FACTS

My identity

·      I am Grandma Julie and Gigi to four amazing grandchildren who bring me joy and story ideas.

·      I am a mom, stepmom, and recent widow who keeps Phil’s memory alive through writing.

·      I live with a lab rescue dog named Shaina who protects my house from bunnies.

·      My pronouns are she and her.

My writing

·      I have written and illustrated 18 picture books and board books for my grandchildren.

·      My favorite author is Geraldine Brooks because she is a great storyteller and researcher.

·      My favorite illustrator is Sandra Boynton because I love her whimsical characters.

·      My favorite literary devices are alliteration and assonance, which are in many of my stories.

My hobbies

·      I enjoy sitting on my porch with my dog and drinking coffee to start my day.

·      I love watching professional football and am found on my couch on Sundays yelling at the TV.

·      I have recently fallen in love with hiking and walk with friends whenever I can.

·      I love listening to music—alternative rock, seventies soft rock, and jazz—all day.

Photo by Hakeem Howard at HakeemHoward.com.