About Joleen

I cannot talk of myself as an author or illustrator without first telling you who I am as a person. I, like many women I look up to, wear many hats. I am first and foremost a mother. I am also a wife, a friend, a daughter, a grand-daughter, a business owner, and an elementary school employee. I pull inspiration for my writing from an amazing life. I've lived in many places, held many different jobs, and met many unforgettable people along the way. Those relationships have helped to form me into the person I am today. I've had a life filled, both with wonderous joys and the deepest of sorrows. Through it all I am able to find my voice best through writing.

To best keep up with me on my upcoming events you follow my page on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/joleenmichellie or you can add your email to my mailing list. I enjoy attending local events, from vendor fairs and market places, to book store signings, or being able to do private readings at local schools, pre-school, libraries and daycares. I enjoy it all and often have giveaways available for children at my events. I look forward to seeing you out there. If you have an upcoming event you'd like to invite me to, please use the contact page to reach out to me. I'd love the opportunity to participate in your next event, if my schedule allows for it. 

People have always told me how much they look up to or admire me. It's odd to me because I struggle a lot of times, in a lot of ways. I often feel those people may not know what my real life looks like. Then again, some of my closest friends, who know all the ins and outs of it, say similar things to me. I see others look to me for guidance, and advice. The best thing I can muster for you all is to enjoy life. My son Josh nailed this one in his 21 years on earth. To truly enjoy life, I believe you must have balance. Work and determination have their place, but so does rest, relaxation, and fun. So, enjoy life, and don't feel guilty about it, because life is truly too short.