A graduate of the "School of Hard Knocks," June Triana-Schiada excelled in creating something from nothing. Building several small businesses during her lifetime, she learned how a well-written letter could change the world. Her passion for writing helped her write all those letters along with her business blogs, advertising campaigns, business plans, brochures, how-to guides, and an occasional poem or short story for fun. Included in her daily tasks, she used her art skills as well. Someone had to draw all those illustrations for signage and advertising! After closing her 15-year-old independent Party Store in 2016, she decided to improve her gift and take several creative writing college courses through the local University of North Texas. Being semi-retired gave her the time to study, write and start drawing again avidly. So, she buckled down to write, write, write - bought herself an amazing set of watercolors and crafted Pepper the Magic Tortie – The Golden Key, her debut middle-grade chapter book. It was inspired by her fond memory of the family's tortoise-shell cat, Pepper, and her experiences of raising two beautiful children. It is the first book in the series. She reflects that during this process, she had a bizarre dream about "Grandma Moses." After some research into the woman, she learned that she existed and was a famous painter who started her career at the age of 78 and painted almost till she died at age 101! June was convinced this is the direction she was divinely guided towards for her next career. This ex-Girl Scout leader, Big Sister program volunteer, avid camper, and devoted mom was born and raised in California. She and her family relocated to Texas in 2000, where she now enjoys the country life with her husband of 30 years. When she isn't writing, you can usually find her in the kitchen discovering innovative recipes or in her sewing room crafting a new project. These long-loved hobbies were also responsible for two other past ventures she started, Catering and Cloth Doll Making. You can connect with June on her website www.rebrand.ly/june-author
