Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
About Julie
Julie Schanke Lyford has been fortunate enough to live and travel throughout much of the US and Europe. She has visited Greece, Holland, Scotland, Wales, France and Denmark, to name only a few. In the 80s, Julie lived in London and camped out to witness Princess Diana’s in the royal procession to her marriage, an interesting tidbit she rightfully likes to share. The chance to see so much of the world has also given Julie the unique opportunity to see how humanity functions in various countries. She has witnessed both the good and the bad and been inspired by both.
Throughout her life, Julie has lived as an activist. She employs her degrees in Theatre and Communications, coupling them with her passion for public speaking to stand up for the rights of others. The cause closest to her heart has always been same-sex marriages. Julie was trained by Minnesota United for All Families and traveled throughout Minnesota, giving speeches, working tirelessly in rallying the vote for Marriage Equity in Minnesota. According to her father, Robert, co-author of Katy had Two Grandpas, Julie began her life of activism at an early age after a rally with her parents at Capitol Hill. Julie has dedicated many, many years to her causes and received the Lavender Community Award in recognition.
While raising her children, Julie noticed the lack of picture books depicting a family dynamic such as their family had. There were books about gay dads and moms, but none featuring gay grampas. Recognizing the need children have to connect with stories and see themselves in the pages, Julie and Robert created their book Katy has Two Grampas. Julie worked with illustrator Mariia Luzina, who lived in Italy at the time, during the Covid pandemic lockdown. The two of them communicated via text and email to create the perfect pictures to go along with the story. Katy has Two Grampas is based on an event that happened to Julie’s youngest daughters and features a cast of characters from the lives of Julie and her family.
When she is not writing or presenting, Julie loves to spend time with her family. She enjoys watching movies and live theatre and is looking forward to traveling again once the world recovers from the pandemic. Julie Schanke Lyford lives in West Saint Paul, MN, with her husband Rafe, two daughters Katy and Madi, and Wallace, their rescue dog.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Katy Has Two Grampas
“Being a mother, I have read many picture books to my children. However, there were NONE that showed OUR family unit, a family with gay grampas. Working together with my father, Robert, we have taken a true story and turned it into a beautifully illustrated picture book.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Our entire book was written during COVID – the author, illustrator and publisher never met up in person…it was all created virtually. The authors lived in Iowa and Minnesota and the illustrator was in lock down in Italy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Cricket in Times Square, Lucy in the Country, Make Way for Ducklings
What are you working on now?
We aren’t working on another book yet but have many ideas…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.katyhastwogrampas.com/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. It sounds trite but its true. We toyed around with the idea for our book for YEARS and finally have a published book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Throw kindness around like confetti.
What are you reading now?
Star Wars: Ahsoka
What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting the heck out of my current book, visiting classrooms
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn
Author Websites and Profiles
Julie Lyford Website
Julie Lyford Amazon Profile
Julie Lyford’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account