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We all have “favorite places”, and for this week’s guest, it is the island of Nantucket. Julie Gerstenblatt has been spending her summers there since she was just a child. Accessible by air or by ferry, Nantucket is located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. Steeped in history, Nantucket was once the whaling capital of the world, and even today, it seems frozen in time. Rooted in the story of the Great Fire of 1846, Julie’s historical novel required years of research. Focused on three complex, strong, and determined female characters, Daughters of Nantucket explores the lonely lives of whaling wives, the secrecy of sexuality, and race relations on an island influenced by Quaker values. A lifelong writer and the proud mother of two grown children, Julie holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University. In this interview, she shares the struggles writers often experience. Says Julie: “You write in silence and in secrecy, but you have to share it at some point with people, and you hope it does well, but there is so much rejection.” Always inspired to write books that teach AND entertain, Julie has another historical novel scheduled for release in 2026. She’s also ready to share her wisdom about what success really means. “Success is balance and fulfillment on a deeper level. It’s not about the material things and the “having,” it’s about being content in the “being.” Ready for a little inspiration? Go ahead and hit that download button. #nantucket #writer #historicalnovel