Julia Hengst is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an avid surfer, traveler and word nerd who resides in Maui. Passionate about psychology, spirituality and media literacy, she holds an undergraduate degree in Media Studies from UC Berkeley, a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, and an imaginary degree from the University of Puns.
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Thanks for this interview, Julia. I’ve always wanted to write children’s
books. When did you determine that
writing for children was for you?
To be honest, my original intention was to write a series
for teenagers, since I’ve worked with teens as a psychotherapist and mentor for
over 20 years. Once I began brainstorming the series, which will have various
ideas from psychology and other healing traditions, it became clear early
intervention is the best! The sooner we can expose kids to positive ideas, the
better, so I expanded the series to begin with books for children.
What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, Venus
Underwater: Songs from Mermaidia?
One of my brothers has three daughters, all of whom are 12
and under. During a visit with him five years ago, we discussed my therapy work
in high schools, and he asked what is the biggest problem I see facing kids
these days. Self hatred, I told him. He then asked how he can help prevent self
hatred in his daughters. I told him I’d get back to him, and this book series
is the answer! Mass media is one of the biggest contributors to self hatred, so
my goal is to create a series that helps kids navigate the world so they are
protected from some of the most toxic elements of mass media. This first book
sets the stage for a much larger story that will unfold over several future
books.
How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun
reading experience? Are you around kids?
Are you a kid at heart?
My name, Julia, means “youthful,” and I am definitely a
jokester, so yes - I am a child at heart forever! One interesting thing about
meditation practices is that one of the goals is to develop a mind of
“childlike wonder.” This is why psychedelics are making a resurgence in
psychology, because people reconnect with their child-like mind of wonder and
awe. I hope to tap into that state of mind.
What was your favorite book as a child?
I loved anything by Roald Dahl. The Wonderful Story of Henry
Sugar was one of my favorites, and introduced me to mysticism and philanthropy
in one go!
What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to
write children’s books?
I would advice them to do research on all the options, such
as print on demand versus offset printing, and what it means to go the indie route
versus the traditional route. There is a ton of information available, and
SCBWI is a fantastic resource. Consulting with others and networking through
established channels yields a lot of rewards.
What are your goals for the future? More children’s books?
My goal is to publish these six books for kids, then six
more for teens. I hope to incorporate lots more tools from alternative healing
traditions as well as psychology into the books, all of which will be greatly
expanded upon in the teen series.
The ultimate dream is to turn these books into an animated
series of some kind. We are all so visual and it would bring the messages of
these books to a whole new level. Plus, the time has come for edutainment,
where we educate more and more in a way that is also entertaining. The world is
so full of sad, shocking news that I would really like to cheer people up with
this series, in as many formats as possible.
BOOK BLURB:
The first book of a new series, this humorous, whimsical collection of poems and songs reveals how baby mermaids are made, what mermaid families are like, and how mermaids study magic at School of the Fish to become Sea Witches (not Sand Witches).
PRAISE
An inspiring read in so many ways – each of the works has a special feeling. It made me smile, laugh and relate to different personalities in the book. Itʻs definitely a unique and heart-warming way to express our feelings, actions and personalities. This is a kids book that I think many adults need to read. Iʻm looking forward to reading the entires series. I loved the different terms and their connections: Emoceans, Sane Lane, Unihorn, m.maximus and m.magnificus and their sets of eight. So clever! Absolutely loved it!! – Andrea Moller, world record holding big wave surfer, mom, Paramedic
What an awesome opportunity for young folkx to be able to connect to the world in a more positive and affirming way. These books are going to touch many young hearts and promote self love for many. Not only is the language inclusive, but welcoming to all communities. Looking forward to reading more! – America Islas, LMFT, Mom
This book is simply enchanting. The illustrations are delightful and appropriate for young children. Unlike the typically sexualized depictions of mermaids, these sea creatures are diverse and celebrate all kinds of shapes and colors. The language is playful, and the story is sweet, silly, and embraces positive values without moralizing. I recommend this book for boys and girls, and anyone who enjoys fantasy. – Kate Gillooly, Mother of twin boys, Marriage & Family Therapist
Venus Underwater: Songs from Mermaidia is a guide through the answers we’ve all desperately sought since childhood: Where do mermaids come from? Why can’t we ever see them? Do they sing and dance? How do they stay underwater?
Sooo much more….
This clever and delightful book will enchant young and old. It takes the reader and listener “152 unfathomables deep in the sea” where imagination and creativity and freedom rule. I’m a 77 year old grandmother of four. I’ve read and reread this adventure through the “deep see” and each time found hidden treasures. I can’t wait to gather my grandchildren and share the giggles and insights that flow so gently from the pages. – Julia Bromley, Grandmother
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