New author to RPP, Julie Beekman loves to run, hike, and ski. So where else would she live but Boulder Colorado. You can follow her on Facebook and on her Website.

We know people love to here interesting facts about authors they follow, particularly new authors. Therefore, we asked Julie a number of questions and this is how she answered.

Can you share a quirky fact about your hobby?

I’ve run several marathons while raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I’m currently training for The Chicago Marathon and I didn’t start running until I was 38 years old.

Which animal was your favorite pet?

I love all animals and I’m a vegetarian.  Since Blackie, my dog in the book, I’ve always had black dogs. I’d also like to have a few goats, a couple of cats, and a pig, too.

What’s the most interesting place you have visited in your travels?

I think Chaco Canyon, I enjoyed finding the petroglyphs in the middle of nowhere. I love Art history and viewing expression through artifacts and ruins.

What do you fear most?

Feeling shame about anything at all. I’ve felt it and frankly, it’s stupid.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Dark Chocolate

What’s the most unusual thing in the top drawer of your desk?

A headlamp for early morning hikes and runs.

New author Julie wrote Two Trees, a memoir about Family Relationships, Abuse, Dysfunctional Relationships and Healing through Art Therapy.

BLURB:

Julie is adopted by the Beekmans in the late 1960’s and at first, brought up in the idyllic town of Grand Haven, Michigan. When her father dies, her mother, Marge decides to sell everything, leave town and provide Julie and her brothers with some “cultural awareness” which includes enrolling Julie in an all black school in the south. Over the years, Marge becomes more abusive and ultimately Julie seeks help. She begins to confide in a young Art Therapist who helps uncover a barrage of secrets. While the book covers some dark times and tragedy, there is a strong sense of humor running through it that will keep the reader reading to see just how Julie manages to pull through it all, not only in one piece, but as an adult well able to survive in this world.

If you want to enjoy an excerpt and more information about this book go to New Release!