Q & A with alumna and author Marlee Kostiner

Marlee Kostiner ’07,  is a multi-disciplinary journalist with 15 years of experience building digital media brands. She has written for Elle Magazine (external link) , McClung’s Magazine (external link)  and Home in Canada Magazine.  (external link) 

Kostiner’s first-ever book, NaMOOste, is being published later this month. 

What is the inspiration behind NaMOOste? 

So I  wrote NaMoostee to help my son, because he was having a hard time transitioning at bedtime. He was very energetic and had a hard time winding down. I noticed that he would naturally go into the downward dog yoga position. I never taught him. He just knew. I noticed a lot of my friends kids would also do that for some reason. It was almost natural for them. So then I started to teach him about yoga. We developed a routine where we would do some deep breaths before bed to calm him down. I would say, “namaste,” and he thought it was really funny to say “naMOOste.” Then it crossed my mind this would be a really great children’s story. It had never crossed my mind to make one, but I really wanted to do it and here we are. 

Why did you want to write a children’s book?

For a while after working with magazines and editing I decided I was going to start my own business. I went into journalism because I love writing, but I somehow ended up working as an editor, and I kind of forgot how much I love writing. But when I started my business the opportunities that came my way were all writing. I quickly remembered why I love it. 

Ever since I became a mom, I have been so passionate about researching child psychology and parenting. I wanted to write a story for my son who was two at the time, and since I was working from home I had more time. It's very special to me. I am combining all of my experiences and passions into one. And honestly the best skill I learned from TMU is research. Knowing how to research and find information can literally open up any door for you. I can figure out anything because I know how to research. So I decided, why not do this? 

Did you feel j-school prepared you for your career in writing? 

It prepared me tremendously. Just learning from the professors who were actively working in the field- they had so much knowledge to share. I learned so much in every class, in so many different ways. I learned how to conduct interviews, think critically and be open minded. These qualities would serve anybody but it really served my writing and journalism. I have taken so much since my time with TMU. I am very thankful for the experience.