Meet Julie Kenzler — author, blogger, speaker, and lifelong storyteller whose journey is rooted in faith, family, resilience, and hope. Julie’s love for writing began early, back in fourth grade, when she proudly saw her name printed in her local Indiana newspaper in a column called Julie’s Corner. Even then, storytelling felt like home.
Raised in Indiana in a close-knit family, Julie grew up valuing connection, humor, and shared stories — lessons that continue to shape her writing today. She later moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University, where her life expanded through careers as an accountant, youth director, and teacher. Arizona also brought unexpected blessings, including meeting her husband, Kurt — a fellow Hoosier — and building a full, joy-filled life with their children and growing family.
Julie’s writing took on deeper meaning following the tragic loss of her sister Tammy — her best friend and constant companion — in a drunk driving accident. The grief shook her world and changed her forever. Through faith, counseling, community support, and an unwavering determination to heal, Julie slowly reclaimed joy — and discovered even more than she thought possible.
In 2015, she began turning her journaling into a blog, originally called Julie’s Blog for Hope, now known as Hope Follows. Through honest reflection and spiritual encouragement, Julie shares how hope truly does follow even the deepest pain. Her writing offers comfort to those walking through grief, reminding readers that healing is real, joy can return, and God walks closely through every valley.
Today, Julie continues to inspire through her writing, broadcasting, and speaking — inviting others to move beyond where they are and step into a life filled with renewed hope, purpose, and immeasurable joy.
✨ Meet Julie Kenzler at the Scottsdale Book Festival and discover a story that reminds us all: hope follows.