June Cotner - Author, Hey! It’s Your Day: Inspirational Quotes & Affirmations to Live By

June Cotner

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June Cotner is the author of 36 books including the bestselling books, GracesBedside PrayersWedding Blessings, and House Blessings. Her books have been published by major houses including Random House, HarperCollins, and Hachette. She has also enjoyed working with mid-size publishers such as Chronicle Books and Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Collectively, her books have sold more than one million copies and have been featured in many national publications, including USA TodayThe New York TimesBetter Homes & GardensWoman's DayGlamour, and Family Circle. June has appeared on national television and radio programs as well as local television including "New Day Northwest" and "AM Northwest."

June is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley. Through Book Proposal Services, she evaluates nonfiction book proposals and analyzes concepts for books. See "Consulting". June is a member of and publicity liaison for the Poulsbo Noon Lions Club and Poulsbo Friends of the Library.

June is the mother of two grown children. She lives in Poulsbo, Washington (a small town outside of Seattle) with her husband and their LabraDobie. Her hobbies include yoga, hiking, dog training, community service, and spending time with her four grandchildren.

I’m so excited for you to connect with June, check out her work and new book, and follow along as she continues to help people who are suffering and find healing from their stress and trauma.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

I’m June Cotner and I primarily specialize in creating anthologies consisting of interfaith prayers and inspirational poetry. My best-known anthology is Graces: Prayers & Poems for Everyday Meals and Special Occasions. It was published in 1994 by HarperCollins. My latest book is Hey! It’s Your Day: Inspirational Quotes & Affirmations to Live By. It’s published by Mango and it will be released on January 12, 2021.

How did you get started?

After a career specializing in corporate learning programs, I started writing a book that became The Home Design Handbook: The Essential Planning Guide for Building, Buying, or Remodeling a Home. It was published in 1992 by Henry Holt. During the course of finding an agent for The Home Design Handbook, I met agent Denise Marcil. She came to my family’s home for dinner and after paging through a binder of graces that I had collected, she said, “This is a book and I know the perfect publisher!” She suggested that the book would offer more freshness if I opened submissions to writers. I now have about 900 writers who contribute to my anthologies.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

I go step by step, pay attention, and one step takes me to a next step and often a new adventure. Since my books are gift books, I enjoy visiting national chains such as Anthropologie, Paper Source, and Urban Outfitters to see their gift books and keep up on trends.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

My biggest passion is family: my husband Jim, my two grown children, and my four grandchildren. My second biggest passion is creating gift books. And my third passion is hiking with my dog Indy. I seem to be cut out for the work I do, so it does feel like I’m living a life with passion and purpose.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

I devote the first hour of work every day to what I call “Morning Coffee Time.” I allow myself an hour to work on anything I desire. Often, I’m researching nature photos to make photo cards for my grandkids. Many times I’m drawn to work on a new book proposal.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

The way in which I live intentionally came about in the course of creating Hey! It’s Your Day: Inspirational Quotes & Affirmations to Live By. I started collecting quotes when I was 14 and continues to this day. Many of the quotes became my affirmations for living. Many of the chapters would interest your readers such as Joy, Gratitude, Happiness, Positivity, Mindfulness, and Adventure.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

In college, I thought I would be a P.E. teacher. After college, I worked in business. I didn’t start writing until 1982. So my younger self would be happily surprised at the directions I took.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation? 

I often carry a yellow fluorite gemstone in my pocket, which is supposed to be good to nurture creativity. Rubbing the stone helps me think about new possibilities I have not yet considered.

What is your biggest dream?

I would love to write the screenplay for an animated film, FASHION BUGS. I’ve created a film treatment for it.

To learn more about June, her work and new book, visit her website www.junecotner.com Facebook @June.Cotner.Books Twitter @JuneCotner Instagram @JuneCotner and LinkedIn here

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

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