You may be wondering what you’re doing here… I don’t know either, but you are welcome to stay awhile and browse through the immortal words of a mortal writer!
I am a teacher and a writer, which means you’ll read a little bit about both of my worlds during your visit. Since I teach reading and writing, these subjects sometimes even overlap!
I’m J.J. Burry, better known to some by my real name, Jess Houser, and I welcome you to my world (with a new blog post or two every month —eventually back to once a week)!
Side note: Since I’m a teacher, I no longer have purple hair, but I love this picture!
Panel 1
About me
Writing, Teaching, and Family! Oh my!
How do you even begin an “About” section? I’m guessing it’s not like this, but you’re reading it anyway – thanks!
I’ve been teaching at the secondary level since 2012. I started at a small private school for Emotionally Disturbed students in Virginia, and now I’m at a small public school in Texas. I have taught several subjects in the past, but my favorite is writing.
It all started with reading in elementary school. I had a few teachers who would read novels out loud to our class. In third grade, Mrs. Marrs even gave me a book for Christmas as a going away present since I was moving during the holidays (The MidnightGhost by Carol Beach York). I read that book every day for ages, and I keep it in a place of honor in my classroom now.
As I got older, I discovered poetry, which changed my life. Have you ever had one of those life-changing discoveries? I started writing poetry, reading poetry, and I even found a place where I could publish a few online.
Poetry wasn’t all I wanted to write, though. I became interested in all types of writing, including letters to pen pals. I still write to pen pals, and I’ve joined a pen pal group on Facebook in order to connect with a few new people, too.
In high school, my friend Larry noticed my love of writing and suggested that I become an English teacher. I laughed at him (the way only friends can), and went off to college to major in music. After my first year and one other major, I was no longer laughing… Larry was right.
Now, here I am years later: a teacher and a writer. I’m nearing the end of the writing process with my first novel, and I’m finally learning how to blog.
In between all that, I have a wonderful family who puts up with me. My husband, Josh, and I have been married since July 13, 2008, and we have two energetic sons: Billy and Mikhael.
Arlington, Texas — November 2016
Hobbies are important, too. Don’t forget that you need them to keep your sanity! My sanity remains intact (for now) because of crocheting, sewing, reading, writing, and walking/bicycle riding.
I think that’ll do for an “About” section. Feel free to follow me on Twitter or “like” my crochet and author pages on Facebook (links below)!
Immortal Words of a Mortal Writer 