Justine Cowan is the author of the New York Times Editors’ Pick The Secret Life of Dorothy Soames. Cowan first put pen to paper in 2017, and within two years, had completed her manuscript, secured representation with a top agent at Creative Artists Agency and landed book deals with HarperCollins (North America) and Little Brown Book Group (Europe/Asia). Cowan will share lessons learned including how to approach your writing with a publishing deal in mind, writing tips, perfecting your pitch and more of the strategies she used to land her first book deal.

About Justine Cowan

Justine was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Growing up wandering through California’s majestic redwood forests, she became a passionate environmentalist, and has spent most of her career working to protect our nation’s natural resources.

She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Economics. She received her law degree with honors from Duke University School of Law, where she was a member of the Editorial Board of Duke Law Journal. She also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert L. Echols, United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee. Justine has received numerous awards for her public service.

Justine lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband Patrick, along with their cat Mingus (who joined the family after he was discovered sleeping on their bed), and their border collie Charlie Bucket (who was an instant foster fail).

The Secret Life of Dorothy Soames is her first book.

Justine’s Book

The New York Times Book Review, Editors’ Choice/Staff Pick

Amazon Book Review, Editors’ Pick

Amanda Vining photo

Amanda holds a BS in Biology from Georgia College & State University. She began her career as an educator with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. After leaving the DNR, Amanda became a formal educator with Baldwin County School System and Jasper County School System. Amanda began her museum career at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MAS) in Macon, Georgia, where she served as Curator of Environmental Science
(2011-2020). While at MAS, Amanda developed a love for sharing the world around us with the many students who visited on school field trips. During her time as Curator of Environmental Science, Amanda launched a storytime
program for preschool children.

Since 2020, Amanda has been serving Georgia Writers Museum as a volunteer on the Education Committee. Amanda has brought her love of sharing stories with students by launching Peaches’ Reading Pasture. As Museum Manager, Amanda looks forward to serving the community and helping to inspire those within our community to put words to paper and share their stories.

Amanda was born and raised in nearby Shady Dale, Georgia. Her husband, Rodney, is a native of Eatonton, and they currently reside in Putnam County. They have three children.