Unseen Lists: Discovering Ourselves Beyond the Pages, with Julee Balko

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of Julee Balko, an author renowned for her intricate portrayal of complex female characters and her bold exploration of themes like grief, personal growth, and the transformative power of storytelling. Julee shares the journey behind her latest novel, "The Me List," a story rich with snark, heart, and an unlikely friendship that challenges societal judgments and celebrates the power of self-discovery. Meet Julee Balko Julee Balko is an author who loves writing novels with complicated women characters. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her second novel, The Me List, which is full of snark and heart as it brings to life an unlikely friendship between neighbors.  Key Highlights The Genesis of a Writer: Julee traces her writing origins back to childhood, highlighting her innate passion for storytelling and the pivotal role of her early English teachers and educational choices in shaping her authorial voice. Grief as a Creative Catalyst: The profound impact of personal loss on Julee's writing, particularly how the passing of her mother inspired her first novel. This segment explores the intricate balance of weaving grief with humor to offer solace and understanding to readers navigating their own losses. The Making of "The Me List": Insights into Julee's second novel, which contrasts significantly with her first in tone but similarly engages deeply with themes of personal identity and transformation. Julee discusses the inspiration behind the book, focusing on the journey of self-improvement and empowerment against a backdrop of judgment and societal expectations. A Shift from Advertising to Authorship: Julee's transition from a career in advertising to full-time writing and how the experiences in the corporate world have influenced her storytelling and creative process. Advice to Aspiring Authors: Practical tips and motivational advice for new writers, including the importance of perseverance through rejection, the value of feedback, and the potential of social media and small publishers in getting noticed. Buy The Me List Amazon: https://amzn.to/4c4MbtB Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781685133610 Connect with Julee Website: https://www.juleebalko.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/misplacedcomma2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juleebalko/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21513422.Julee_Balko Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices