Julianna Leverette von Grice Connect recently published her first self-published book entitled Who I am today: prose, poetry, and other reflections on life, love, and healing.
The book recounts Leverette’s unique experiences from her youth to adulthood that shaped her into the woman she is today. Although the book is composed of personal experiences, its larger intention is to create a connection between readers to help ease feelings of loneliness while celebrating the ups and downs of life.
Around Who I am today
“I wrote this book because I wanted to share my feelings and connect with people who have had similar experiences,” Leverette shared. “The topics I discuss are things that most people face at some point in life. I have a deep passion for storytelling, and writing this book was an opportunity to connect with my younger self, as well as others who may be struggling with similar experiences. We are often plagued by fear and self-doubt, questioning our worth. But this book is a direct retaliation against those thoughts that say, ‘No, I Am worthy of good things.'”
Leverette’s desire to connect with readers who have gone through similar life experiences has been the driving force behind her work. Her intention to delve deeply into intimate topics that often go unspoken aims to ensure that readers feel recognized, heard, and supported on their own life journey.
Who I am today contains the following sections: “Fool”, “Lover”, “Tower”, And “World.”
The journey begins with “Fool,” an inexperienced youthful voice, and ends with “World,” which culminates in her journey of personal growth and transformation.
“I started the book with ‘Fool’ and then worked my way up to ‘World,'” Leverette explained. “It’s really a full-circle story. It starts with the adolescent essence of not knowing who you are or understanding your place in the world, to the journey through the deepest personal lows, to finding the path to recovery and joy after those difficult moments.”
As for Leverette’s writing process, the section “Fool” was the most enjoyable for her, while “Tower” was the most challenging.
“Looking back, ‘Fool’ was wonderful to write. I think back to my 18-year-old self, who was unsure about many things. Yet my early journey makes me smile because I know how open and vulnerable I was to experiencing life,” she said. “Conversely, the ‘Tower’ section was the hardest for me to write. Those were my most vulnerable thoughts. Topics like mental health, depression, personal failure and more filled the section of those pages. Making the darkest part of myself visible was the hardest part of this process.”
Inspiration, art and who should read this book
Leverette has always been a creative person. From a young age, her talent as an artist was encouraged by her parents, mentors and stubbornness.
“I always wanted to create something something with my art and my writing,” she said. “I remember dreaming as a child of writing a memoir about life and love. I have a deep passion for storytelling and knew I wanted to write stories that would resonate with others. When I entered college at 18, my passion for poetry began to grow. And to finally complete this work is a truly empowering experience. I dedicate this work to my younger self who dreamed of this moment.”
Leverette encourages everyone to pick up her first novel, explaining: “This book is for everyone and there is something in it for everyone.”
“The book is essentially for people who have struggled with mental health issues, who have overcome mental health issues, who may have had to navigate complex relationships and more. All readers will find something relevant in this book that will leave them feeling inspired and empowered,” she said.
Just as impressive as Leverette’s literary works are her works of art.
All artworks in Who I am today was created by Leverette herself. Leverette received art lessons from a very young age, which gave her the opportunity to refine her natural talents.
She features her artwork throughout the book, assigning each piece to a story to which it is relevant.
“Only a handful of the artwork in the book was created specifically for this book,” she said. “This book is a collection of poems and artwork I’ve created over the years, and each piece is connected to a story that resonates.”
Thanks and recognition
“Being at the end of this process and having my story published gives me great peace. This book is a decade of work and it is a wonderful feeling to finally finish it,” said Leverette.
“Who I am today is ‘just a changeling.’ I am a collection of memories and experiences that have shaped me. I am someone who embraces change, loves passionately, cares about my community, and is more confident and at peace than ever before. Who I am can change from moment to moment, and that is the beauty of life that I love.”
Leverette has several people to thank for the success of her inaugural work.
“I would like to thank my family for supporting me on this journey. I would also like to thank my partner David, who encouraged me from the beginning. He has been my solid foundation throughout all of this. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who inspired me to write this book. Whether good or bad, every experience has made me who I am today.”
About the author
Leverette is a passionate creative whose writing speaks to the reader’s emotions. A native of Georgia and a graduate of Georgia Southern University with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and philosophy, she brings a combined perspective to all of her artistic and creative work.
In July, she is the artist in residence at Lite Foot Company in Savannah, Georgia, and her artwork will also be on display at Gators & Gypsies, a new shop in downtown Statesboro.
Leverette’s current professional commitments include writing as a freelance journalist for Grice Connect, managing her art platform Lucky Leveret Studio & Supply, and curating her online space for creatives, The Collective Stardust. Her other professional passions include research, mental wellbeing, holistic health, sustainability, social justice advocacy, and more.
Besides writing and painting, she enjoys her hobbies such as yoga, plant care, hiking and astrology.
Acquire Who I am today: prose, poetry, and other reflections on life, love, and healingCLICK HERE.
Read more about Julianna Leverette on her website HERE or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
