Background Julia grew up in the north of England in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Number four of six children-two brothers and three sisters, born within eight years of each other. Her musical parents immersed all the children in music and encouraged them to take an active part in its pursuit. All siblings played instruments and attended Catholic primary and secondary schools. Julia participated in acting, singing, instrument-playing, and gymnastics. Her mother was a French teacher and her father, a physics lecturer, so the family benefitted from long summer holidays spent camping in Europe, particularly France. Qualifications After studying Music, English and French at A-level, Julia attended… Manchester University, acquiring BA Honours degree in French with Drama. Gained Post Graduate Certificate in Education to teach French, English and Drama at secondary school. Later achieved diploma in Education of the Deaf and Level One and Two in British Sign Language. Work After teaching French in Manchester, Julia lived in the US for two years working for a law firm and acting. On returning to the UK, she worked in a primary school in west London, first in mainstream, then in a unit for pupils with hearing impairment. She was employed as an advisory teacher for deaf children ages 0-19, supporting them and their famiies at home, school and college. Her time in London saw her continuing with acting and gaining an acting agent. She moved to Cornwall in the south west of England in 2007, where she teaches and writes. Interests People (especially teenagers with challenging lives), teaching, speaking French, singing, playing piano and guitar, acting, photography, Art (especially modern), music (particularly house & garage, jazz, French impressionist, Bach, guitar), architecture, walking in nature, gardens, the ocean, psychology, natural therapies, nutrition, feminism, global politics.