Julianna Leverette of Grice Connect recently debuted her inaugural self-published book, titled Who I Am Today: Prose, Poetry, and Other Musings on Life, Love, and Healing.
The book recounts Leverette's unique experiences through youth to adulthood, which shaped her into the woman she is today. Although the book consists of personal experiences, its greater intention is to foster connection among readers to ease feelings of loneliness, while celebrating the highs and lows of life.
About Who I Am Today
"I wrote this book because I wanted to share my heart and connect with people who have 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 was an opportunity to connect with my younger self, as well as with others who may be struggling with similar experiences. We often find ourselves consumed with anxiety and self-doubt, questioning our worth. But this book is a direct retaliation against those thoughts which says, 'no, I am worthy of good things.'"
Leverette's desire to connect with readers who have similar life experiences was the driving force behind her work. Her intention to delve deeply into intimate topics that often go unspoken aims to ensure that readers feel acknowledged, heard, and supported as they navigate their own life journeys.
Who I Am Today contains the following sections: "Fool", "Lover", "Tower", and "World."
The journey begins with "Fool", a novice youthful voice, and ends with "World," which culminates in her journey of personal growth and transformation.
"I started the book with 'Fool' and worked my way to 'World'," stated Leverette. "It's truly a full-circle story that starts with a youthful essence of not knowing who you are or understanding your place in the world, to journeying through the lowest of personal lows, to finding the road to restoration and joy after those challenging moments."
On Leverette's writing process, the happiest section for her to write was "Fool", while the most challenging was "Tower."
"Writing 'Fool' was wonderful in retrospect. I think back to my 18-year-old self who was uncertain on many things. Yet, my early journey makes me smile in knowing how open and vulnerable I was to experiencing life," she shared. "Conversely, the most difficult section for me to write was 'Tower.' Those were my most vulnerable thoughts. Topics like mental health, depression, personal failures, and more filled the section of these pages. Having the grittiest part of myself be seen was the most challenging part of this process."
Inspiration, art, and who should read this book
Leverette has always been a creative individual. From her early years, her talent as an artist was nurtured by her parents, mentors, and self-will.
"I've always wanted to create something with my art and writing," she shared. "I remember being young and dreaming about writing memoirs on life and love. I have a deep passion for storytelling and knew I wanted to write stories which resonated with others. When I entered college at 18, my passion for poetry began expanding. And to be finished with this work finally is a truly empowering experience. I dedicate this work to my younger self who dreamt of this moment."
Leverette encourages everyone to pick up her inaugural work, stating that "this book is for everyone, and there is something in there for all people."
"The book at its core is for people who have struggled with mental health, who have healed from mental health struggles, perhaps navigating complex relationships, to so much more. All readers will find something relevant in this book to feel inspired and empowered," she said.
Equally impressive to Leverette's writing is her artwork.
All artwork displayed in Who I Am Today was created by Leverette herself. Leverette received art instruction from a very young age, which gave her the opportunity to hone her natural talents.
She displays her art pieces throughout the book, matching each piece to a story where it has relevance.
"Only a handful of the artwork in the book was specifically created for this book," she shared. "This book is a collection of poems and artwork that I have created over the years and each piece is paired with a story that resonates."
Thanks and Acknowledgements
"To be at the end of this process and have my story published gives me great peace. This book spans a decade of work and it feels wonderful to have it completed," Leverette said.
"Who I am today is 'but a changeling'. I am collection of memories and experiences that have shaped me. I am someone who embraces change, loves hard, cares for my community, and is more confident and at peace than ever before. Who I am can change moment by moment, and that's the beauty of life I love."
Leverette has several thanks to give regarding the success of her inaugural work.
"I would like to thank my family for supporting me along the process of this journey. I would like to also thank my partner David, who encouraged me from the beginning of this process. He was the solid foundation for me throughout all of this. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who inspired this book; good or bad, each experience shaped me into who I am today."
About the Author
Leverette is a passionate creative whose writing draws out the emotion of the reader. She is a Georgia native and Georgia Southern University alumnus holding bachelor's degrees in both Psychology and Philosophy and brings a merged perspective to all of her art and creative works.
She is the artist in residence at Lite Foot Company in Savannah, GA for the month of July and also has art displayed inside of Gators & Gypsies, a new business 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 additional professional passions include research, mental wellness, holistic health, sustainability, social justice advocacy, and much more.
Outside of writing and painting, she enjoys hobbies like yoga, plant care, hiking, and astrology.
To purchase Who I Am Today: Prose, Poetry, and Other Musings on Life, Love, and Healing, CLICK HERE.
Read more about Julianna Leverette on her website HERE, or follow her Facebook and Instagram.
