Wife. Mama. Lovey. Tea drinker. Beach lover. Oh, and storyteller.

Julia Kay acquired her B.A. in English from Southwest Baptist University and her MFA in writing from Lindenwood University. She is an adjunct professor, columnist, and award winning author. Literary influences include: Ann Patchett, Tobias Wolff, and Lorrie Moore. Additional writers who have impacted Julia’s storytelling: Jodi Picoult, Heather Gudenkauf, Nicole Baart, and Kali VanBaale.

Contests and Awards

  • 2026 Family Fiction Summer Short Story Contest Grand Winner

  • 2024 WOW essay finalist

  • 2022 ACFW First Impression Winner

  • 2021 Selah Article in Print finalist

  • 2020 ACFW First Impression finalist

  • 2019 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist

  • 2018 ACFW First Impression finalist

  • 2016 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist

  • 2007 SBU Poetry Contest, Second Place

Plays and Productions

  • 2010 The Veil: Easter

  • 2009 Joy…In Our Midst: Christmas

  • 2009 Hartley’s Invitation: Lot of Love

  • 2008 Holiday Heart: Christmas

  • 2009 SBU Festival 10 min. play The End

Affiliations

  • American Christian Fiction Writers

  • Springfield Writer’s Guild

  • Women on Writing

Other Publications

  • Thought of the Week Column in Bolivar Herald Free Press
    2017-Current

  • Mustard Seed Diaries in Cedar Republican 2023-Current