Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Navickas.
Hi Julie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story has never followed a straight path, but every piece connects through storytelling.
I began my career in communications after earning my bachelor’s degree in public relations from Illinois State University, followed by master’s degrees in organizational communication and English studies. Today, I work in public relations and have taught communication courses at Illinois State for 18 years.
About six years ago, I gave myself permission to pursue creative writing seriously. My first romance novel was published in 2022, and since then, I’ve published six books, received several literary awards, signed with an agent, and contracted my seventh novel, The Storm Between Us, releasing in August 2027.
Along the way, I also launched the Just Write Julie podcast and began speaking about writing, storytelling, personal branding, and perseverance—including a TEDx talk in 2026.
For years, I viewed my roles as separate: communicator, professor, author, speaker, and podcaster. Eventually, I realized they were all connected. I built my career and personal brand a little backward—by following the work I loved, saying yes to opportunities, and trusting that every unexpected turn was leading somewhere meaningful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most creative careers, mine has included plenty of rejection, self-doubt, slow progress, and moments when I questioned whether all the work was worth it. Publishing often means pouring your heart into a project without knowing how—or if—it will be received.
One of my biggest struggles has been balancing everything: a full-time communications career, teaching, writing, speaking, podcasting, and raising three children. I’ve had to learn that success doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means setting boundaries, adjusting expectations, and continuing forward at a pace that’s sustainable.
I’ve also learned not to measure my journey against someone else’s highlight reel. The road has been messy and unpredictable, but every rejection, rewrite, and setback has helped me become a stronger writer and more resilient person.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the heart of everything I do is storytelling. I’m a romance author, public relations professional, college instructor, speaker, and host of the Just Write Julie podcast. As an author, I write emotional, character-driven love stories about imperfect people navigating complicated relationships, second chances, and the messy space between heartbreak and happily ever after.
I’m also known for helping others communicate more intentionally. Whether I’m teaching students, developing a public relations strategy, interviewing a podcast guest, or speaking to authors about building their brands, my goal is always to create genuine connection.
What sets me apart is the way I blend creativity with strategy. I understand both the emotional power of a story and the practical work required to share it with the right audience. I’m most proud that I’ve built a career where all my roles support one another—and that my work helps people feel seen, encouraged, and a little less alone.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I rely heavily on my Google Calendar and a good old-fashioned to-do list to keep my work, teaching, writing, and family schedules organized. Canva is one of my favorite tools for creating social media and book-related content.
I also learn a lot from writing and publishing podcasts, webinars, and other authors who openly share their experiences. But honestly, music may be my most important resource. A great playlist—usually featuring Yellowcard or another early-2000s pop punk band—helps me focus, reset, and find the right emotion for whatever I’m creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://authorjulienavickas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julienavickas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieNavickas
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienavickas/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieNavickas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justwritejulie
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Julie-Navickas/author/B0B4X3PR69
