Hey, I’m L. J.

Born and raised in rural north Texas, I narrated stories to my parents from a young age. Now, I write from my home north of the Dallas area, where I live with my husband and our two sons.

When I’m not working my day job, completing homework for my master’s in classical studies program, or homeschooling the boys, you’ll probably find me curled up in a corner of the couch reading a good book, or trying to write a good story.

What’s with the J. R. R. Tolkien quote featured on the home page, you ask? I’d love to talk about it! My favorite literary quote of all time was penned by Tolkien in his posthumously published (and unfinished) epic poem, The Fall of Arthur.

“Ever times would change and tides alter, and o’er hills of morning hope come striding to awake the weary, while the world lasted.”

I believe stories are one of the best ways humans grapple with the ever-altering tides of life. Good stories remind us that hope is always there, just on the other side of the hill, ready to rouse us even when we’re weary.

On this site you can find information about my published or upcoming works and read intermittent reflections on literature and story craft on my blog, “L. J.’s Corner.” If you love a good literary quote like the one above, you should sign up for my occasional “Quotes of Note” newsletter. By signing up, you’ll also be the first to hear any exciting news about my writing journey, including new stories in the works.