transplant’.

You may already be waiting for me to make a "wise-crack" on this -Yooper & Troll (even though they can't be avoided for laughs). Wish I knew names for the area where I live but all I can think of is "bubble-town" and entitled littletons lol.

Tell us about your childhood growing up. 
Was it average, hard, special, unusual, or different?

If there’s anything that sets you a part from others share it too! Were you playing with Barbie and having tea parties or were you the tomboy who enjoyed just rough and tumble stuff?

I came from a broken, dysfunctional home.  I think that is what initiated my love of writing.  I kept a journal since 1989 and found that my prose was therapeutic.  It allowed me to reflect upon my life and gather insight into what I was feeling and why.  It later developed into poetry.  A few of my friends in middle school started writing poetry and I found that I appreciated the unique art form.  It was then when I began writing my own.  In 8th grade, I had my first poem published which subsequently won an award.  From there, I continued writing poetry and prose. 

Now here's something I can definitely relate to! Writing did the same for me in my life but instead of finding my inner voice through poetry, fine art became my subconcious outlet for what I was feeling. I can still hear my teacher of four years in high school tell me to relax and not be so heavy-handed. lol.  

During the summers of my youth, I would go fishing, hiking, and participate in a myriad of other outdoor activities.  My stepfather fostered my love for the outdoors, including walking on waterfalls!  When I wasn’t off on an adventure of some sort, I would be in my room reading and writing to music.  

Beneficial mix to have the creative mind flow of being outdoors and to come back inside to release it out. Reading was big for me too! Did you have any genres or Artists in mind (at that age) that inspired your music writing style?

I didn’t have a strong relationship with my biological father until I was in my early twenties, despite the fact that I saw him once a week during his visitation during my youth.  This was entirely due to the very strained and hostile way my mother portrayed him.  It was later when I realized that I was a victim of parental alienation, which attenuated my connection to him while I was growing up.  When I finally realized that my mother had manipulated me against my father, I was able to connect with my father in a way that I never dreamed possible.  He fostered within me a reflective, more philosophically reserved way of approaching my problems and provided an attentive ear.  I attribute my outlook on life as well as my ethics and personal philosophies to my father.  His guidance and understanding through my adult years have proved immeasurable.  I cannot go a few days without talking to him.

As for my mother, we have been estranged for the past three years and I would like to continue to maintain that distance.
The physical and psychological damage that I had endured in my youth has affected the way I perceive relationships. However, instead of succumbing to the troublesome nature of abuse, I find it an invaluable facet in how I perceive life and the relationships I have with other individuals. Instead of allowing it to define me, I use it as a source of strength by which I can overcome and empathize with others. Instead of allowing it to weaken me, I’ve used it as a way to strengthen my resolve (as well as inspire me). 

omg how awful... 

Again I can relate on this-more so on an emotional level. Your response to it is nonetheless similar as well :) You're a brilliant mind JV and it may have much to do with how you've managed to turn circumstances around for the better.

Our past does not make us who we are; abusing others is a conscious choice that we make due to either ignorance or laziness to learn the difference between right and wrong.  There are far too many people who abuse others and blame it on the fact that they too, were abused.  Instead of seeking out the help, therapy, or venues that various programs have to offer to assist in our own personal growth and development after enduring abuse, we resort to what we already know or assume.  This is why the cycle of abuse continues-people lack the capacity to fix themselves despite that they recognize the warped ethics that they grew up with. 

I couldn't agree more...
Wow it's amazing how much we have in common with views. With your wisdom/understanding you could also go into psychiatry/sociology. If many of us could channel into this form of thinking we would probably live healthier lives.

I model my parenting style to that of my father, who, while I was growing up, allowed me to live life to the fullest. From taking me to the circus every year, monster truck rallies, and even catering to my love of the arts by taking me to the Detroit Institute of Arts on regular occasions; he broadened my horizons in ways that have affected how I parent my own children. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful my father is and has been and I can only hope to live up to him.  Between my father’s influence as well as my grandmother Zell’s influence, I am who I am today because of their love and because my father never gave up on me, regardless of the hostility and abuse that had hindered our relationship in my youth. 

Taking a trip down memory lane, as a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?

Choir was one of the most influential classes I had in high school.  I was in choir from freshman through senior year.  At first, I wanted to be a singer and had the option to attend Central Michigan University through the recommendation from the university professor who attended one of my solo performances. As my writing developed, I started receiving recognition, and found a home within the literary community. 
Again we share something in common! Are you my soul sister or what?!? ha. I was too fearful, unlike you who had the courage and recognition of your ability with pursuance from your mentor. It must be great to know where you can take your skill-sets in case one slows down or you want to do something different.

As a writer and poet myself, I find it easy to write and convey my thoughts from making it a habit since 11/12 years old. When did it all began and how did this become your career focus and claim to fame?

As a result of my disjointed childhood, I began conveying my thoughts within a journal. It was 1989 and I believe I was either in third or fourth grade. I wasn’t the popular girl in school (GEEK), so I usually buried myself in make-believe and daydreaming. Once I hit high school, my journals depicted elements of imagery, symbolism as I tried to hide what I was really feeling or relate it in some way in metaphor. Most of my earlier works are so esoteric that many individuals complemented me on the form, structure, and beauty of the images, but didn’t quite understand the intent. Back then I was grateful because I hid a lot of my emotion within it.  To have someone decipher its meaning would probably result in my embarrassment or leave me feeling uncomfortably vulnerable. 
Growing up makes it hard, in my opinion, as a writer because you're trying to make sense of what you're feeling and how to put words to what you see happening around you. I think it's with growth and maturity when we can accept our lives for what they really are and not be ashamed of our experiences -we can't feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. It makes us who we are and others appreciate the honesty because perhaps they went through similar and never had a way of expressing it. It's liberating for everyone. 

I wrote my first short story in my high school creative writing class. I enjoyed the ability to paint that cinematic picture within the mind so much that I not only took the class again, but also begged a few of my classmates to do their homework for them.  Aside from the journal entries we would write during class, I began writing similar pieces in my own journal. I would turn on Enya, Loreena McKennett, Deep Forest, among other assorted artists and write to my heart’s content. I’d write mostly prose during that time and later I would whittle it down into poetry I’d later share with my friends. A few I submitted for publication and won a fair number of awards.  
You were indulging the creative beast! There is a freedom with creative writing -no limitations or restrictions. But on the other hand there's something great about limitations because it forces a writer to dive deeper for creative outlet and possibly help them discover a side of themselves they never knew or paid attention to before. 
Which contests or competitions were you submitting your entries for us out here who want to do the same?

Miracle Ezine is currently developing its second annual poetry competition; I plan on entering that one. 

I’ve also submitted a short story of mine to Dream Quest One in their winter 2013-2014 competition.  Submissions are currently closed on that one but it’s advisable to check back periodically.  http://www.dreamquestone.com/rules/enter-now/

The Boston Review is also hosting a poetry competition that I plan to enter.
http://www.bostonreview.net/contests

Probably one of the greatest resources regarding the craft of writing is visiting Writer’s Digest.  They often host competitions as well and can direct authors to various ones being held. 

Another excellent resource is The Writer’s Market.  That book has a whole chapter dedicated to various writing contests.  It is advised that one should procure the most recent copy as the specific details for submissions are often updated.  The competition includes ones for books, poetry, essays, as well as many others.  Some offer publication and others offer a monetary prize.  The Writer’s Market is like the Holy Grail of publishing resources. 

I realize its off-topic but I have to suggest a few excellent books on writing and publishing that have helped me out tremendously throughout the years.  I started studying the art of writing at a young age and a few of the books that influenced me the most are:

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

How To Get Happily Published by Judith Applebaum

Write Is a Verb: Sit Down, Start Writing, No Excuses by Bill O'Hanlon

Crossroads: Creative Writing in Four Genres by Diane Thiel

Literature Without Borders: International Literature in English For Student Writers by George R. Bozzini and Cynthia A. Leenerts

Also, I’ve been reading the Norton Anthologies since high school. I’d find older editions at used book stores and found that I really enjoyed the stories within them. These anthologies also included mini biographies and discussion questions pertaining to the story that encourage thought and analysis. In order to be a successful writer one must read. A lot. Reading for pleasure is a fantastic escape .  However, when one stops and analyzes the writing that is when the story really comes alive. There are many other books I’ve read but these ones are my favorites!

In college, I enjoyed the same rewards of writing short stories. In 2006 after the birth of my first child, I decided it was about time to write my first novel. I wrote it between diaper changes, feedings, appointments, and the mundane domestic responsibilities I had to accomplish.  By the end of 2007, I finally completed the first draft.  During the interim, I studied all areas of the publishing industry and any book related to editing and writing.  Two of my favorite books on writing are ‘Bird by Bird’ by Anne Lamott and ‘On Writing’ by William Zinsser.  These texts offer a wealth of information and I believe are invaluable resources. I tried to send out the manuscript to agents and publishers to no avail.  I received rejection upon rejection and eventually gave up. 

I took a sabbatical from writing until my divorce. Sometimes at the end, you must go back to the beginning. My beginning is where I found solace. I felt more at home writing than I had in years during that tenuous and stressful time. I didn’t stop there, though. I went on to write a poem that has inspired an entire novel (I’m currently working on it, ‘Irony, Karma, And Fate Walk Into A Bar…”). I later learned about Kindle Direct Publishing and decided to dust off that old manuscript of mine and get it published myself. With the help of an author friend who advised me to modify the book in some areas to improve it, I went on to edit the book until it was ready for publication. I just had it published November 20th and it is currently available on Amazon. 

So happy for the turn-around. I'm a sucker for happy endings :) 

What genre or genres do you express yourself the most in? Why did you decide to go in this direction for your writing.?

I’ve always had an affinity for the macabre, Stephen King being my favorite author since I was a kid.  I also gravitate toward personal and universal philosophies within my writing.  I’ve learned quite a lot throughout the years and find myself reflecting upon life and the philosophies of others.

Where do you pull your inspiration from?

I daydream, a lot. I used to sit for hours when I was younger and daydream to music. I would sit and reflect upon things I should have said, things I should have done. I reflect upon the actions of others and contemplate the relative meaning behind them. I have a great advantage in my writing as I’m extremely empathic and particularly receptive to the emotions of the individuals who surround me. I think this particular quality of mine has had a strong influence in my writing. I tend to feel what other people feel. Some individuals are more projective with their emotions than others. 
Like a more human approach. You connect with others on a profoundly more compassionate level, from being interpersonal with just having time to know yourself. There has to be a bigger role you are made for in this life with these qualities you have Julie :)

Some of my ideas hit like epiphanies, almost as though a cartoon light bulb suddenly flashes above my head.  Once I have that spark of inspiration, I either jot it down in my idea journal or I begin writing in a frenzy. 
Me too! And if you're like me you've used anything you could get your hands on like kitchen napkins, wrappers, plates, store receipts, and anything else that can be written on.

Is your subject matter primarily for adults or do you also write for young adults and children?

I’ve tried my hand at writing a fairy tale once.  I’ve currently sent to another author friend for assistance in its completion.  I primarily write for adults but perhaps someday I will gravitate toward young adult fiction.  I will go wherever the winds of muse will carry me, I suppose.

There is a grave tone from reading, that I notice, about your style and energy. Does this tell readers about your personality or is it how you prefer to express yourself?

Through the course of my study in poetry, I’ve noticed similar attributes in other authors.  When one thinks of poetry what often comes to mind are the more romantic pieces, like Shakespearian sonnets.  There are a plethora of different emotions that are expressed in poetical form.  Some of my work focuses on the fatalistic nature of my thinking due to unfortunate or enlightening events that I feel compelled to write about.  More often times than not, the gravity of emotions are often serendipitous.  

It is my belief that there is more to an individual than aesthetics, and by aesthetics I am not just referencing appearance.  There is the individual that you see, the aspects that people choose to allow people to see, and then there is the depth within them.  I imagine it as a cavern with multiple passages that lead to different areas of an individual but end within the heart.  Upon first glance, I could be described as goofy and fun-loving, relaxed and laid-back.  To those who know me well would describe me as deep, passionate, and intelligent. Depending upon the situation, I could be classified first as one or the other. 

Does your family compose of writers, just like yourself, literary observers?

My older brother, Jerrid would read a lot.  He was the first to introduce me to adult chapter books.  The first series I ever read was the Xanth series by Piers Anthony that he handed down to me. I would sit curled up on the couch with my cat and do nothing but read in front of the window in my parent’s living room. From there, I was introduced to the Anne Rice novels and it snowballed from there. I was the black sheep of the family, honestly.  Where my brothers went on to ‘real’ jobs, I was the one daydreaming and writing stories and poetry. I have a cousin who is also in the arts, Joe Wakefield, but his aim is Hollywood where mine is Random House or Simon and Schuster.  

ANNE RICE

How did they feel about this being your job-focus, were they all for it or wanted a different path for you?

My mother wanted me to be a singer. My brothers admired my creative ability but thought I would be better suited with a degree and a ‘real’ job. My father just supported me and wanted me to do something that made me happy. “Do what you love, the money will come later.” is what he always told me. Doing what you love isn’t always simple and it’s far too easy to give up and move on.  Life has so many opportunities within it and like other writers who struggle to follow their dream, they too understand that it takes work and dedication to succeed.  Some do not find their success until later on in life, but I am a patient woman.  I will not stop if I am unsuccessful with one novel. I plan to write many, many more in the years to come. 
Wow, that is BIG! What your dad told you speaks mega-watt volumes. I believe what parents tell their children can either make or break their dreams -spoken and unspoken. Even your mom sees the bigger picture of the possibilities in music :) A 'real' job for you is following your heart & it takes real courage.

How challenging is it to be recognized and taken seriously for the type of job that you have?

Some individuals I’ve spoken with admire my dedication.  I recently participated in a pistol tournament where I won third in the female division at the Sagola Township Sportsman’s Club.  I chanced to meet a number of really interesting individuals from all walks of life. One woman approached me and asked what I did for a living. I told her that I was an author. “I’ve never met a published author before.” she said and shook my hand. I felt very flattered. She continued asking me about my work and I was very enthusiastic with my responses and she was eager to listen.

I’ve also had individuals who don’t take me seriously at all. I’ve heard the ‘You don’t have a real job’ and ‘Why don’t you go out and get a real paycheck?’ It’s disheartening, obviously, but even more so when I’m looked down on in certain circles. I have found that these individuals are under the misconception that wealth equates success. I am content in that my children are proud of me and share in the excitement that their mom is a published author following her dream. Their opinion far outweighs the opinion of those who belittle me for what I do. 
It can also be challenging when it's a choice between having electricity or water running as well. When it gets down to the realness of basic necessity, money is either coming in to provide for yourself (and family) or it's not. When it's not then the whole 'get a job' nag is for the better good because at least it's understood as 'pay per hour' for a steady income. But if it's just to dictate how a person should live their life, it's not warranted. 

You're also the developer and marketing director of MIRACLE EZINE, a literary magazine that helps to support creative writers and multicultural literature, which excited me a bit since I also refer to my work as an ezine in the making :) What inspired you to be involved with it?

The credit all goes to a wonderfully talented woman, Guntaj Arora. Almost a year ago, I was perusing different literary magazines I intended to submit my work to and I chanced upon this fledgling magazine. I submitted my poem, ‘Footprints’, which was accepted for publication and included in their third issue. When I saw that the ‘zine was looking for a Development and Marketing Director, I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve always had an appreciation of multicultural literature and this magazine perfectly displays the work in a magnificent format. I’ve always felt that multicultural literature is an essential element of understanding. There are far too many bias and fallacies derived from assumption and stereotyping. One of the greatest and rewarding ways to achieve understanding of the differences in cultures, is to read multicultural literature. 

My job consists of sharing the magazine with the world and spreading the word of its publication. I am in charge of contacting bookstores, universities, and libraries requesting that they carry the magazine. I also assist in procuring other writers and encouraging them to submit their work. I do so by various channels, either by direct contact, development of leads, and disbursing contact information to various universities and writing groups. 
I also write the book review column for the magazine and submit my poetry for publication periodically.  The credit for this wonderful periodical does not go solely to me, but to the entire team of individuals who have made this magazine one of the greatest I could ever hope to work for. Guntaj has been a blessing and it has been an honor to work for her this past year.

Tell us what the pros and cons are with being the director of MIRACLE. By the way congrats on completing the first year of publication and having your first print edition!

Thank you so much! Having the magazine in print has been one of the major goals we have attained. I actually just received my copy of it and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It is simply amazing and such an accomplishment. It’s been a struggle as with any creative endeavor, but I am so thankful for the drive and ambition that Guntaj has for this magazine. With the talented team of individuals she had selected to work on the magazine, we have seen steady growth and support. It is my sincere hope to see the magazine lining bookstands in the future.