Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Gruzensky.
Hi Denise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up loving all animals. As an adult, I developed a passion for rescues. In addition to writing, I volunteer for local animal shelters, work as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and I’m a mom to four humans and a dog. We are a forever family through adoption which all started when I rescued Harley.
I believe pets teach us important life lessons. “Not Like the Others” is the first book in my series “Life Lessons from Fur Friends”.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When I was younger, I loved writing but I the editing process was very difficult. After becoming a Nurse Practitioner, the time to write was elusive. In 2013, I rediscovered my passion for that creative outlet but when family and friends began asking for copies of what I’d written I didn’t know where to start.
I was fearful of self-publishing since I’d heard horror stories but my mother, an avid reader of “Reader’s Digest” noticed an advertisement for a new self-publishing division. Working with them was an incredible learning experience but, as a lot of writers had noted, the ROI was minimal. Though I’ll admit, I’ve known making a living as an author, especially children’s books is rare. I sold 500 books myself at events etc. and through those events got my book into the hands of people I knew would truly enjoy it.
I realized fairly quickly I wished I’d focused on images and editing more. Rookie, self-publishing mistake. Around February 2021, LifeRich let me know my binding was going out of print. It would cost more money but I held the rights to the book and reprinting. My husband and I decided to put that money into editing, images, and truly self-publishing a second edition of Harley’s Story. I’m now working on book 2 in the series, “Life Lessons from Fur Friends”.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Like so many others, I wear many hats.
My creative side wears the hat of an author.
In “Not Like the Others” you are introduced to Harley, my rescued Yorkshire terrier. He will learn the meaning of a forever family and unconditional love.
How do you talk to your child about their newly diagnosed illness? How do you tell your child their pet has an illness like diabetes? What can you do to explain loving unconditionally? The answer is “Harley’s Story”.
I believe pets teach us important life lessons. “Not Like the Others” is the first book in my series “Life Lessons from Fur Friends”.
My employee/professional side wears the hat of a Nurse Practitioner.
I am a certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree in Nursing from the University of San Diego. I’ve worked in Emergency Medicine, Carnival Cruise Lines, Indian Health Services, Family Practice, Internal Medicine, and a concurrent career for the last six years as a Legal Nurse Consultant. I love continuing education, career development and I’m passionate about patient education and preventative care. My practice philosophy: “I believe in treating the whole patient. They are best equipped to partner in their care and wellness when they understand why we make recommendations and are empowered to participate in their healthcare decisions.”
In 2021, when our family moved, I remained with my practice and transitioned to a primarily virtual practice.
I assisted with Adventist Health’s AHEAD (Adventist Health Early All-Around Detection) program, piloting remote cancer risk evaluation screenings. I am a graduate of the 2022 IC.
I am a wife, a mother to four littles and a fur kid (dog). We love being outdoors hiking, biking swimming, camping and more.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Professionally, I’m pleased to see medical insurance companies finally realizing it is cost-effective to keep people healthy. They are beginning to make reimbursement adjustments accordingly. I hope and think that will continue. Hopefully, with big pharma, we can see another shift so providers are able to get a patient the best medication for them and not have to fight so hard to get the preferred medication for a patient covered.
Creatively, I see the stigma for self-published authors shifting. As the quality of self-published books advances, we are more accepted. A self-published author also ends up wearing additional hats as we are our own marketing and social media managers too.
Pricing:
- $9.99 on Amazon
Contact Info:
- Website: www.denisegruzensky.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denise_gruzensky/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisegruzensky
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeniseGruzensky
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFwRDImcoeQHHs_dxBfQtag
- Other: https://pin.it/1mnG1vz
Image Credits
1. Family photo in meadow/pasture- Angela Eller Photography
2. Denise and Sierra sitting next to the pool- Angela Eller Photography
3. Denise Gruzensky
4. Denise Gruzensky 5. Harley’s Story Cover-Cottage Studio, Chico, California
