Hi my name is Jodie Finney, and I wear many hats, as do most women. My wonderful husband and I live in St. Louis, MO. We have four very different, challenging and remarkable young girls. I graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in communications and was a member of the field hockey team. I started a career in event planning, but after 9/11 my path changed. I now hold a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis and work as a physical therapist in acute care and neurological rehabilitation. Helping people have a better quality of life brings me great joy and satisfaction.
I have been a closet writer since I was a teenager, writing in my journals at night. I adore picture books and love creating stories in my head and for my girls.
Any free time is spent with my family, exercising, cooking, reading and writing.
This website and blog is a chance to connect with people, offer "mom" tidbits to anyone that will listen, share my love of pictures books, and hopefully find representation for my numerous picture book manuscripts.
Most of all I want to be real and honest, because being a mom is not easy, and it's ok to be perfectly, imperfect
Literary Involvement
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
I have been a member of SCBWI since 2013 and attended the 2017 and 2018 Middle of the Map conferences.
I actively participate in a local SCBWI critique group and activities.
12x12 Challenge and Rate Your Story
I have been in 12x12 since 2019 and a Rate Your Story member since 2018.
I thoroughly enjoy the community and support these groups offer.
I continue to learn and grow as a writer through these opportunities.
ReFoReMo and Writing With the Stars
I participated in my first ReFoReMo Challenge in 2019.
I applied for the WWTS contest this year and will continue to pursue this and other fantastic opportunities.
FAVORITES
My Favorite Picture Books
{ the short list and in no particular order }
THE GIFT OF NOTHING
Patrick McDonnell
THE BAD SEED
Jory John, Art: Pete Oswald
AVA AND THE RAINBOW (WHO STAYED)
Ged Adamson
THE STORY OF FERDINAND
Munro Leaf
THE GIVING TREE
Shel Silverstein
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT
Matt Lamothe
THIS IS NOT MY HAT
Jon Klassen
AFTER THE FALL
Dan Santat
SYLVIA AND BIRD
Catherine Rayner
ONE
Kathryn Otoshi
BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL
Robert McCloskey
THE MITTEN
Jan Brett
A BUS CALLED HEAVEN
Bob Graham
DUCK
Randy Cecil
THIS IS NOT MY HAT
Jon Klassen
BE QUIET!
Ryan T. Higgins
THE BOOK OF MISTAKES
Corinna Luyken
SHE PERSISTED
Chelsea Clinton
Art: Alexandra Bolger
HUG TIME
Patrick McDonnell
EXTRA YARN
Mac Barnett
Art: Jon Klassen
THE QUIET BOOK
Deborah Underwood
Art: Renata Liwska
ALL THE WORLD
Liz Garton Scanlon
Art: Marla Frazee
DEAR GIRL
Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
Art: Holly Hatam
My Favorite Mom Things
{ a list of things that make my life easier, and keep me going }
Still Standing
Foot Spray
Quick Tease 15
Hairspray by Redken
Scamps
Toffee
Coffee:
All kinds, All Day
FRESH
Raspberries
Titos
Vodka
Love
Notes
Buxom Plumming Lip Polish
Full-On, Color: Gabby
Alba Botanica
Very Emollient Body Lotion
Kitchfix
Grain-Free Granola
Califia Almond Milk Creamer:
All varieties
Source Naturals
Wellness Formula Herbal Defense Complex
Clase Azul
Tequila
MY BED
Zzzzzzz!
Triple Sec 3-in-1
by Drybar
Sun Bum
Sunscreen
Banner Road Baking Company
Original Granola
Traditional Medicinals Tea:
Gypsy Cold and Everyday Detox
TRADER JOE'S
For groceries, and more!
Corner Creek
Bourbon
Contact Me
