Julie Golsteyn was born and raised in a small town near Pittsburgh, PA. When the world excites her imagination, she follows that spark and puts pen to paper.
It IS Up To You was inspired by real-life events when the weakness of others threw her family into a world of turmoil. Having experienced firsthand such upheaval she sincerely treasures the strength of those who stand up for truth and make miracles happen.
The author lives with her family in Northern Virginia and serves as the Chief Toddler Tantrum Mediator and the Certified Snack Dispenser.
Author Q&A
Get to know Julie Golsteyn:
Q: What inspired you to write this book?
A: I like to say that this book is inspired by adults but written for kids.
Coming up against a formidable foe with endless bureaucratic resources is petrifying. It is even more alarming when that enemy is willing to lie and cheat under the guise of justice to procure a warped victory. My husband, our children and I found our lives in upheaval due to the toxic, self-serving ways of people who had inexplicably landed in positions of power.
Throughout our ordeal we saw both the best and the worst that human kind has to offer. So many people actively participated or cowardly stood by and did nothing even though they knew it was wrong. Although I was originally inspired by those bad actors to write a cautionary tale, I found myself focusing more on the plucky people who did do the right thing even if it may have had negative implications for them. Those are the people that inspire me every day.
What began with one single person’s self-serving (and proven) lie and the perpetuation of that lie by an unscrupulous system became the fight of our lives. We won by simply telling the truth, garnering a network of support, and having heroes on our side who were willing to take on a fight with us.
Q: What is the predominant message you want the reader to come away with when they read your book?
A: One courageous act can change the entire trajectory of a life.
My book speaks to children on their level and teaches a lesson that is both timeless and universal. I want them to understand that although life can be difficult, navigating one’s self through hard times is a rewarding experience in itself. Making choices can get messy and we all make mistakes at times, but character is indispensable. In today’s world of intimidation and cancel culture this message is more important than ever.
Life will undoubtedly present challenges, but it is how we respond to those struggles that is important. Honesty and integrity will always bring about a better result than deceit and a lack of moral courage – even if it is not apparent at first. Doing the right thing may not always be easy, but in the end, it is worth it. Dignity and self-confidence come from making choices of which a person can be proud.
The book demonstrates values that my parents instilled in me, and it is because of their lessons that I have made it through very challenging times. I hope to teach the same to my son.
Q: What’s been the biggest challenge for you thus far in the publishing process?
A: The biggest challenge for me so far in this process has been waiting patiently to hold a copy of the final product in my hands and read it to my son.
Q: What made you decide to publish with Ballast Books (or Blue Balloon Books)?
A: I knew that I had written something worthy of publication, but I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I only knew that I did not want to self-publish or wait years hoping to get it on someone’s desk at a traditional publisher. The hybrid model at Blue Balloon Books has allowed me to make decisions in each part of the process from choosing the illustrator to marketing strategies. Publishing with this company has been a wonderful introduction to this world, and I have learned a great deal in a very short period of time.
Q: What’s your #1 tip you’d share with others for accomplishing the goal of publishing a book?
A: I have two. My two #1 tips are:
1. have confidence in your work.
2. go the hybrid route and soak up all of the knowledge from everyone involved in your project.
Q: Share a fact about yourself readers might be interested to know.
A: I have a different favorite color about every six months or so, and I love to garden.
Contact Julie at:
juliegolsteynwrites@gmail.com