About me
I’m Julie Blaho, a children’s author who grew up in Minneapolis and found her home in the Italian countryside. My stories are born outdoors: in the woods, in the stables and in the small everyday adventures of life on a farm.
Life on the farm
Home is our farm in Italy, shared with horses, dogs and cats. Most days start outside, walking or riding through the woods, and that is where many of my characters first show up. Nature fed my imagination when I was a child, and it still shapes every story I write.
Nature guide & riding instructor
I’m a certified nature guide and a riding instructor. Horses have been a lifelong love, and nothing makes me happier than teaching children how to understand them and communicate with them, gently and with respect. Those lessons often find their way into my books.
My writing
I write picture books and stories for children, as well as flash fiction and short stories for adults. I’m represented by Gaby Cabezut at the Seymour Agency, I serve as Regional Advisor for SCBWI Italy and I’m a member of the 12×12 picture book community. In 2022 I was a finalist in the OpenCoop competition, and my short story about an American girl learning how things are done in Italy appeared in The People’s Friend Special.
I’m lucky to be part of a wonderful group of critique partners and writing friends: I wouldn’t be here without them.
Let’s stay in touch
Sign up for my newsletter below (just once every other month) and I’ll send you a complimentary short story, writing tips and news about upcoming projects. Questions, school visits or signed books? Drop me a line.