Born in Montreal, Canada and transplanted throughout her childhood and youth to three more of Canada's major cities, Julie eventually settled in rural Saskatchewan where she raised five children.

For many years Julie provided skits, poems, and programs for local community events such as Christmas concerts and children's programs before deciding to fulfill her lifelong dream of writing a novel and becoming a published author. 

Over a three year period, while working full-time as a farm labourer, holding various offices in local organizations, and sending her children off to grown-up lives of their own, The Preacher became a reality.