She is one of those people who can’t not write. Due to a speech impediment, writing has
always been the best way for her to get out her emotions when she stumbles over her words. She has kept journals for most of
her life. It’s not just about
expression. It was also her way to hold
on to the special moments of her life. She wanted to record and relieve the major moments of her existence. Her journals are always very detailed.
She records everything—where she was, who she was
with, what they were wearing, what words were said. Recording the events of a lazy Saturday afternoon
usually takes up twenty pages in her journal.
This attention to detail served her well when she worked as a reporter for Hullfire, in Hull, England and The Los Alamos Monitor in Los Alamos,
New Mexico. She also published several
works of poetry in various journals before publishing her first book. The
Sweetness of Life was published in March of 2014 and she is now working on her second book. Currently, she is a teacher
of basic math and English at a vocational college in Southern California.
Welcome Jamie!
Your real name and pen name?
Jamie Zunick (no pen name)
Best memories of childhood—
My family used to travel from
Kansas City, Kansas, to Estes Park Colorado, or Saint Louis, Missouri, every
summer. I loved those vacations. We never flew anywhere. My family always embarked on long road
trips. My mother, father, grandmother,
brother, two sisters, and I would be tightly packed in a 1970’s station wagon
with no air conditioner for the long journey.
Though it sounds uncomfortable (which it was!), I can’t stay off the road
now. I am a life-long explorer. There is nothing more satisfying to me than
driving down the open highway to some far-off destination. I love the sense of freedom that this mode of
travel offers to me.
Education—I have a Liberty Arts Bachelor’s Degree from the
University of Kansas. I also have
certificates from the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics for massage and
bodywork. Chakra/Energy healing is still
my favorite subject to study and practice.
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Career during education days—
I wanted to work in television,
publishing, photography, music, or film…I just love anything that is artistic
and creative.
Languages—
With my past speech impediment, I am just grateful
that I can speak English!
Source of inspiration—
A constant insatiable need to continually
see what is over the next horizon.
Hurts me most—
I am hurt most by violence of any kind. It doesn’t have to be violence against myself,
but anything that diminishes someone and kills the human spirit.
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Biggest challenge—
I was originally diagnosed as “retarded,”
as my first grade teacher said. I think
most of my life has been a continuing need to get rid of this label just in my
own mind.
Living or dead personality—
I did a past life regression one
day in which I found myself walking with Jesus Christ. I would like to explore that more. I would want to be a disciple, walking with
Jesus again.
Favorite genre—
Comedy!! I love to laugh. Laughter is extremely healing. I tried to put a lot of humor in my own
writing. I have really learned to laugh
at myself. Why wait to someday look back
and laugh? Do it now!
Writing—
I began writing as a child as a way of expressing
myself so I wouldn’t have to talk. My
purpose is to share stories of hope and inspire people to tell their own stories
without fear or shame.
Work published so far?
Articles, reviews, and interviews in The
Los Alamos Monitor and Hullfire. I have published poems in various journals
over the years. I have recently
published my first book, The Sweetness of
Life
Forthcoming writings—
I am currently writing a “prequel” to The Sweetness of Life. This book, tentatively titled The Plan, takes place before The Sweetness of Life. The Plan will detail my life in England
and my journey through Europe. It also
focuses on my experience of backpacking alone across Malaysia. I am also working on a novel that I hope to
have published soon.
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Future plans—
I want to continue with writing. I would love to have a reality show that
details my journey through America and the healing work that I do.
Four top most things you take care of while writing a book?
Details, details, details….and then rewarding
myself for taking care of the details.
How much real life goes into fiction writing?
I think writers always do best when they
write what they know. This isn’t just
focusing on our own lives, but being observant of life around us.
High level of imagination important?
I do think imagination is very
important. But I think it’s imagination
that comes from continually asking “Why?”
Your dream destination on Earth?
I have to get to Alaska! My goal has been to
travel though every state in America.
Alaska is the last one I have left…then it’s off to Australia
Your origin of birth and other countries? What did you like best?
I was born in Kansas City, Kansas. I have traveled and lived all throughout
America. I lived in England and traveled
throughout Europe. I spent some time
backpacking alone across Malaysia. The
most exciting part of my journey has been all of the wonderful people I have
met. Experiencing other cultures has
been the best education I could have ever wanted.
Your favorite time of day—
Though I’m usually up writing
until 2 or 3 am, I happen to be a morning person. (I’m also very tired!)
Zodiac/sun sign:
I am right on the cusp of Leo and
Virgo. I think that means I’m virginal
and darn proud of it! Honestly, though I
am right on the cusp, I tend to have more Virgo qualities.
Favorite color:
My
favorite color is Rainbow. I am a very
visual person. I am continually dazzled
by any bright color.
Favorite movie:
Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman. I love old movies from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and
60s. Mildred
Pierce, Gone With the Wind, Singin’ In the Rain…
Favorite food:
I love anything spicy.
India:
India makes me think of a spiritual pilgrimage, an
opportunity to connect with the Divine
Sun or moon—I love the silvery glow of the moon.
Laughter or smile—Smile.
With a laugh, you’re already there.
A smile is a journey. It can lead
anywhere.
Morning or evening—I’m a morning person. I love to be on the road at 5 in the morning,
watching the sun coming up on the horizon.
Coffee or tea—Tea—but unsweetened please. I don’t do sugar.
Mountain or sea—Definitely mountain (I’m an Earth person!)
Long drive or short drive—LOOOOONNNNNGGGGG drive to nowhere
Silence or conversation—Depends on who I’m with. Silence is amazing with the right person.
Water or fire—water
Air or earth—Earth. I
love the ruggedness of the earth
Mars or Jupiter—Mars just simply because I know more about
it. Honestly, I don’t know a whole lot
about Jupiter.
Tulip or rose—love them both
Red or blue—Blue for serenity
Left or right—Left.
I’m right-handed but actually much stronger on my left side.
Glance or stare—Depends on what I’m looking at. Long stares at mountains so I can take in the
expanse and majesty; short glances at people so they are not uncomfortable (but
I still look!)
Technology—causes depressing isolation
Life—Ongoing learning processes
God—My best friend
Humanity—belief in goodness
Terrorism—atrocity against mankind
Racism—atrocity against mankind
Childhood abuse—crime against nature
Love—tenderness towards humanity
Old age—brand new adventure
Best quote:
I believe God is managing affairs
and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe
everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry
about—Henry Ford
Henry Ford also said: “Whether you think you can, or you
think you can't--you're right.”
Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Sweetness-Life-Exploration-Self-Discovery/dp/1452591873/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407119171&sr=8-1&keywords=jamie+zunick
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