Julie writes about finding out who you are, where you come from, and making sense of it.
Welcome
“An engaging, endearing chronicle of a woman’s quest to find her origins.” – Kirkus Review
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Welcome to my online home! I’m an author–memoirist, essayist, and columnist– who writes about finding out who you are, where you come from, and making sense of it.
On this site, you will find information about my books, media events, links to my bi-monthly blog posts, and material relating to adoption. While many of my “That Girl This Life” essays focus on identity, family, and belonging, I also love to spotlight the quirky and tender moments which add color to daily life.
At 48, I was sent for a breast biopsy. This incident highlighted what closed adoption prevented me from knowing: my birth circumstances, family medical history, and genealogy. The subsequent search for my “personal story” consumed five years. I chronicle this journey in my debut, award-winning memoir Twice a Daughter: A Search for Family, Identity, and Belonging (She Writes Press, May 11, 2021). The prequel to Twice a Daughter is scheduled to release in Feb. 2025 (She Writes Press).
My newly released book Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family & Kinship (Muse Literary, November 1, 2023) is a compilation of my favorite “That Girl This Life” blog posts, essays from the monthly column I write for The Beacher Newspapers in Michiana, and other published work. I wrote Belonging Matters to serve as a companion piece to my first memoir, Twice a Daughter. It is meant to support the adoption community and to create a conversation with those not touched by adoption.
Besides being a writer, I’m a mother, grandmother, and an identical twin. Life has provided me many roles to play and experiences to share. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been filling up journals and binders with stories and reminiscences.
My wish is that you stay here, linger, and find writing that resonates. Upon leaving, I hope you take with you a fresh new idea, perspective, or topic to share with others.
That Girl, This Life
Weekly posts that focus on identity, family, and life’s quirky moments.
The Comfort of Strangers: Seatmates – Part 2
The conversations we have with strangers are often ones we never forget.
What Is It About Belonging?
Do we ever feel like we have achieved belonging?
The Comfort of Strangers: Seatmates, Part 1
How is it that strangers often appear at just the right moment?
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On April 16th Julie will speak with Gurds Hundal, host of the UK based podcast, Inner Light Project. This podcast poses the question: Are you ready to trust yourself?
On April 18th, Julie will guest on the Trauma Survivorhood Podcast; their mission is to share stories about people who have overcome traumatic events and who are willing share the inspiration they draw from them.
On May 4th, Julie will talk about trauma, grief, and healing with Dr.Torie Williams on the Be VicTorieus podcast.
On May 15th, the Book Club at Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City, Indiana will host Julie’s discussion of her memoir, Twice a Daughter. Jennifer, Julie’s twin sister and major character in her memoir, will share the stage for an unforgettable discussion.
On May 18th, Adoption:The Making of Me Podcast will have Julie on their show to talk about how adoption affected her life journey and the impact of writing about it.
On May 20th, Julie will speak to the Women’s Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO), Hinsdale chapter, at Hinsdale Methodist Church about her journey as an adoptee and writer.
To listen to other podcasts where Julie shares about her books, adoption story, and perspectives on all things related to identity, family, and belonging, go here (the media tab on her website).
