Press Kit

Julien St. James was born in London and his formative years were shaped by a mosaic of cultures—from the snowy landscapes of Duluth, Minnesota to the tropical warmth of the Philippines, from the coastal fog of Lompoc, California to the ancient crossroads of Turkey, with extended periods in Germany that bookended these adventures before his family ultimately settled in the Washington DC area.

These diverse environments—each with their own rhythms, traditions, and ways of belonging—instilled in Julien a profound understanding of how places shape people and how communities hold their secrets. The constant relocation taught him to observe keenly and listen deeply, skills that would later define his approach to storytelling.

His childhood experiences in the Philippines and Turkey left a particular impression, exposing him to fishing villages and coastal communities where daily life followed rhythms established generations ago. While working overseas in the UK, the Netherlands and Sweden, he returned to several of these locations, collecting stories and observing traditions that would eventually inspire works like "Love Notes and Sticky Tape."

Julien attended the University of Maryland's Munich campus during his time in Germany, where his unconventional education proved more valuable than any degree. The rich literary traditions he encountered throughout Europe and Asia shaped his narrative voice far more than formal academia ever could.

In 2015, seeking new creative horizons, Julien relocated to Austin, Texas, drawn by its vibrant literary scene and distinctive cultural blend. "Love Notes and Sticky Tape" is his second novel, following his debut "Lint Socks and Rock Paper Scissors," which was published under the pen name Henri Penuer.

Known for his lyrical prose and atmospheric settings, Julien specializes in stories that explore how individuals navigate the weight of tradition while charting their own courses—a tension he experienced firsthand during his nomadic childhood.

When not writing (which isn't often), he travels with his wife of 40 years and puts pencil to paper occasionally drawing urban art. Though firmly rooted in Austin now, his international background has given him a lifelong appreciation for the stories that emerge when different cultures intersect—a perspective that continues to enrich his literary voice.