About

---

        Julie Winterling grew up in one of those small-town, movie-set neighborhoods filled with good families and lots of kids. Debates over religion and politics took backseat to which college team held the family's allegiance. Kickball in the street, basketball in the backyard, and sprinklers in the summer delivered plenty of Happy in the 'ville.

        Though her parents went to Duke University, Julie chose their archrival, North Carolina, and pursued a degree in Comparative Literature with Creative Writing. She admits to skipping a few classes, but she never missed a basketball game. When her new loyalty disrupted the family harmony of March Madness, she defended the slight with two words: Michael. Jordan.

        After graduation, Julie spent two years completing a technical writing project before moving to Vail, Colorado and really impressing her dad with a new career as a ski bum and waitress. There, she met Mr. Awesome, who asked her to marry him before he asked her name. Eventually, she said yes, and the pair settled on the East Coast. Work as a newspaper editor and a freelance writer kept her busy until she gave up the deadlines for cupcakes and kindergarten.

        Although it was always her intention to write fiction, the blessing of a happy childhood precluded the pursuit. It wasn't until Real Life interrupted Happily Ever After that Julie found her lane. She writes about women pursuing their best life and what happens when something unexpected and life-altering knocks them off of Easy Street. The Beautiful People move forward, unphased and unencumbered, but those forced to detour are often blessed by a more meaningful journey.

        Julie writes from a newly-emptied nest on the East Coast with her fun-loving husband and a big, excitable dog.