Welcome To JuliaEbel.com!

I did not grow up wanting to be a writer. In fact, I thought writing was hard work. I still think that, but I write anyway because the world is full of wonder to be noticed, people to be remembered, and stories to be heard.

My writing has been filled with serendipity. Family stories and nature provided my first inspirations, but each path I have taken has led me to others. After honing my writing skills for over 20 years, my seven books have come together in recent years. Each of these books is about keeping our stories—not just mine, but yours too. All invite sharing between generations.

My books have been honored with awards that have sometimes surprised me. Read about their awards and some state, national and international reviews here.

Writing poems is one of my loves. I enjoy playing with sounds and rhythms in free verse as I capture nature’s images in words. I often write poems as I walk my dog or explore the woods. Over 50 of my nature poems are published in children’s magazines, including Cricket and Pockets.

I conduct poetry and writing workshops in schools and libraries, and I present programs on keeping stories. Aside from writing, I tutor, and I have taught children’s literature and language classes at Guilford Technical Community College. My home is in Jamestown, North Carolina, with my husband, son, and golden retriever; but a part of my heart is in the North Carolina mountains, where I find inspiration for much of my writing.

• Launching Mama's Wreaths

  Mama’s Wreaths has arrived, and I am excited about sharing the new book and the story behind it. Creating this book with Joann Moretz has been a joy as I witnessed the process of family heritage and skill being passed through generations.

  Imagine the fragrance of evergreens as you read the page for Mama’s Wreaths. Then think about the heritage, traditions, and skills that your own family has passed along.

  In recent weeks I have visited libraries, bookstores, and schools in North Carolina’s Piedmont and mountains. I have enjoyed talking about ginseng and calves with knowledgeable 3rd graders at Riverbend Elementary in Clyde, and I was wowed by the poetry of students at Waynesville Middle School. At Blue Ridge Books, I learned about “candy roasters.” For the uninitiated, candy roasters are large sweet pumpkins. Look it up on Google!

  I also had a delightful visit with enthusiastic readers at Wilkesboro Elementary. Jack Tales and Mountain Yarns was their favorite of my books. Here are some images highlighting that time with students.

  

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Over the next few weeks I will have signings at Barnes and Noble, Alamance Crossing; Storytellers Bookstore in Wake Forest; Barnhills in Winston-Salem, The Soap Lady in Jamestown, the Old Mill of Guilford at Oak Ridge; Books-a-Million in Salisbury; and the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer. Stop in if you are nearby!

   

  Check the Events page for dates, details, directions, and a list of many other events.